Bore sighting a red dot sight is a crucial first step in zeroing your firearm, offering a quick and relatively easy way to get on paper at the range. But how accurate is it, really? The answer, unfortunately, isn't a simple yes or no. The accuracy of bore sighting depends on several factors, and understanding these limitations is vital for responsible firearm handling and effective zeroing.
Factors Affecting Bore Sighting Accuracy
Several variables influence how close your bore sight gets you to a perfect zero. These include:
1. The Bore Sighting Tool Itself:
The quality of your bore sighting tool significantly impacts accuracy. Cheap, poorly made tools can introduce significant error. A high-quality bore sighter, designed for your specific firearm caliber, will provide a much more accurate starting point. Variations in manufacturing and the tool's alignment mechanism directly influence the final result.
2. The Firearm Itself:
The firearm's condition plays a major role. A firearm with a damaged barrel, loose components, or significant wear and tear will likely produce inaccurate results. Even slight misalignment within the firearm's mechanism can throw off bore sighting.
3. The Red Dot Sight's Mounting:
Improperly mounted red dot sights are a common source of inaccuracy. Even a tiny misalignment in the mount can lead to significant point of impact errors. A properly torqued and aligned mount is essential. The quality of the mount itself also factors in – cheap, flimsy mounts can flex or shift, negating the benefit of a precise bore sighting.
4. User Technique:
The person performing the bore sighting also contributes to the accuracy. Incorrect technique, such as improper alignment of the bore sighter or misinterpretation of the alignment, can lead to substantial errors. Careful, methodical execution is paramount.
5. Environmental Factors:
While less impactful than the above factors, environmental conditions can still play a minor role. Extreme temperatures can affect the firearm's mechanics and the bore sighter's accuracy.
How Accurate Can You Expect?
While bore sighting can get you "on paper" – meaning your shots will land somewhere on the target at a reasonable range – it's rarely precise enough for long-range accuracy or for tasks requiring pinpoint precision. Expect to still need several adjustments at the range using fine-tuning techniques to achieve a true zero.
Think of bore sighting as a coarse adjustment, a way to drastically reduce the initial guesswork. It gets you close enough that your first shots at the range won't be wildly off-target, saving ammunition and time.
Bore Sighting vs. Professional Zeroing:
Bore sighting provides a convenient and affordable initial alignment. However, it shouldn't replace professional zeroing. A professional gunsmith or experienced shooter can perform a precise zeroing procedure using specialized tools and techniques, ensuring optimal accuracy for your specific firearm and ammunition.
Conclusion:
Bore sighting a red dot sight is a useful tool for getting close to zero, but it’s not a perfect science. The accuracy relies heavily on several interconnected factors, from the quality of the bore sighting tool and the firearm's condition to the user's technique. Always expect to fine-tune your zero at the range after bore sighting, and consider professional zeroing for optimal accuracy, especially for critical applications. Remember safety first – always handle firearms responsibly and follow all safety guidelines.
