Boresighting a riflescope is a crucial first step in achieving accurate long-range shooting. It ensures your scope is roughly aligned with your rifle's barrel before you head to the range, saving you time and ammunition. This process significantly reduces the number of adjustments needed during zeroing, leading to quicker and more precise results. This guide will walk you through the entire process, explaining the methods and highlighting important considerations.
What is Boresighting?
Boresighting is the process of aligning your riflescope's crosshairs with the bore (the inside of the barrel) of your firearm. It's a preliminary alignment, not a complete zeroing. While it won't guarantee perfect accuracy at the range, it dramatically reduces the initial adjustments needed during the zeroing process. Think of it as a "rough alignment" to get you started.
Why Boresight Your Scope?
Several reasons make boresighting a worthwhile endeavor:
- Saves Ammunition: By roughly aligning the scope beforehand, you'll spend fewer rounds getting on target at the range. This is particularly important with expensive ammunition.
- Reduces Range Time: Less time spent adjusting your scope means more time actually shooting and practicing.
- Improves Accuracy: Starting with a roughly aligned scope makes the zeroing process faster and more precise, leading to more consistent accuracy over the long term.
- Prevents Damage: Excessive adjustments during zeroing could potentially damage your scope's internal mechanisms.
Methods for Boresighting a Riflescope
There are primarily two methods for boresighting a scope: using a boresighting tool and using a laser boresight.
1. Using a Boresighting Tool
A boresighting tool is a device that fits into the barrel of your firearm. It has a built-in aiming point that you can align with your scope's crosshairs.
Steps:
- Safety First: Ensure your firearm is unloaded and the action is open. Double-check!
- Insert the Tool: Carefully insert the boresighting tool into the barrel of your rifle.
- Find a Safe Backstop: Point your rifle towards a safe backstop at a reasonable distance (at least 25 yards).
- Align the Tool: Look through the scope and adjust the tool until its aiming point is centered in your crosshairs. Use the tool’s adjustment knobs for this.
- Make Scope Adjustments: Once aligned, adjust the scope’s windage and elevation turrets to center the crosshairs on the boresighting tool’s aiming point.
2. Using a Laser Boresight
A laser boresight is another effective option. It projects a laser beam through the barrel, providing a visible aiming point.
Steps:
- Safety First: Again, ensure your firearm is unloaded and the action is open. Double-check!
- Insert the Laser: Carefully install the laser boresight into the barrel.
- Turn on the Laser: Activate the laser and point it towards a safe backstop. Wear appropriate eye protection.
- Align the Laser Dot: Look through your scope and adjust the laser's point-of-impact to align with your crosshairs using the laser boresight’s adjustment knobs.
- Adjust Your Scope: Make the necessary adjustments to your scope's turrets to center the crosshairs on the laser dot.
Important Considerations
- Accuracy Limitations: Remember, boresighting is only an approximation. You'll still need to fine-tune your scope at the range through proper zeroing procedures.
- Proper Mounting: Ensure your scope is securely mounted to your rifle before attempting to boresight.
- Environmental Conditions: While less critical than during actual zeroing, be mindful of strong winds that may slightly affect laser boresight accuracy.
- Caliber Compatibility: Ensure your boresighting tool or laser boresight is compatible with your firearm's caliber.
Conclusion
Boresighting is a simple yet highly effective way to prepare your riflescope for accurate shooting. By taking the time to boresight your scope, you'll save time, ammunition, and potentially prevent damage to your scope. Choose the method that best suits your needs and equipment, and always prioritize safety. Remember that boresighting is a preparatory step; accurate zeroing at the range remains essential for precise shooting.
