Sighting in a red dot scope without shooting is very possible and incredibly useful. There are different methods of boresighting that can be used, depending on whether or not you have access to the firearm. The laser method especially allows for zeroing at 100 yards instead of 50-75 as most other types do. After using one of these techniques, your rifle will be easily sighted within minutes!
(Remember: if you don’t want to take apart your gun just yet, keep practicing until you know how to get everything back together again after sighting in! )
Boresighting Basics:
There are a few different ways to boresight your rifle, but the most common and easiest way is by using either a laser or optical method. The main difference between these two techniques is that one requires you to view the exact point of impact through an optic while another allows for viewing from behind your gun’s action. Below we will describe each technique in detail as well as how to use them properly!
Types of Boresighting
Visual Boresighting :
Visual boresighting is a process that uses the naked eye to align your firearm’s bore with an optical device. The most common visual method of boresighting is by using a collimator, which you can find in many optics manufacturers’ catalogs. Some manufacturers offer these devices for free when purchasing their scopes and they usually include instructions on how to use them properly!
Optical Boresighting:
Similar to visual boresight methods, this technique places the objective lens of the collimator inside your barrel while attaching it via something like electrical tape or duct tape. Once again, manufacturers typically provide detailed steps as well as diagrams so be sure to check those out before starting. This technique works best if there are no obstructions in your barrel so make sure to clean it out before starting.
How to Boresight Rifles:
Now that you have a general idea of what boresighting is and how it’s done, we can get started with the main event! These steps are applicable for both types of boresighting techniques – visual or optical – mentioned above. Here is our step by step guide on how to bore sight rifles:
Stabilize Your Firearms:
This is an extremely important step that must not be overlooked! This process will help ensure your firearms is stable and doesn’t move around when it’s placed on a bench or held in place by sandbags.
Line up Bore/Optic:
Once you have the firearm stabilized, line up the bore of your gun with whatever device you are using to boresight it which should either be a collimator or laser unit.
Look Down Barrel :
While looking down the bore of your gun, move it until you are able to see the exact point where the laser (or other devices) is hitting.
Center Optic’s Reticle:
Once you have found that spot on your rifle’s barrel, focus in on it with the reticle of your optic and get ready to tweak and tighten!
Tweak and Tighten:
Now that you have found your point of impact and center the reticle on it, this is where the magic happens! Keep adjusting the optic’s elevation or windage knobs until they are aligned with those from your rifle. As a reminder, make sure not to move your firearm as you do this step – only adjust settings through your sights/optics.
How to Laser Boresight:
This method uses lasers instead of devices inserted into an opening in the firearm’s barrel like we described above. There are many different types of these units available for purchase and use so be sure to research them before starting just in case there is anything specific about yours that needs mentioning! After doing so, continue reading below:
Fit Laser Unit:
This step is pretty self-explanatory as it’s a matter of simply attaching the laser unit to your rifle. Some units come with brackets that attach to Picatinny or Weaver rails while others have adhesive pads that can be attached anywhere on your firearm – just make sure not to obstruct any moving parts!
Adjust the Reticle :
Most lasers allow you access into their settings, which usually includes adjusting something like brightness and/or visibility. This process may vary depending on the brand so again, we recommend doing some research before starting this part. Once adjusted properly, continue below:
Move Target to 100 Yards:
Now all there remains for you to do is find a target at least 100 yards away from where you are boresighting and get ready to make some adjustments!
Conclusion :
no matter what method you decide to use boresighting is a great way of helping ensure that your weapon’s optics are properly lined up with the bore. Not only will it help minimize wasted ammo and time spent at the range trying to sight in, but it can also reduce frustration as well! We hope this guide was helpful for those who needed some guidance on how best to do so – happy sighting
