Accurately zeroing your rifle scope is crucial for successful shooting. Before you even head to the range to fine-tune your scope adjustments, bore sighting provides a significant head start. This process aligns your scope's crosshairs with the barrel's bore, dramatically reducing the time and ammunition needed for precise zeroing. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of how to bore sight a rifle scope, covering various methods and important considerations.
What is Bore Sighting?
Bore sighting is a preliminary step in the scope mounting process. It involves aligning the scope's crosshairs with the barrel's line of fire. This is done without firing the rifle, saving you time and ammunition at the range by getting you much closer to your final zero. A properly bore-sighted rifle will require significantly fewer adjustments at the range, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective zeroing process.
Methods for Bore Sighting a Rifle Scope
There are several ways to bore sight your rifle scope, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
1. Using a Bore Sighting Tool
This is arguably the most accurate and straightforward method. A bore sighting tool is inserted into the barrel, aligning with the bore. The tool then has an aperture with crosshairs that you can align with your scope's crosshairs.
- Pros: Extremely accurate, easy to use, minimal guesswork.
- Cons: Requires purchasing a bore sighting tool, which may not be cost-effective if you only bore sight occasionally.
2. Using a Bore Sighting Device (Laser or Light)
These devices use a laser or light to project a beam down the barrel. You simply align the projected point with your scope's crosshairs.
- Pros: Relatively inexpensive, convenient, and easy to use.
- Cons: Accuracy can vary depending on the quality of the device. Laser boresighters can be affected by environmental factors such as bright sunlight or rain.
3. Visual Bore Sighting (Less Accurate Method)
This method is less accurate and relies on visual estimation. You carefully look down the barrel and then try to align your scope crosshairs with the barrel's sight line.
- Pros: No specialized tools required.
- Cons: Highly inaccurate, prone to errors, requires significant experience and good eyesight. This method is generally not recommended for beginners.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bore Sighting with a Bore Sighting Tool
This is the preferred method for its accuracy. Remember to always practice safe gun handling procedures.
- Safety First: Ensure your rifle is unloaded and the action is open. Double-check!
- Mount Your Scope: Make sure your scope is securely mounted on your rifle.
- Insert the Bore Sighting Tool: Carefully insert the bore sighting tool into the barrel from the breech end.
- Align the Tool: Look through the bore sighting tool's aperture. You'll see a set of crosshairs.
- Align the Scope: Position yourself so you can see both the bore sighting tool's crosshairs and your scope's crosshairs. Adjust your scope's elevation and windage until both sets of crosshairs are perfectly aligned.
- Remove the Tool: Carefully remove the bore sighting tool.
- Verify Alignment (Optional): If possible, use a small target at a reasonable distance (25 yards or more) for a quick sight check. This will give you an even better indication of your starting point.
Tips for Successful Bore Sighting
- Use a Stable Rest: Ensure your rifle is securely rested on a stable surface to avoid any movement during alignment.
- Good Lighting: Ensure you have sufficient lighting for clear visibility of the bore sighting tool and scope crosshairs.
- Eye Relief: Ensure correct eye relief to avoid eye strain and ensure accurate alignment.
- Practice: If you're uncomfortable, practice with an unloaded rifle before you attempt to bore sight your actual firearm.
Beyond Bore Sighting: Zeroing Your Rifle Scope at the Range
Bore sighting only gets you close. You'll still need to go to the range to fine-tune your scope's zero using live ammunition. Remember to always follow safe firearm handling procedures at the range.
By following these steps, you can successfully bore sight your rifle scope, significantly improving your efficiency at the range and ensuring more accurate shooting. Remember safety is paramount throughout the entire process.
