What is an AR-15 Bore Sight Laser?
The frustration is palpable. You’ve just finished assembling or upgrading your AR-15. It gleams, a testament to your patience and skill. But before you can truly experience the satisfaction of hitting your target, a critical step remains: zeroing your sights. This process, if approached traditionally, can feel like a long and often expensive journey. You might spend hours at the range, burning through ammunition, and making incremental adjustments, all while yearning for that perfect grouping. This article explores a powerful tool to drastically streamline this process: the AR-15 bore sight laser. We’ll delve into what it is, how it works, and, most importantly, how it can revolutionize your approach to zeroing your rifle. By understanding and utilizing this technology, you can save valuable time, conserve ammunition, and achieve a more accurate and satisfying shooting experience.
At its core, an AR-15 bore sight laser is a device designed to quickly align your rifle’s sights with the bore (the inside of the barrel) of your firearm. It’s a small, often battery-powered, device that emits a laser beam down the barrel. This beam acts as a visual guide, projecting a dot onto your target. By observing where this dot appears, you can make initial adjustments to your scope, red dot sight, or iron sights, bringing them into a rough alignment with the barrel’s path. Essentially, it’s a shortcut to the initial steps of zeroing.
The fundamental principle behind bore sighting is based on the idea that the bullet will follow the path of the barrel. While the bullet trajectory is affected by gravity and other factors, the initial direction of the bullet is determined by where the barrel is pointing. The bore sight laser helps us visually identify this direction. When used correctly, this initial alignment dramatically reduces the time and ammunition required for the final zeroing process at the range.
Bore sighting, therefore, is *not* the same as zeroing. Zeroing is the fine-tuning process that takes place with live fire. Bore sighting is the preliminary step that prepares your rifle for zeroing. It gets you *close*. Zeroing refines and perfects the alignment. Think of it as the rough draft vs. the final, edited version. Without a good rough draft (bore sighting), the final version (zeroing) is likely to take much longer and require significant rework.
Benefits of Using an AR-15 Bore Sight Laser
The advantages of utilizing an AR-15 bore sight laser are numerous, contributing to a more efficient, cost-effective, and ultimately, more enjoyable shooting experience.
Time savings are perhaps the most significant benefit. Instead of spending hours at the range, firing rounds and making iterative adjustments, a bore sight laser allows you to quickly get your sights into a reasonable alignment *before* you even go to the range. This can cut the time required for zeroing down significantly, often by as much as an hour or more. Time, as they say, is money, and in this case, it’s also a precious commodity.
Ammunition conservation is another critical advantage. Every shot fired at the range costs money. Even if you reload, the cost of components adds up. By quickly aligning your sights with a bore sight laser, you reduce the number of rounds needed to achieve a proper zero. You can start your live-fire zeroing process already in the ballpark, focusing your adjustments and eliminating the need for excessive ‘sighting-in’ shots. This is especially valuable when dealing with expensive ammunition types or if you simply enjoy shooting and want your ammo to last longer.
Convenience is a significant factor. You don’t need to be at the shooting range to use a bore sight laser. You can perform the initial alignment in the comfort of your home or workshop. This allows you to prepare your AR-15 for zeroing on your schedule, regardless of range availability or weather conditions. You can set up your rifle on a stable platform, make the necessary adjustments, and be ready to hit the range whenever you choose.
Increased precision is another benefit. While bore sighting is not a replacement for live fire zeroing, it can improve the initial accuracy of your setup. By having a visual reference point for the barrel’s alignment, you can minimize the amount of ‘windage’ and ‘elevation’ adjustments needed during live fire. This means that you get closer to the target with your first shots, leading to faster zeroing and a greater sense of confidence in your rifle’s performance.
Types of AR-15 Bore Sight Lasers
There are two primary types of bore sight lasers commonly used with AR-15 rifles: cartridge-type and arbor-type. Understanding the differences between these two types will help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
Cartridge-type bore sight lasers are designed to resemble a cartridge, such as a .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO. They are inserted directly into the chamber of your AR-15, just like a live round. The laser is activated, typically by screwing a cap or pressing a button. The laser beam then projects from the “muzzle” of the simulated cartridge.
Cartridge-type lasers are often attractive due to their ease of use and affordability. Simply insert the laser into the chamber, and you’re ready to go. They are a convenient option for many shooters. However, they can have some drawbacks. Extraction can sometimes be problematic, with the laser getting stuck in the chamber. Additionally, the alignment can sometimes be less precise compared to other types. They can be finicky, relying on correct alignment and the condition of the chamber.
Arbor-type bore sight lasers are generally considered more sophisticated and potentially more accurate. They are inserted into the muzzle of your AR-15 and secured, often with an arbor or adapter that fits snugly within the barrel. The laser is then aligned, allowing for a more direct projection of the beam down the bore.
Arbor-type lasers can offer greater precision due to their more secure and stable attachment. They often come with multiple arbors to fit different barrel sizes. These lasers tend to be more versatile and provide a more consistent and accurate reference point for sighting. However, they can also be more expensive than cartridge-type lasers. You must also ensure you have the correct arbor for your specific barrel.
The choice between these types depends on your individual priorities. If simplicity and affordability are paramount, a cartridge-type laser may be suitable. If precision and consistency are more important, an arbor-type laser might be a better investment. Consider your budget, the frequency of use, and your desired level of accuracy when making your decision.
How to Use an AR-15 Bore Sight Laser (Step-by-Step Guide)
Safety should *always* be your top priority when handling firearms. Always treat every gun as if it is loaded, even if you believe it is not. Wear appropriate eye protection at all times when handling a firearm, and follow all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Before you begin any work on your AR-15, ensure the firearm is unloaded and the magazine removed. Double-check the chamber visually and physically to confirm the weapon is clear.
Using a Cartridge-Type Laser
1. **Battery Insertion:** If the laser requires batteries, insert them following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you have the correct battery type.
2. **Insertion into the Chamber:** Carefully insert the laser cartridge into the chamber of your AR-15. Ensure it is seated properly.
3. **Mounting the Rifle:** Securely mount your AR-15 in a vise or a stable shooting rest. This is critical for accuracy. The rifle should be perfectly still.
4. **Initial Sight Adjustment:** At a predetermined distance (e.g., 25 yards), look through your scope, red dot, or iron sights. Observe where the laser dot appears on your target. Adjust your sights (elevation and windage) until the crosshairs or aiming point of your sight system coincide with the laser dot.
5. **Sight Picture:** The goal is to align the reticle (crosshairs or dot) with the laser dot. It is very important to get a good sight picture. This means ensuring proper eye relief and a clear view through your scope or sights.
Using an Arbor-Type Laser
1. **Select the Correct Arbor:** Choose the arbor that fits your barrel’s muzzle. This is crucial for proper alignment.
2. **Insert and Align the Laser:** Insert the arbor-type laser into the muzzle of your AR-15. Secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. **Secure the Laser:** Ensure the laser is properly seated and securely held in place. Tighten any screws or adapters as needed.
4. **Mount the Rifle:** Securely mount your AR-15 in a vise or a stable shooting rest, just like with the cartridge-type laser.
5. **Initial Sight Adjustment:** At a predetermined distance (e.g., 25 yards), look through your scope, red dot, or iron sights. Observe where the laser dot appears on your target. Adjust your sights (elevation and windage) until the crosshairs or aiming point of your sight system coincide with the laser dot.
6. **Sight Picture:** As with the cartridge-type, get a good sight picture. Proper eye relief, clear view through your scope or sights.
After completing either of these steps, you have successfully bore sighted your AR-15. Remember, this is the first step only. You must proceed to live-fire zeroing to ensure accurate results.
Zeroing the AR-15 After Bore Sighting (Live-Fire)
Bore sighting sets the stage; live fire makes it happen.
1. **Ammunition Choice:** Choose the ammunition you intend to use regularly with your rifle. This will directly impact your point of impact.
2. **Target Setup:** Set up your target at your preferred zeroing distance (e.g., 25, 50, or 100 yards). A 100-yard zero is common for AR-15s.
3. **Fire a Group:** Fire a small group of three to five shots at the target. Observe where your shots impact.
4. **Sight Adjustments:** Adjust your scope or sights to bring the point of impact (POI) to the point of aim (POA). If your shots are low, adjust your elevation dial upward. If they are right, adjust your windage dial left.
5. **Repeat and Refine:** Repeat the process. Fire another group of shots, make further adjustments, and refine your zero until your shots consistently impact where you aim.
6. **Consistent Fundamentals:** Always maintain proper shooting fundamentals: stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and breathing. Consistent performance requires consistent execution.
Tips and Tricks
Maximize the effectiveness of your bore sight laser.
- **Regular Checks:** Even after achieving a zero, check your zero periodically to ensure it hasn’t shifted due to wear, impacts, or changes in ammunition.
- **Laser Cleaning:** Clean your laser device after each use to prevent residue buildup and ensure optimal performance.
- **Stable Platform:** Always use a shooting rest, vise, or sandbags to provide a stable platform.
- **Battery Check:** Check the batteries before each use. A dying battery will reduce the accuracy of your bore sighting.
- **Troubleshooting:** If you’re having trouble, double-check the laser’s battery and alignment. If the dot is not visible, ensure the laser is activated correctly.
The AR-15 bore sight laser is a valuable tool, and it has changed how shooters go about zeroing their rifles. With careful use, it can significantly improve your shooting experience.
Conclusion
The AR-15 bore sight laser is a powerful tool for any shooter. It provides many benefits including time savings, ammunition conservation, convenience, and increased precision in getting your rifle zeroed. By understanding the different types of bore sight lasers, how to use them, and the crucial role of live-fire zeroing, you can dramatically improve your accuracy and efficiency. Embrace this technology, and you’ll find that zeroing your AR-15 is no longer a daunting task, but a quick, satisfying prelude to more shooting enjoyment.
Consider the bore sight laser as a foundational element in your shooting system. It offers improved results.
