What Exactly is Bore Sighting?
Bore sighting, the often-overlooked initial step in zeroing a rifle, can be the difference between a frustrating day at the range and a successful one. It’s the crucial first move to get your new scope, or even an old one, in the ballpark before you start burning through expensive ammunition. But with so many variables at play, from the rifle type itself to the scope you’ve chosen, a simple question often arises: At what distance should I bore sight my rifle? This guide provides a detailed look at the factors influencing your bore sighting distance, offering practical advice to get you on target faster and more efficiently.
What Exactly is Bore Sighting?
Bore sighting is a process of roughly aligning your rifle’s scope with the barrel’s bore. This means ensuring that the crosshairs of your scope are pointing in the same general direction as where the bullet will exit the barrel. Essentially, it’s a coarse alignment, a preliminary step, not a final zero. It’s a method of getting your scope close to the point of impact before you start making fine adjustments at the range.
Why Bother with Bore Sighting?
The benefits of bore sighting are significant. It saves time, money, and frustration. By getting your scope close to the actual point of impact, you minimize the amount of ammunition you need to zero your rifle. Instead of firing dozens of rounds just to get on paper, you can achieve a more refined zero with fewer shots, reducing your ammo expenditure and making your shooting sessions more enjoyable. Moreover, it can help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your scope’s adjustment mechanisms, which can occur if you have to make drastic adjustments to get your scope aligned. A properly bore-sighted scope gets you closer to hitting what you aim at from the very first shot.
The Tools of the Trade
You have several options when it comes to bore sighting, each with its own pros and cons. The simplest method involves physically looking through the bore of the rifle and aligning the target with the scope’s crosshairs. More advanced methods and devices offer advantages.
Visual Method (Without a Sighter)
This traditional method uses your eyes to align the scope with the bore, often done by looking through the muzzle of the rifle and visually aligning the target with the reticle. It takes practice and a steady hand, but it works.
Bore Sighters
These devices, often available in the form of a collimator or a series of arbors, are inserted into the barrel and project a reticle pattern onto a target. You then adjust your scope’s reticle to align with the pattern. The bore sighter’s accuracy is usually dependent on the user’s experience and care.
Laser Bore Sighters
Laser bore sighters are perhaps the easiest to use. These devices are either inserted into the chamber or attached to the muzzle and emit a laser beam, indicating the bore’s direction. Simply adjust the scope’s crosshairs to intersect the laser dot on the target. These can be convenient but the laser may have minor deviations.
Understanding How it Works: Connecting Bore to Scope
The fundamental principle of bore sighting is deceptively simple: aligning your scope’s line of sight with the path of the bullet. The barrel of your rifle guides the bullet’s initial trajectory. Your scope, mounted above the barrel, has its own line of sight. Bore sighting aims to ensure these two lines are as close as possible at a designated range.
Factors that Influence Your Distance
The ideal distance for bore sighting is not a one-size-fits-all number. Various elements play key roles in this crucial step.
Rifle Type and Its Intended Purpose
The type of rifle you have and how you intend to use it are pivotal factors.
Hunting Rifles
These rifles typically see use at varying distances. A deer hunter might sight in at 100 or 200 yards, as that range will cover the typical shots expected in most hunting situations. Bore sighting at a distance that will allow you to easily adjust during the zeroing process is key to the range.
Target Rifles
Target shooters may need a specific zeroing distance depending on the type of competition they are participating in. When bore sighting for target practice, it’s essential to have a zeroing distance that works best for the target distance used.
Pistols
The shorter range of a pistol means that a much closer bore sighting distance is typically needed. Twenty-five yards is often a good starting point.
AR-15s and Similar Tactical Rifles
These versatile rifles often benefit from a closer initial bore sighting distance, typically 25 to 50 yards. This provides a solid base for zeroing at distances commonly used in tactical applications.
Scope Magnification
The magnification of your scope also plays a role.
Lower Magnification
When dealing with a scope that has a lower magnification range, a closer bore sighting distance often works well. The lower magnification allows for a wider field of view, making the initial alignment easier.
Higher Magnification
Scopes with higher magnification, like those used in long-range shooting, might benefit from a slightly greater bore sighting distance. The higher magnification allows for more precise adjustments at the initial stage.
Bullet Trajectory
Bullet trajectory is the curved path a bullet takes as it flies through the air. Gravity pulls the bullet downward, causing it to drop over distance.
Bullet Drop Basics
Understanding bullet drop is essential for accurate shooting. It’s the reason you need to “zero” your scope – to compensate for the downward trajectory of your bullet.
Impact on Bore Sighting
A closer bore sighting distance will typically have a lower point of impact than the line of sight. The longer the distance to the target, the more significant the effects of bullet drop. The initial distance you bore sight will impact your final zero as you adjust on the range.
Intended Zeroing Distance
Where you plan to zero your scope will heavily influence where you begin with bore sighting.
Impact on Final Zero
A 25-yard bore sight will have a different impact point compared to a 100-yard bore sight. The initial bore sighting affects how much adjustment you’ll need to make at the range.
Aligning for Your Preferred Distance
If your goal is to zero at 100 yards, you’ll likely want to bore sight closer to that distance. If you intend to zero at 200 yards, consider bore sighting at a range that is proportional to 200 yards.
Recommended Distances: Choosing What Works
While there is no universal answer, here are some common recommended distances:
Fifty Yards or Meters
This range is excellent for many centerfire rifles, especially those that will be zeroed at 100 yards. It offers a balanced approach, providing enough precision for initial alignment while allowing for straightforward adjustments at the range.
Twenty-Five Yards or Meters
Ideal for rimfire rifles, AR-15s, and other rifles with shorter intended ranges. It also helps beginners or those using low-magnification scopes to get their scopes closer to the point of impact, quickly.
One Hundred Yards or Meters
This distance may suit experienced shooters or rifles where greater precision is needed from the start, such as some long-range shooting applications. However, make sure you will be able to make small adjustments to hit on paper at your zeroing distance.
The Bore Sighting Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to effectively bore sight your rifle:
Safety First
Always prioritize safety. Ensure your firearm is unloaded. Visually and physically inspect the chamber. Follow all safe gun handling rules.
Scope Mounting
Make sure your scope is mounted securely on the rifle, with the rings properly tightened.
Using a Bore Sighter (or Visual Alignment)
Insert the laser or bore sighter device according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the visual method, place the rifle securely. Now look through the bore and align the crosshairs.
Fine-Tuning
Adjust your scope’s windage and elevation dials until the crosshairs of the scope align with the point indicated by the bore sighter or, in the visual method, the target you’ve chosen. This will require patience and care.
Double-Check
Before heading to the range, double-check your alignment.
Heading to the Range and the Zeroing Process
Bore sighting is just the first step. Now it’s time to head to the range.
Confirming Bore Sighting
Fire a few shots at your chosen distance. Observe where your shots land.
Making Adjustments
Determine the direction and amount of adjustment needed to bring your shots to your target zero.
Moving to Zeroing Distance
If you have bore sighted at 50 yards and intend to zero at 100 yards, it may take some adjustment to hit center.
Fine-tuning
Once you are zeroed, begin to refine the alignment, taking into consideration factors like bullet grouping and wind.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If Things Don’t Go Right
Scope Not Adjusting Enough
If you run out of adjustment on your scope, check that the scope rings are mounted correctly and your base is stable. Consider shimming the rings or bases if necessary.
Erratic Groupings
If your shots are scattered, check your rifle and ammunition. Tighten any loose screws on your scope. Also, ensure that you are using a good rest.
Not Hitting Paper
If you are not hitting paper, double-check your bore sighting. It is possible the scope or rings may need to be re-mounted, or that the scope is defective.
Conclusion
Deciding on the appropriate bore sighting distance is a crucial decision that sets the stage for accurate shooting. It boils down to understanding your rifle, its intended use, and the desired zeroing distance. By taking the time to correctly bore sight, you’ll save ammunition, minimize your frustration, and, most importantly, increase your chances of hitting your target consistently.
The art of bore sighting blends well with the practice on the range. It provides a solid foundation. By becoming familiar with the process, you’ll gain confidence and improve your overall marksmanship skills. Remember that this is just the first step. Continued practice and refinement are key to truly mastering your rifle and achieving the accuracy you desire. Always remember to prioritize safety. Handle firearms responsibly, and adhere to all range rules. Consistent practice, coupled with a solid bore sighting process, is what builds skill and proficiency.
