Getting your scope properly zeroed is a critical first step for any shooting activity, from hunting to competitive marksmanship. A quality bore sight can save you significant time, ammunition, and frustration by getting you on paper before you ever fire a live round. The right tool simplifies the process of aligning your firearm’s barrel with its optical sight, ensuring a solid foundation for fine-tuning your zero at the range.
The market offers a wide array of bore sights, from universal magnetic models to comprehensive kits with multiple arbors. Whether you prioritize the high visibility of a green laser, the convenience of a rechargeable battery, or a simple and reliable design, there is an option to fit your specific needs and budget. Our hands-on evaluation of the top models available will help you identify the best bore sight to make your next sighting-in session efficient and effective.
Our Top Bore Sight Recommendations
- Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter with Magnetic Connection
- Sightmark Triple Duty Universal Boresight with Red Laser
- Xaegistac Rifle Scope Boresighter Kit with Arbors
- Sightmark Triple Duty Universal Boresight with Green Laser
- Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter with Case
- LaserLyte Universal Bore Sight Accessory Kit with Level
- Bayattoo Bore Sight 9mm and .45ACP Laser Boresighter
- Tipton Best Gun Vise with Secure Adjustable Cradle
- MidTen Rechargeable Bore Sight Laser for .17-12GA
- Caldwell Ballistic Precision Laser Bore Sighter
Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter with Magnetic Connection
The Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter stands out for its incredibly simple and universal mounting system. Its magnetic connection quickly and securely attaches to the muzzle of virtually any caliber rifle or handgun, eliminating the need for a collection of specific arbors. This makes it an excellent choice for shooters with a diverse arsenal who want a single, go-to tool for all their bore sighting needs.
Beyond its ease of use, this model is built for reliable performance. The laser module is permanently secured and hand-tuned during the manufacturing process to ensure its accuracy right out of the storage case. As a Class IIIR laser with a power output of less than 5mW, it provides a clear, visible point of reference for aligning your scope safely and effectively, making scope mounting and zeroing a more straightforward process.
Sightmark Triple Duty Universal Boresight with Red Laser
The Sightmark Triple Duty Universal Boresight is a proven and durable tool designed for repeated use. Its robust construction is built to withstand the recoil and handling associated with regular zeroing sessions. This reliability ensures the tool maintains its precision alignment over time, providing consistent performance for both enthusiasts and professional gunsmiths.
Featuring a Class IIIA red laser with a power output of less than 5mW, this boresighter provides a precise and safe reference point for aligning your optics. It effectively eliminates the guesswork from the initial zeroing process, helping you get on paper quickly and enhancing your overall shooting accuracy. Its universal design makes it a versatile addition to any shooter’s maintenance kit.
Xaegistac Rifle Scope Boresighter Kit with Arbors
For the shooter who demands a dedicated fit for each firearm, the Xaegistac Boresighter Kit is an ideal solution. This comprehensive kit comes with a wide array of adjustable arbors, covering calibers from .177 all the way up to .50. This extensive selection ensures a perfect and secure fit in the bore of most rifles, which is fundamental for achieving an accurate initial alignment.
The entire kit is thoughtfully packaged in a heavy-duty hard plastic case, keeping all the arbors organized and protected. By using the correct arbor to align your scope’s reticle with the barrel, this boresighter helps you get on target without wasting ammunition. It is a practical and economical choice that pays for itself by saving you time and rounds at the range.
Sightmark Triple Duty Universal Boresight with Green Laser
The Sightmark Triple Duty Universal Boresight with Green Laser offers a significant advantage in visibility. Its Class IIIA green laser, operating at a 532nm wavelength, is often easier for the human eye to see compared to traditional red lasers, especially in various lighting conditions. This increased visibility can make the zeroing process faster and less straining on your eyes.
Like its red laser counterpart, this model is built for durability and precision. It maintains the same robust construction designed to handle recoil and rough use, ensuring it remains a reliable tool in your kit for years. The exceptional precision it offers ensures your sights and optics align correctly, making it an invaluable asset for achieving an accurate zero.
Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter with Case
This Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter is another strong entry that combines a user-friendly design with practical packaging. It utilizes a straightforward magnetic connection system that attaches securely to the muzzle, providing a universal fit for a wide range of calibers. This simplicity is key for quick and easy bore sighting without the hassle of changing parts.
This model comes as a complete kit, including a protective storage case. The case helps keep the bore sighter safe from damage and loss when not in use, making it easy to store in your range bag or workshop. With a Class IIIa laser output of less than 5mW, it provides a safe and effective beam for aligning your scopes and getting you ready for the range.
LaserLyte Universal Bore Sight Accessory Kit with Level
The LaserLyte Universal Bore Sight Accessory Kit is designed to expand the functionality of your bore sighting system. This kit is particularly useful as it includes specialized adapters that allow you to use a LaserLyte Universal Bore Sight with shotguns, greatly increasing its versatility. The inclusion of a bubble level is a notable feature that aids in achieving greater precision by ensuring your firearm is perfectly level during calibration.
This kit also offers exceptional convenience and preparedness. It comes with twelve extra batteries, ensuring your bore sight will have power when you need it. All the accessories are housed in a durable polymer storage case that has dedicated space for the bore sight itself, providing excellent organization, protection, and easy transport for all your sighting tools.
Bayattoo Bore Sight 9mm and .45ACP Laser Boresighter
The Bayattoo Bore Sight is a specialized tool tailored for handgun owners. This kit includes two dedicated calibrators made to fit the chambers of 9mm and .45ACP pistols. This chamber-fitting design ensures the tool sits perfectly in the bore, promoting a high degree of accuracy for initial zeroing of red dot sights or iron sights on these popular handgun calibers.
Using a Class IIIa red laser, this boresighter provides a clear point of aim that can assist with sighting at ranges from 15 to 100 yards. The laser dot becomes more visible in darker environments. This system offers a quick method to reset your zero and can save you a considerable amount of time and ammunition during your handgun sighting process.
Tipton Best Gun Vise with Secure Adjustable Cradle
While not a bore sight itself, the Tipton Best Gun Vise is an indispensable supporting tool for the bore sighting process. A stable platform is crucial for achieving an accurate zero, and this vise provides exactly that. Its L-shape center support and independently moving quick-release cam blocks securely hold a wide variety of firearms, from bolt-action rifles to break-open shotguns and handguns.
Constructed from non-marring, solvent-resistant polymer, the Tipton vise is built to last through years of hard use in the workshop. Its versatile and easily configurable design accommodates nearly any stock shape or firearm project. By holding your gun perfectly steady, this vise allows your bore sight to provide the most accurate reference point possible, making your entire zeroing procedure more precise and repeatable.
MidTen Rechargeable Bore Sight Laser for .17-12GA
The MidTen Rechargeable Bore Sight addresses the common inconvenience and ongoing cost of battery replacement. This innovative tool features a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 23 hours of running time after just a 2-hour charge. This is not only cost-effective but also more convenient and environmentally friendly than constantly buying and disposing of batteries.
This kit is also notable for its extensive compatibility. It comes with 16 sturdy, numbered plastic adapters, covering a broad spectrum of calibers from .17 to 12-gauge shotgun. Each adapter is clearly marked for easy identification, making it simple to select the right one for your firearm. For optimal visibility of its red laser, it is recommended to use this tool in a dim environment.
Caldwell Ballistic Precision Laser Bore Sighter
The Caldwell Ballistic Precision Laser Bore Sighter rounds out our list as a reputable option from a trusted brand in the shooting sports industry. Caldwell is known for producing high-quality support equipment, and their bore sighter is designed to integrate seamlessly with other products in their lineup, such as shooting rests and benches.
This tool is engineered to provide a precise laser reference for aligning your scope with your rifle’s bore. By using this bore sighter, you can make the initial sighting-in process much more efficient, getting you on paper quickly and reducing ammunition expenditure. It represents a solid, reliable choice for shooters looking for a straightforward and effective bore sighting tool.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Bore Sight
I have used a lot of bore sights over the years, and I can tell you that not all of them are created equal. Picking the right one can save you a ton of time, money, and frustration at the range. The goal is to get your scope or red dot roughly aligned with your barrel so you are on paper from the very first shot. Here is what I always look for when I am picking out a new tool for my range bag.
First, consider the type. The three main types are laser, magnetic, and optical. Laser bore sights are the most common. You insert a laser unit directly into the chamber or muzzle, and it projects a red or green dot onto your target. I find these to be very user-friendly, especially for beginners. Magnetic models attach to the crown of your barrel with a magnet, which is super handy for quick use on multiple firearms without needing specific arbors. Optical bore sights are like tiny scopes you look through; they are less common now but can be effective if you know how to use them properly.
Next, you need to think about caliber compatibility. Many laser models come with a set of arbors or spacers to fit a wide range of calibers, from a .22 all the way up to a .50 BMG. If you own several guns, a universal kit is a smart investment. If you are only sighting in one specific rifle, a dedicated bore sight for that caliber might be all you need.
Laser color is another factor. Red lasers are standard and work well for most indoor or low-light conditions. However, if you plan on doing a lot of work in bright daylight or at longer distances, a green laser is much more visible to the human eye. I have found green lasers easier to see on a sunny day at 100 yards, but they do tend to be a bit more expensive and can drain batteries faster.
Finally, look at the build quality and battery life. A flimsy plastic bore sight might not hold its zero, which defeats the whole purpose. I prefer models with a metal housing for better durability. Also, check how the unit is powered. Standard, easy-to-find batteries like CR123 or AAA are a big plus. Some models even have an auto-shutoff feature to preserve battery life, which is a small detail I have come to really appreciate. By considering these factors, you can find a tool that makes the initial sighting-in process a smooth and efficient part of your 10 Best Bore Sights in 2025: Hands-On Review & Selection Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a bore sight?
A bore sight is designed to get you on paper, not to achieve a perfect zero. In my experience, a good laser bore sight can get you within 1 to 2 inches of the point of aim at 25 yards, which is more than enough to ensure your first live shot hits the target. From there, you still need to fire live rounds and make final adjustments to your scope. Think of it as a massive head start, not the finish line.
Can I use one bore sight for all my rifles?
Yes, but only if you get a universal model. Many laser bore sights are sold in kits that include a series of plastic arbors or spacers. You just select the arbor that fits snugly into the specific caliber you are working on. Magnetic bore sights are also a great universal option because they attach to the muzzle crown, making them largely caliber-independent, as long as the magnet can get a good seat.
What is the effective range for a bore laser?
This depends heavily on the quality of the laser and the ambient light. A budget red laser might be clearly visible at 25 yards indoors but nearly impossible to see at 100 yards on a bright day. A higher-quality green laser will be visible at much longer distances, sometimes up to 100 yards even in daylight. For most hunters and shooters, a range of 25 to 50 yards is perfectly sufficient for the initial bore sighting process.
Do I still need to shoot live ammunition after using a bore sight?
Absolutely, yes. A bore sight is only the first step. It aligns your optic with the bore under static conditions. When you fire a real round, factors like recoil, barrel harmonics, and ammunition ballistics all come into play. You must always confirm your zero with a group of live shots at your intended distance and make the necessary fine-tuning adjustments to your scope’s windage and elevation.
Are expensive bore sights worth the money?
From my testing, you generally get what you pay for. Inexpensive bore sights can work, but they may have issues with durability, laser consistency, or fit. A more expensive model often features a sturdier metal construction, a brighter and more precise laser, and better-calibrated arbors. If you are a gunsmith or frequently sight in new rifles, the investment in a high-end model is justified. For the casual shooter who only does it once a year, a mid-range kit is usually perfectly adequate.