You’ve just mounted a new scope on your rifle, and you’re eager to get to the range. But if you’ve ever tried to fire a shot without first aligning your scope with your rifle’s barrel, you know the frustration of not even hitting the paper. This is where the invaluable process of bore sighting comes in. It’s the crucial first step that saves you time, ammunition, and a whole lot of guesswork at the shooting bench.
Learning How To Bore Sight A Scope in Quick And Easy Way? [Step-by-Step] is a fundamental skill for any shooter. Essentially, bore sighting is the process of roughly aligning the reticle in your scope with the bore of your rifle. It gets your shots on paper at a close range so that you can begin the finer process of zeroing your scope with confidence. While it might sound technical, it’s a straightforward task that anyone can master with a little guidance.
What Exactly is Bore Sighting and Why Bother?
Think of bore sighting as pre-aligning your sights. Your rifle’s barrel (the bore) and your scope are two separate systems that need to point at the same spot. When you look through the scope, you see your target. When you look directly through the barrel (which is only possible when the bolt is removed), you’re seeing what the barrel is “looking” at. Bore sighting synchronizes these two views.
The benefits are immense. Primarily, it conserves ammunition. Instead of wasting a dozen rounds trying to find your target, you might only need a few to perfect your zero. It also saves time and reduces frustration, making your first trip to the range a more productive and enjoyable experience. It’s a simple act of preparation that makes the entire sighting-in process smoother and faster.
Gathering Your Bore Sighting Tools
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather a few items. The most important is a stable rest. This can be a professional shooting rest, a set of sandbags, or even a stack of sturdy bags. The key is to hold your rifle absolutely steady. You will also need the appropriate tools to securely mount your scope, typically hex keys or a screwdriver.
Next, you have a choice to make regarding the method. The traditional way is to use your own eye, which requires removing the bolt. The modern alternative is to use a laser bore sighter. This is a small device that fits into the muzzle or chamber of your rifle and projects a laser dot onto your target. Both methods are effective, and we’ll cover the steps for both.
How To Bore Sight A Scope in Quick And Easy Way? [Step-by-Step]
Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to get you from a freshly mounted scope to being roughly on target. We’ll start with the traditional method, as it requires no special tools.
Step 1: Secure Your Firearm
Safety first! Ensure the rifle is completely unloaded and the chamber is empty. Place it securely in your rest, pointing at a safe backstop or a target you’ve set up approximately 25 yards away. The rifle must not move during this process.
Step 2: The Traditional Method: Using Your Eye
Remove the bolt from your rifle. Look directly through the barrel from the breech end and center a distant object in the bore. A small, distinct target is best. Now, without moving the rifle, look through your scope. You will likely see that the crosshairs are nowhere near the same object you centered in the bore. Using the adjustment caps on your scope (usually labeled for windage and elevation), turn the dials to move the reticle onto the object you see through the bore.
Step 3: The Modern Method: Using a Laser Bore Sighter
If you’re using a laser sighter, insert it according to the manufacturer’s instructions—either into the chamber or the muzzle. Turn it on. You will see a red laser dot projected on your target. Now, look through your scope and adjust the windage and elevation dials until your crosshairs are centered on that laser dot. It’s that simple.
Step 4: Make Final Adjustments and Confirm
Whether you used the traditional or laser method, make small, deliberate adjustments. A common tip is to follow the “FORS” rule: Follow, Opposite, Raise, Stop. If you want the point of impact to move Right, turn the dial in the direction the R follows—clockwise. If you want it to move Up, turn the elevation dial opposite from U—counter-clockwise. After making adjustments, double-check your alignment to ensure everything is centered.
Moving From Bore Sighting to Zeroing
It’s vital to remember that bore sighting is not zeroing your scope. It is a preliminary alignment done at a short distance. The real test comes at the range. After bore sighting, you must take your rifle to a safe shooting facility and fire at a target from a supported position, typically starting at 25 or 50 yards. Fire a three-shot group, see where the bullets hit, and then make fine adjustments to your scope to move the point of impact to your desired point of aim.
Bore sighting gets you on paper; live-fire zeroing gets you dead-on. By completing the bore sighting process at home, you ensure your first shots at the range are meaningful and set you up for a quick and successful zeroing session.
Wrapping Up Your Bore Sighting Session
Mastering the quick and easy steps of bore sighting is a game-changer for any rifle owner. It transforms a potentially frustrating chore into a simple, five-minute task. By securely resting your firearm and carefully aligning your scope’s reticle with the bore—either by eye or with a laser—you set the stage for an efficient and rewarding range day. Remember, this is just the first step, but it’s the most important one for getting your shots where you want them.