Best Tips for Bore Sighting a Rifle Before Final Sighting: A Friendly Guide
Bore sighting a rifle is an essential step in the process of zeroing in on your target. By aligning the center of your barrel to the sights on your scope, you can ensure that your shots are accurate and on target. However, it can be a tricky process, and there are many factors to consider before you begin.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when bore sighting a rifle is safety. It is crucial to ensure that your gun is unloaded and that the target is in a safe location before you start.
Additionally, it is important to eliminate movement in the gun while you’re performing the task, so a vise or a product like Caldwell’s Lead Sled are your best bets. Once the unloaded gun is secured, you’ll need to be sure that the center of the bore is aligned with the center of the optic you’ve mounted on it.
In this article, we will explore the best tips for bore sighting a rifle before the final sighting. We will provide step-by-step instructions on how to properly bore sight a rifle, including the tools and techniques you’ll need to get the job done right.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner looking to improve your accuracy, these tips will help you get the most out of your rifle and ensure that your shots are on target every time.
Understanding Bore Sighting
Bore sighting is an essential process that helps rifle owners zero in on their scopes. The process involves aligning the center of the barrel with the sights on the scope. This helps to eliminate any frustration that may arise during the sighting process.
The boresighting process is crucial because it ensures that the rifle is accurately sighted before the final sighting. It saves time and ammunition by getting the shooter on paper before running live ammunition through the barrel. This process is especially important for new rifles, new scopes, or when changing scopes.
The boresighting process involves several steps. First, the firearm should be unloaded and cleared of any obstructions. Second, the shooter should ensure that the target is in a safe location. Third, the shooter should position the rifle so that the target’s center is as close as possible to the middle of the bore. Fourth, the shooter should adjust the optic so that its reticle is centered in the middle of the target.
It is important to note that boresighting is not the same as zeroing. Boresighting only gets the shooter on paper, while zeroing fine-tunes the rifle to hit the target accurately.
It is recommended that the shooter bore sight of their rifle before every shooting session to ensure that the rifle is accurately sighted.
In conclusion, bore sighting is a crucial process that helps rifle owners zero in their scopes. It saves time and ammunition and ensures that the rifle is accurately sighted before the final sighting. Shooters should bore sight of their rifles before every shooting session to ensure accuracy.
Necessary Equipment
Before bore sighting a rifle, it is important to have the necessary equipment to ensure the process is done properly. Here are some important items to consider:
Choosing the Right Bore Sighter
Choosing the right bore sighter is crucial to ensure accuracy when bore sighting a rifle. There are various types of bore sighters available, including laser bore sighters and traditional bore sighters. Laser bore sighters are a popular choice as they are easy to use and can be more accurate than traditional bore sighters. Bushnell offers a variety of laser bore sighters that are highly recommended.
Scope Selection and Mounting
When bore sighting a rifle, it is important to have a scope that is properly mounted. This means ensuring that the scope rings are tightened properly and that the scope is level. It is also important to select a scope that is appropriate for the rifle and the intended use.
There are various types of rifle scopes available, including fixed and variable scopes. It is important to choose a scope that is appropriate for the intended use.
Securing Your Rifle
Securing the rifle is crucial when bore sighting. This can be done using a gun vice or sandbags to ensure that the rifle is stable and does not move during the process. A secure rest is also important to ensure that the rifle is properly supported.
Overall, having the right equipment is crucial when bore sighting a rifle. This includes choosing the right bore sighter, selecting and mounting the right scope, and securing the rifle properly.
By following these tips, the process of bore sighting a rifle can be made much easier and more accurate.

Preparation Before Bore Sighting
Before starting the bore sighting process, it is important to take some necessary precautions to ensure safety and accuracy. Here are some tips to prepare for bore sighting:
Setting Up the Target
First, set up the target at a suitable distance of 25 yards or meters. This distance is ideal for bore sighting, as it allows for easy adjustments to the scope without wasting ammunition. Make sure the target is visible and has a defined center point.
Bore sighting is a crucial step to ensure that your rifle is properly zeroed in and ready for final sight. By aligning the bore and the scope, and making windage and elevation adjustments, you can improve your accuracy and enjoy a successful hunting or shooting experience.
Safety Measures
Safety should always be the top priority when handling firearms. Before bore sighting, double-check that the firearm is unloaded and there is no ammunition in the chamber. Remove the bolt from the rifle to prevent any accidental discharge. Always wear appropriate eye and ear protection when bore sighting, as the process can create loud noises and debris.
Time
Bore sighting can take some time, so it is important to set aside enough time to complete the process. Rushing through bore sighting can result in inaccurate adjustments and a poorly sighted rifle. Plan for at least 30 minutes to an hour to complete the process.
Shooting Range
It is best to bore sight at a shooting range where there is a safe and controlled environment. Shooting ranges have designated areas for bore sighting, which can help prevent accidents and ensure safety. Furthermore, shooting ranges usually have a bench rest or other equipment to help stabilize the rifle and improve accuracy.
In conclusion, proper preparation is essential before sighting a rifle. Setting up the target, taking safety measures, allowing enough time, and choosing the right shooting range can help make the bore sighting process more accurate and efficient.
Steps to Bore Sighting Your Rifle
Bore sighting is an essential process to ensure that your rifle is zeroed in and ready for final sight in. Here are the steps to bore sighting your rifle:
Aligning the Bore and the Scope
The first step to bore sighting your rifle is to remove the bolt and look through the barrel at a distant target. Then, adjust the reticle until it aligns with the target. This process aligns the center of your barrel to the sights on your scope.
Making Windage and Elevation Adjustments
After aligning the bore and the scope, the next step is to make windage and elevation adjustments. Without moving the rifle, adjust the windage and elevation turrets to align the reticle with the bore. This process ensures that your scope is properly adjusted for the distance you will be shooting.
It’s important to note that the process of bore sighting your scope is not the same as sighting in your rifle. Bore sighting is only the first step to ensure that your rifle is properly zeroed in.
Final Sight In
Once you have completed the bore sighting process, it’s time for the final sighting. This process involves shooting your rifle at a target and making necessary adjustments to your scope until you achieve the desired accuracy.
Remember to always follow proper safety procedures when handling firearms. Ensure that the firearm is unloaded before proceeding with the bore sighting process.
Checking Accuracy
Once the bore sighting process is complete, it’s important to check the rifle’s accuracy before the final sight-in. This step will help ensure that the rifle is shooting where it should be and will save time and ammunition during the final sight-in process.
Shooting Groups and Adjusting
To check accuracy, the shooter should fire a few shots at a target and observe the grouping of the shots. Ideally, the shots should be grouped tightly together and centered on the target. If the grouping is off-center or spread out, adjustments will need to be made.
One way to adjust the rifle’s accuracy is by adjusting the scope. Most scopes have adjustment knobs that can be used to move the crosshairs up, down, left, or right.
Using a ballistic calculator can help determine how much adjustment is needed based on the distance to the target and the ammunition being used.
Another way to adjust accuracy is by adjusting the rifle itself. This can be done by adjusting the windage and elevation screws on the rifle’s sight. It’s important to make small adjustments and recheck the grouping after each adjustment to avoid over-correcting.
By checking accuracy and making adjustments as needed, the shooter can ensure that the rifle is properly sighted in and ready for use in the field.
Additional Tips for Successful Bore Sighting
Bore sighting a rifle can be a frustrating experience, but with patience and the right techniques, it can be done successfully. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind to ensure a successful bore sighting before final sight in:
Shooter’s Position
It is important to maintain a consistent shooting position when bore sighting a rifle. This will help ensure that the rifle is sighted in correctly and that the shooter is comfortable and stable. The shooter should use a bench rest or sandbags to support the rifle and maintain a steady position.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is an important factor to consider when bore sighting a rifle. The shooter should ensure that the distance between the scope and the eye is correct. This will help ensure that the shooter has a clear view of the target and that the rifle is sighted in accurately.
Loading
When bore sighting a rifle, it is important to use the same ammunition that will be used when shooting the rifle. This will help ensure that the rifle is sighted in accurately and that the shooter is familiar with the ammunition they will be using.
Patience
Bore sighting a rifle can be a time-consuming process, but it is important to be patient and take the time to do it correctly. Rushing the process can lead to inaccurate results and frustration.
Frustration
Bore sighting a rifle can be frustrating, but it is important to stay calm and focused. Taking a break if needed can help reduce frustration and ensure that the shooter is focused on the task at hand.
Final Sight In
Bore sighting a rifle is only the first step in the process of sighting a rifle. After bore sighting, the shooter should proceed with the final sight in the process to ensure that the rifle is sighted in accurately for the specific ammunition and shooting conditions.
Overall, bore sighting a rifle requires patience, attention to detail, and a steady hand. By following these additional tips, shooters can ensure a successful bore sighting experience and accurate final sight in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bore sighting a rifle is an essential step to ensure that the rifle is accurate and zeroed in before heading to the range. It saves time, money, and ammunition, and makes the final sight in process much easier.
Hunters can benefit greatly from bore sighting their rifles before the hunting season, as it ensures that their rifles are accurate and ready to go when they need it most. It is also important to note that bore sighting is not just for red dot or iron sights, but also for lever actions and other types of rifles.
When it comes to bore sighting, accuracy is key, and using a grid or other sighting aids can greatly improve the accuracy of the process. However, it is important to note that live ammunition should never be used during bore sighting.
Overall, bore sighting is a simple and effective process that can greatly improve the accuracy of a rifle. By taking the time to properly bore sight a rifle, hunters, and shooters can ensure that their rifles are ready to perform when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a bore sighter for rifle sighting?
To use a bore sighter for rifle sighting, first, mount the bore sighter onto the rifle’s muzzle. Then, look through the rifle’s scope and adjust it until the reticle is centered on the bore sighter’s dot.
After that, remove the bore sighter and shoot a group at a close range, such as 25 yards, to get on paper. Finally, make any necessary adjustments to the scope and shoot again at the desired range to fine-tune the sighting.
What is the recommended distance for laser bore sighting a rifle?
The recommended distance for laser bore sighting a rifle is typically 25 yards. This distance allows for a good initial sight in and helps to get the rifle on paper.
However, it is important to note that bore sighting is not a replacement for live fire sighting and adjustments will need to be made once the rifle is fired at longer distances.
How do I bore sight a rifle at 25 yards?
To bore sight a rifle at 25 yards, first, secure the rifle in a stable rest or vise. Next, look through the bore and center it on a target at 25 yards. Then, adjust the rifle’s scope until the reticle is centered on the same target. Finally, remove the rifle from the rest or vise, and shoot a group at 25 yards to fine-tune the sighting.
What is the best laser bore sight kit available?
There are many laser bore sight kits available on the market, and the best one will depend on the shooter’s specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include the Wheeler Engineering Professional Laser Bore Sighter, the SiteLite Mag Laser Boresighter, and the Bushnell Laser Boresighter.
Is it possible to zero a red dot sight with a bore sight?
Yes, it is possible to zero a red dot sight with a bore sight. The process is similar to zeroing a scope, where the bore sight is used to get the rifle on paper and the red dot sight is adjusted until it is centered on the same target. However, it is important to note that red dot sights may have different adjustment mechanisms than traditional scopes, so shooters should consult their specific red dot sight’s manual for instructions.
Can I trust the accuracy of bore sighting a rifle?
While bore sighting is a useful tool for getting a rifle on paper and reducing the number of shots needed to sight in a rifle, it is important to note that it is not a replacement for live fire sighting. Shooters should always verify their rifle’s accuracy at the desired range with live fire before using it for hunting or other applications.