Berry’s Guide to Bore Sighting

If you’re a gun enthusiast, you’re probably always looking for ways to enhance your shooting skills. It goes without saying, fine-tuning your aim is one skill that can drastically uplift your shooting experience, and one of the best ways to do that is through bore sighting. But what is bore sighting? Let’s start with a simple explanation.

The Short Answer: Bore sighting is the process of aligning your firearm’s sights or scope with the weapon’s bore to ensure more accurate targeting and aim. If your bullet’s trajectory straight out of the barrel (the bore) aligns with your sight or scope, greater shooting accuracy is guaranteed. Bore sighting maximizes your scope’s effectiveness, ensures the accuracy of your first shot, and expedites the sighting-in process. 

For our newbies, don’t let the jargon or seeming complexity deter you. As with most things, understanding the intricate details of how bore sighting works will make it far less intimidating and much more approachable. This article aims to break down bore sighting for you and guide you through the process in an easy-to-digest manner.

What is Bore Sighting?

Let’s dive a little deeper to better understand bore sighting. This process helps adjust the scope of your firearm so that it’s accurately aimed at a specific distance, typically used at close range (approx. 25 to 30 yards).

What is a Bore Sighter?

A bore sighter is a tool (typically a laser device) used to aid in the bore sighting process. Substantial in boosting shooting accuracy, especially with bolt action rifles, it helps align the sight or scope with the barrel by projecting a visual reference, such as a laser beam, that matches the firearm’s bore axis. Bore sighters come in different types, including laser bore sighting tools, which are popular for their ease of use and accuracy. Using a bore sighter allows you to achieve initial alignment without firing a shot, making the fine-tuning process for the second shot faster and more efficient.

Importance of Scope Adjustment in Bore Sighting

Scope adjustment is a necessary step in bore sighting, allowing you to tweak and adjust your rifle scope for optimal precision. This process involves aligning the patterns of your scope’s crosshairs with the laser dot projected onto your selected target. This might sound intricate, but it’s a straightforward process especially when equipped with the right tools.

The Role of the Breech Plug in Bore Sighting

In muzzleloaders, the breech plug is a key component that seals the barrel from the rear. Proper alignment of the breech plug is essential during bore sighting to ensure that the sights or scope are accurately aligned with the barrel’s trajectory. This alignment is crucial for achieving precise and consistent shots, so if you are dealing with a muzzleloader make sure to check that the breech plug is aligned before beginning the bore sighting process.

How to Bore Sight a Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before diving into the step-by-step, it’s crucial to have the right tools at hand. One necessary tool for this process is a gun vise. A gun vise securely holds your firearm in place during the process of bore sighting, allowing you to focus on the aligning rather than juggling between stabilizing your firearm and working the bore sighter.

Step 1: Preparing The Rifle

Begin by making sure your gun is not loaded. Next, you will want to mount your rifle firmly onto the vise and secure it.

Step 2: Inserting The Bore Sighter

Once the gun is securely locked into the gun vise, it’s time to mount the bore sighter. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, insert the bore sighter into the firearm’s barrel. Once it’s in place, it projects a laser dot onto your target.

Step 4: Aligning the Scope

This step is where you fine-tune your scope adjustments. As a reminder, you are aligning your scope’s crosshairs with the projected laser dot from the bore sighter, allowing your scope to be accurately focused on the target. This process usually involves adjusting both the windage and elevation turrets of the scope until it matches the direct point of aim.

Step 5: Verifying Alignment

Finally, once the laser bore sighter alignment is complete, you will need to test the accuracy with live ammunition in a safe and controlled environment.

That’s it, it is really that simple. After a few rounds of practice, you’ll become proficient and ensure your aim is on point from the first shot to the last.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Bore Sighting

Mistake #1: Lack of Proper Tools

One of the biggest mistakes made by individuals new to bore sighting is not using the right tools for the job. Setting up without a gun vise or attempting to bore sight without a bore sighter can lead to frustration and improper alignment. Ensure you have all the necessary tools before you start.

Mistake #2: Rushing the Process

Bore sighting is a skill that requires patience. Rushing the process can lead to improper alignment and frustration. Remember, it’s not a race, but a journey toward achieving a well-sighted rifle that offers accurate aim and improves your shooting experience.

Mistake #3: Relying Solely on Bore Sighting

While bore sighting is an excellent initial step to align your scope with the barrel, it is not an end-all solution. After bore sighting, you must fine-tune your aim using live fire. Neglecting this vital part can result in less-than-stellar shooting results.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Manual

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned expert, always consult the manual that comes with your bore sighting tool. Not all tools are the same, and taking the time to understand the specificities of your tool can go a long way in ensuring a successful bore sighting process.

Mistake #5: Not Seeking Guidance

Remember, it’s okay not to know everything! If you are unsure, consider seeking expert guidance. Joining a forum community of fellow enthusiasts can provide useful guidance that can be an invaluable resource to refine your bore sighting practice.

How Berry’s Bullets Can Improve Your Bore Sighting Experience

Looking for a way to significantly enhance your bore sighting process? We have a few tools that can help. The secure design of these systems provides unshakeable stability and unwavering control for flawless new scope mounting and bore sighting.

Berry’s ProMarksman™ Bench and Rest don’t just promise precision, they deliver it. You can dial in your rifle’s aim to perfection with ease. Our customers stand by the belief that Berry’s ProMarksman Bench is their go-to solution for all sighting and shooting needs, and they aren’t wrong.

So why wait? Check out Berry’s Precision System and ProMarksman™ Bench and Rest to take your shooting accuracy to new heights!