Bore sighting an AR-15 is a ritical first step in zeroing your rifle’s scope or sights. If you’re new to the process, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through the process in plain English. We’ll cover what bore sighting is, why it’s important, and, most importantly, how you can easily bore sight your AR-15 at home or the range. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the process, saving you time and ammo when you hit the range.
What is Bore Sighting?
Bore sighting is the process of aligning your rifle’s barrel (bore) with the sight or scope before firing a shot. This doesn’t replace zeroing (the process of fine-tuning your sights to hit the exact point of aim at a given distance), but it gets your rifle “on paper” — meaning that your shots will be close enough to the target to make final adjustments without wasting lots of ammo.
Essentially, it’s a way of ensuring your shots land within the ballpark before you start dialing in for pinpoint accuracy. It’s faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective than shooting without bore sighting.
Why Bore Sight Your AR-15?
There are a few key reasons why you should always bore sight your AR-15 before heading out to zero your rifle:
- Save Ammo: Without bore sighting, your shots could land far off target, wasting time and bullets while you make big corrections. Bore sighting gets you close to the target quickly.
- Save Time: Instead of spending hours at the range trying to find where your bullets are hitting, bore sighting can significantly reduce the time it takes to zero your sights or scope.
- Increase Accuracy: Bore sighting gets you in the right zone, meaning your subsequent adjustments are smaller, making your final zero more precise.
- Convenience: Bore sighting can often be done at home, meaning you’re better prepared when you hit the range.
Tools You’ll Need
Bore sighting requires minimal tools, but you’ll need a few basics to ensure accuracy:
- A Stable Rest: Whether you’re bore sighting on the range or at home, you’ll need a stable shooting rest or bench to hold your rifle steady.
- A Target: This can be a simple paper target with a bullseye or a specialized bore sighting target.
- Bore Sighting Tool (Optional): There are two types of tools you can use:
- Laser Bore Sighter: This is a device that fits into your rifle’s barrel and projects a laser beam onto your target, giving you a visual point of reference to align your sights or scope.
- Collimators (Grid Bore Sighters): These use a grid system placed into the muzzle of your barrel. When looking through the scope, the reticle can be aligned with the grid to match the barrel.
Manual vs. Laser Bore Sighting
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, it’s worth mentioning that there are two common methods for bore sighting: manual and laser.
- Manual Bore Sighting: This traditional method involves removing the bolt and looking directly through the rifle’s barrel at a target. You then adjust the sights or scope to align with the target. While simple, this method can be less precise at longer distances, though it works well at close ranges (25-50 yards).
- Laser Bore Sighting: This method uses a laser inserted into the barrel or chamber to project a visible beam onto the target. This can be faster and more accurate, especially at longer distances, but it does require a laser bore sighter, which can cost between $20 and $100 depending on the quality.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bore Sight Your AR-15
Step 1: Safety First
Before you start bore sighting, always ensure your AR-15 is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Remove the magazine, open the bolt, and double-check the chamber to ensure there are no live rounds. This is a critical safety step every time you handle firearms.
Step 2: Set Up a Target
Place a target downrange. If you’re at home, aim for a target about 25 yards away (if possible), which is a standard distance for bore sighting. You can use a regular target or one designed specifically for bore sighting, which often features large grids for easier alignment.
Step 3: Stabilize Your AR-15
Position your rifle on a sturdy shooting rest or bench, making sure it’s as stable as possible. The steadier the rifle, the more accurate your bore sighting will be. If the rifle moves during the process, you’ll have to start over.
Step 4: Align the Bore with the Target (Manual Method)
For manual bore sighting, remove the bolt of your AR-15 so you can look directly through the barrel. Center the target as you look through the barrel. You want to position the target right in the middle of the bore.
Once the target is centered in the bore, adjust your scope or iron sights to align with the target. Start by adjusting the windage (left and right) and then the elevation (up and down) so the reticle (crosshairs) or sight lines up with the target that you’re viewing through the barrel.
Step 5: Use a Laser Bore Sighter (Optional)
If you have a laser bore sighter, insert it into the barrel or chamber (depending on the type you’re using). The laser will project a dot onto the target. Adjust your scope or sights so that the crosshairs align with the laser dot.
Laser bore sighters are particularly useful for longer distances (50-100 yards) and provide a quicker, more accurate alignment than the manual method.
Step 6: Fine-Tune the Alignment
Once the bore and sights are aligned, take a step back and double-check the alignment through both the bore (if using the manual method) and the scope. Ensure the target is still centered in the barrel and that the reticle or sights are properly aligned.
This is also a good time to check the clarity of your scope’s focus and make any necessary adjustments to your scope’s diopter if needed.
Step 7: Head to the Range and Fire Your First Shot
Now that your AR-15 is bore-sighted, it’s time to head to the range to zero your rifle. Start by setting up a target at 25 yards. Fire a three-round group and observe where the bullets hit in relation to your point of aim.
If your shots are close to the bullseye, you’ve done a good job bore sighting. From here, you’ll make small adjustments to fine-tune your zero. If your shots are off target, make larger adjustments and fire another group.
Step 8: Zero Your Rifle
Once your shots are on paper, it’s time to zero your rifle. Zeroing involves fine-tuning the alignment of your scope or sights so that your point of aim matches the point of impact at a specific distance, typically 50 or 100 yards for an AR-15.
To zero your rifle:
- Fire another three-round group.
- Measure the distance between the group and your point of aim (e.g., 2 inches left, 1 inch high).
- Adjust your windage and elevation knobs accordingly (most AR-15 scopes adjust in ¼ MOA increments, meaning each click moves the reticle ¼ inch at 100 yards).
- Repeat the process until your shots are hitting exactly where you’re aiming.
Step 9: Double-Check Everything
After you’ve zeroed your rifle, it’s a good idea to fire a few more groups at different distances (50 and 100 yards) to ensure your zero holds across various ranges. If your shots remain consistent, your rifle is now bore-sighted and zeroed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Stabilizing the Rifle: A wobbly rifle will throw off your bore sighting, leading to inaccurate shots. Always use a solid rest or bench.
- Skipping Bore Sighting: Some shooters skip bore sighting entirely, leading to wasted time and ammo at the range. Always bore sight before zeroing.
- Rushing the Process: Take your time with bore sighting, especially if you’re new to the process. Accurate bore sighting leads to a quicker, more precise zero.
Conclusion
Bore sighting your AR-15 is an essential step in preparing your rifle for accurate shooting. Whether you choose the manual method or opt for a laser bore sighter, bore sighting saves time, ammo, and frustration when zeroing your rifle. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll ensure your shots are on target quickly, allowing you to fine-tune your AR-15 with confidence.
With a little practice, bore sighting becomes a straightforward and efficient process, giving you a head start before hitting the range. Happy shooting!