Boresighter

[novice 25]

I've had a trawl through the archives and noted the various opinions regarding whether or not to use one of these for initial sighting in. What I was wanting opinions on was how useful they are for checking the zero on your rifle prior to a stalk.

 

I travel up to the Scottish Borders for most of my stalking and tend to travel up early hours and then get cracking straightaway, so it's not practical to take some sighting in shots. I had an experience in the summer where the scope was off and I had a shot on the first morning which didn't go where I wanted it to.

 

I was hoping a boresighter might be the answer to my problems. I note Richard Prior recommends using one for this purpose in one of his Roe books. Do they give the same reading everytime so you can make a note of the coordinates and check them prior to a stalk?

 

I've had the bushnell version recommended to me which has the 'key' (for want of a better word) that fits down the barrel. Are they any good? I reckon 50 notes is a reasonable expense if it means a roe or 2 in the bag which might otherwise be missed, or worse.

 

Cheers,

 

Novice

[Deker 3,478]

I've had a trawl through the archives and noted the various opinions regarding whether or not to use one of these for initial sighting in. What I was wanting opinions on was how useful they are for checking the zero on your rifle prior to a stalk.

 

I travel up to the Scottish Borders for most of my stalking and tend to travel up early hours and then get cracking straightaway, so it's not practical to take some sighting in shots. I had an experience in the summer where the scope was off and I had a shot on the first morning which didn't go where I wanted it to.

 

I was hoping a boresighter might be the answer to my problems. I note Richard Prior recommends using one for this purpose in one of his Roe books. Do they give the same reading everytime so you can make a note of the coordinates and check them prior to a stalk?

 

I've had the bushnell version recommended to me which has the 'key' (for want of a better word) that fits down the barrel. Are they any good? I reckon 50 notes is a reasonable expense if it means a roe or 2 in the bag which might otherwise be missed, or worse.

 

Cheers,

 

Novice

 

 

USELESS, a real zero can only be establised by live fire

 

Check Zero before you go and protect Gun/scope on the trip!

 

It Isn't!!

 

Just my opinion!!

Edited January 10, 2009 by Deker

[novice 25]

I appreciate that you can't expect to rely on a boresighter to establish an initial zero, but do they offer a quick check facility of an existing zero?

 

Have you had any experience of them? If so, would you be willing to mention brands/models and where you felt they fell down?

 

Cheers,

 

Novice

[SNAP SHOT 194]

save your money and put it to the extra ammo used in zeroing, they are not that accurate, only designed to get you on paper,

once you get the jist of zeroing your scope a few rounds is all that will be required...

 

and 1 round if only to check zero.........

 

i have seen a few used they are now orniments sitting in their box....

 

As for checking zero before trip you should have no need to once zeroed, personally wouldn't use one

 

hope this helps.

 

Snap.

 

had to edit this a few times as i've a bursting sore head here...........sorry...

[Deker 3,478]

Just like you cannot rely on a Bore sighter to give you a 100% initial zero it cannot be relied on to check your existing zero is 100%.

 

Most bore sighters struggle with different length barrels, moderators, muzzle breaks, ammunition, bipods, the way YOU hold the gun, etc etc, the ONLY way to adjust for this is live fire with the intended ammunition!

 

I have looked at, played with, and used several over the years, my opinion is I can do well enough by eye and finish with live fire.

 

I have no place for a bore sighter, but then again others may, just my view!!

[novice 25]

Cheers for your views gents.

 

Novice

[lxx73 0]

I bought the Bushnell one and thought it was pants. Its supposed to be good upto 100m, but if light your lucky if you can pick the laser up at 50m.

[cyclonebri1 8]

For the 1st time ever I bore sighted my 2 new rifles by eye, ie , by actually bore sighting through the barrel. Set them up in the dining room on the bipod and packed up the stock untill I was on a roof bolt on the stable block 40 yds off. Was easy to match the scope to this by continually cross checking. This was the .22 rimfire. When fired I was within 3" at 60yds.

 

.17hmr was more difficult as it's very hard to accurately view down such a small bore but I was still on 6" at 100yds, good enough start for me