A laser bore sighter is a tool that can help you quickly adjust a scope on a firearm with the highest level of precision and the best laser bore sighter will offer a quick, easy and efficient way to get your gun on target.
This means you can avoid wasting money, time and energy by sidestepping the “traditional” methods in favor of the technological innovation and time-saving benefits of the laser tools available on the market today.
Regardless of the volume at which you mount scopes, any time you have to re-mount a scope or change between firearms, this little tool is a headache reliever and a massive time saver.
An intuitive process, easy understanding of the technology, and single-page instructions make using a laser boresight quite an easy endeavor. The varied options and a robust marketplace give you plenty of options to determine which laser tool is best for your needs.
Innovation and volume of production make these tools an inexpensive time saver and the time and money you’ll save by starting with a bore sighting laser will pay for your new tech tool in no time.
Laser Types
This is far simpler than it seems it will be on the surface of the topic. Lasers used for this purpose need not be too complicated or overpowered. Lasers, in general, are listed in classes based on the potential risk factor for exposure to the laser.
Additionally, there are a couple of different colors that will feature in most lines of consumer-grade lasers: Green and Red. Lasers for a boresight tool will almost always be a class 3A (IIIA) laser, or in some cases a 3R Laser (just a name change – no material differences). They have the same output. The specific output ranges up to 5mW.
Green Lasers
The human eye has adapted to be able to more easily attenuate to the color green. Therefore in ambient light outdoors in daylight, a green laser is much better for easily picking up the beam and acting on it in a tactical or attenuation situation.
This is largely unimportant for bore sighting tools, as the red laser, projected onto a paper target will easily be able to be picked up at the distances that the boresight tools are utilized.
Green lasers would be necessary for those who utilize laser boresight tools ONLY in bright daylight conditions and/or prefer to have the ease of attenuation.
Otherwise, for most scenarios, a red boresight laser is more than adequate. It simply comes down to personal preference and how often you are using bright daylight to sight a firearm in.
Laser safety
In a general setting with careful preparation, a class 3A or 3R (virtually the same thing and just showcasing different names because of a new vs. an old system of classification), will not be very dangerous to eyesight.
Proper laser safety should be observed, however, and any laser, green or red which is shone into the eye can cause irreparable damage after a minute or more of exposure to the retina.
A couple of minutes of exposure is generally considered as a threshold that will definitely be causing damage. It is never appropriate to shine a laser of any class into the eye of someone or to look into the laser yourself.
The projected beam is generally safe to observe however as long as it is the projection of the laser onto a solid surface and not being viewed directly through an optic into the eye.
What can you expect to achieve with a laser bore sighter?
Laser precision is the best of the best. In most cases, it is a self-centering tool that utilizes a precision bore or chamber to align a laser pointer to create a reference point for the point of impact on a gun.
Simply adjusting the scope to fit that point of aim from a completely relaxed scope adjustment makes this an easy task to hit the bullseye. You should expect to be within inches at 100 yards or closer to the bullseye.
With some attention to detail, you have the capability of being within an inch or two of zero at 100 yards, but the limiting factor is how much you pay attention and how well you tune the micro-adjustments.
Important considerations when using a bore sighting tool and when mounting scopes
Firstly, it is important to understand the intimate relationship between scope mounts and scopes. On most modular or modern firearms, and this is especially true for military-style firearms, there are “return to zero” scope mounts that are also quick-mount styles.
This will mean that if you remove the scope for whatever reason, you should not have to rework the adjustments very much to return to zero. In these cases, the best use for a Laser bore sight tool is the original mounting and moving the scope between firearms or between different mounts.
Another consideration is that you will want to relax or remove the adjustments made on any scope from the firearm to the firearm or mount to mount. The slightest change in hardware will make a massive impact on the scope alignment and the ability for the scope to hit the target the way you need it to.
Starting from the absolute most relaxed settings allows for proper adjustment and much more flexibility for windage and elevation on target at any range.
Think simply to avoid overcomplicating things.
Laser bore sighters are for short distances to get you “on the paper”, nothing more really. Used in conjunction with known ballistic numbers like drop and trajectory figures, this will make it easy to get your optics dialed in. when boresighting from a rifle with a massive muzzle brake or compensator, the trueness of the hole in that piece does not really matter.
You simply site the boresight onto paper at, say 50 yards, then take a man-sized target shot at 100 yards to get on the paper there. After that, the trajectory and bullet drop compensation numbers will fuel your adjustments. A few shots later you are at the zero on your chosen range.
9 Best Laser Bore Sighters
1. SiteLite 100
SiteLite 100
1 used from $92.02
Features
- Guaranteed superior accuracy with a lifetime warranty
- Fits all calibers from .22 to .50 cal. plus 20 & 12 ga. Shotguns
- Class IIIa Laser Product, less than 5.0mW power output
- Includes the SRL Scope Leveler to level your crosshairs before boresighting
- Includes a free Muley Crazy DVD featuring a massive 255" Muley taken by SiteLite President Rich Langner
The tell-tale shape and color of the original provider of laser boresight technology, the SiteLite 100 is a well-built, robust tool made for frequent use and with precision, most other competitors cannot match.
Pros
- The original laser boresighter
- The most accurate laser boresight brand by volume
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Pricey relative to other offerings
Why It’s Recommended
This is the original laser boresight for the consumer market. It’s still one of the best and it still has advantages over the others.
The build quality is much better than most of the competition and the separate battery location improves connectivity at the electrical circuits.
The standard red laser is a high-quality laser with a good precision index point. The universality of the SiteLite 100 is obvious and helps in a range of sighting duties.
2. Sightmark Triple Duty Universal
Sightmark
1 used from $49.00
Features
- Precision accuracy due to compact and lightweight size
- Reliable and durable boresight that is easy to pack and travel
- Fastest Gun Zeroing and Sighting System
- Reduce Wasted Cartridges and Shells
The green light makes outdoor range use at 50 yards more easily accomplished. The build quality of the Sightmark Triple Duty Universal is above average and the magnetic insert makes it easy to get started and fast to align the bore with the reticle.
Pros
- A green laser which improves daylight attenuation
- Magnetic arbor design for easy centering
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to some options
Why It’s Recommended
A novel approach to frequent boresighting needs, the magnetic arbor centering makes this very easy to quickly realign an optic.
Great for those who change between guns or who need to frequently remove the optic and do not have return-to-zero mounting hardware.
The ease of use of the Sightmark Triple Duty Universal is astounding, and the durability is very good.
3. SiteLite 150
SiteLite 150
Features
- Guaranteed superior accuracy with a lifetime warranty
- Fits all calibers from .22 to .50 cal. plus 20 & 12 ga. Shotguns
- Class IIIa Laser Product, less than 5.0mW power output
- Includes the SRL Scope Leveler to level your crosshairs before boresighting
- Includes a free Muley Crazy DVD featuring a massive 255" Muley taken by SiteLite President Rich Langner
SiteLite has the history, the credibility, and the warranty to ensure you are buying the tool for life and get the necessary performance you need from it.
This mid-range offering from the company offers a strong laser and a long battery life in a design that doesn’t damage your rifling.
Pros
- The middle offering from one of the most respected names in the industry
- Strong laser and long battery life
Cons
- A bit pricey
Why It’s Recommended
The simple design that is very intuitive, and the included software that helps to get the optic sighted in as well as the overall quality of the tool make this a no-brainer for those who prefer the best tool they can get.
SiteLite is the original purveyor of this technology and offers one of the best results and some of the best accuracy from their tools.
4. ADAFAZ .22 to .50
Features
- .17cal to .78cal RED BORE SIGTER is light-weight designed, and easy to use. It comes with 12pcs bore adapters to fit 0.17 to 12-gauge caliber pistols, rifles, handguns, and scopes.
- By projecting a beam from the center if the barrel axis of your firearm, this bore sight allows you to instantly and accurately set your sight or scope.
- This bore sight collimator installs in the barrel of the firearm and projects a red beam from the center of the bore axis, providing a precise reference for zeroing in on your target. Simply choose the caliber adapter and place the unit in the muzzle. Long sighting range; Light weight and durable. Allows for quick and accurate resetting of any sights
- Max. Output Power less than 5mW; Weight 38g; Material Aluminum; Length 155 mm; Length of rod that fits in the barrel: 60mm - 90mm (tapered). Head Diameter: 16mm; Tail Diameter: 5mm; Wavelength 630-680nm; Color Red; Powered by 3 x LR44 Battery
- 【Warranty】We provide lifetime warranty for every customer, feel free to contact us if there has any problem with the item, we will replace it for free.
The quality concerns aside (the fit of the adapters seem to be the biggest concern, which does elongate the process a bit), this is a good bargain item.
Ultimately, the ADAFAZ .22 to .50 works well given the right conditions and costs a pittance.
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
- Lower quality build
- Finicky adapters
- Lower brightness laser
Why It’s Recommended
For those who do not want to spend big money, but still want a good result in a boresight without wasting ammunition to sight a gun in using the older methodologies.
The ADAFAZ .22 to .50 is a bargain-basement offering with a handful of very good reviews that does work on the same principles of the best boresights and does offer great versatility for a variance of calibers.
5. Wheeler Professional
Wheeler Professional
$77.30 in stock
4 used from $68.86
Features
- SPECS: Class IIIR with power output of less than 5mW
- EASE OF USE: Magnetic connection quickly and easily attaches to the muzzle of the gun and can be used on any caliber rifle or handgun
- RELIABLE: Laser module permanently secured for dependable performance and hand-tuned during manufacturing to ensure accuracy
- DURABLE: Machined aluminum body with soft rubber overmolding
- INCLUDES: (1) battery, (1) reflective sighting grid, (1) plastic storage case
A new take on how to boresight a rifle or a pistol, the Wheeler Professional works on anything that will hold a magnet and it works incredibly well and with a rapid result.
Generally, it is very straightforward and doesn’t require a ton of accessories to make it work. It may not be the original, but it is among the best, no question.
Pros
- One of the easiest to use tools
- Extremely durable
- High build quality
- Innovative design
Cons
- Expensive
Why It’s Recommended
It may not utilize the same technology as the older, proven models, but in the time that it has been on the market, it has become a proven tool itself and offers extreme ease of use and robust build quality, so you can ensure that it will last for many years.
The green laser of the Wheeler Professional makes sense for many different environments and for when you need to sight the gun out further than the 25 or 50-yard marks.
6. SiteLite 500
SiteLite 500
$109.99 in stock
Features
- Guaranteed superior accuracy with a lifetime warranty
- Fits all calibers from .22 to .50 cal. plus 20 & 12 ga. Shotguns
- Includes the SiteLite BTS program to printout a laser boresighting target for you specific rifle and ammo
- Includes the SRL Scope Leveler to level your crosshairs before boresighting
- Includes a free Muley Crazy DVD featuring a massive 255" Muley taken by SiteLite President Rich Langner
SiteLite is a larger professional-quality boresight with a green laser that is at the top end of the consumer offering for the SiteLite brand.
Available for the consumer market but made to high-end professional specifications this is a very nicely made product with a large price tag compared to cheap imports. It performs well compared to those cheap imports.
Pros
- The top tier consumer offering from one of the most respected names in the industry
- Strong laser and long battery life
- Green laser
Cons
- Expensive
Why It’s Recommended
This is the big dog from the original purveyor, and it offers a green laser to help with attenuation and ease of zeroing.
The SiteLite 500 is a quality product with a heritage that others simply cannot match. The extra battery power and laser power offer more easily found projection and make the process relatively easy while maintaining accuracy.
7. Bushnell 743333
Bushnell 743333
Features
- Compact kit with three extendable rods
- Compatible with all gauges from .22 to .45
- Includes a fixed rod for the .17 gauge
- Aligns the cross with the weapon's bore
- Compact boresighter kit with graduated grid sighting reticle
The brand name isn’t a good indicator of the specific quality of the unit, as it is clear that the Bushnell name has been affixed to a third-party product in hopes of grabbing a bit more money off of the brand recognition.
That said, it isn’t the most horrible tool in history, but it is a consumer model and on the lower end of the spectrum builds quality-wise.
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
- Lower quality build
- Finicky adapters
- Lower brightness laser
Why It’s Recommended
On the lower end of the spectrum, this can have some utility for the consumer who needs to get on the paper but can’t afford to spend the money that it takes to get to the upper end of the quality spectrum.
The Bushnell 743333 is not horrible, but it’s not near the quality of the best laser bore tools.
It’s a good budget play for those who can spend a bit of time dialing it in. It’s neither the most accurate, nor the most easily used, but it is cheap and will produce a result that saves time and money relative to standard methods.
8. MidTen CAL
Features
- Class IIIA laser, less than 5mW
- Made to fit the .223 caliber, caliber specific.
- Comes with 2 sets UPDATED batteries (6 AG3 batteries) which can last one and half an hour.
- Easy to sit perfectly in the bore. Sturdy brass construction. Fast zeroing the optics.
- High accuracy, sighting range of the bore sight is 15 to 100 yards.
The MidTen CAL is not the highest quality device you can buy for the use case, but it’s also not trying to act like it is.
A very straightforward, relatively transparent tool, this can be used to sight in a rifle with minimal expenditure of ammunition, but it is not nearly as quick or accurate as of the more expensive offerings.
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
- Chamber based laser boresights aren’t very accurate, though they can get the job done for shorter distances
- Lower battery life
Why It’s Recommended
The MidTen CAL is cheap and fits into one of the most popular rifles in history, where most of the mounts are return to zero orientations and that means that the tool will not be in as high of demand by the individual user, but thousands of users can benefit from it.
It can still be quite useful if used properly and the user knows the drawbacks of a bore-based system.
9. LaserLyte universal
LaserLyte universal
$59.99 in stock
6 used from $50.25
Features
- BRIGHTNESS: Features a 5mW peak, 630-670nm, Class 3A visible red laser that is in conformance with and complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 with a max power output of "5mW" for a "Class 3R Red Laser" - the brightest beam allowed by law
- EASE OF USE: Bore sight fits into the barrel of the unloaded firearm using the included caliber adapters – Turn bore sight on and align scope, iron sights, or laser sight with the beam coming from the bore sight
- VERSATILE: Adapters included for .223, 5.56, 5.56 NATO, .270, .22-250, .243, .308, .30-06, .338 Lapua, .30-30, .300 Blackout, .300 Whisper, 7.62x39, 7.62x51, 7.62x54R and many more – Adapters for 12- and 20-gauge shotguns
- INCLUDES: Also included in the convenient case are bubble level, (12) extra batteries, daylight target, hex wrench, (4) arbors, (4) screws
- FUNCTION: Boresighter can be used in almost all environments and is perfect for travel
A decent build quality, but a matching price, the LaserLyte universal is a well-balanced kit, for those who can handle spending a bit more time to get the result. It will get you on paper, but it won’t be the most accurate game in town.
Pros
- Utilizes a proven technology
Cons
- Not the best build quality across the entire set of accessories
- Can be a bit more complicated than other offerings
Why It’s Recommended
While it isn’t nearly as good as the best 3-4 offerings in this list, it’s firmly planted in the middle ground and offers better quality than the low-end competitors.
LaserLyte universal is a solid option for those who don’t mind that the setup is slightly more complicated than all other offerings on the list.
How to Use a Laser Bore Sighter
Using a laser bore sighter is very straightforward. The component parts usually include a self-centering tool with a laser that is indexed on the chamber or bore. Inserting the tool into the chamber will align it with the bore line.
Note that chamber-based boresight tools are largely inaccurate and while they can work, they are not a serious tool to be used with any real frequency outside of a few specific cases (one such case led us to choose a chamber-based laser bore sighter in our list).
Other tools may have an option to center it on the muzzle end of the firearm, which can mean you will index using a precision gauge that is also self-centering, in the rifling end of the barrel.
Finally, after the scope mount is secured in the general position it needs to be, the laser bore sight will be followed as the focal point for your desired crosshair/reticle alignment.
In most cases, bringing the laser bore sighter to the range to test the install and scope alignment will help as you go to live fire scope adjustment. The scope is then adjusted to get you to zero in a minimal amount of ammunition, which in all honesty, will probably be only a round or two to get it just about right.
Why does a laser bore sight tool makes the most sense
Old school boresight tools and even worse, hand adjustments utilizing just ammunition and iron sights are now a thing of the past. If you aren’t using a laser bore sighting tool then you are doing something wrong, or you just enjoy headaches and inefficiency.
If you truly like the old school method: by all means continue on, but for most shooters, it’s just natural to want to get the best of the best when it comes to saving time and money, especially when the best is so affordable. For the benefit, and at the value, it offers price-wise, a quality laser bore sight tool will save significant time and effort in changing or mounting optics.
Old school glass collimators take a lot of time to adjust and only get you close, not within inches but within a foot or two. For the money, you cannot even buy an old-school collimator for the price of a decent laser bore sighter. Good quality laser bore sight tools are far and away easier to use and even the best cost only moderately more than a collimator.
Iron sights + paper marking just doesn’t make sense, with the high price of ammunition nowadays and the time wasted to get it dialed in, the plain and simple truth is: laser bore sight tools just make good sense.
Bottom Line
For those who have a wide range of firearms and optics to mount on them, a laser bore sighter is a very handy tool indeed. But it is also a low-priced convenience item that a shooter can benefit from, even if their use case is much more infrequent.
The best boresight is the one that offers you the quickest, easiest implementation regardless of the optic or platform you are mounting it to.
While you might think it is an expensive tool for when you don’t have a ton of scope mounting or re-zeroing to do on a regular basis, the constantly improving price points, technology, and the amount of time and money saved makes a laser bore sighter a huge benefit for most shooters.
Gone are the days of shooting a ton of ammunition and using a spotting scope to see if you’re within 25 feet of the target at distance to get a scope sighted in.
Laser bore sighters are the ultimate time-saving device for the average shooter who wants the most efficient scope zeroing timeline.
The benefit of owning a high-quality bore sighting device is that you get instant results, without a ton of effort and for a price that ends up feeling negligible once you see the value.
Check out all the other gun accessory articles put together by our expert team here at Guns & Safety Reviews;
- Pistol Lights
- Glock-Sights
- Night-Sights
- Red Dot Magnifiers
- Shotgun Lights
- Red-Dot-Sights
- Shot Timers
- Rifle Cases
- 308 Scopes
- Rifle Bench Rests
- Rifle Scopes Under $200
The Review
Best Laser Bore Sighter
Laser bore sighters are the best way to save time for the average shooter. If you are looking for the most efficient scope with limited time then a sighter is ideal. Read through the reviews before making your choice.
Review Breakdown
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SiteLite 100
-
Sightmark
-
SiteLite 150
-
ADAFAZ .22 to .50
-
Wheeler Professional
-
SiteLite 500
-
Bushnell 743333
-
MidTen Cal
-
LaserLyte universal
Best Laser Bore Sighter DEALS
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