How to Boresight a Rifle

Boresighting is the first step in sighting in a rifle.

Bore sighting is a simple way to begin sighting in a scope-equipped rifle without firing a shot. You can boresight a rifle anywhere, but it is best and most safely done on a bench at the shooting range just prior to sighting in your gun with live rounds. This method of bore sighting works with rifles from which the bolt can be completely removed. It also works with rifles that permit the action to remain open. This allows an unobstructed view from the breech down the barrel.

Things You'll Need

• Sand bags, rifle vice or other firm rest
• Flathead screwdriver

Instructions

1. Remove the bolt or open the action of the rifle to allow an unobstructed view down the barrel. Unscrew and remove the covers from the elevation and windage screws on the rifle scope.

2. Point the rifle in the general direction of a target 100 yards away. Brace it loosely with sandbags, or clamp it loosely in a rifle vice.

3. Look down the barrel from the breech end -- while simultaneously adjusting the position of the rifle -- until the target can be seen down the barrel. Brace the rifle securely so that it cannot move.

4. Adjust the elevation and windage screws on the scope with the flathead screwdriver until the crosshairs are centered on the target. The rifle is now bore sighted.

Tips & Warnings

• Begin sighting in the rifle by shooting at a target at 25 yards. Once zeroed at that range, move the target out to 50, then 100 yards.

• Firearms of all kinds are inherently dangerous. Use extreme caution when handling any firearm. Treat every gun as if it is loaded.

References

• Chuckhaws.com: Bore Sight a Rifle

Resources

• "Game and Fish": Easy & Effective Gun Maintenance