Bore sighting is a quick and easy method for getting your firearm close to zero, but how accurate is it really? The short answer is: bore sighting provides a rough approximation, not pinpoint accuracy. While it's a valuable first step, it's crucial to understand its limitations and follow up with proper range time and adjustments.
Understanding Bore Sighting
Bore sighting involves aligning a tool with the barrel's bore to get an initial estimate of point of impact. This is typically done using a bore sighter tool, which is inserted into the barrel and aligns with the sight. The tool then provides a visual reference for aiming your firearm. This process gets you in the ballpark but isn't precise enough for long-range shooting or situations where accuracy is paramount.
Advantages of Bore Sighting
- Speed and Convenience: Bore sighting is significantly faster than directly zeroing a firearm at the range. It eliminates the need for numerous shots to find the general area of impact.
- Cost-Effective: Bore sighting tools are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of ammunition spent during lengthy zeroing processes.
- Pre-Range Preparation: It allows you to perform initial alignment before heading to the range, saving time and potentially ammunition.
Limitations of Bore Sighting
- Not Precise: Bore sighting only aligns the bore with the sights, ignoring other factors impacting accuracy like bullet drop, wind, and the firearm's inherent inconsistencies.
- Barrel Variations: Manufacturing inconsistencies in barrels can cause minor deviations between the bore and the point of impact, even after bore sighting.
- Environmental Factors: Temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors aren't accounted for in bore sighting.
- Recoil Influence: The recoil effect on the firearm, especially in larger calibers, can influence point of impact, making precise bore sighting difficult.
Factors Affecting Bore Sight Accuracy
Several factors influence the accuracy of bore sighting, including:
- Quality of the Bore Sighter: A poorly made or improperly calibrated bore sighter can introduce significant errors.
- Shooter Technique: Even with a perfectly aligned bore sight, improper shooting technique will affect accuracy.
- Ammunition Type: Using different ammunition can lead to variations in point of impact.
- Weapon Condition: A damaged or poorly maintained firearm will likely not shoot accurately even after bore sighting.
Bore Sighting vs. Range Zeroing: The Crucial Distinction
Bore sighting is just the initial step; it should always be followed by proper range zeroing. Range zeroing involves firing several shots at various distances and adjusting the sights to achieve the desired point of impact. This is the only way to account for all the factors mentioned above.
The Range Zeroing Process
- Start at a close distance: Begin zeroing at 25 yards (23 meters) for handguns and 50-100 yards (46-91 meters) for rifles.
- Fire several shots: Fire a group of 3-5 shots at the target.
- Observe the group: Assess where the group is impacting relative to the point of aim.
- Adjust the sights: Make adjustments to the sights to bring the group closer to the desired point of impact.
- Repeat the process: Repeat steps 2-4 until you achieve the desired accuracy at your chosen distance.
- Extend the range (optional): Once zeroed at a closer range, you may want to repeat the process at longer distances to account for bullet drop.
Conclusion: Bore Sighting - A Useful Starting Point, Not the End Goal
Bore sighting is a helpful tool for preliminary alignment, significantly shortening the time spent zeroing your firearm at the range. However, it’s essential to understand that it's not a substitute for proper range zeroing. To achieve optimal accuracy, always combine bore sighting with a thorough range zeroing process, accounting for various factors that influence bullet trajectory. Remember to prioritize safety and practice responsible gun handling at all times.
