How to Bore Sight with a Laser

How do you safely prepare your firearm for bore sighting?

Safety always comes first before touching any sight adjustment tools. Clear your firearm completely. Remove the magazine, pull the slide or bolt back, and visually inspect the empty chamber. Insert your finger into the chamber opening to physically verify that no cartridge is trapped in the barrel. Move all live ammunition into another room. Keeping live rounds away from your workspace prevents accidental loading mistakes while you work.

Next, secure the firearm in a steady rest. A gun vise, cleaning cradle, or two sandbags on a flat workbench will keep the gun firmly in place. Bore sighting requires your firearm to stay still while you look through the lens and turn adjustment dials. If the gun shifts while your fingers touch the optic, your visual reference point moves with it. Lock the firearm securely so you can view your sight hands-free.

Finally, place a paper target with a visible bullseye across the room or down a hallway. A distance of 25 yards is the ideal setup for most dot sights, but an indoor distance of 10 to 15 yards works if space is tight. Dim the lights or draw window shades, as bright sunlight can easily wash out the laser beam on paper.

How do you install the laser in your barrel?

Laser bore sighters come in two primary designs: chamber cartridges and muzzle arbors. A cartridge style looks like a brass shell that sits inside the firing chamber. A muzzle arbor tool uses a metal rod with an expanding rubber or plastic tip that slides directly into the muzzle, which is the front opening of the barrel. Universal kits use muzzle arbors because their numbered adapters fit bore diameters from .17 caliber up to 12-gauge shotguns.

Follow these steps to seat a muzzle arbor correctly:

1. Match the adapter to your barrel size: Check the adapter chart in your kit to locate the numbered piece designed for your caliber.
2. Attach the adapter to the arbor rod: Thread the adapter onto the tip screw. Tighten the expansion screw just enough so the adapter enters the muzzle with light friction, without scraping the rifling grooves inside the barrel.
3. Switch on the laser beam: Turn the unit on using its push button or twist switch before placing it in the barrel, confirming the beam shines brightly.
4. Slide the arbor into the muzzle: Push the arbor straight into the barrel opening until the laser housing rests flush against the barrel crown (the front metal rim of the muzzle). Never force the tool if it binds.
5. Verify the laser runs straight: While pointing the laser at your target, slowly rotate the outer housing half a turn. If the laser dot stays still on the paper, the arbor is seated straight. If the dot traces a circle as you turn it, pull the arbor out, adjust the expansion screw, and reseat it.

How do you align the sight to the laser?

With your firearm fixed in its rest and the laser shining on your 25-yard target, look through your optic. Whether you have an open-window sight with an exposed lens or an enclosed tube sight with sealed glass, you will see your aiming dot and the projected laser beam downrange. The reticle is your sight's illuminated aiming point, such as a fine 2 MOA dot covering two inches at 100 yards, or a larger 4 to 6 MOA dot built for fast close-range shooting.

At first, your optic dot and the laser beam will likely sit several inches apart. Your objective is to move your aiming dot until it rests directly over the laser.

1. Remove the protective turret caps: These dial knobs control your windage (left-to-right adjustment click dial) and elevation (up-and-down adjustment click dial).
2. Maintain a natural shooting posture: Look through the optic with both eyes open, keeping your head in a normal position behind the gun.
3. Adjust your elevation dial: Follow the directional markings on the dial. If your aiming dot sits above the laser beam, turn the dial toward Down until the dot drops onto the beam.
4. Adjust your windage dial: If your aiming dot is left of the laser, turn the dial toward Right until the reticle moves horizontally across the target.
5. Confirm the overlap: Stop once the reticle rests squarely over the laser dot. When aligning a dot sight mounted on a target pistol or rifle, pause, look away, and look back through the lens to confirm the two dots overlap cleanly.

If your setup includes backup iron sights, check your alignment picture now. When lining up your backup iron sights through the optic glass, your front iron sight post should center closely with your newly aligned red dot.

Why must you remove the tool before shooting?

Removing your bore sight tool before handling live ammunition is critical for safety. Leaving a muzzle arbor inside the barrel when firing a live cartridge will cause a catastrophic barrel rupture. When a fired bullet hits an obstruction in the barrel, burning propellant creates immense pressure that cannot vent forward. That trapped pressure tears the steel barrel apart, destroying the firearm and spraying dangerous metal fragments outward.

Follow this safe removal process before cleaning up your workspace:

1. Pull the arbor straight out: Pull the laser unit forward out of the muzzle. Never twist or bend the tool sideways, which could damage the expanding adapter or scratch the barrel rifling.
2. Examine the muzzle crown: Check that the rubber or plastic adapter tip came out attached to the metal rod and did not tear off inside the bore.
3. Store the tool immediately: Pack the bore sight kit away in its protective carrying case before bringing any live ammunition back to your bench.
4. Check the barrel with a light: Shine a small flashlight down the bore or through the open chamber to confirm the path is completely clear.

Does laser bore sighting replace live firing at the range?

Laser bore sighting does not replace live firing at the range. A bore sight is a setup tool designed to put your shots on paper on your very first try, preventing wasted ammunition while hunting for an off-target bullet hole. However, a laser beam cannot duplicate the physics of a live round.

Laser light travels in a straight line. Real bullets drop from gravity the instant they exit the muzzle, while air resistance slows them down. This flight dynamic produces a curved trajectory rather than a flat beam.

Also, your optic sits an inch or more higher than the center of your barrel. This offset, known as sight height over bore, means the optic lens and the barrel look along slightly different angles. A laser indicates barrel alignment, but it cannot account for bullet velocity, projectile weight, or barrel vibration during live recoil.

Use bore sighting to establish your initial paper zero. Once at the firing range, place a target at your chosen distance, such as 25 yards for handguns or 50 yards for rifles. Fire a calm three-shot group with your target ammunition. Inspect your hits, which should sit within a few inches of center, and make final click adjustments on your optic dials to finish your zero.

What should you look for in a bore sight kit?

A quality laser bore sight kit simplifies optic setup and saves money on range ammunition. Caliber compatibility is the most critical feature to verify. Universal kits with clearly numbered adapters spanning from .17 caliber up to 12-gauge shotguns ensure a snug fit across different firearms. An adapter that matches your barrel diameter prevents the laser from tilting off-center.

Laser color and brightness also matter. Red lasers work reliably for indoor setups, basement benches, and low-light outdoor conditions at dusk. If you prefer sighting outdoors under bright daylight, a vivid green laser offers noticeably better visibility against target paper.

Consider the power system as well. Kits with built-in rechargeable batteries eliminate the need to purchase uncommon button cells, while durable push-button switches prevent the laser from turning on accidentally inside your range bag.

Finally, make sure your optic is properly mounted before you begin sighting. Secure all base screws with an inch-pound torque tool to match the optic maker's specifications, and use a small drop of thread-locking fluid. A loose sight plate will shake out of alignment under live recoil, ruining your careful laser setup.

1

AEROSHOT Bore Sight Laser Red — Fits .22 to .50

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• ARS Mark

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  9.4
• Brand
  AEROSHOT

Key specs2

Caliber Coverage

.22 to .50 cal, 12GA and 20GA

Housing Material

The stainless steel construction provides rigid durability to resist scratching when sliding into the barrel crown.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Stainless steel body resists wear and surface scratching during muzzle insertion
• Tool-free design allows quick arbor setup without needing separate hex keys
• Broad coverage spans .22 to .50 caliber firearms as well as 12GA and 20GA shotguns
• Assembled in the USA and backed by a manufacturer limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Red laser beam washes out more easily in bright daylight than green lasers
• Does not accommodate smaller sub-caliber barrels below .22 caliber like .177

2

MidTen Laser Bore Sight Kit, Professional Green Laser Bore Sight

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• ARS Mark

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  9.2
• Brand
  MidTen

Key specs2

Battery Runtime

Up to 17 hours on a 2-hour charge

Adapter System

• 32 individually numbered adapters
• Spans 0.17 caliber up to 12-gauge shotgun bores
• Includes dedicated charging cable and storage case

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Rechargeable internal battery delivers up to 17 hours of runtime on a 2-hour charge
• Comes with 32 numbered adapters covering 0.17 caliber bores up to 12-gauge shotguns
• Bright Class IIIA green laser provides high daylight visibility up to 300 yards
• Factory laser-centering detection helps maintain beam alignment out of the box

Cons

• Weighs 0.88 pounds with the case and accessories, making it bulkier in a field kit
• Laser pre-alignment still requires live-fire verification to establish a true zero

3

Visiofire USB Rechargeable Laser Bore Sight Kit : Green Laser

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• ARS Mark

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  9.2
• Brand
  Visiofire

Key specs2

Caliber Fitting Count

64 upgraded adapters (.17 to 12GA)

Power Source

Charges via USB cable so you do not need to keep spare button cell batteries in your range bag.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Supplies 64 upgraded adapters for precise sizing from 0.17 caliber to 12-gauge
• Rechargeable battery design charges via USB to eliminate buying coin cell batteries
• Green laser diode offers stronger daylight visibility than standard red beams

Cons

• Listing does not state exact continuous battery runtime or charge duration hours
• Housing material is unstated and should be verified for long-term barrel protection

4

Bore Sight Laser Professional Green Laser Bore Sight Kit with

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  9.0
• Brand
  moloxo

Key specs2

Barrel Fitment Range

0.17 caliber to 12-gauge

Beam Color

The green laser beam provides crisp target contrast to align your optic reticle indoors or at dusk.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Includes 32 caliber adapters to accommodate rifle and pistol barrels from 0.17 to 12GA
• Bright green laser beam provides clear visibility against targets when aligning sights
• Supports multiple calibers across rifles and handguns without extra accessory packs

Cons

• Battery model, continuous runtime, and charging method are unstated in the data
• Warranty terms and chassis material must be verified on the product page

5

CVLIFE Professional Laser Bore Sight Kit with 32 Adapters fit

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• ARS Mark

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  8.8
• Brand
  CVLIFE

Key specs2

Power Switch Type

Push-button switch

Adapter Selection

The kit supplies 32 adapters to seat snugly in barrels from 0.17 caliber up to 12-gauge.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Dedicated button switch allows quick on and off control without removing batteries
• Supplied with 32 adapters to fit barrel sizes from 0.17 caliber rimfire up to 12-gauge
• Bright green laser dot stays visible against targets across varying light conditions

Cons

• Battery model and estimated operating runtime are unstated in manufacturer specs
• Must be manually shut off using the push button to prevent accidental battery drain

6

CVLIFE Professional Laser Bore Sight Kit with 32 Adapters fit

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• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.8
• Brand
  CVLIFE

Key specs2

Activation Method

Push-button on/off switch

Optic Alignment Role

Places a red reference dot on your target to pre-align windage and elevation dials before live-fire zeroing.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Push button switch provides instant beam activation without unthreading battery caps
• Includes 32 adapters covering standard rifle, pistol, and shotgun calibers from 0.17 to 12GA
• Clear red laser diode offers dependable indoor alignment points while saving power

Cons

• Red laser dot is harder to see against outdoor targets in direct bright sunlight
• Specific battery type and housing metal composition are unstated in the listing

7

StrongTools Red BoreSighter 177 to 12GA Caliber Rifle Scope Handgun

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• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.8
• Brand
  StrongTools

Key specs2

Battery Capacity

800mAh battery included

Adapter System

• 12 caliber adapters included
• Fits from .177 airguns up to 12-gauge shotguns
• Engineered to seat securely without sticking in the barrel

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Includes an 800mAh battery for extended power during multi-optic sight-in sessions
• Comes with 12 adapters engineered to fit .177 caliber airguns up to 12-gauge shotguns
• Press switch design allows quick on and off operation during turret adjustments
• Lightweight build at approximately 0.10 pounds avoids pulling down the muzzle tip

Cons

• Supplies 12 adapters compared to 32 or 64 in larger multi-caliber kits
• Red laser washes out faster in full outdoor sunlight than green beam models

8

MidTen Rechargeable Bore Sight Laser for .17-12GA, Green Laser Boresighter

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• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.8
• Brand
  MidTen

Key specs3

Chassis Material

Machined aluminum

Laser Specifications

Emits a Class IIIA 532nm green beam under 5mW, rated for 30 to 300 yards of visibility day or night.

Warranty Length

60 days

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 17 hours of use on a 2-hour charge
• Class IIIA 532nm green laser projects a visible beam rated from 30 to 300 yards
• Rigid aluminum chassis resists bending to help protect internal laser alignment
• Includes 16 numbered adapters covering calibers from .17 up to 12-gauge

Cons

• Limited 60-day manufacturer warranty provides shorter coverage than lifetime plans
• Plastic adapters require careful threading to avoid damage during installation

9

EZshoot Bore Sight Kit Bright Red Dot Laser BoreSighter with

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• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.6
• Brand
  EZshoot

Key specs2

Switch Mechanism

Large push-button switch

Bore Fitment

Designed to support firearm muzzles spanning .17 caliber rimfire up to 12-gauge shotgun barrels.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Large push button switch makes toggling the laser on and off simple and fast
• Broad caliber fitment supports barrels ranging from .17 caliber up to 12-gauge
• Red dot reference helps align optic crosshairs indoors prior to live-fire range trips

Cons

• Exact count of included adapters is unstated in the listing and must be verified
• Red laser beam provides less contrast against bright outdoor backgrounds than green

Last update on 2026-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQs

How far away should your target be while bore sighting?

A distance of 25 yards is the ideal sweet spot for laser bore sighting. This range gives the beam enough space to highlight alignment errors without letting the laser point become faint or blurry. If you are working indoors with limited room, 10 to 15 yards works to get your shots on paper, though you will need minor fine-tuning at the range.

Should you choose a red laser or a green laser?

Green lasers provide superior visibility outdoors in direct sunlight because human eyes detect green wavelengths much more easily than red. Red lasers are more budget-friendly and work perfectly in garages, basements, or outdoor sessions at dusk. If you do all your initial sight alignment indoors at your workbench, a red laser will handle the job easily.

Why is my live shot hitting lower than the laser?

Live bullets hit lower than a laser because real projectiles drop under gravity as they travel downrange, whereas laser beams stay dead straight. In addition, your sight sits higher than the bore axis of the barrel. Firing live confirmation groups at the range allows you to compensate for this natural bullet drop and sight offset.

How do you stop muzzle adapters from getting stuck?

Select the exact adapter marked for your caliber and turn the expansion screw just until you feel light resistance before inserting it. Never force an oversized adapter into the muzzle, and never tighten the screw after the arbor is already seated. If an adapter feels stubborn, apply a drop of gun oil to the rubber collar and withdraw it straight out.