How to Use a Laser Bore Sight to Get on Paper

Clear the Firearm and Choose a Safe Backstop

Safety is the first step whenever you handle a firearm for maintenance or sighting. A laser bore sight requires you to look near the muzzle opening or place tools inside the barrel. You must confirm that the firearm cannot fire before you touch any tools.

• Drop the magazine: Press the magazine release and remove the magazine from the firearm completely. Place the magazine in another room so no live ammunition stays near your work area.
• Open the action: Pull the charging handle, slide, or bolt all the way back. Lock the action open so you have a direct view into the chamber.
• Check the chamber visually and physically: Look directly into the chamber opening to confirm no brass or live round is present. Stick your index finger into the empty chamber to physically verify that the space is clear.
• Pick an impenetrable backstop: Aim the firearm only toward a solid backstop, even when you know the gun is completely unloaded. A basement concrete wall, a solid brick exterior wall, or a dedicated dirt berm at the range are all reliable choices. Never point the barrel toward interior drywall, doors, or windows where family members or pets could walk past.

Once you verify that the firearm is clear and pointed at a safe backstop, keep all live ammunition out of your workspace. Never bring live cartridges to the bench while using bore sighting tools.

Set Your Target Distance and Secure the Firearm

Bore sighting aligns the center of your barrel tube with the aiming dot of your optic. Because light travels in a dead-straight line while bullets travel in an arc, setting the correct distance for your alignment target makes a big difference.

A distance of 25 yards is the standard benchmark for most red dot sights and rifles. At 25 yards, the laser dot stays small and crisp, and it matches closely with common bullet trajectories. If you are working indoors where space is limited, you can set your target at 10 to 15 yards. Just remember that closer distances require you to account for height-over-bore offset.

Height-over-bore is the vertical space between the center of the barrel tube and the center of your optic glass. On an AR-15 or similar modern rifle, a red dot often sits 1.5 to 2.6 inches above the barrel bore. If you align the optic dot directly over the laser dot at 10 yards, your rifle will actually shoot several inches high at 100 yards. At 25 yards, this vertical difference is much smaller and easier to manage.

You cannot hold the firearm in your hands while bore sighting. Natural body tremors, breathing, and muscle fatigue will cause the dot to wobble all over the wall. Lay the firearm across sturdy sandbags, a dedicated bench vise, or a firm shooting rest on a flat table. The firearm must stay completely motionless without you touching it so you can turn your adjustment dials accurately.

Laser beams can wash out under bright overhead lights or direct sunlight. If you are outdoors at the shooting range, pick an overcast day, wait for dusk, or place your paper target in a shaded area. Indoors, dimming the room lights makes the red or green laser dot much easier to spot against the paper.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Align Your Dot Sight with the Laser

Follow these numbered steps to mount your bore sight tool, align your reticle, and prepare your firearm for the range.

1. Install fresh batteries and power on the laser unit.

   Unscrew the battery compartment cap, install the small button cells according to the polarity markings (+ and -), and screw the cap back on or flip the button switch. Verifying that the beam turns on before inserting the tool ensures you do not waste time adjusting dials if the battery is dead or loose.

2. Fit the tool into the chamber or muzzle.

   If you have a cartridge-style unit shaped like a brass case, slide it directly into the empty chamber and gently close the bolt or slide against it without letting the action slam shut. If you have an arbor kit with expansion adapters, select the adapter matching your caliber (from .17 caliber up to 12 gauge), tighten the tiny expansion screw until it fits snugly, and push the stem straight into the muzzle opening. Proper seating keeps the laser centered along the exact axis of the bore.

3. Check for runout by rotating the muzzle tool.

   With the laser projected on your target at 25 yards, gently twist the muzzle tool with your fingers through a 360-degree rotation. If the laser dot remains in one spot, the tool is seated straight. If the laser dot traces a large circle on the wall, the adapter is sitting crooked in the rifling and needs to be re-seated or tightened evenly before you continue.

4. Settle the firearm on your rest and aim at the target.

   Position the firearm on your sandbags so the laser dot rests directly in the center of your paper target without anyone holding the stock. A stable rest guarantees that any movement you see on the target comes from your optic adjustment knobs rather than the firearm shifting position.

5. Adjust your optic elevation dial onto the laser dot.

   Remove the adjustment cap from the top turret of your dot sight. Turn the elevation click dial (marked Up and Down) until the reticle moves vertically toward the laser dot. Turning the dial matches the optic line of sight to the vertical plane of the bore.

6. Adjust your optic windage dial to center the reticle horizontally.

   Remove the adjustment cap from the side turret of your dot sight. Turn the windage click dial (marked Left and Right) until your aiming dot aligns horizontally over the laser point. Turning this dial matches the optic line of sight to the horizontal plane of the bore.

7. Account for mechanical height-over-bore offset.

   If you are sighting at 25 yards or closer, do not drop the reticle completely on top of the laser dot. Leave your optic aiming dot roughly 1.0 to 1.5 inches directly above the laser dot. Leaving this small gap accounts for the optical height above the barrel, preventing your first live shot from landing wildly off the bottom of the target.

8. Immediately remove the laser tool from the firearm.

   Pull the arbor tool straight out of the muzzle, or open the bolt and use a wooden dowel or your fingers to extract the cartridge unit from the chamber. Leaving an obstruction inside the barrel when firing live ammunition creates catastrophic pressure that can rupture the barrel and cause severe personal injury.

Confirm Your Alignment with Live Ammo at the Range

A laser bore sight is an alignment tool designed to get your first live shot onto paper. It does not replace live-fire zeroing. Bullet flight involves natural physics that no laser can duplicate.

A laser beam shoots out in a perfectly straight line forever. In contrast, a real bullet drops downward due to gravity the moment it exits the muzzle opening. In addition, atmospheric pressure, wind, bullet weight, powder charge, and barrel vibration (harmonics) all alter where the projectile strikes the target. Bore sighting simply guarantees that your sights and your barrel are pointing in the same general direction.

Once you reach the shooting range, set up a large target backer at 25 yards. Load three live rounds, take a steady rest from a shooting bench, and fire a three-round group while keeping your optic aiming dot held dead center. Inspect the paper to see where your shots clustered.

Measure the distance from the center of your three-shot group to the bullseye. If your group is two inches low and one inch to the right, use the click dials on your optic to move the reticle. Most dot sights use adjustments where one click moves the point of impact 0.5 inches or 1.0 inch at 100 yards (which equals 1/8 to 1/4 inch per click at 25 yards). Refer to the markings stamped inside your turret caps to calculate how many clicks you need.

After adjusting the dials, fire another three rounds to confirm the point of impact. Once your shots hit the bullseye at 25 yards, you can move your target out to 50 or 100 yards to complete your final zero. If you run backup iron sights on your rifle, this is also the right time to check them through the optic glass. You can learn more about setting up your backup sights by checking our guide to the best iron sights for cowitness with red dot sights in 2026.

What to Look for in a Laser Bore Sight Kit

If you shoot multiple calibers or mount optics on different firearms regularly, having the right style of bore sight makes setup straightforward. Choosing the right tool comes down to how it mounts, the beam color, and how the power switches on.

Multi-caliber arbor kits feature a long metal probe that slides directly into the muzzle opening. These kits use interchangeable expansion adapters made from rubber or flexible polymer. As you tighten the retaining screw, the adapter swells outwards to grip the interior barrel rifling. A versatile multi-caliber kit typically includes numbered adapters to fit everything from small .17 caliber barrels up to 12-gauge shotgun bores. These kits are convenient because one package services every rifle and handgun in your safe.

Caliber-specific cartridge units, on the other hand, are machined out of solid brass to match the exact exterior dimensions of a specific cartridge case, such as 9mm, .223 Remington, or .308 Winchester. You slip the cartridge directly into the chamber and close the action. These units eliminate barrel adapter alignment issues because they sit against the chamber walls just like real brass. But you must buy a separate unit for every distinct caliber you own.

Beam color is another practical choice. Red lasers are common, affordable, and draw minimal battery power. Green lasers are significantly brighter to the human eye, making them much easier to locate against outdoor targets in daylight, though they drain small button batteries faster. Finally, look for units with an external push-button switch rather than designs requiring you to remove the battery cap to shut off the beam.

1

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

Power Source

USB rechargeable battery

Caliber Compatibility

• Fits calibers from .17 up to 12 gauge
• Supplied with 64 muzzle adapters
• Works with rifles, pistols, and shotguns

Pros & cons32

Pros

• USB rechargeable design eliminates the need for disposable button cells
• Includes 64 adapters to fit calibers ranging from .17 up to 12 gauge
• Green laser output delivers crisp visibility when aligning dot sights

Cons

• Internal battery requires access to a USB charging source between sessions
• Product details do not list runtime per charge or adapter numbering

2

Bore Sight Laser Professional Green Laser Bore Sight Kit with

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  9.0
• Brand
  moloxo

Key specs2

Laser Emitter

Bright green laser

Adapter Selection

The 32 included adapters seat into muzzles from .17 caliber up to 12 gauge to center your optic before live firing.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Bright green laser provides clear projection during optic alignment
• Includes 32 adapters to accommodate bore diameters from .17 to 12 gauge
• Versatile fit supports rifles, handguns, and shotguns

Cons

• Listing omits battery specification, runtime, and switch style
• Offers fewer adapter sizes than larger 50-piece or 64-piece kits

3

Bore Sight Laser, Professional Red Laser Bore Sight Kit with

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• ARS Mark

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  9.0
• Brand
  Despwolf

Key specs2

Laser Emitter

Bright red laser

Caliber Range

.17 caliber to 12 gauge

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Red laser provides a clear aiming point for indoor bore sighting
• Comes with 32 adapters supporting calibers between .17 and 12 gauge
• Compatible with pistols, rifles, and shotguns

Cons

• Red beam can be difficult to see on targets under bright daylight
• Product information does not disclose battery model or runtime hours

4

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

Switch Mechanism

Push button switch

Muzzle Fit Range

Covers bore diameters from .17 caliber up to 12 gauge using 32 separate adapters for diverse hunting firearms.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Dedicated push button switch allows quick on and off power activation
• Bright green laser beam assists with visibility at longer distances
• Includes 32 adapters covering .17 caliber up to 12 gauge barrels

Cons

• Green laser diodes typically consume battery reserves faster than red diodes
• Listing does not state runtime hours or the specific battery model required

5

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

Switch Mechanism

Push button switch

Target Setup

Ideal for aligning dot sights indoors or in shaded light at 25 yards before heading out for live confirmation.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Push button switch enables effortless control without unscrewing components
• Clear red laser beam creates a precise dot for indoor target alignment
• Ships with 32 adapters to fit calibers ranging from .17 to 12 gauge

Cons

• Red laser dot is harder to pick up against bright outdoor backdrops
• Battery type, operating life, and adapter markings are left unstated

6

EZshoot Bore Sight 9mm Red Laser Boresighter with 4 Sets

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• ARS Mark

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  8.8
• Brand
  EZshoot

Key specs2

Mounting Method

Direct 9mm chamber cartridge

Chamber Advantage

Chambers just like a standard cartridge, keeping the laser aligned along the bore axis without touching the muzzle crown.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Direct 9mm cartridge shape chambers directly without muzzle adapter setup
• Aligns directly with the barrel bore from inside the chamber
• Ships with 4 sets of batteries to keep the unit ready for immediate use

Cons

• Limited strictly to 9mm firearms with no multi-caliber versatility
• Lacks a power button, requiring battery extraction to turn off the beam

7

Professional Laser Bore Sighting Kit： Green Bore Sight with 50

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  8.8
• Brand
  MCREHOTZ

Key specs3

Battery Life

Up to 32 hours continuous

Laser Specs

• 520nm green wavelength
• Class IIIA output under 5mW
• Visible up to 300 yards

Adapter Organization

Comes with 50 serialized adapters covering .17HMR through 12 gauge, paired with instructions for quick identification.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• 50 numbered adapters with serial numbers make caliber selection simple
• High-power 520nm green laser offers target visibility out to 300 yards
• Class IIIA laser delivers under 5mW output with push button operation
• Includes 2 CR2 batteries providing up to 32 hours of continuous use

Cons

• Kit case and accessories require more storage space than cartridge models
• Users must ensure adapter screws are snug to prevent rotation during alignment

8

EZshoot Bore Sight Kit Bright Red Dot Laser BoreSighter with

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• ARS Mark

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  8.6
• Brand
  EZshoot

Key specs2

Control Style

Big button switch

Alignment Application

Seats into muzzle ends from .17 to 12 gauge to bring optic reticles onto paper before live ammunition shooting.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Large button switch makes turning the laser on and off fast and simple
• Fits a broad spectrum of firearms from .17 caliber up to 12 gauge
• Red laser provides a distinct dot for zeroing sights at typical home distances

Cons

• Listing does not state the exact number or indexing of included adapters
• Red dot visibility is reduced in bright outdoor sun compared to green beams

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

FAQs

Does the bore sight go into the chamber or the tip of the barrel?

It depends on which style of tool you purchase. Caliber-specific units are shaped like real ammunition casings and slide directly into the firearm chamber. Multi-caliber kits use long metal stems with expanding rubber adapters that push into the muzzle opening at the front tip of the barrel.

What distance should I set my target for bore sighting?

A distance of 25 yards is the ideal setup distance for almost all red dot sights and rifles. At 25 yards, the laser dot stays compact and bright while matching closely with initial bullet trajectory. If you are working indoors with limited room, 10 to 15 yards works well as long as you leave your optic dot slightly higher than the laser point to account for height-over-bore offset.

Why does the laser dot wander when I spin the tool in the barrel?

If the laser dot traces a wide circle when you twist a muzzle arbor, the expansion adapter is seated crooked inside the barrel rifling. Loosen the screw slightly, push the tool fully flush against the muzzle crown, and gently tighten it so the adapter expands evenly against the bore walls. If you adjust your optic while the tool sits crooked, your sight alignment will be incorrect.

Can I safely laser bore sight my firearm inside my house?

Yes, you can safely bore sight indoors if you follow strict firearm safety precautions. Always drop the magazine, clear the chamber, and check the action both visually and with your finger before beginning. Point the firearm only at a solid, impenetrable backstop such as a poured concrete basement wall, and keep all live ammunition stored in a separate room.