How to Borescope a Rifle

Sighting in your rifle so that it shoots as accurately as possible is one of the most important responsibilities of any sportsman. Bore scoping, more commonly referred to as bore sighting, will not allow you to hit the bull's eye every time. Rather, this method is intended to expedite the sighting-in process, allowing you to at least hit the target when you begin. It is important to note, however, that you can only bore sight a rifle that allows you to remove the action, such as a bolt action and some lever actions.

Things You'll Need

  • Target
  • Rifle with removable action and scope
  • Stable shooting rest (sandbags or bench rest)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a target approximately 100 yards down range. You can use anything you wish for a target, such as a coffee can or milk carton. You will not be firing any actual rounds when bore scoping/sighting your rifle.

    • 2

      Set up your shooting rest. Again, what you use is up to you. However, sandbags or a bench rest usually work best. You need to have a rest that will allow you to keep your rifle perfectly still.

    • 3

      Remove the action from your rifle. If you have a bolt action, simply slide the bolt out. Some lever actions, such as the Marlin, can be taken out by removing a screw where the lever pivots. If you own an auto-loading rifle or pump-action rifle, you will not be able to bore sight it. You must be able to look through the barrel, from the breech of the rifle, in order to bore sight.

    • 4

      Look through the open barrel and line it up with the target. Once you have centered the target within the barrel, hold the rifle perfectly still.

    • 5

      Look through your scope. You should see that the cross-hairs are not lined up with the target. Again, ensure that the rifle hasn't moved and adjust your scope, left or right, up or down, until the cross-hairs are aimed directly at the target. After the cross-hairs are properly adjusted, your rifle is bore sighted.