Easy Way to Sight a Rifle Without a Bore Sight

A bore sight, whether laser-operated or optical, may be the easiest method of sighting in a rifle, but it is not the only method. Before the advent of bore sighting, scopes were still mounted; in fact, it is possible to sight in a rifle just as accurately without a bore sight as it is with one. A slightly greater time investment is involved, but the result is top of the line.

  1. Rifle position

    • Secure the gun in a relatively stable position. A vise loosely clamped with a towel to protect the stock is the best arrangement, but sandbags supporting the barrel and stock can also work. Align the rifle to point at a target 25 yards away.

    First shot

    • Load one round into the chamber and fire it at the target, making sure to keep the rifle as stable as possible during and after the shot. Then adjust the scope on the rifle so that the cross hairs intersect at the point where the bullet hit the target. Line the objective of the scope as closely as you can to the impact point by twisting the windage knobs on the top and side of the scope.

    Final sighting

    • To fine tune the sighting of the gun, remove it from the vise or gun rest and shoot several rounds, aiming through the scope. Make any further adjustments necessary between groups, twisting the windage knobs to raise or lower your grouping or shift it to the right or left. After you have zeroed the rifle at 25 yards, shoot a few groups at 100 or 200 yards to make sure the sighting is precise.