While zeroing your scope can be an easy task, it can also sometimes be a tedious and wasteful process. You need to go down to the shooting range and waste precious (and expensive) ammo to get your scope good to go. Bore sights help you adjust your scope and prevent ammo wastage.
Bore sighting is the process of aligning your scope (or any other type of sight) with the center of the weapon’s barrel (the bore). In the old days, this was done by removing the bolt and looking through the barrel of the gun, aiming it at a target, and, without moving the rifle, centering the scope on that same target.
Of course, this was a laborious task. Nowadays, while classic bore sighting is still possible with some rifles, the classic method does not work due to the intricate and complex builds of the newer weapons. But bore sighting can still be done.
It can be done in a multitude of ways, but the easiest and more common way of bore sighting is by using a laser. The laser attaches magnetically or is inserted into the barrel of the gun, allowing users to center the laser on a target, and then centering the crosshairs to that same target.
In this article, I am going to help you choose the best laser bore sights for AR15s and help you zero your scope without any wasted ammo. After careful testing and consideration, I can confidently say that Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter is the best option!
Are you ready? Let’s get started.
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Best Laser Bore Sights for AR15 Review
Here is a list of the best laser bore sights for your own AR-15 set-up.
- Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter
- MBS-1 LaserLyte Universal Laser Bore Sight
- SiteLite Mag Laser Boresighter
- Sightmark .223, 5.56×45 NATO Boresight with Red Laser
- 223 Laser Bore Sight Red Dot in-Chamber Cartridge
#1. Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter
It can be somewhat surprising how a small laser can be so expensive, but the fact is that the Wheeler[1]https://www.wheelertools.com/ Professional is well worth its price. Its accuracy is unparalleled, and it will help you zero in your sights without incurring in any additional ammo expenses, paying for itself in the long run.
The laser housing is made from machined aluminum and most of the laser is protected by rubber. This is a durable tool that can be haphazardly thrown into any toolbox without suffering any damage — even though Wheeler includes a molded plastic storage case. The included 123A battery is also extremely durable, and will potentially last you for a few years, even with semi-regular use.
The bore sight connects to the muzzle via a magnetic connection and is compatible with most weapons. The connection is solid and exerts no additional pressure on your weapon, minimizing any potential damage.
The green laser is extremely bright[2]https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/1229046/— as green lasers tend to be. During the day, and in broad daylight, the laser can be seen for up to 25 yards, a distance which increases the less the sun shines.
The Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter might just be the best laser bore sight for AR15s. Despite its price, it is durable, bright, and very, very accurate, making it easy to recommend. And if you’re new, be sure to read about AR 15 bore sighting the correct way!
How accurate is this laser?
The laser goes in a straight line, so it should be pretty accurate. The thing is that the accuracy will depend on the milling of the rifle. In most rifles, there will be enough tolerance so that the bore sight can give you an extremely approximated guess of where the bullet will hit — however, that might not always be the case.
Is this laser bright?
Without getting into specifics, green lasers are always going to be brighter than red lasers. However, it takes a lot of energy to make a laser highly visible in broad daylight — so even consumer-grade green lasers might not be extremely visible.
Still, the green laser on the Wheeler Professional is visible up to a distance of about 25 yards during the day.
So, to answer the question, this laser is very bright — brighter than any red laser, in fact. Just don’t expect any miracles.
#2. MBS-1 LaserLyte Universal Laser Bore Sight
Most of the laser bore sighting tools work similarly. They either magnetically attach to the muzzle, or they need to be inserted into the barrel. As you can probably tell by its shape, the Laserlyte universal falls into the latter category — which works fine, assuming you have one of the compatible calibers & that you know How to use lasers bore sight AR-15!
To be honest, I prefer magnetic bore sights, still this one does a perfectly fine job. The Laserlyte[3]https://laserlyte.com/ comes with four adaptable heads that match different calibers — from .22 to .50 — and you simply slide it down the barrel of your gun, until the laser end protrudes from the muzzle.
The problem with this method is that, depending on the barrel of the gun, the Laserlyte can seem slightly loose. You can fix this with the included adjustable pieces, but although this bore sight has “universal” in its name, it doesn’t work with every weapon.
Still, when it works it does a great job. The laser is accurate, but however it is somewhat difficult to see. You can’t exactly blame Laserlyte for that — they should have just gone with a green laser instead. No matter if you’re sighting a laser for M&P 9mm or an AR15, this bore sight is a great tool!
On the plus side, this bore sight is somewhat cheaper than the Wheeler Professional. If you are sure your weapon is compatible with this bore sight and you don’t need an extremely bright laser, then this might be the best boresighter for you.
Will this bore sight work with pistols?
Due to the fact that you need to insert the bore sight into the barrel, the Laserlyte will only work with some pistols. If the pistol barrel is too short, the laser won’t fit in the bore and its accuracy will be severely impacted.
#3. SiteLite Mag Laser Boresighter
The SiteLite SL-100 is similar to the Laserlyte bore sighting tool, albeit a bit worse. Do not get me wrong — it will still do its job, but it will leave you somewhat satisfied and you will be left wondering if there isn’t anything better out there. There is, but this one is acceptable too. You can use this tool effectively to zero any of the very best AK red dots or AR-15 optics on the market.
While the Laserlyte does not have any magnetic properties, the SiteLite does. The part that gets inserted into the bore is magnetic and will supposedly attach itself to the bore. This seems like a proper way of securing the bore sight, but the fact is that weapon barrels aren’t that magnetic as you might think. It didn’t work with any of my weapons.
Such as the Laserlyte, the SL-100 also has several different-sized tips that make it compatible with guns that shoot .22 to .50 caliber bullets. This is not a universal measure, but it will work fine with the most common rifles.
The laser itself is okay. It is a red laser, which isn’t particularly bright — but you should still be able to see it in optimal conditions. Its accuracy is okay, and while you will definitely save some ammo when sighting-in your optics with the SL-100, you will still waste more bullets than you would with the Wheeler Professional laser.
This laser isn’t exactly something I’d recommend. However, if you do have it, or if you find a good deal, it isn’t the best bore sight. It gets the job done — there are just some bore sights that do it better.
Does the SiteLite come with a carrying case?
Yes. The bore sight comes with a hard plastic carrying case. The case stores both your rifle and the caliber tips.
How long will the batteries last?
The button batteries included with the SiteLite SL-100 will last for up to 1 hour of continuous use.
#4. Sightmark .223, 5.56×45 NATO Boresight with Red Laser
We know about magnetic bore sights and the ones that you insert, but there is a third type as well — chambered boresights. These type of bore sights are chambered like a regular round, providing unparalleled accuracy. It is just a shame that Sightmark doesn’t always have the best quality control…
When it works, the Sightmark Triple Duty is amazing. The brass casing is resistant and Sightmark makes it available in several different calibers. You simply chamber the round, and the laser will point to where the bullet would hit — it is that simple.
However, the laser will often stop working — which can be troublesome.
If you disregard the functioning problems, what you have here is one of the best bore sights out there. Of course, one can not actually disregard the number of issues that plagues this product, but still…
The laser projected is red and not extremely bright. You will be pressed to see it at 25 yards, but in optimal conditions, you should see it just fine. This holds true for a Walther PPS sight as well as AR-15s! Sightmark includes a carrying pouch that protects the laser bore sight and makes it easy to carry around.
What is the size of the laser at 50 yards?
At 50 yards, the size of the laser will be approximately that of a golf ball.
#5. 223 Laser Bore Sight Red Dot in-Chamber Cartridge
Just like the Sightmark[4]https://sightmark.com/ Triple Duty, the 223 Laser Bore Sight is also an in-chamber bore sight tool. The accuracy is similar on both products — and unfortunately, so are the quality control issues.
Unlike the Sightmark Triple Duty, the 223 Laser Bore Sight is only available for .223 and 5.56 calibers. If your weapon has this caliber, then great, if not… Well, there are other options out there.
If you do choose the 223 Laser Bore, you will find yourself with a brass cartridge of average quality. It is not that impressive, but when it works, it works — which isn’t guaranteed, unfortunately.
At 25 yards the laser is accurate, but you can find it difficult to see — especially if it is very bright. However, when you are able to see it, you will find it relatively accurate. It is not the best money can buy, but thankfully it doesn’t cost a lot either. If you are looking for a cheap, reliable way of sighting in your .223 or 5.56 rifle, then the 223 Laser Bore sight can be a good option. But frankly, there are better products out there.
Can you sight red dot sights with this laser?
Yes. You can sight any type of optic with this in-chamber cartridge. If you need a new AR15 optic, I suggest you check out the best red dot sight for ar 15 with fixed front sight that I’ve tested.
Is this laser made in the USA?
Although it was designed and distributed in the USA, the laser itself was manufactured in China.
Best Laser Bore Sights for AR15 Buyer’s Guide
What is a laser bore sight?
A laser bore sight is a tool that lets you adjust your crosshairs with the bore. It projects a laser that simulates the bullet impact, and you can adjust your crosshairs to match the laser — ensuring that your shots are accurate without having to waste precious ammo. This tool works exceptionally well when trying to zero EOTech optics like their EXPS or even XPS red dots.
There are a few different types of laser bore sights, each with its own method of attaching itself to the rifle, but they all have the same purpose and execute it in similar ways — they all project a laser that mimics a bullet impact.
How to use a laser bore sights
How you use your laser bore sight will depend on the type of laser bore sight that you have. Regardless of their type, their function is the same: to project a laser that simulates a bullet impact. What changes is the way in which you attach the tool to the rifle.
If you have a magnetic bore sight, then you need to attach it to the muzzle of your rifle via the provided magnets.
Chambered bore sights need to be chambered like an actual bullet. They cannot be fired, but they emit a laser straight from the chamber and provide excellent accuracy. So if you’re trying to achieve a 36-yard zero, align your bore sight on the target and make adjustments as necessary!
Inserted bore sights need to be inserted into the bore. They need to be the same size as the caliber of the gun you use, so there is minimal wobble and as much accuracy as possible.
Once you have the bore sight attached to the rifle, you just need to turn the laser on and adjust your crosshairs accordingly.
Benefits of Laser Bore Sights
Laser bore sights offer several benefits to gun owners. The main benefit is they provide improved accuracy and precision when zeroing a firearm. By aligning the bore and sight axis, laser bore sights help shooters achieve more precise shot placement. They also save time and money by eliminating the need for live ammunition or frequent trips to the shooting range for zeroing. Additionally, laser bore sights are generally easy to use, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Laser Bore Sight
Here is a list of factors to consider when shopping for a laser bore sight for your AR-15 rifle.
- Ensure that the laser bore sight is compatible with the specific firearm and caliber you intend to use it on.
- Consider the type of laser bore sight that best suits your preferences and usage. Cartridge-style, chamber-mounted, and external laser bore sights are common options, each with their own advantages and limitations.
- Consider your personal budget limitation as laser bore sights can vary in price. It’s important to strike a balance between quality and affordability based on your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a laser bore sights work?
How accurate are laser bore fighters?
How far away should you laser bore sight?
Do laser bore sights work for pistols?
Can you laser bore sight at 100 yards?
Conclusion
Laser bore sights can provide enormous value by preventing unnecessary ammo expenditure. However, choosing the best laser bore sight for an AR15 is not exactly an easy task. Thankfully, laser bore sights are not that expensive, so this doesn’t need to be a high-pressure purchase.
Of course, we still want to get our money’s worth. That is why I recommend the Wheeler Professional bore sight. Even though it is the most expensive on this list, I found it to be the most accurate and the most reliable. It is a magnetic bore sight, so it is compatible with most weapons out there, and it has a green laser, making it extremely easy to see.
If you prefer to save some of your hard-earned cash, then the Laserlyte is also a good option. This bore sight is not as compatible as the Wheeler Professional, but it covers the more popular calibers from .22 to .50. The laser itself is red and not as visible as the one on the Wheeler Professional, but it still works fine.
If you want to try a in-chamber bore sight, then the Sightmark Triple Duty would be my choice. When it works, it works excellently. However, it is plagued by quality-control issues. Thankfully, it is cheap, so trying it out isn’t really a problem.
Whichever type of bore sight you prefer, the important thing is that they all help you save some valuable ammunition.
Which type of laser bore sight do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below.
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