How to Boresight a Rifle Scope the Old Fashion Way | MidwayUSA Gunsmithing

Published on March 26, 2007
Duration: 1:37

Larry Potterfield, founder of MidwayUSA, demonstrates the 'old-fashioned' method of boresighting a rifle scope. This technique involves physically aligning the rifle's bore with a target using a gun vise, then adjusting the scope's windage and elevation turrets to match the bore's line of sight. While this method gets the rifle 'on paper,' a final sight-in at the range is still necessary for precise accuracy.

Quick Summary

The old-fashioned boresighting method involves removing the rifle's bolt, securing the firearm in a gun vise, and aligning the bore with a target. Subsequently, the scope's windage and elevation turrets are adjusted to match the bore's line of sight, ensuring the rifle is 'on paper' before final sight-in at the range.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Boresighting
  2. 00:11Aligning the Bore
  3. 00:33Adjusting Scope Windage
  4. 00:59Adjusting Elevation and Final Check
  5. 01:25Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in the old-fashioned boresighting method?

The first step is to ensure the firearm is unloaded, remove the bolt, and then place the rifle securely in a gun vise, positioning a target at approximately 30 feet.

How do you adjust the scope during boresighting?

After aligning the bore with the target, you adjust the scope's windage and elevation turrets using a screwdriver to bring the crosshairs into alignment with the bullseye, without moving the rifle itself.

Is boresighting the same as zeroing a rifle?

No, boresighting is a preliminary alignment that gets the rifle 'on paper.' A final sight-in at the shooting range is required to achieve precise accuracy and zero the rifle for your specific ammunition.

What tools are needed for old-fashioned boresighting?

Essential tools include an unloaded rifle with its bolt removed, a stable gun vise (like the Tipton Best Gun Vise), a target placed at a suitable distance, and a screwdriver for making scope adjustments.

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