First Impressions of P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter
The P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter promises to be a cost-effective tool for zeroing rifles, saving precious ammunition and range time. P2M, known for budget-friendly optics and accessories, aims to deliver a simple, accurate solution for getting shooters on target. For under $20, it’s a proposition that sounds almost too good to be true, sparking a healthy dose of skepticism.
My interest in this bore sighter stemmed from countless frustrating range sessions. I often find myself burning through boxes of .223 ammunition just to get a new optic sighted in. A reliable bore sighter would drastically cut down on ammo costs and reduce the overall time spent zeroing.
Upon unboxing, the P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter felt surprisingly solid, given its price point. The aluminum construction appeared reasonably well-machined, and the red finish was cleanly applied. However, the tiny LR41 batteries and the somewhat flimsy battery compartment door raised immediate concerns about longevity and reliability.
Compared to higher-end bore sighters from brands like Sightmark or Bushnell, the P2M lacks the robust feel and refined design. But those options come with a significantly higher price tag. I ultimately chose the P2M due to its affordability and the promise of a quick, easy solution for bore sighting my AR-15.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter seemed like a potentially useful tool. I hoped it would provide a decent approximation for zeroing, but the bargain-bin price tempered my expectations considerably.
Real-World Testing: Putting P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter at my local outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. The goal was to zero a newly mounted red dot optic on my AR-15. I began by inserting the bore sighter into the chamber, expecting a clear red dot on the target at 25 yards.
Immediately, I encountered a significant issue: the laser dot was extremely faint and difficult to see, even in relatively shaded conditions. It was almost impossible to discern the dot on a standard paper target in the bright sunlight. I spent a frustrating 30 minutes trying to adjust the optic based on the barely visible laser, and the results were disappointing.
The P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter proved largely ineffective for its intended purpose. The weak laser made precise adjustments nearly impossible. After expending more ammunition than anticipated, I finally managed to achieve a rough zero.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial disappointing range session, I attempted to use the P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter again on a subsequent trip. This time, I planned to zero a scope on a different AR-15 in an indoor range setting with controlled lighting. Even indoors, the laser dot was still noticeably dim.
Over the next few weeks, the P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter showed further signs of degradation. The battery compartment became increasingly difficult to close, and the laser intermittently flickered. The bore sighter’s overall durability appeared questionable.
Compared to my experiences with more robust bore sighters, the P2M was a clear letdown. It failed to provide the accuracy and reliability needed for efficient zeroing. The initial promise of a budget-friendly solution quickly faded, replaced by frustration and wasted ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter
Specifications
The P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter is designed for use with firearms chambered in .223 Remington. The bore sighter is constructed from Aluminum, offering a lightweight and relatively durable housing. The device is powered by three LR41 batteries.
The bore sighter emits a Red laser dot, intended to represent the rifle’s bore axis for sight alignment. The LR41 batteries are small button cells, known for their compact size but limited power output. The aluminum construction aims to provide some resistance to impact and wear, but it’s not comparable to higher-grade steel options.
Performance & Functionality
The P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter’s primary function is to provide a visual reference for aligning a rifle’s sights or scope with the bore. Ideally, this should drastically reduce the number of rounds needed to zero the firearm. Unfortunately, the weak laser output severely hampers this function.
The main weakness is the laser’s lack of visibility, particularly in daylight. This makes it difficult to use effectively in most outdoor shooting scenarios. The device barely meets expectations, and falls short of being a truly helpful tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter features a simple, cartridge-shaped design that chambers like a standard .223 round. The Aluminum construction keeps the weight down, but the battery compartment is poorly designed and feels flimsy. There’s no significant learning curve, as it’s simply inserted into the chamber.
The overall build quality is adequate for the price. However, the cheap plastics used for the battery door detract from the perceived quality. The P2M feels somewhat fragile compared to more robust bore sighters.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction and materials, the P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter doesn’t appear to be built for long-term durability. The weak laser and flimsy battery compartment are potential points of failure. Maintenance is limited to replacing the batteries, but even that is made difficult by the poor battery compartment design.
It’s unlikely to last through heavy use. Disassembly for repair is not intended, making it essentially a disposable tool.
Accessories and Customization Options
The P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available. Its design is fixed, and it is not compatible with any aftermarket accessories like enhanced lasers or different calibration tools. The P2M’s simplicity is both its strength and its limitation.
Pros and Cons of P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter
Pros
- Affordable price point. The P2M’s low cost makes it accessible to shooters on a tight budget.
- Simple to use. The device is easy to operate, requiring no specialized knowledge.
- Lightweight and compact. Its small size makes it easy to transport and store.
Cons
- Weak laser output. The laser is difficult to see, particularly in daylight conditions.
- Questionable durability. The battery compartment and overall construction feel flimsy.
- Inaccurate. The weak laser makes precise sight adjustments difficult.
Who Should Buy P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter?
The P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter might be suitable for someone on an extremely limited budget who primarily shoots indoors or in very low-light conditions. It could also serve as a very basic starting point for new shooters who are unfamiliar with bore sighting, providing a general approximation before fine-tuning at the range. However, even for these users, the limitations are significant.
Those who value accuracy, reliability, and ease of use should skip this product. Serious shooters, hunters, or anyone who needs to quickly and effectively zero their rifle will likely find the P2M frustrating and ineffective.
A must-have modification would be a brighter laser, but this isn’t possible with the current design. Investing in a higher-quality bore sighter is a better option.
Conclusion on P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter
The P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter promises a budget-friendly solution for zeroing rifles, but ultimately falls short of delivering on that promise. The weak laser output and questionable durability make it a frustrating tool to use. While the low price is appealing, the performance limitations make it a poor value overall.
The price is not justified, considering the P2M’s ineffectiveness. The cost of wasted ammunition due to inaccurate bore sighting will likely outweigh the initial savings.
I would not recommend the P2M .223 Remington Caliber Laser Bore Sighter. Invest in a higher-quality bore sighter for a more accurate, reliable, and enjoyable zeroing experience. Your time and ammunition are worth more than the few dollars saved on this inferior product.