SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass Review

The SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass Made a Bold First Impression

Bore sighting has always felt like a necessary evil, a prelude to the joy of truly zeroing a rifle. For years, I’ve relied on the “eyeball-down-the-barrel” method, a technique as old as firearms themselves. But when I recently acquired a vintage .22 LR rifle for some small-game hunting, the need for a more precise and less wasteful method became apparent. Enter the SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass.

I was tired of burning through precious .22 LR ammunition just to get close to zero. The promise of saving both time and ammo drew me to this product. My initial reaction upon unboxing the SME Sight-Rite was a pleasant surprise at its compact size and what appeared to be solid construction. The brass casing looked and felt durable, giving an immediate impression of quality.

Compared to universal bore sighting systems I’ve used in the past, which often feel clunky and imprecise, the SME Sight-Rite’s caliber-specific design seemed far more promising. I considered a magnetic bore sighter, but the potential for scratching the bore or not seating correctly steered me away. This product seemed a better fit for my specific .22 LR rifle.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. Could something so simple, and so affordable at $15.49, really deliver the accuracy it promised? Only real-world testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass came at my local outdoor shooting range. The day was slightly overcast, ideal for spotting a laser beam. I inserted the Sight-Rite into the chamber of my .22 LR rifle, following the simple instructions provided. The laser projected a clear red dot onto the target at 25 yards.

I tested the laser at 25 and 50 yards. The laser dot was still clearly visible at both distances. The ease of use was immediately apparent; no complex adjustments or tools required. My initial rough adjustments to the scope brought me significantly closer to zero than my previous “eyeball” method ever had.

There were no immediate issues. The device fit snugly into the chamber, and the laser beam was consistent. The only minor surprise was the brightness of the laser – even in daylight, it was quite visible.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions spanning a couple of months, the SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass has proven to be a reliable tool. It still produces a bright, consistent laser dot. The brass casing shows no signs of wear, despite repeated insertion and removal.

Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe with a clean cloth is usually sufficient. The batteries, while not heavily used, still hold a charge well. Compared to the frustration and wasted ammo of previous bore sighting attempts, the SME Sight-Rite has been a welcome improvement.

It consistently gets me much closer to zero than manual methods. It allows me to focus on fine-tuning my adjustments rather than chasing the target all over the paper.

Breaking Down the Features of SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass

Specifications

The SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass is a caliber-specific bore sighting tool designed for .22 LR firearms. It features a precision-machined brass casing to mimic a .22 LR cartridge. This ensures a snug and accurate fit within the chamber. It uses a high-output red laser to project a visible dot downrange. The system includes three button-cell batteries to power the laser.

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Material: Brass Casing
• Laser Color: Red
• Power Source: Three (3) Button Cell Batteries (included)

These specifications are critical for performance. The brass casing ensures a precise fit. This avoids the slop and inaccuracy found in universal bore sighters. The high-output laser provides visibility even in daylight conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass performs its primary job exceptionally well. It gets you on paper quickly and efficiently. Its accuracy is limited by the inherent wobble present when inserting and removing a round from the chamber, but it is much more precise than naked eye bore sighting.

The Sight-Rite’s strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. A potential weakness could be battery life over extensive use, though I have not encountered any issues so far. It certainly meets, and arguably exceeds, expectations for a product in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the SME Sight-Rite is straightforward and functional. The brass casing is well-machined, and the laser housing is securely attached. Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to store and transport.

The device is incredibly user-friendly. There’s essentially no learning curve; insert it into the chamber, and you’re ready to go.

Durability & Maintenance

The brass casing seems robust and durable. The laser module appears well-sealed. With proper care, the SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass should last for years.

Maintenance is minimal. Keeping the brass casing clean and storing the device properly when not in use is all that’s required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass comes with three button-cell batteries. There are no additional accessories or customization options available, nor are they really needed. The device is designed for a specific purpose. Any modifications would likely compromise its accuracy and reliability. It is not compatible with any accessories from other brands.

Pros and Cons of SME Sight-Rite Laser Bore Sighting System 22 LR Brass