The NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter Made a Bold First Impression
Let’s be honest, bore sighting is a necessary evil. No one enjoys wasting expensive ammo trying to get a new scope dialed in. That’s where the NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter comes in. I was tired of the old “eyeball it” method, so I decided to give this inexpensive laser boresighter a try.
I needed a quick and easy way to rough-in my scope settings on my .308 hunting rifle before heading to the range. Time is money, and ammo is definitely money! I’d seen similar products from NcSTAR and other brands, but the price point of this model was too good to pass up.
Unboxing the NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter, I was immediately surprised by its diminutive size. It’s tiny, almost comically so! It felt lightweight, which I suppose is expected given its size and claimed weight of just .4 oz.
Compared to some of the more elaborate magnetic or universal bore sighting systems I’ve seen, this felt almost…underwhelming. I considered a magnetic boresighter but they can be difficult to use in the field without a perfectly flat surface. The NcSTAR seemed easier to pack and use anywhere.
My first impression was a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Could something this small and inexpensive actually work? I was eager to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter was at my local shooting range, just before a deer hunting trip. I had just mounted a new scope on my trusted .308 Winchester rifle and needed a quick way to get on paper. The weather was clear and sunny, perfect conditions for sighting in.
The boresighter slipped easily into the chamber, and the red laser dot was immediately visible on the target 25 yards downrange. It took a few adjustments to align the scope reticle with the laser dot. However, the process was significantly faster and less wasteful than relying solely on live fire.
One minor annoyance was the battery compartment, which felt a little flimsy. Otherwise, the NcSTAR did exactly what it was supposed to do – get me close to zero before firing a single round.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and a successful hunting season, the NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter has held up surprisingly well. While it’s not something I use every day, it’s become a valuable tool in my kit. There are no visible signs of wear and tear.
The aluminum housing seems durable enough for occasional use. Cleaning is simple; just wipe it down with a cloth. I’ve only had to replace the batteries once so far.
Compared to the frustrating experience of wasting ammo and time with the old “guess and check” method, the NcSTAR has been a massive improvement. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done efficiently for the price.
Breaking Down the Features of NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter
Specifications
The NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter is designed for use with .308 Winchester, .243 Winchester, and 7mm-08 Remington chambered rifles. It emits a 5mW red laser beam. It measures just 1.8 inches in length and weighs a mere .4 oz. with batteries installed.
The compact size makes it easy to store in a range bag or hunting pack. The 5mW laser is bright enough to be seen in daylight at close ranges. The stated compatibility with multiple calibers (.308 Win, .243 Win, 7mm-08 Rem) increases its versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter performs its primary function adequately: providing a reference point for initial scope alignment. The red laser is visible, even in decent daylight. It gets you on paper quickly.
The small size and simple design make it easy to use. It’s a basic tool with basic functionality. However, it does have some limitations.
The laser dot isn’t perfectly precise, especially at longer distances. It is most effective at shorter ranges (25-50 yards) for initial zeroing. The battery compartment could be more robust.
Overall, the NcSTAR meets expectations for a product in its price range, getting the job done without fuss.
Design & Ergonomics
The NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter features a simple, cylindrical design made of aluminum. The light weight makes it easy to handle. The smooth surface facilitates easy insertion and removal from the chamber.
The product uses small button cell batteries. The lack of adjustable features keeps things simple, yet limits precision. The battery door is probably the weakest design element.
The NcSTAR prioritizes simplicity and light weight over advanced features or refined ergonomics.
Durability & Maintenance
While the aluminum body of the NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter appears reasonably durable, it’s not built for heavy abuse. Treat it with care and it should last for many uses. The lifespan will depend on the frequency of use and the environment.
Maintenance involves occasional cleaning with a soft cloth and battery replacement as needed. No special tools are required for maintenance. I expect years of occasional use from this.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter is a self-contained unit and doesn’t offer any accessory or customization options. You get what you see. There are no compatibility considerations with other brands.
It is a simple and standalone tool designed for one specific purpose. Its simplicity minimizes the need for customization.
Pros and Cons of NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter
Pros
- Gets you on paper quickly, saving time and ammo.
- Very affordable.
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage and transport.
- Simple to use, no complicated setup required.
- Compatible with multiple .30 caliber cartridges.
Cons
- Laser dot can be imprecise at longer distances.
- Battery compartment feels somewhat flimsy.
- Not as accurate as more expensive bore sighting systems.
Who Should Buy NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter?
The NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter is perfect for hunters and recreational shooters who want a quick and inexpensive way to rough-in their scope settings before heading to the range. It is ideal for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a more elaborate bore sighting system, but still want a faster and more efficient method than “eyeballing” it.
Those seeking pinpoint accuracy at long distances should skip this product and invest in a higher-end bore sighting system or seek professional gunsmithing services. Anyone expecting professional-grade precision from a budget-friendly tool will be disappointed.
Must-have accessories include extra batteries (button cell) and a small screwdriver for the battery compartment.
Conclusion on NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter
The NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter is a surprisingly useful tool for its low price point. It won’t replace a professional gunsmith or a high-end bore sighting system. However, it provides a quick and easy way to get your scope close to zero before heading to the range.
The value proposition is excellent, especially for occasional users who want to save time and ammo. For under $20, it’s hard to go wrong.
I would recommend the NcSTAR 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 5mW Red Laser Boresighter to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and convenient way to get on paper. It’s a no-frills tool that does exactly what it promises. Add it to your range bag today and start saving ammo!