The Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter Made a Bold First Impression
The Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter promises a quick and easy way to get your firearm roughly sighted in, saving you time and ammunition at the range. As someone who’s wrestled with AK and SKS iron sights for years, the promise of a faster zeroing process was immediately appealing. The Aim Sports brand isn’t necessarily known for high-end optics, but for basic tools, they can be worth the money if the function is there.
My need for this boresighter stemmed from a frustrating experience with a newly purchased SKS. I was having extreme difficulty achieving any semblance of accuracy with the original iron sights even at close range. I considered other boresighting methods, like using a traditional mechanical boresighter or even just eyeballing it, but the allure of a laser was too strong. This seemed like the quickest route to dialing in that often tricky 7.62x39mm round.
The packaging was simple, just a small blister pack containing the boresighter itself. The Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter feels lightweight due to its brass construction and small size. The red laser diode is visible, and the brass casing appears reasonably well-machined.
Compared to some of the more expensive magnetic boresighters on the market, the Aim Sports option felt more basic, but also less bulky. I chose this over a magnetic option because I wanted something that fit directly into the chamber. A chamber-specific design should theoretically provide better alignment than a muzzle-mounted magnetic system. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. This looks like it could be useful, but I reserved judgment until I got to the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter at an outdoor shooting range on a clear, sunny day. My primary test rifle was my aforementioned SKS, which had proven stubbornly inaccurate. I also tested it briefly in an AK-47 variant to check compatibility.
The first hurdle was ensuring the chamber was completely clear and safe. After confirming the rifle was unloaded, I simply inserted the Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter into the chamber. The red laser dot immediately appeared on my target, approximately 25 yards downrange. It was noticeably offset, which was expected, but provided an immediate point of reference for adjustment.
The initial adjustment process was surprisingly straightforward. I adjusted the SKS’s sights until they aligned with the laser dot. First use went smoothly. I was able to make adjustments to the sights based on where the boresighter indicated the point of impact would be.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions, the Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter continues to function adequately. It is still providing a consistent laser dot. I now consider it a standard part of my range setup for any 7.62x39mm firearm.
The brass casing has held up well, showing no signs of significant wear or deformation from repeated chambering. Cleaning is simple: I just wipe it down with a clean cloth after use. It is not difficult to maintain this boresighter. Its design makes it very simple to clean.
Compared to my previous method of bore sighting by eye, the Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter offers a significant improvement in speed and accuracy. It’s not a replacement for proper zeroing with live ammunition, but it gets me much closer, saving both time and ammo. It definitely outperforms my previous method, and has therefore made it worth the initial purchase.
Breaking Down the Features of Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter
Specifications
- Caliber: 7.62 x 39mm. This is specifically designed for rifles chambered in this popular intermediate cartridge.
- Material: Brass casing. Brass provides adequate durability and corrosion resistance for chamber use.
- Laser: 5mW red laser. A 5mW laser is bright enough to be seen in daylight at shorter ranges.
- Design: Cartridge-style. This allows for easy chamber insertion and alignment.
These specifications matter because they determine the boresighter’s compatibility, visibility, and ease of use. The correct caliber ensures proper fit, while the laser’s brightness dictates how easily it can be seen in different lighting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter performs its primary function reasonably well: it projects a visible laser dot downrange, providing a reference point for initial sight adjustment. Accuracy depends on the rifle and distance, but it gets you close enough to save significant time and ammunition.
The laser is bright enough to be seen in most daylight conditions at 25-50 yards. At longer distances or in very bright sunlight, the dot becomes harder to see. However, this tool isn’t really intended for long-range use; the goal is simply to get a rough zero quickly at a closer distance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter is designed for simplicity. It is small, lightweight, and easy to handle.
There is no learning curve. Simply insert it into the chamber. It’s incredibly user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casing is reasonably durable and should last for a decent amount of time with proper care. There are no moving parts, so there isn’t much to break. It’s important to handle it carefully to avoid damaging the laser diode or bending the casing.
Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down. There is nothing more to the maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available.
It is not designed to be compatible with any other accessories, as it performs a single, specific function. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and ease of use.
Pros and Cons of Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter
Pros
- Inexpensive. At $19.99, it’s a budget-friendly tool for basic boresighting.
- Easy to use. No complicated setup or adjustments required.
- Saves time and ammunition. Gets you close to zero quickly.
- Compact and lightweight. Easy to store and transport.
- Provides a visible reference point. Makes sight adjustment much easier than eyeballing it.
Cons
- Laser visibility. Difficult to see in bright sunlight at longer ranges.
- Durability. Brass casing could be damaged if not handled carefully.
Who Should Buy Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter?
Perfect for: SKS and AK owners who want a quick and easy way to get a rough zero on their rifles, especially those using iron sights or red dot optics. It’s also ideal for budget-conscious shooters who want to save time and ammunition at the range. New gun owners who want an easy and effective way to learn the basics of sighting in their firearms would also benefit from this product.
Who should skip this product? Those who require extreme precision or plan to boresight at very long distances. Those shooters are better off with a more expensive and higher quality boresighting tool. Shooters who only use high-powered magnified optics, and spend the time to zero properly at long range, may not see a ton of benefit from this cheap, close-range tool.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Not really an accessory, but good eye protection is always required at the range. Other than that, the Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter is ready to use right out of the package.
Conclusion on Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter
The Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter is a simple, affordable, and reasonably effective tool for getting a rough zero on 7.62x39mm rifles. It’s not perfect, and it won’t replace a proper zeroing session with live ammunition. However, it saves time and ammunition, especially for those using iron sights or red dots.
At $19.99, the price is definitely justified for what it offers. It’s a low-cost investment that can pay for itself in saved ammunition.
I would personally recommend the Aim Sports 7.62 x 39mm Laser Boresighter to anyone who owns an SKS or AK-47 and wants a quick and easy way to get on paper. It’s a great tool for beginners and experienced shooters alike. Pick one up, head to the range, and save yourself some frustration!