The Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter Made a Bold First Impression
The Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter promises to save time and ammunition, a claim I, as a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, was eager to verify. With over a decade of experience zeroing rifles and pistols, the allure of a quick, accurate bore sighting tool was undeniable. Could this sub-$20 device truly streamline the sighting process and justify its place in my kit?
For years, I’ve relied on traditional bore sighting methods, from simple visual alignment to more sophisticated collimators. However, these methods are often time-consuming and still require significant live-fire adjustment. The promise of a Firefield boresighter that could quickly and accurately project a laser down the barrel sounded almost too good to be true, leading to my purchase.
Upon unboxing, the Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter felt surprisingly lightweight, even a little flimsy. Its construction didn’t immediately inspire confidence, but I reserved judgment, focusing instead on its functionality. It included the boresighter unit itself; no batteries were included, which was slightly disappointing.
I had been considering a Bushnell bore sighter and a Sightmark model, both priced significantly higher. I chose the Firefield model due to its incredibly low price point, betting that even if it offered only marginal improvement over iron sights alone, it would still be a worthwhile investment. My initial impression was a mix of skepticism and cautious optimism, tinged with a little bit of “you get what you pay for” anxiety. The proof, as they say, would be in the shooting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter at my local shooting range. I used it on a variety of firearms, including an AR-15, a bolt-action hunting rifle, and a couple of pistols. The range offered a controlled environment with distances from 25 to 100 yards, ideal for gauging the boresighter’s accuracy.
The first rifle I tested it on was my AR-15. Inserting the boresighter into the chamber was simple, like loading a round, however, the laser spot projected onto the target at 25 yards was noticeably off-center. This immediately highlighted the need for adjustments, proving the boresighter wasn’t a perfect “set it and forget it” solution.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and weeks of use, the Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter remains functional, albeit with caveats. Durability is a concern, as the plastic housing feels fragile. I’ve noticed slight scuff marks on the body from chamber insertion and extraction, indicating potential wear over time.
Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe with a dry cloth. However, the battery compartment is somewhat exposed, raising concerns about moisture ingress in wet conditions. Compared to my previous experience with optical collimators, the Firefield model offers a quicker initial alignment but lacks the precision and robustness.
Breaking Down the Features of Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter
Specifications
The Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter is designed to fit a wide range of firearm calibers by simulating a chambered cartridge. Its core feature is its red laser, intended to project a visible point of aim. The device is powered by batteries, which are not included.
The relatively low price means construction prioritizes affordability, using plastic and simple electronics. This keeps the price down, but potentially compromises its longevity. The universal design aims to simplify the bore sighting process, but its effectiveness varies between different firearms and calibers.
Performance & Functionality
The Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter’s primary function is to provide a visual reference for aligning a firearm’s sights. While it offers a quick initial alignment, its accuracy is not guaranteed and requires live-fire confirmation. Its main strength lies in its speed and ease of use for initial setup.
The biggest weakness is its inherent variability; it’s not a precision instrument. It meets expectations as a basic tool for getting on paper, but exceeds them if one expects perfect zeroing. The savings in ammunition during the initial zeroing phase makes this a worthwhile purchase.
Design & Ergonomics
The Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter is designed to be lightweight and easy to handle. The plastic body makes it comfortable to manipulate, but it doesn’t inspire confidence in its long-term durability. The design is straightforward; insert, aim, and adjust.
The simple design means there’s virtually no learning curve. Even a novice shooter can understand its operation within minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic construction is a major concern regarding durability. I anticipate needing to replace it sooner rather than later with regular use.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. The lack of waterproofing is a significant drawback.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter comes with no additional accessories beyond the main unit. There are no customization options available; its functionality is limited to projecting a laser beam. It’s designed as a standalone tool, not intended to integrate with other accessories.
There’s no opportunity to upgrade or modify the boresighter itself. Its value lies in its simplicity and low cost, making upgrades uneconomical.
Pros and Cons of Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter
Pros
- Low price point makes it accessible to all shooters.
- Quick and easy to use, even for beginners.
- Reduces initial ammunition waste during sighting.
- Universal design works with many calibers.
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage and transport.
Cons
- Plastic construction raises durability concerns.
- Accuracy can be variable, requiring live-fire confirmation.
- No included batteries are an inconvenience.
Who Should Buy Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter?
The Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who want a basic tool to get their firearms roughly zeroed. It’s also ideal for novice shooters who are new to sighting and zeroing.
Those who require pinpoint accuracy, demand high durability, or operate in harsh environments should skip this product. Precision shooters are better served by more robust optical collimators or experienced gunsmithing services. A shooter wanting to sight a firearm in the field should also skip it, since it requires a target.
A must-have modification, though not possible, would be a more rugged housing and a tighter laser tolerance. Batteries are a must-have.
Conclusion on Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter
The Firefield Universal Red Laser Boresighter is a budget-friendly tool that offers a quick and easy way to get your firearm roughly zeroed. It’s not a replacement for careful live-fire sighting, but it can save time and ammunition during the initial setup. Its low price and simple design make it accessible to all shooters.
The price is justified if you understand its limitations. It’s a good value as a basic alignment tool, but not as a precision instrument.
I would recommend it with reservations. If you’re on a tight budget and understand its limitations, it’s a worthwhile addition to your toolkit. Pick one up and get your rounds on paper before fine-tuning at the range!