The AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter Made a Bold First Impression
As someone who’s spent over a decade dialing in rifles, the AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter immediately caught my eye with its promise of simplifying the bore-sighting process for my favorite varmint rifle. The AimShot brand isn’t one I’ve used extensively before, but the need for a quicker, more efficient method of getting on target with my .17 HMR led me down this path. It was a choice between this, a traditional collimator, and a different brand’s magnetic bore sight, but the AimShot’s caliber-specific design and external battery pack seemed like a recipe for accuracy and longevity.
My biggest frustration has always been the time wasted at the range just getting rounds on paper. Setting up a new scope or remounting an old one often feels like more of a chore than it should be. The prospect of drastically reducing that initial setup time was what ultimately sold me on the AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter.
Unboxing it, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the laser module; it definitely didn’t feel cheap. The external battery box, while perhaps not the sleekest design, looked robust enough to withstand some abuse in my range bag. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – it appeared to be a well-made tool that could genuinely save time and ammunition.
Compared to other bore-sighting methods I’ve used, like eyeballing it or using a universal bore sight, the AimShot promised a level of precision that I found appealing. Other options felt less precise, less reliable, or simply too cumbersome for frequent use. This one felt like it had the potential to become a permanent fixture in my shooting kit. I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter straight to my local shooting range, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. The weather was typical for late spring: clear skies but with a gusting wind that always seems to plague my sighting-in sessions. I wanted to see how the AimShot would perform under less-than-ideal conditions.
Using it was surprisingly simple. The laser module slid smoothly into the chamber of my .17 HMR. The external battery box connected easily, and the laser instantly sprang to life. The bright red dot was clearly visible on the target at 25 yards, even in the bright sunlight. Making adjustments to my scope based on the laser’s position was a breeze; within minutes, I felt confident that I was on paper.
The first few shots confirmed my suspicion. I was grouping within a few inches of the bullseye at 50 yards. A few minor adjustments, and I was consistently hitting the center. The AimShot had significantly reduced the amount of time and ammunition I typically waste during the initial sighting-in process.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter for multiple rifles and scope changes, I’m even more impressed. It has become an indispensable part of my range routine. The laser remains consistently bright, and the external battery box has proven to be far more durable than I initially expected.
So far, I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear on the laser module itself. The aluminum construction seems robust, and it still fits snugly into the chamber. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each use is all it takes to keep it in good condition.
Compared to my previous bore-sighting methods, the AimShot is in a different league. It’s faster, more precise, and more reliable. My previous system, a generic universal bore sight, always felt like a compromise, but this feels like a purpose-built tool designed for the .17 HMR. The difference is night and day.
Breaking Down the Features of AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter
Specifications
The AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter is specifically designed for rifles chambered in .17 HMR. The laser module is precisely machined to fit the chamber, ensuring accurate alignment. This caliber-specific design is a key advantage.
The unit features a Class IIIa red laser, which is bright enough to be visible in daylight conditions at shorter ranges. The external battery box holds two AAA batteries, providing a longer battery life than internal battery designs. This design minimizes the risk of battery corrosion damaging the laser module itself.
The entire unit is constructed from durable aluminum, providing a solid and reliable feel. Its lightweight design doesn’t add significant weight to the rifle. The dimensions are compact enough to easily fit in a range bag or toolbox. The compact nature makes it easily portable.
Performance & Functionality
The AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter excels at quickly and accurately aligning a scope with the bore of the rifle. Its precision allows for very close initial sighting at 25-50 yards. This saves time, ammunition, and frustration at the range.
The primary strength is its simplicity and effectiveness. Insert the module, turn it on, and adjust the scope to match the laser. It is a straightforward process. The main weakness is that it is caliber-specific.
The AimShot definitely exceeded my expectations. It streamlines the bore-sighting process and allows me to spend more time actually shooting, and less time struggling to get on paper. It is simple, effective, and reliable.
Design & Ergonomics
The AimShot boasts a robust design with its all-aluminum construction. The weight is negligible. It feels comfortable to use and store in a range bag.
The design is simple. There is no learning curve. Even a novice shooter can use this tool effectively.
Durability & Maintenance
The AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter feels built to last. The aluminum construction and external battery box contribute to its durability. Regular cleaning is crucial, but simple: wipe the module clean after each use.
The simplicity of the design suggests that it should require minimal maintenance and should last for years with proper care. I anticipate it being a staple tool in my kit for a long time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter comes as a complete package. There are no real customization options. The external battery box is a key feature, which can be easily replaced if damaged.
The unit is designed to work seamlessly with any scope or optic system compatible with a .17 HMR rifle. It does not require any special accessories or modifications to function effectively. The focus is on core functionality rather than bells and whistles.
Pros and Cons of AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter
Pros
- Precise and accurate bore-sighting for .17 HMR.
- Simple and easy to use, even for beginners.
- Durable aluminum construction.
- External battery box for extended battery life.
- Significantly reduces time and ammunition wasted at the range.
Cons
- Caliber-specific; only works with .17 HMR rifles.
- External battery box design could be more streamlined.
Who Should Buy AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter?
The AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter is perfect for .17 HMR owners who want to quickly and accurately bore sight their rifles. It is great for hunters who frequently change scopes. Also, it is a must-have for anyone who wants to save time and ammunition at the range.
Those who own multiple rifles in different calibers might find a universal bore sight more appealing. The caliber-specific design means that this AimShot is only useful for .17 HMR rifles. Also, someone who rarely changes scopes might not find it necessary.
A must-have accessory is a sturdy range bag to protect the AimShot during transport. Extra AAA batteries for the external battery box are also recommended.
Conclusion on AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter
The AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter is a game-changer for anyone who owns a .17 HMR rifle. Its precision, ease of use, and durable construction make it an invaluable tool for getting on target quickly and efficiently. It effectively addresses a common frustration for shooters: the time and ammunition wasted during the initial scope sighting process.
At $41.99, the price is more than justified by the time and ammunition saved. It is an investment that will pay for itself many times over in reduced range costs and increased shooting enjoyment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the AimShot 17 HMR with External Battery Box Laser Boresighter to any .17 HMR owner. If you are tired of wasting time and ammunition getting your scope dialed in, this is the tool for you. Invest in the AimShot today and spend more time hitting your target!