The NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter Made a Bold First Impression
The NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter promised a quick and easy way to get my rifles zeroed. As someone who spends a considerable amount of time at the range, and even more time in the backcountry hunting, a reliable boresighter is a critical tool in my kit. Accuracy is paramount, and minimizing wasted ammunition during the initial sighting-in process is always a plus.
I’d always relied on traditional methods, like using a mechanical boresighter or, honestly, just sending rounds downrange until I was close. The appeal of a laser boresighter was the potential for speed and efficiency. When I saw the NcSTAR model offered at such an affordable price of $18.99, I figured it was worth a shot. I was particularly intrigued by its compatibility with not only .30-06 Springfield but also .25-06 Rem, .270 Win, and .35 Whelen cartridges, effectively covering a significant portion of my hunting rifles.
The NcSTAR boresighter arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was… underwhelmed. The blue anodized aluminum felt lightweight, almost too lightweight. It was a far cry from the heft and solid feel of some of my other precision instruments. Compared to a friend’s more expensive Bushnell boresighter, which had a reassuring weight and came with a molded case, the NcSTAR felt somewhat… disposable. I also briefly considered a SiteLite boresighter, known for their accuracy, but the price was significantly higher. Ultimately, the NcSTAR won due to its affordability and compatibility.
My first thought was a mixture of hope and skepticism. I was excited at the prospect of a fast and easy zeroing process, but the low price and lightweight construction made me question its overall accuracy and durability. Would it hold zero? Would the laser stay aligned? Only time and range testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter to my local range. It was a crisp autumn day, perfect for sighting in my .270 Winchester hunting rifle. The air was clear, and the range was relatively quiet, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The initial installation was straightforward; I simply inserted the batteries and screwed on the base. The laser immediately sprang to life, projecting a red dot downrange. The instructions were minimal, basically stating to remove batteries to power off the unit. After inserting the boresighter into the chamber, the laser pointed significantly off from the center of my target at 50 yards. I was expecting to see it close but it was far from it. I quickly grabbed my tools and started adjusting the scope to match the laser’s point of impact.
The ease of use was undeniable. However, I was immediately concerned by how far off the laser was initially. After several adjustments, I managed to get the laser aligned with the reticle. My first shot at the target confirmed that the boresighter, while helpful, was definitely not a replacement for live-fire adjustments. My group was low and to the left, but much closer than if I hadn’t used the laser. The laser was useful, but required live adjustments to be fully dialed in.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a deer hunt, I can say that the NcSTAR boresighter holds up reasonably well for the price. The aluminum construction, while lightweight, hasn’t shown any significant wear and tear. I was worried about the battery compartment loosening, but that hasn’t been an issue.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth is all it needs. Compared to my previous method of visual bore sighting and making rough adjustments at the range, the NcSTAR has saved me some time and ammunition. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not a substitute for proper range testing and fine-tuning. It gets you close, but not perfect.
Breaking Down the Features of NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter
Specifications
The NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter is designed for rifles chambered in .30-06 Springfield. It is also compatible with .25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, and .35 Whelen cartridges.
- Red Laser: 635-655nm, Max output <5mw, Class IIIa Laser. This provides a clear and visible laser dot, even in daylight conditions.
- Length: 2 1/2″. The compact length makes it easy to store and transport.
- Material: Aluminum. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down but may sacrifice some durability.
- Color: Blue. The blue anodized finish is aesthetically pleasing but doesn’t impact performance.
- Weight: 0.6 oz. Its lightweight design does not add noticeable weight to the rifle.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the accuracy and ease of use of the boresighter. The laser wavelength and output determine the visibility of the dot, while the material and weight impact the overall durability and handling.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter is to get your scope close to zero before heading to the range. It achieves this reasonably well, saving ammunition and time. It’s not a precision instrument; it’s a tool for getting a rough zero.
The main strength is its ease of use. Simply insert the batteries and chamber the device. The biggest weakness is that the laser is not always perfectly aligned out of the box, which requires scope adjustments to align the laser to the scope reticle before live firing.
The product meets expectations as a basic boresighter, but it doesn’t exceed them. Don’t expect pinpoint accuracy; expect to get close and fine-tune at the range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price. The aluminum feels lightweight, but the anodized finish is surprisingly durable. It is easy to insert and remove from the rifle chamber.
There’s virtually no learning curve. Anyone familiar with rifles can use this boresighter effectively within minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction should hold up well under normal use, but I wouldn’t expect it to withstand extreme abuse. Maintenance is minimal; keep it clean and store it properly.
With proper care, this boresighter should last for several years. The simplicity of the design means there’s little to break.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter comes with no accessories. The only customization is adjusting the base to ensure a snug fit in the chamber.
It’s compatible with any rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield, .25-06 Rem, .270 Win, or .35 Whelen. However, there are no aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this boresighter.
Pros and Cons of NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter
Pros
- Extremely affordable.
- Easy to use; no complicated setup.
- Compatible with multiple calibers.
- Saves ammunition during initial zeroing.
- Lightweight and compact.
Cons
- Laser alignment may require initial scope adjustments.
- Aluminum construction may lack durability for heavy use.
- No included case or accessories.
Who Should Buy NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter?
The NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter is perfect for budget-conscious hunters and recreational shooters who want a quick and easy way to get their rifles close to zero. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to save time and ammunition at the range.
This product should be skipped by serious competitive shooters or anyone who demands pinpoint accuracy from their boresighting tools. They will likely be better served by a higher-end, more precise model.
A must-have accessory is a good quality set of batteries. Fresh batteries will ensure a bright and consistent laser dot.
Conclusion on NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter
The NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter offers a solid value proposition. At $18.99, it’s an affordable way to improve the initial zeroing process of your rifle.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a basic, no-frills boresighter. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done.
If you’re tired of wasting ammunition getting on paper, give the NcSTAR 30-06 Springfield 5mW Red Laser Boresighter a try. It’s a cheap and easy way to get closer to zero, faster. Head to your local sporting goods store or online retailer today and pick one up.