First Thoughts on the Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter made of Black Steel for .177 to .50 caliber Rifles, or 12 & 20-gauge Shotguns
The Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter made of Black Steel for .177 to .50 caliber Rifles, or 12 & 20-gauge Shotguns promises to be a time and ammunition saver, a tool that gets you close to zero before you even pull the trigger. Offered by Allen, a company known for practical and affordable shooting accessories, this boresighter aims to simplify the sighting-in process for a wide range of firearms. It claims compatibility with everything from small-caliber rifles to larger bore rifles and even shotguns, making it a versatile addition to any shooter’s kit.
I’ve spent far too long (and far too much money on ammunition) wrestling with stubborn scopes and iron sights. A reliable boresighter is a must for anyone who regularly swaps optics or simply wants to verify their zero without burning through half a box of ammo. I was particularly drawn to the claim of universal fit, covering both rifles and shotguns, and the steel construction suggested a sturdier build than some of the cheaper plastic models I’ve encountered.
Upon unboxing, the Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter feels surprisingly solid. The black steel body has a reassuring weight to it, and the included adapters appear well-machined. It’s a simple design, but the positive on/off switch is a welcome touch, addressing a common complaint about battery life in these devices.
I considered a couple of other boresighters before settling on this one. The Sightmark laser boresighter is a popular option, but its reliance on caliber-specific arbors seemed less versatile. Another magnetic boresighter looked convenient, but reviews suggested potential issues with consistent alignment. The Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter seemed to offer a good balance of versatility, durability, and price.
My initial impression is cautiously optimistic. The build quality seems decent for the $23.49 price point, and the universal fit is appealing. I’m eager to see how well it performs in practice and whether it lives up to its promise of saving time and ammunition.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter made of Black Steel for .177 to .50 caliber Rifles, or 12 & 20-gauge Shotguns to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at an outdoor shooting range with a newly mounted scope on my .308 hunting rifle. I set up a target at 50 yards and followed the instructions to install the Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter with the appropriate adapter. The initial alignment was straightforward, and the laser dot was clearly visible on the target, even in bright daylight.
The process wasn’t completely seamless; achieving perfect concentricity within the barrel required a bit of fiddling with the adapters. However, after a few minutes, I was confident in the alignment. The first three shots landed within a few inches of the laser dot’s position, significantly closer than I’d typically expect without a boresighter.
One unexpected hiccup was the battery compartment cover, which felt a bit flimsy. I was careful when opening and closing it, but I wonder about its long-term durability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use on different rifles and shotguns, the Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter has proven to be a reliable, though not perfect, tool. The steel construction has held up well, showing no signs of significant wear and tear despite being tossed into my range bag. I’ve used it on everything from a .22LR rifle to a 12-gauge shotgun, and the adapters have accommodated each firearm with varying degrees of ease.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a cloth removes any residue. The key is to ensure the adapters are stored properly to avoid bending or damage. I’ve found that keeping them organized in a small container helps maintain their shape.
Compared to previous experiences with cheaper, plastic boresighters, the Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter is a noticeable improvement. It’s more durable and provides a more consistent and reliable alignment. While it doesn’t completely eliminate the need for live-fire adjustments, it gets you remarkably close, saving both time and ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter made of Black Steel for .177 to .50 caliber Rifles, or 12 & 20-gauge Shotguns
Specifications
The Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter made of Black Steel for .177 to .50 caliber Rifles, or 12 & 20-gauge Shotguns is designed for versatility and durability. It features a steel construction, offering a more robust build than many plastic alternatives. The multi-caliber design accommodates firearms from .177 to .50 caliber rifles, as well as 12 and 20-gauge shotguns.
The laser emits a red dot for easy visibility, and the unit is powered by batteries, which are included. The included adapters are crucial for fitting the boresighter into different barrel sizes. The specifications matter because they directly impact the usability and effectiveness of the boresighter. The steel construction ensures longevity, while the multi-caliber compatibility makes it a valuable tool for owners of multiple firearms.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter performs its primary job of getting you close to zero remarkably well. Its accuracy is sufficient to significantly reduce the amount of live-fire adjustment needed. The positive on/off switch is a practical feature, preventing accidental battery drain.
The main strength is its versatility; the ability to use it on rifles and shotguns is a definite plus. One area for improvement is the adapter system; while it works, achieving perfect alignment can require some patience and fine-tuning. Overall, it meets expectations for a boresighter in its price range, offering a significant improvement over no boresighter at all.
Design & Ergonomics
The black steel body gives the Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter a solid feel. The weight is manageable, making it easy to handle during the alignment process. The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills.
It’s relatively user-friendly, although the adapter system might require a few minutes of experimentation to master. The inclusion of clear instructions would be beneficial for novice users.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests that the Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter should last for years with proper care. The battery compartment cover is a potential weak point, so caution is advised when replacing batteries. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and careful storage of the adapters.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter comes with a set of adapters to accommodate various calibers and gauges. It does not offer extensive customization options beyond using different adapters. The Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter is designed to be a standalone tool, and compatibility with third-party accessories is limited.
Pros and Cons of Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter made of Black Steel for .177 to .50 caliber Rifles, or 12 & 20-gauge Shotguns
Pros
- Versatile: Fits .177 to .50 caliber rifles and 12 & 20-gauge shotguns. This wide range of compatibility makes it a useful tool for owners of multiple firearms.
- Durable Steel Construction: The steel body offers superior durability compared to plastic models, ensuring a longer lifespan.
- Positive On/Off Switch: Prevents accidental battery drain, extending battery life.
- Affordable Price Point: At around $23.49, it’s a budget-friendly option that delivers significant value.
- Saves Time and Ammunition: Gets you close to zero before live-fire, reducing the amount of ammo wasted during sighting-in.
Cons
- Battery compartment cover feels flimsy.
- Achieving perfect alignment with adapters can be time-consuming.
Who Should Buy Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter made of Black Steel for .177 to .50 caliber Rifles, or 12 & 20-gauge Shotguns?
The Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter made of Black Steel for .177 to .50 caliber Rifles, or 12 & 20-gauge Shotguns is perfect for hunters, sport shooters, and anyone who frequently mounts or changes scopes on their firearms. It’s especially useful for those who own multiple firearms of different calibers, as its versatility eliminates the need for multiple caliber-specific boresighters. This tool is also a great asset for new gun owners learning to sight in their firearms.
Those who demand absolute precision and are willing to invest in higher-end, more sophisticated boresighting systems might want to skip this product. Similarly, individuals who only own one firearm and rarely change their optics might not find it as essential.
A must-have accessory is a small container to store and organize the adapters, preventing them from being lost or damaged. While no modifications are necessary, some users might find it helpful to mark the adapters with their corresponding caliber for easier identification.
Conclusion on Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter made of Black Steel for .177 to .50 caliber Rifles, or 12 & 20-gauge Shotguns
The Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter made of Black Steel for .177 to .50 caliber Rifles, or 12 & 20-gauge Shotguns is a valuable tool for any shooter looking to save time and ammunition during the sighting-in process. While it’s not perfect, its versatility, durability, and affordable price make it an excellent value proposition. At $23.49, this tool is more than justified.
I would personally recommend it to anyone who wants a reliable and versatile boresighter without breaking the bank. The Allen X-Ring Laser Bore Sighter is a practical and effective tool that will undoubtedly make your next trip to the range more efficient and enjoyable. Pick one up and start saving ammo today!