SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter Review

First Thoughts on the SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter

The SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter promises meticulous accuracy at a price point that’s hard to ignore. From SME, a name I hadn’t encountered much in my decade of tactical experience, this little tool claims to deliver unparalleled results with its precision-machined design and high-output laser. My initial reaction was a healthy dose of skepticism mixed with curiosity: can something so affordable truly deliver on its accuracy claims?

I needed a reliable and quick way to boresight my 20-gauge shotgun, especially after swapping out barrels for different game seasons. Previously, I’d been relying on the old-school method of sighting down the barrel – a technique that’s often imprecise and time-consuming. This is particularly frustrating when time is of the essence, like when setting up a new optic before a hunt.

Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by the simple brass casing and the compact size of the SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter. It felt solid enough, although the lightweight material didn’t scream “premium.” It definitely didn’t have the heft of some of my more expensive gear.

I considered other boresighters, including magnetic models and those with adjustable arbors. Ultimately, the SME‘s caliber-specific design and budget-friendly price swayed me. It’s simple, seemingly effective, and worth a shot (pun intended) before investing in more complex options.

My first impression? Cautiously optimistic. I was eager to put the SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter to the test and see if it could live up to the hype, or if it was just another cheap gadget destined for the back of the range bag.

Real-World Testing: Putting SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter at my local shooting range, prepping for the upcoming dove season. I mounted a red dot sight on my trusty 20-gauge and used the boresighter to get a rough zero before firing live rounds. The indoor range provided consistent lighting, making the laser clearly visible on the target.

Initially, the SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter was straightforward to use: simply insert it into the chamber and observe the laser dot on the target. However, I immediately noticed a slight wobble, even when fully seated. This made me question the accuracy of the initial alignment.

After the first use, I was concerned about the dot’s stability and whether it would actually translate to accurate shots. I spent more time fine-tuning with live rounds than I anticipated, and I was only 50% confident that the bore sighter helped at all.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, I can confidently say that the SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter is more of a convenience tool than a precision instrument. While it gets you close, it’s certainly not a substitute for proper live-fire zeroing. I’ve used it on multiple shotguns now, and the results have been inconsistent.

Durability-wise, the brass casing has held up fine, but the battery compartment feels flimsy. The batteries themselves seem to drain quickly, especially if you accidentally leave the laser on.

Compared to previous (more expensive) experiences with magnetic boresighters, the SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter underperforms in terms of accuracy and stability. While the initial setup is quicker, the need for extensive live-fire adjustments negates any time savings. This isn’t a replacement for a good gunsmith, but rather a tool to get you “in the ballpark”.

Breaking Down the Features of SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter

Specifications

• Caliber: 20 Gauge. This ensures compatibility with 20-gauge shotguns, but limits its use for other calibers.
• Material: Brass. Brass is a relatively soft metal, chosen for its ability to conform slightly to the chamber, but it may not be as durable as steel.
• Quantity: 1. The package includes one boresighter unit.
• Battery: LR44. The included LR44 batteries are common and inexpensive, but they can have a short lifespan, especially with continuous use.
• High Output Laser: Claims to have high output, but the range and visibility can be limited in bright daylight conditions.
• Precision Machined: Promises exacting tolerance specifications.

These specifications suggest a tool designed for simplicity and affordability. But the use of brass and the LR44 batteries raise concerns about long-term durability and performance.

Performance & Functionality

The SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter aims to provide a quick and easy way to roughly align your sights. The functionality is simple: insert the boresighter into the chamber, activate the laser, and adjust your sights to match the laser dot.

The biggest weakness is the wobble within the chamber. This inconsistency undermines the entire purpose of the boresighter. It gets you close, but you’ll still need to use live rounds to get a true zero.

While it’s easy to use, the performance doesn’t quite meet expectations, particularly when compared to more expensive alternatives.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is straightforward: a brass casing shaped like a 20-gauge shell with a laser emitter at the primer location. The brass is lightweight, which is both a pro and a con. It’s easy to handle, but feels less robust than steel versions.

The lack of any on/off switch is a major design flaw. You have to physically remove the batteries to turn it off, which is inconvenient.

It does not have a user-friendly feel or design and offers no comfortable grip or design.

Durability & Maintenance

The brass construction suggests moderate durability. It should hold up to occasional use, but it’s unlikely to withstand heavy abuse. The soft metal is more prone to scratches and dents than steel.

Maintenance is minimal: just keep it clean and replace the batteries as needed. However, the battery compartment’s flimsy design is a point of concern.

It should last for a while if used sparingly, but I don’t expect it to be a tool I’ll be passing down to my grandkids.

Accessories and Customization Options

The SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter is a self-contained unit with no additional accessories included beyond the batteries. There are no customization options available.

It is not compatible with any third-party accessories and serves only one purpose: basic boresighting for 20-gauge shotguns.

Pros and Cons of SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter

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Who Should Buy SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter?

The SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter is perfect for budget-conscious hunters or recreational shooters who need a very basic starting point for sight alignment on their 20-gauge shotgun. It’s suitable for those who understand its limitations and are willing to put in the extra effort to fine-tune with live rounds. This is for someone who’s not too concerned about pinpoint accuracy.

Those who demand precision and expect a boresighter to deliver near-perfect alignment should skip this product. Professional gunsmiths and competitive shooters would likely find it inadequate for their needs.

Must-have accessories include extra LR44 batteries and a cleaning kit to keep the brass casing free of debris.

Conclusion on SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter

The SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter offers a budget-friendly entry point into the world of laser boresighting. While it’s not a precision instrument, it can be a useful tool for getting a rough zero on your 20-gauge shotgun.

The price is definitely justified for what you get – a basic tool that can save you some time and ammunition. However, don’t expect miracles. The wobble issue and lack of an on/off switch are significant drawbacks.

I would cautiously recommend the SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter to those on a tight budget who understand its limitations. Just remember to bring plenty of ammunition for fine-tuning. Before you head out to the range or into the field, be sure to verify your zero with live fire. Consider the SME Sight-Right Laser 20 Gauge Boresighter as a convenient, but certainly not fail-safe, tool.

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