First Thoughts on the AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter promises a simple and effective way to get your 9mm pistol roughly sighted in before hitting the range. The AimShot name carries a certain weight, suggesting a focus on practical, no-nonsense tools for shooters. At a price point of $32.99, it aims to be an accessible solution for anyone looking to save time and ammunition during the initial sight-in process.
I was looking for a quick and easy way to boresight my new pistol caliber carbine (PCC). Frustrated with wasting time and ammo on paper, I wanted a simple tool to get me close before fine-tuning at the range. A laser boresighter seemed like the logical answer, and the AimShot‘s caliber-specific design appealed to me.
Upon opening the package, the AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter feels solid enough. The brass casing gives it a reassuring heft, and the laser aperture appears clean and well-defined. It’s simple: a brass cartridge containing a laser diode, powered by small batteries. Compared to universal boresighters that require multiple arbors, this dedicated 9mm design looked more streamlined and potentially more accurate. Initially, I was optimistic. The simplicity and brass construction gave me a sense of confidence.
However, other universal boresighters offered broader caliber compatibility. I chose the AimShot for its purported accuracy and ease of use with 9mm firearms. I hoped the AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter would save me time and money and prove to be a valuable addition to my range kit. The other bore sights are more universal, but I specifically wanted the 9mm laser accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter was at my local indoor shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to minimize variables and accurately assess its performance. After inserting the boresighter into my 9mm PCC’s chamber, the laser projected a clear red dot onto the target 25 yards downrange. Adjusting my optic, I quickly aligned the reticle with the laser dot.
Everything seemed straightforward. However, after only about five minutes, the laser’s brightness started to fade noticeably. Assuming it was a battery issue, I ended my session, frustrated that my initial attempts were cut short.
Extended Use & Reliability
After replacing the factory-installed batteries with fresh LR41s, I attempted to use the AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter again. The laser initially shone brightly, but once again, its intensity diminished rapidly after a few minutes. This inconsistent performance made it difficult to rely on for accurate boresighting.
Over several weeks, I experimented with different battery brands, but the results were always the same. The brass casing showed no signs of wear, but the laser’s unreliable power output rendered it virtually useless. Unfortunately, my experience differed from the reviews praising its accuracy. My previous experience with a magnetic boresighter, although less precise, proved to be more reliable than the AimShot.
Breaking Down the Features of AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. This ensures a snug fit in 9mm chambers, theoretically improving accuracy.
- Style: Cartridge. Designed to mimic a 9mm cartridge for easy chamber insertion.
- Material: Brass. Provides durability and a familiar feel for shooters.
- Quantity: 1. A single unit for boresighting 9mm firearms.
- Battery: LR41. Readily available, but prone to quick depletion in this application.
- Mount: Chamber. Inserts directly into the firearm’s chamber for alignment.
These specifications suggest a simple, dedicated tool for 9mm boresighting. The brass construction promises durability, and the cartridge design offers straightforward use. Unfortunately, the battery life significantly undermines its practicality.
Performance & Functionality
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter performs its primary function – projecting a laser dot – adequately, but only for a short time. Its accuracy, while seemingly good initially, becomes questionable due to the rapid dimming of the laser. This inconsistency prevents reliable boresighting.
The AimShot‘s main strength is its ease of use. Its weakness is the battery life. It definitely did not meet my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter‘s brass construction feels robust, and its weight is negligible. The cartridge design makes it easy to insert and remove from the firearm’s chamber.
There’s no learning curve. It is a simple product.
Durability & Maintenance
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter‘s brass casing suggests decent longevity, assuming the laser diode itself doesn’t fail. Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe it clean after use.
The biggest concern is the longevity of the laser diode and the reliability of the battery contacts. The short battery life is a huge concern for long-term durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter comes with no additional accessories. There are no customization options.
It is a standalone product. There are no accessories that enhance the product.
Pros and Cons of AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter
Pros
- Easy to use: Simply chamber it like a regular cartridge.
- Dedicated 9mm design: Potentially more accurate than universal boresighters for 9mm firearms.
- Brass construction: Promises decent durability.
- Low price: Very affordable.
- Clear laser dot: Easy to see in most lighting conditions.
Cons
- Short battery life: Laser dims rapidly, making accurate boresighting difficult.
- Inconsistent performance: Battery life is unreliable, even with new batteries.
- No accessories: Lacks features such as a carrying case or extra batteries.
Who Should Buy AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter?
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter is perfect for casual shooters looking for a very basic, inexpensive way to roughly sight in their 9mm pistol before heading to the range, assuming they are willing to accept and work around the short battery life issue. It may benefit those who only need a quick check and are prepared to replace batteries frequently.
However, I would advise those who value reliability and consistent performance to skip this product. Serious shooters or anyone needing precise boresighting should invest in a higher-quality boresighting tool.
A must-have modification would be an external power source, although this is not practical for most applications. Extra batteries are essential.
Conclusion on AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter offers a straightforward concept at an appealing price. The execution falls short due to its inconsistent battery life and unreliable performance.
At $32.99, the price is low, but the inconsistent performance makes it a questionable value. The money may be better spent on extra ammunition to manually sight in.
Personally, I would not recommend the AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter based on my experience. The unreliable battery life makes it too frustrating to use effectively. Consider investing in a more reliable boresighting solution, even if it costs more.