The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter Made a Bold First Impression
As someone deeply entrenched in the world of firearms and tactical gear for over a decade, I’m always on the lookout for tools that simplify and enhance the shooting experience. The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter promised exactly that: a quick, easy, and affordable way to get my 9mm pistols sighted in. I needed a way to quickly rough-sight my pistol red dots without wasting precious ammunition at the range.
The anticipation was high as I received the package. The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter arrived in simple packaging, which immediately gave me pause. This simplicity contrasted sharply with the more robust packaging I’ve seen from competitors like Sightmark and Bushnell boresighters. I chose this AimShot model primarily due to its specific 9mm compatibility and its claimed ease of use.
Upon opening the package, the boresighter itself felt surprisingly lightweight, almost too light. Its construction didn’t inspire immediate confidence, especially compared to the heftier magnetic boresighters I’ve used in the past. My initial impression was a mix of cautious optimism and a nagging worry about its long-term durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter was at my local indoor shooting range. The environment was controlled, with good lighting and a solid bench rest to ensure a stable setup. Inserting the boresighter into the chamber of my Glock 19 was straightforward. However, activating the laser proved immediately problematic.
Initially, the laser flickered intermittently, and then died completely within a minute. This was using the batteries that came with it. Frustrated, I replaced the included batteries with fresh ones from a reputable brand. The laser then illuminated, but the dot was noticeably dim and uneven. Aligning my sights to this weak, inconsistent dot proved challenging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial disappointing range session, I tried using the AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter on several other 9mm pistols over the following weeks. The inconsistent laser output persisted, making accurate boresighting nearly impossible. The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter failed to provide the reliable zeroing assistance I’d hoped for. The thin metal casing also started showing scratches easily, even with careful handling.
Cleaning the AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter is simple enough, requiring only a dry cloth to wipe away any residue. Compared to my experience with magnetic boresighters, this AimShot felt significantly less robust and reliable. The cheap construction and inconsistent performance led to more frustration than accurate zeroing.
Breaking Down the Features of AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter
Specifications
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter is designed specifically for 9mm caliber firearms. It features a laser diode housed in a cylindrical metal casing designed to fit snugly into the chamber. No arbors are required for 9mm applications. It is powered by small button cell batteries. The claimed battery life is minimal, even from the manufacturer.
These specifications are intended to provide a quick and easy way to roughly align your firearm’s sights with the bore, saving time and ammunition at the range. In reality, the inconsistent laser and flimsy construction hinder accurate boresighting.
Performance & Functionality
In theory, the AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter should provide a bright, consistent laser dot that allows users to quickly adjust their sights to match the bore’s point of aim. In practice, the inconsistent laser output and questionable build quality make this task difficult. The device’s accuracy is highly questionable, and the dot wanders noticeably even with fresh batteries.
The primary strength is its simple design and ease of insertion into the 9mm chamber. The significant weakness is its inconsistent performance and poor build quality. It falls far short of expectations, delivering frustration rather than accurate boresighting.
Design & Ergonomics
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter features a simple, cylindrical design with a metal casing. The construction feels cheap and lightweight. The device is easy to insert into the chamber, but the lack of a secure battery compartment contributes to the inconsistent laser output.
There is no real learning curve; insertion and activation are straightforward. However, the frustrating performance negates any benefit from its simple design.
Durability & Maintenance
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter‘s longevity appears questionable based on my testing. The thin metal casing scratches easily, and the internal components seem prone to failure. Maintenance is limited to wiping the device clean, but this won’t address the inherent performance issues.
Repair is unlikely to be a viable option given its low cost and simple construction. It does not inspire confidence in its ability to withstand even moderate use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter comes with button cell batteries. There are no other included accessories or customization options. The device is not compatible with accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter
Pros
- Easy to insert into the 9mm chamber.
- Inexpensive compared to more sophisticated boresighting systems.
- Simple design for straightforward use.
Cons
- Inconsistent and dim laser output.
- Questionable build quality and durability.
- Unreliable performance makes accurate boresighting difficult.
Who Should Buy AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter?
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter might be suitable for someone on an extremely tight budget who needs a very rough initial sight alignment. Someone who is okay with wasting batteries and has very low expectations.
Anyone seeking a reliable and accurate boresighting tool should skip this product. Professional shooters, competitive shooters, or anyone who values precision should invest in a higher-quality boresighting system. A more reliable boresighter or simply manually sighting at the range would be preferable.
Conclusion on AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter
The AimShot 9mm Laser Boresighter promises a simple and affordable solution for boresighting 9mm firearms. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver on that promise due to its inconsistent laser output and questionable build quality.
The low price point might be tempting, but the frustration and unreliability make it a poor value proposition. I cannot recommend this product. I strongly suggest investing in a more reputable and accurate boresighting system, even if it costs more.