Let’s Talk About Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set
Laser boresighters – they promise quick zeroing, saving you time and ammo. But many fall short, leaving you frustrated and still burning through rounds to get on target. The Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set aims to be different, offering a complete system for a wide range of calibers. This isn’t just a laser; it’s a Bushnell product, a name synonymous with optics and shooting accessories.
I was tired of spending hours at the range, adjusting scopes after every bump in the road. I needed a reliable and quick way to get my rifles close to zero before heading out on a hunt. I had looked at other boresighters before, but many were caliber-specific or seemed cheaply made. The promise of universal compatibility (.22 to .45) and Bushnell’s reputation swayed me towards this set.
The Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set comes neatly packaged in a compact, hard-sided case. Opening it, I immediately noticed the weight of the boresighter itself; it felt substantial. The metal body gave me confidence in its durability, and the glossy black finish, while perhaps not strictly tactical, looked clean and professional.
Compared to cheaper, plastic boresighters I’ve seen, this felt like a step up. I also considered magnetic bore sights, but worried about their accuracy on certain firearms. The Bushnell Banner‘s arbor system seemed like a more precise solution, addressing a wider range of firearms in my collection.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It certainly looked the part. Now, it was time to see if the Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set could live up to its promise of quickly getting me on target.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my home range, a controlled environment where I could focus on the boresighter’s performance. I used it on three different rifles: a .223 AR-15, a .30-06 hunting rifle, and a .45-70 lever action. The process was straightforward: select the appropriate arbor, insert it into the barrel, and then insert the boresighter.
It was a dry, sunny day, perfect for shooting. The laser was clearly visible even in bright daylight at closer ranges (25 yards). The instructions were clear, and I had each rifle boresighted within minutes.
The only slight challenge was ensuring the arbors were perfectly centered in the bore. But with a little care, I found the system easy to use even without previous experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set has become a regular part of my rifle setup routine. I’ve used it before every range trip and after any scope adjustments. It consistently gets me close to zero, saving valuable time and ammunition.
The metal body has proven durable, showing no signs of wear despite being tossed in my range bag. I wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use to remove any residue, a simple process. The carrying case has also held up well, protecting the boresighter and arbors.
It has definitely outperformed my previous method of simply guessing where the scope should be based on iron sight alignment. The Bushnell Banner gets me on paper every time, drastically reducing the number of rounds needed to fine-tune my zero.
Breaking Down the Features of Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set
Specifications
- Large diameter objective lens: This is for optimum resolution, making the laser dot easier to see even in bright conditions. A larger lens gathers more light, providing a clearer image.
- Lightweight metal body: This ensures durability without adding excessive weight to your range bag. Metal construction also provides more rigidity and resistance to impact.
- Mar-resistant glossy black finish: This protects the boresighter from scratches and scuffs, keeping it looking new. While primarily cosmetic, it speaks to the overall quality of the product.
- Three expandable arbors: These provide compatibility with calibers from .22 to .45. This versatility makes it a great option if you own multiple firearms of varying calibers.
- Deluxe carrying case: This case holds the sighter and three arbors, keeping everything organized and protected. Organization and protection are vital for keeping your equipment in optimal condition.
Performance & Functionality
The Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set excels at quickly getting a rifle close to zero. It’s accurate enough to ensure you’re on paper at 50 yards, and often even closer to the bullseye. However, it is not a replacement for actual zeroing at the range.
Its strengths lie in its ease of use, versatility, and durable construction. The expandable arbors fit snugly in a variety of calibers. Its primary weakness is that it’s not a perfect substitute for live-fire zeroing; final adjustments are always necessary.
It meets my expectations by drastically reducing the time and ammo needed to zero my rifles. It’s a practical tool for any serious shooter.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bushnell Banner features a straightforward, functional design. The metal body feels solid and well-made. The expandable arbors are easy to adjust.
There’s no real learning curve. The simple operation makes it user-friendly, even for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The metal construction suggests it should last for years with proper care. The mar-resistant finish helps protect against cosmetic damage. The carrying case protects the boresighter during transport and storage, further extending its lifespan.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set comes with three expandable arbors and a carrying case. No additional accessories are needed for basic operation. It is not really customizable in the traditional sense; its function is to provide a laser reference within the bore.
It’s compatible with any firearm within the .22 to .45 caliber range. This eliminates the need for multiple caliber-specific boresighters.
Pros and Cons of Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And SetPros
- Quickly gets rifles close to zero, saving time and ammo.
- Versatile – compatible with a wide range of calibers (.22 to .45).
- Durable metal construction.
- Easy to use with minimal learning curve.
- Protective carrying case for organized storage.
Cons
- Not a substitute for live-fire zeroing; final adjustments are always needed.
- Requires careful centering of arbors for optimal accuracy.
Who Should Buy Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set?
Pros
- Quickly gets rifles close to zero, saving time and ammo.
- Versatile – compatible with a wide range of calibers (.22 to .45).
- Durable metal construction.
- Easy to use with minimal learning curve.
- Protective carrying case for organized storage.
Cons
- Not a substitute for live-fire zeroing; final adjustments are always needed.
- Requires careful centering of arbors for optimal accuracy.
This product is perfect for hunters who need to quickly verify their zero before a hunt. It is also ideal for competitive shooters who frequently change optics or firearms. Gun owners with multiple rifles of varying calibers will appreciate the versatility of the arbor system.
Those who expect a laser boresighter to completely eliminate the need for live-fire zeroing should skip this product. Also, shooters who only own one or two firearms may find a simpler, caliber-specific boresighter sufficient.
A must-have accessory is a stable shooting rest or vise to hold the rifle steady during the boresighting process.
Conclusion on Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set
The Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set is a valuable tool for any serious shooter who wants to save time and ammunition when zeroing their rifles. It is not a perfect solution, but it provides a significant advantage over simply guessing where your scope should be.
The price of $106.01 is justified by the quality of construction, the versatility of the arbor system, and the time savings it provides. While not a replacement for live-fire zeroing, it gets you close enough to minimize the number of rounds needed to dial in your scope.
I would personally recommend the Bushnell Banner Laser Boresighter w/Case And Set to anyone who regularly shoots rifles and wants a faster, more efficient way to get on target. If you’re tired of wasting ammo and range time, give this boresighter a try – you won’t be disappointed.