First Thoughts on the Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit
The Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit promises a quick and easy way to get firearms roughly sighted in, saving time and ammunition at the range. At a price point of $37.49, it aims to be an accessible tool for both novice and experienced shooters across a range of calibers. I was looking for a reliable, multi-caliber boresighter to streamline the sighting-in process for my various rifles and pistols, hoping to minimize wasted ammo and range time.
When I first received the Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit, the lightweight packaging was somewhat underwhelming. Upon opening it, the plastic arbors and the compact laser unit struck me as potentially fragile, raising immediate concerns about long-term durability. The unit itself seemed simple enough to use, but the overall impression was one of budget construction.
Compared to higher-end boresighters I’ve used in the past, such as those from Sightmark or Wheeler Engineering, the Bushnell kit felt significantly less robust. I chose it primarily for its multi-caliber compatibility and attractive price, hoping it could serve as a convenient and affordable solution for quick initial sight-ins. However, my initial excitement was tempered by the apparent lack of build quality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use of the Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit was at an indoor shooting range, attempting to boresight a .223 AR-15. The red laser was visible at the 25-yard distance, but the plastic arbor felt flimsy during insertion into the barrel. After securing the unit, I noticed a considerable offset between the laser point and the scope’s reticle, requiring significant adjustment to bring them into alignment.
Rotating the boresighter within the barrel revealed a noticeable wobble, indicating that the plastic arbor was not perfectly concentric. This immediately cast doubt on the accuracy and reliability of the boresighting process. Furthermore, the plastic adjustment screw on the arbor felt extremely fragile, making me hesitant to apply too much pressure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and multiple attempts to use the Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit on various firearms, including a 9mm pistol and a .308 rifle, its shortcomings became even more apparent. The plastic arbors exhibited noticeable wear and tear, and one of them even cracked after only a few uses. The battery compartment cover also became loose, causing intermittent laser operation.
Maintaining the unit was relatively simple – wiping it down with a clean cloth after each use was sufficient. However, the inherent fragility of the plastic components made me question its long-term durability. Compared to my experiences with more robust, metal-bodied boresighters, the Bushnell kit was significantly less reliable and precise. It consistently underperformed, leading to frustration and wasted ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit
Specifications
- Type: Boresighter. This indicates its purpose: to roughly align firearm sights with the bore.
- Caliber: Multi-Caliber. It supports various calibers through interchangeable arbors.
- Style: Kit. The kit includes the laser unit and multiple arbors for different calibers.
- Material: Metal and Plastic. The laser unit is likely metal, while the arbors are plastic.
- Quantity: 1. The kit contains one laser unit.
- Battery: LR44. It is powered by readily available LR44 button cell batteries.
These specifications reveal the kit’s intended versatility but also hint at potential limitations in build quality due to the reliance on plastic components. The multi-caliber functionality is appealing, but the durability of the materials is a major concern.
Performance & Functionality
The Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit aims to get shooters “in the ballpark” with their sight alignment, saving ammunition during the initial zeroing process. However, its accuracy is questionable due to the inherent play in the plastic arbors and the potential for laser misalignment. While it may provide a rough starting point, it’s unlikely to deliver precise results.
Its primary strength lies in its ease of use. Inserting the appropriate arbor into the barrel and turning on the laser is straightforward. The major weaknesses are its accuracy and durability. It falls short of expectations for a reliable boresighting tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and transport. However, the build quality is disappointing, with cheap-feeling plastic components and a flimsy battery compartment. The plastic arbors are a particular point of concern, as they are prone to cracking and wear.
The unit is user-friendly, but the fragile nature of the components makes it difficult to handle with confidence. There is a noticeable learning curve in determining the optimal amount of pressure to apply when tightening the arbors.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit‘s longevity is questionable. The plastic arbors are likely to break or wear out with repeated use, and the battery compartment cover may become loose. Maintenance is simple, but the inherent fragility of the components means that it is unlikely to withstand rigorous use.
Repairing the unit would likely be difficult or impossible, as replacement parts are not readily available. Its disposable nature is a significant drawback for anyone seeking a long-term boresighting solution.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit comes with a set of plastic arbors designed to fit various calibers. There are no additional accessories or customization options available. The kit’s limited functionality and lack of upgradeability further diminish its value proposition. It is not compatible with aftermarket accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Multi-caliber compatibility.
- Easy to use.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Reduces initial ammo waste, potentially.
Cons
- Poor build quality and durability.
- Inaccurate and unreliable.
- Fragile plastic arbors prone to breaking.
Who Should Buy Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit?
The Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit might be suitable for individuals on an extremely tight budget who need a very basic tool for rough sight alignment on multiple firearms. It could also be considered by those who only occasionally sight in firearms and are willing to accept the risk of breakage.
Anyone seeking a precise, durable, and reliable boresighting tool should skip this product. Serious shooters, hunters, and those who value accuracy and longevity should invest in a higher-quality boresighter made from more robust materials.
Conclusion on Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit
The Bushnell Multi-Caliber Laser Boresighter Kit offers an attractive price point, but ultimately falls short in terms of build quality, accuracy, and durability. The fragile plastic components and inconsistent laser alignment make it an unreliable tool for serious shooters. While it may provide a rough starting point for sight alignment, its limitations outweigh its cost savings.
At $37.49, the price is seemingly justified only if you consider it a disposable tool. I would personally not recommend this product. Investing in a higher-quality boresighter will ultimately save time, ammunition, and frustration.