Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter Review

The Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter Made a Bold First Impression

The Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter promises a quick and easy way to sight in your .40 Smith & Wesson pistol. Marketed as a valuable tool for both novice and experienced shooters, it also boasts National Tactical Officers Association recommendation. The price point is certainly attractive.

I’ve always struggled with efficiently sighting in new pistols, burning through too much ammo in the process. The lure of a faster, less wasteful method drew me to this boresighter. I hoped the Sightmark would streamline the process and save me precious range time.

The boresighter came packaged in a simple, clear plastic case, which immediately felt a bit underwhelming. Inside, I found the boresighter itself, three AG3 batteries, and a small instruction sheet. The metal casing of the boresighter felt solid enough, but the overall construction didn’t scream “high-end”.

Compared to some magnetic laser boresighters I’ve used in the past, the Sightmark felt less versatile, being specific to the .40 S&W caliber. However, for dedicated .40 S&W users, the caliber-specific design should offer a more precise fit. I’d previously considered a universal boresighter, but the potential for slop and inaccuracy steered me towards a caliber-specific option, hoping for better results.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality appeared adequate for the price, and I was eager to see if it lived up to its promise of simplifying the sighting-in process. I was slightly concerned about the longevity of the AG3 batteries.

Real-World Testing: Putting Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at my local indoor shooting range. The controlled environment allowed me to focus solely on the boresighter’s performance. I inserted the batteries, confirmed the laser was emitting a clear red dot, and carefully inserted the boresighter into the chamber of my Smith & Wesson M&P .40.

The instructions suggested aligning the laser dot with the center of the target at a distance of 25 yards. This proved trickier than anticipated. The dot was visible, but not as bright as I had hoped, especially against the well-lit range backdrop. I found myself squinting to clearly see it, and the dot appeared slightly blurry.

After making adjustments to my sights based on the laser’s indication, I fired a three-shot group. To my surprise, the group was still significantly off-center. It required further adjustments to get on target, proving the boresighter was only a rough guide, not a precise solution. I was hoping for something that would get me much closer to zero right away, but it only saved me a little bit of ammunition.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions using the Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter, my opinion remains lukewarm. The boresighter still functions, but the dim laser and the inherent imprecision continue to be drawbacks. The battery life is also surprisingly short. I’ve already had to replace the batteries twice.

I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear on the boresighter itself, which is a positive. It appears to be reasonably durable, despite the initial impression of the plastic case. Cleaning is simple; I just wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use.

Compared to the traditional method of sighting in by simply shooting and adjusting, the Sightmark offers a slight advantage in reducing initial ammo waste. However, it falls short of the “quick and easy” claim. It’s more of a rough estimate that still requires significant live-fire confirmation and adjustment. This is unlike other methods I’ve used for rifles that get me much closer.

Breaking Down the Features of Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter

Specifications

• Caliber: .40 Smith & Wesson. This caliber-specific design ensures a snug fit within the chamber, promoting more consistent alignment compared to universal boresighters.
• Laser Wavelength: Red (specific wavelength not specified). The red laser is visible to the human eye, allowing for easy alignment with the target.
• Laser Power: 1mW. The 1mW power output complies with safety regulations, but may be underpowered for optimal visibility in bright conditions.
• Battery Type: AG3 (3 included). AG3 batteries are small and inexpensive, but offer limited battery life, requiring frequent replacements.
• Material: Predominantly metal construction. The metal construction offers reasonable durability for its intended purpose.
• NTOA Recommended: Tested and Recommended by the National Tactical Officers Association. This indicates a level of professional evaluation, although specific testing criteria are not provided.

Performance & Functionality

The Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter’s primary function is to provide a visual reference for aligning the pistol’s sights with the bore. It achieves this, but with limited precision. The dim laser and slight variations in chamber fit can result in inaccurate initial adjustments.

The Sightmark struggles in brightly lit environments. Its low-powered laser can be difficult to see clearly, impacting its effectiveness.

Design & Ergonomics

The boresighter is designed to be simple to use. It’s a straightforward “insert and align” process. However, the battery compartment can be a bit fiddly to open and close.

The build quality is adequate for the price, but not exceptional. The metal casing provides reasonable durability, but the plastic battery cover feels flimsy.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my testing, the Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter appears reasonably durable. After weeks of use, there’s no significant wear. The design is simple, so maintenance is straightforward: simply wipe it clean after use and replace the batteries as needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter comes with minimal accessories. It includes three AG3 batteries and a carrying case. There are no customization options available for this particular boresighter.

It’s designed specifically for .40 S&W pistols and is not compatible with other calibers. The lack of compatibility with other brands or accessories limits its versatility.

Pros and Cons of Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter

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Who Should Buy Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter?

The Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter is perfect for casual .40 S&W pistol owners looking for a basic and inexpensive tool to get a rough initial sight alignment. It’s also suitable for individuals who are particularly budget-conscious and don’t mind a less precise method.

Someone who values precision and efficiency should skip this product. It is not suitable for competitive shooters or those who frequently sight in new pistols. They are better off investing in a higher-quality, more precise boresighting system.

A must-have accessory for this product is a supply of extra AG3 batteries.

Conclusion on Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter

The Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter offers a budget-friendly entry point into the world of laser boresighting. However, it’s important to understand its limitations. Its dim laser and imprecise nature mean that it’s best suited as a very rough guide rather than a definitive solution for sighting in your .40 S&W pistol.

At $29.99, the price is justifiable for what you get. However, don’t expect miracles. I would personally recommend it to very casual shooters on a tight budget, but with the caveat that it’s not a replacement for traditional sighting-in methods.

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and highly accurate boresighting solution, you’ll likely be disappointed. But, if you’re seeking an affordable tool to get you in the general vicinity of your target and are willing to put in the extra effort to fine-tune your sights, the Sightmark 40 S&W 1mW Red Laser Boresighter might be worth a try. Just don’t forget to buy extra batteries!

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