First Thoughts on the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter
The SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter promises a quick and easy way to get your rifle roughly zeroed, saving both time and ammunition at the range. Manufactured by SME, this caliber-specific boresighter utilizes a laser to project an approximate point of impact, allowing for initial scope adjustments before firing live rounds. This little tool aims to reduce frustration and wasted ammo, especially when mounting a new optic or confirming zero after travel.
I picked up the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter because I was tired of burning through boxes of ammunition just to get on paper. I have several rifles chambered in .17 HMR and swapping scopes between them or remounting after cleaning always resulted in the same time-consuming process. I was searching for a quicker and more efficient way to establish a preliminary zero, saving both time and money at the range.
Upon unboxing, the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter feels surprisingly solid for its price. The brass casing appears well-machined, and the laser diode seems securely housed. The included batteries were a welcome addition, saving me a trip to the store.
I considered a couple of other universal boresighters, but ultimately chose the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter due to its caliber-specific design. While universal models offer broader compatibility, I valued the potential for increased accuracy and a more precise fit that a dedicated tool could provide. I also wanted to avoid the hassle of fiddling with adapters and shims that often accompany universal boresighters.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed decent, and the concept was sound. I was eager to see if it would live up to its promise of saving me time and frustration at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter at my local shooting range on a calm, sunny day. I used it on my Ruger 77/17, which had recently had a new scope mounted. I wanted to get a rough zero before fine tuning with live rounds.
The SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter performed well enough. It was easy to insert into the chamber, and the laser was bright enough to see clearly at 25 yards, even in daylight. I was able to quickly adjust my scope to get the reticle close to the laser’s projected point of impact.
The only issue I encountered was that the laser dot was slightly off-center in my bore at approximately 10 yards away, requiring a small adjustment to my initial scope alignment. But, it got me very close to being on target for my initial shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter has held up surprisingly well. It shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being tossed in my range bag. The brass casing has maintained its integrity, and the laser diode continues to function reliably.
Maintenance is simple. I just wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use. I have not had to replace the batteries yet, and I use the boresighter on at least 2 range visits each month.
Compared to my previous method of sighting in a rifle (shooting groups and adjusting), the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter is a significant improvement. It saves me time, ammunition, and frustration, allowing me to get on paper quickly and efficiently.
Breaking Down the Features of SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter
Specifications
- Caliber: .17 HMR. This dedicated caliber ensures a snug fit in the chamber, maximizing accuracy.
- Material: Brass. The brass casing is durable and helps prevent damage to the rifle’s chamber.
- Battery: Alkaline button cell (included). The included batteries are a convenient addition.
- Style: Cartridge. The cartridge design simplifies insertion and removal.
- Mount: Chamber. Chamber mounting ensures consistent alignment with the bore.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the accuracy and ease of use of the boresighter. The caliber-specific design ensures a proper fit, while the brass casing provides durability and prevents damage to the rifle. The battery type and mount style contribute to the overall convenience and reliability of the tool.
Performance & Functionality
The SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter performs its primary function effectively. It gets you roughly on paper without wasting ammunition. The laser is bright enough to be seen in most lighting conditions, making it easy to align your scope.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use. It is straightforward to insert and remove from the chamber, and the laser is consistently bright. The only real weakness is that, as with any boresighter, it’s not a substitute for live-fire zeroing.
The SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter meets my expectations. It provides a quick and easy way to establish a preliminary zero, saving me time and ammunition at the range. It is not a replacement for proper zeroing with live ammunition, but it gets me close enough to minimize wasted shots.
Design & Ergonomics
The SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter features a simple and functional design. The brass casing is well-machined and feels durable in hand. Its lightweight design ensures it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your range bag.
The boresighter is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills to operate. The design is intuitive and straightforward, making it easy to use even for novice shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its simple design and robust brass construction, the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter is expected to last for many years with proper care. The laser diode is well-protected, and the brass casing is resistant to corrosion.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth. The batteries are easily replaceable, ensuring continued functionality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter comes with three button cell batteries. There are no additional accessories or customization options available for this product.
It is designed to be used as a standalone tool for boresighting and does not require any additional accessories to function properly. Compatibility with accessories from other brands is not applicable in this case.
Pros and Cons of SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter
Pros
- Saves time and ammunition when sighting in a .17 HMR rifle.
- Easy to use and requires no special tools.
- Durable brass construction for long-lasting performance.
- Bright laser for clear visibility, even in daylight.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to most shooters.
Cons
- Not a substitute for live-fire zeroing.
- Caliber-specific design limits compatibility to .17 HMR rifles only.
Who Should Buy SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter?
The SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter is perfect for .17 HMR rifle owners who frequently mount or swap optics and want to save time and ammunition during the zeroing process. It is also beneficial for new shooters who are learning to sight in their rifles.
Those who only occasionally shoot their .17 HMR rifle or those who prefer traditional sighting methods may not find this product necessary. Also, this product is only compatible with .17 HMR chambered firearms.
A must-have accessory would be a reliable target stand and a quality set of targets to use during the live-fire zeroing process.
Conclusion on SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter
The SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter is a valuable tool for any .17 HMR rifle owner looking to streamline the sighting-in process. It offers a quick and easy way to establish a preliminary zero, saving both time and ammunition at the range. While it is not a replacement for live-fire zeroing, it is a worthwhile investment for its convenience and efficiency.
At a price of $15.49, the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter is a cost-effective solution for a common problem. The time and ammunition saved will quickly offset the initial cost.
I would personally recommend the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter to any .17 HMR rifle owner who values efficiency and convenience. It is a simple yet effective tool that can significantly reduce the frustration of sighting in a rifle. Ditch the wasted ammo and get on paper faster with the SME Sight-Right 17 HMR Laser Boresighter.