First Thoughts on the SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter
The SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter promises meticulous accuracy, and in the world of precision shooting, that’s a siren song to any serious marksman. Marketed by SME as a caliber-specific sighter machined to exacting tolerances, this little brass cartridge offers a seemingly simple solution to a common problem: getting your scope aligned quickly and accurately. With a high-output laser and a budget-friendly price of $14.99, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, or if it was another case of “you get what you pay for.”
Having spent over a decade tinkering with rifles and optics, the allure of a fast, reliable boresighting method is undeniable. The old “eyeball down the barrel” trick works in a pinch, but it’s far from precise, and wasting expensive ammo at the range trying to dial in a scope is frustrating and costly. I was specifically looking for a solution that would allow me to quickly establish a solid zero on my .22-250 rifle, saving time and ammunition.
The initial impression upon unboxing was…underwhelming. The SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter felt lightweight, almost toy-like, due to its brass construction and minimal packaging. Compared to more elaborate magnetic boresighters or those incorporating levels and grids, its simplicity was striking. I considered alternatives like the Bushnell Universal Boresighter, known for its versatility, or the SiteLite Ultra Mag Laser Boresighter, lauded for its powerful laser, but ultimately chose the SME for its caliber-specific design and low price point, gambling on the promise of precision through simplicity. My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism, but the potential for a quick and easy boresighting solution kept my hopes alive.
Real-World Testing: Putting SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter took place at my local outdoor range, a familiar environment where I could control variables and accurately assess its performance. The weather was mild and clear, ideal for sighting in a rifle. Inserting the boresighter into the chamber of my .22-250 was straightforward. It fit snugly, simulating a live round. The laser emitted a clear, bright red dot that was easily visible on my target board at 25 yards.
However, the initial excitement quickly faded. The laser dot, while visible, exhibited a noticeable amount of “play” within the bore. This meant the dot would shift slightly as I gently manipulated the rifle, indicating a less-than-perfect fit. This immediately raised concerns about the true accuracy and repeatability of the boresighter. The instructions were non-existent; thankfully, its use is intuitive. Despite the initial frustration, I proceeded, using the laser dot as a rough guide to adjust my scope.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a couple of months, the SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter proved to be consistently inconsistent. The initial “play” in the chamber persisted, leading to variable results each time I used it. Durability wasn’t an issue; the brass casing held up well, showing no signs of wear or damage. Maintenance was simple; I just wiped it down with a clean cloth after each use.
Compared to past experiences with more sophisticated boresighting systems, the SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter ultimately disappointed. It offered a quick and easy way to get “close” to zero, but it lacked the precision needed for truly accurate sighting. I still ended up spending a significant amount of time and ammunition fine-tuning my scope at the range, negating the primary benefit I was hoping for. While it got me on paper, so to speak, I question its value beyond that.
Breaking Down the Features of SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter
Specifications
- Caliber: .22-250 Remington. This is a caliber-specific boresighter, meaning it’s designed only for firearms chambered in .22-250.
- Material: Brass. Brass is a relatively soft metal, chosen for its machinability and resemblance to cartridge casings.
- Quantity: 1. The package contains a single boresighter unit.
- Battery: Alkaline button cell. The boresighter is powered by three included button cell batteries.
- Laser Output: High output laser. The laser is designed to provide a visible dot for sighting, but no specific output power (mW) is provided.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the accuracy and usability of the boresighter. The caliber-specific design should ensure a snug fit within the chamber, minimizing play and maximizing accuracy. The brass construction, while durable enough for the task, might not offer the same level of precision as steel or aluminum. Battery life and laser output determine how easily the dot can be seen in various lighting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter’s primary function is to provide a visual reference point for aligning a firearm’s scope with its bore. In this regard, it achieves a basic level of functionality. The laser emits a visible dot, allowing the user to adjust the scope until the reticle is aligned with the dot.
However, the aforementioned “play” within the chamber significantly detracts from its accuracy. The resulting inconsistency means the boresighter can only be used for rough zeroing, requiring extensive fine-tuning at the range. The lack of adjustability or calibration further limits its usefulness.
Design & Ergonomics
The SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter features a simple, cartridge-like design. The brass casing is easy to handle and insert into the chamber. However, the lack of any external adjustments or markings makes it difficult to verify its alignment.
The lightweight nature of the brass casing might be perceived as a benefit for portability, but it also contributes to the feeling of cheapness and a lack of precision. There’s virtually no learning curve; simply insert and observe the laser dot.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass construction of the SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter appears to be reasonably durable for its intended use. It should withstand repeated insertions and removals from the chamber without significant wear and tear.
Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe down the casing with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris. The battery compartment is easily accessible for replacement, ensuring long-term usability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter comes with three button cell batteries and nothing else. There are no customization options available. Due to its caliber-specific design, it’s not compatible with any universal accessories from other brands. This lack of versatility might be a drawback for shooters who own multiple firearms in different calibers.
Pros and Cons of SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter
Pros
- Easy to use, with no learning curve.
- Low price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Caliber-specific design should offer improved accuracy.
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability.
Cons
- Noticeable “play” in the chamber negatively impacts accuracy.
- Laser dot shifts, leading to inconsistent results.
- Requires significant fine-tuning at the range.
- Questionable value beyond getting “on paper.”
Who Should Buy SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter?
The SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter is perfect for the extremely budget-conscious shooter who needs a very rough initial zero on a .22-250 rifle, understanding they will need to spend considerable time and ammo at the range for proper zeroing. It could also be suitable for someone new to rifles who wants a simple, inexpensive way to understand the basics of boresighting.
Who should skip this product? Anyone seeking truly accurate and reliable boresighting should avoid this product. Those who value precision and efficiency will be better served by investing in a higher-quality boresighting system.
Must-have accessories or modifications? None applicable, as the device is not designed for modification. A quality scope and a solid shooting rest are far more important for achieving accuracy with a .22-250.
Conclusion on SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter
The SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter offers a tempting proposition: a simple, affordable way to get your scope aligned. However, its inherent inaccuracy due to “play” within the chamber ultimately undermines its usefulness.
The price, at $14.99, is certainly justified for what it is – a basic laser pointer shaped like a cartridge. However, the value proposition is questionable when considering its limited performance.
Personally, I would not recommend this product to anyone seeking a reliable and accurate boresighting solution. While it might get you “in the ballpark,” the time and ammunition saved will likely be minimal. Invest in a higher-quality boresighting system or, better yet, learn the fundamentals of manual sighting techniques. The SME Sight-Right 22-250 Laser Boresighter promises precision, but delivers only a rough approximation.