First Thoughts on the SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter
The SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter promises meticulous accuracy. It boasts exacting tolerance specifications from SME, a name not typically associated with high-end optics but rather with functional, no-nonsense gear. Could this inexpensive tool truly deliver unparalleled results, saving time and ammunition at the range?
I’ve always been a stickler for precision, especially when it comes to sighting in my rifles. The traditional method of bore sighting – removing the bolt and visually aligning the barrel with the target – has always felt imprecise and time-consuming. I was looking for a faster, more reliable way to get on paper before making fine adjustments at the range, and the SME Sight-Right seemed like a potentially affordable solution.
Upon receiving the SME Sight-Right, my first impression was of its compact size and simple design. Machined from brass, it felt reasonably solid, though certainly not as robust as some higher-priced boresighters I’ve encountered. The inclusion of three button cell batteries was a welcome touch.
Compared to magnetic boresighters that attach to the muzzle, or universal arbors with expanding rubber sleeves, the SME Sight-Right’s caliber-specific design appealed to me. It promised a snug, precise fit within the chamber. I’d previously used a universal boresighter with less-than-stellar results; its laser was often off-center, leading to frustration and wasted rounds. I chose the SME Sight-Right hoping for better accuracy due to its tailored fit.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price was definitely right, and the claim of precision machining piqued my interest. Would this little brass device live up to the hype, or would it be another range bag paperweight?
Real-World Testing: Putting SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the SME Sight-Right at my local outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. The rifle I used was my trusty .308 Winchester bolt-action, a favorite for deer hunting. After ensuring the rifle was unloaded and safe, I carefully inserted the boresighter into the chamber.
The fit was snug, as expected, and the laser emitted a bright red dot onto the target set at 50 yards. I immediately noticed the dot was slightly off-center from my scope’s crosshairs, which was expected. Adjusting the scope turrets based on the laser’s position got me reasonably close to the bullseye.
Initially, I was pleased with the speed and ease of use compared to traditional bore sighting methods. The red dot was clearly visible, even in the bright sunlight. However, I noticed a slight wobble in the boresighter when inserted, which raised concerns about consistency.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, the SME Sight-Right’s performance has been a mixed bag. While it consistently gets me on paper at 50 yards, the aforementioned wobble has proven to be a persistent issue. This inconsistency translates to slightly larger groups on the target than I’d prefer after the bore sighting process.
The brass construction has held up well, showing no significant signs of wear and tear despite repeated use. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a cloth removes any powder residue. The batteries, however, seem to drain relatively quickly, requiring replacement more often than expected.
Compared to my previous experiences with universal boresighters, the SME Sight-Right is a definite improvement in terms of initial accuracy and ease of use. However, the wobble prevents it from reaching its full potential, leaving me somewhat disappointed in its overall precision. A tighter fit would significantly improve its reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter
Specifications
The SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter is a caliber-specific bore sighting tool designed for .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and 7mm-08 Remington rifles. It is constructed from precision-machined brass. The unit utilizes a red laser powered by three alkaline button cell batteries. The laser is intended to provide a visual reference for aligning the rifle’s sights or scope with the bore’s axis.
- Caliber Specificity: Designed for .243, .308, and 7mm-08 calibers, ensuring a snug fit. This prevents the need for multiple adapters or adjustments.
- Brass Construction: Machined from brass casing for optimal accuracy, supposedly. Brass is known for its machinability and dimensional stability.
- Laser Type: Employs a red laser for easy visibility. Red lasers are common and relatively inexpensive.
- Power Source: Powered by three button cell batteries (included). Button cell batteries are compact and readily available.
These specifications suggest a tool intended for quick and easy bore sighting, emphasizing convenience and affordability. The caliber-specific design aims to enhance accuracy, while the brass construction hints at durability.
Performance & Functionality
The SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter functions by projecting a red laser beam down the bore of the rifle. This allows the user to visually align the rifle’s sights or scope with the projected point of impact at a given distance. The primary strength is its simplicity and speed compared to traditional bore sighting.
The major weakness is the slight wobble when inserted into the chamber. This affects the consistency and ultimate accuracy of the bore sighting process. It meets the basic expectation of getting shots on paper, but does not exceed expectations for precise alignment.
Design & Ergonomics
The SME Sight-Right features a simple, cylindrical design. It’s made from brass and is lightweight. The tool is easy to handle and insert into the rifle’s chamber.
The brass construction feels reasonably durable, although the overall build quality is not exceptional. There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass construction suggests a reasonable lifespan with proper care. The SME Sight-Right is easy to maintain; a quick wipe with a clean cloth after use is typically sufficient. Repairs are unlikely, as the unit is relatively simple, and replacement is likely more economical than repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The SME Sight-Right comes with three button cell batteries. There are no other included accessories, nor are there any customization options available. The tool is designed as a standalone bore sighting solution. It is not designed to interface directly with other accessories, such as specialized scope mounts.
Pros and Cons of SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: The SME Sight-Right is one of the most economical laser boresighters on the market.
- Caliber-Specific Design: The tailored fit improves accuracy compared to universal models.
- Ease of Use: Simple and intuitive operation requires no specialized knowledge.
- Faster than Traditional Methods: Speeds up the initial bore sighting process significantly.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to store and transport in a range bag.
Cons
- Wobble: The loose fit in the chamber affects consistency and accuracy.
- Battery Life: Batteries drain relatively quickly, requiring frequent replacement.
- Construction: Lacks the robustness of higher-priced boresighters.
Who Should Buy SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter?
The SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter is perfect for budget-conscious hunters and recreational shooters who need a quick and easy way to get their rifles roughly sighted in. It’s ideal for those who don’t demand pinpoint accuracy from their initial bore sighting. This tool is also suitable for shooters who frequently swap scopes between rifles and need a convenient way to re-establish their zero.
Those seeking absolute precision or those who demand bombproof durability should skip this product. Competitive shooters and long-range enthusiasts would likely benefit from investing in a higher-quality boresighter with a tighter fit and more robust construction. A spotting scope is also helpful to confirm the adjustments at longer distances.
Conclusion on SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter
The SME Sight-Right Laser 243/308 Winchester / 7mm-08 Remington Boresighter offers a compelling value proposition for shooters on a tight budget. It provides a faster and easier alternative to traditional bore sighting methods. However, its inherent wobble prevents it from achieving true precision.
At its low price, it’s difficult to fault the SME Sight-Right too harshly. It gets the job done, albeit with some compromises. I would recommend it to those who understand its limitations and are willing to accept them for the sake of convenience and affordability.
For shooters looking for a basic, functional boresighter that won’t break the bank, the SME Sight-Right is worth considering. Just be prepared to spend some extra time at the range fine-tuning your zero. Go give it a try and see if it works for you!