First Thoughts on the SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter
The SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter promises a quick and easy way to get your firearm sighted in. For years, I’ve relied on traditional methods: the Mark I eyeball, a solid rest, and plenty of ammunition. But the promise of saving time and ammo with a laser boresighter was too tempting to ignore.
I’ve spent a significant chunk of my career zeroing rifles for various purposes, from hunting whitetail in dense Appalachian forests to preparing tactical carbines for law enforcement training. Wasted ammo equates to wasted time and money. The potential for a device to streamline this process and get me on target faster intrigued me.
Upon unboxing, the SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter felt surprisingly solid. The metal construction gave it a reassuring heft, but it also made me wonder about potential scratching of the bore. It seemed well-machined for its price point.
I considered several alternatives before settling on the SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter. Bushnell’s offerings are well-regarded, but often pricier. Similarly, Sightmark has some interesting options, but I was drawn to the SME due to its broad caliber compatibility claims and budget-friendly price of $27.99.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The device looked like it could do the job, and the build quality seemed adequate. The real test, of course, would be on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter at my local shooting range. I used it on a .223 AR-15, a .308 bolt-action rifle, and a .45 ACP handgun. My goal was simple: see how close it would get me to zero at 50 yards.
The weather was clear and mild, ideal conditions for testing. Inserting the SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter into each muzzle was straightforward, though I was initially concerned about centering it perfectly. It seemed slightly loose in the .223 bore.
Using the boresighter significantly cut down my initial group adjustment time. However, achieving true zero still required a decent amount of fine-tuning with live ammunition. I noticed the laser dot seemed to drift slightly between uses, requiring re-centering.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and numerous uses across different firearms, the SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter has held up reasonably well. The metal construction hasn’t shown any significant wear, and the laser still functions consistently. I’m always careful to clean the bore after each use.
I haven’t observed any signs of degradation in laser brightness. The aluminum construction has held up with only minor scratching. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth has kept it in good working order.
Compared to my previous method of visual bore sighting, the SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter offers a noticeable improvement in speed and accuracy at the initial stage. However, it’s not a replacement for live fire zeroing. It gets you close, but doesn’t get you all the way there.
Breaking Down the Features of SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter
Specifications
- Type: Laser Boresighter. This indicates its primary function: projecting a laser beam to aid in aligning firearm sights.
- Caliber: .17 to .50 Caliber. This highlights its versatility, as it can be used with a wide range of firearm calibers.
- Style: Laser. This simply confirms that it utilizes a laser for boresighting.
- Material: Metal. Indicating a potentially durable build, though the specific metal isn’t specified.
- Quantity: 1. Obvious, but confirms you receive one unit.
- Battery: LR44. This specifies the type of batteries required to power the laser.
- Mount: Muzzle. Meaning it inserts directly into the firearm’s muzzle.
The specifications highlight a product designed for broad compatibility. The wide caliber range suggests adaptability, but it also raises questions about the precision of the fit in various bores. The LR44 battery is a common and inexpensive type, which is a plus.
Performance & Functionality
The SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter performs its primary function adequately, getting you close to zero. It is simple to use. Its biggest strength is the time it saves in initial sight alignment, but I found that the laser requires recentering frequently to ensure accurate readings.
The main weakness is the potential for slight misalignment within the bore. It requires careful adjustment to center the laser dot. Overall, it meets expectations for a budget boresighter but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price. The metal construction feels solid, but the centering mechanism is somewhat basic. This makes it a little fiddly to get perfectly aligned.
The device is reasonably user-friendly, but requires some patience. The instructions are minimal. The learning curve involves understanding how to properly center the laser within the muzzle.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter should last for a reasonable amount of time. However, the reliance on small batteries means you should keep spares. The metal construction is a plus.
Maintenance involves simply wiping it clean after each use. It’s also recommended to store it in a protective case to prevent damage. This is important to maintaining precision.
Accessories and Customization Options
The product comes with the boresighter itself and the necessary batteries (LR44). There are no customization options. The broad caliber compatibility is its main selling point in terms of adaptability.
The SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter is designed to be a standalone tool. Compatibility with other accessories is limited to the firearms themselves. This is a simple, straightforward device.
Pros and Cons of SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter
Pros
- Affordable price point: At around $27.99, it’s an accessible tool for most shooters.
- Wide Caliber Compatibility: The ability to use it on various firearms from .17 to .50 caliber is a huge advantage.
- Time-Saving: It significantly reduces the amount of time and ammunition needed for initial sight alignment.
- Simple to Use: The basic design makes it relatively easy to operate, even for beginners.
- Durable Metal Construction: Provides a solid feel and suggests decent longevity with proper care.
Cons
- Requires Manual Centering: The need to manually center the laser within the bore can be fiddly and time-consuming.
- Not a Replacement for Live Fire Zeroing: It gets you close, but final zeroing with live ammunition is still necessary.
Who Should Buy SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter?
The SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who own multiple firearms and want to save time and ammo during initial sight-in. It’s also suitable for beginners looking for a simple and affordable way to learn the basics of sighting in a rifle or handgun. Hunters who frequently switch between rifles for different game could also benefit.
Those who demand absolute precision and are unwilling to spend any time fiddling with adjustments should skip this product. Experienced competitive shooters or tactical operators might prefer higher-end, more precise boresighting tools. Those who expect it to provide perfect zero without any live-fire confirmation will be disappointed.
A must-have accessory would be a small microfiber cloth for cleaning the laser lens and the bore. Having extra LR44 batteries on hand is also a good idea. A small carrying case to protect it during transport would be a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion on SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter
The SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter is a decent budget-friendly tool that offers a noticeable improvement over traditional visual bore sighting methods. While it’s not a substitute for live fire zeroing, it can save you valuable time and ammunition during initial sight alignment. However, the manual centering requirement and slight potential for misalignment are drawbacks to consider.
At $27.99, the price is justified for what it offers. It delivers on its core promise of getting you closer to zero faster, but it’s not a perfect solution. You get what you pay for.
I would personally recommend it to recreational shooters, hunters, and beginners who are looking for an affordable and versatile boresighting tool. Just remember to manage your expectations. Don’t expect pinpoint accuracy right out of the box. Take the time to center it properly, and always confirm your zero with live fire. If you’re looking for a way to quickly get your firearms sighted in, the SME Sight-Right Muzzle Laser 17-50 Caliber Boresighter is a viable, budget-conscious option to get you on target faster.