First Impressions of Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight
The Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight promises a quick and easy way to get your firearms sighted in, saving both time and expensive ammunition. From Tacticon Armament, this little brass tool claims to work across a wide range of calibers, from .223/5.56 to 12ga shotguns.
I’ve always struggled with the initial zeroing process, particularly with new optics or after significant adjustments. The promise of an accurate, in-home sighting solution definitely piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing, the Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight feels solid, if a bit basic, with its brass construction. It certainly doesn’t scream high-end, but at a price point of $14.24, I wasn’t expecting it to. Compared to more elaborate boresighting systems that use multiple arbors and magnetic attachments, the Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight takes a minimalist approach. I chose this one specifically for its simplicity and the claimed wide range of compatible calibers. My initial feeling is cautiously optimistic; I’m eager to see if it lives up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight on my AR-15 (.223/5.56) and a 9mm handgun at an indoor shooting range before live firing. Conditions were controlled, with good lighting.
Installation was simple: select the appropriate caliber adapter (none needed for .223/5.56 or 9mm as claimed in the product description), insert the boresight into the chamber, and turn it on. The red laser dot was clearly visible on the target at 25 yards. The initial adjustment process seemed straightforward, allowing me to roughly align my sights before even firing a shot. However, I did notice some slight wobble of the boresight within the chamber of both firearms, giving me some doubt about its true “high accuracy”.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across multiple firearms, the Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight has proven… somewhat useful, but not perfect. It’s definitely a good starting point for getting on paper, but I wouldn’t trust it for precise zeroing.
The brass construction has held up fine, with no noticeable wear and tear so far. Maintenance is minimal; just wipe it down after use. Compared to previous methods of bore sighting (using a traditional bore sighter or visually aligning through the barrel), the Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight offers a faster, albeit less precise, initial alignment. It does not outperform more traditional methods for final zeroing.
Breaking Down the Features of Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight
Specifications
The Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Tacticon Armament.
- Fabric/Material: Brass. The brass construction contributes to its durability, but also makes it a bit heavier than some polymer alternatives.
- Beam Color: Red. The red laser is easy to see in most indoor and shaded outdoor conditions.
- Condition: New.
Tacticon Armament claims the boresight is compatible with .223/5.56, 9mm, .45 ACP, 7.62x39mm, .308 Win / 243 Win, 30-06/25-06/270, 12ga, and 20ga firearms. The sighting range is advertised as 10-100 yards.
Performance & Functionality
The Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight performs its basic function: projecting a red laser dot down the barrel to give you a visual reference for sight alignment. However, the accuracy is questionable due to the aforementioned wobble in the chamber and some possible misalignment in the laser module itself.
It’s strongest as a tool for getting your first shots on paper, drastically reducing the amount of ammunition needed for initial zeroing. Its weakness lies in its inability to provide a truly precise zero; you will still need to fine-tune your sights at the range. It meets the minimum expectations for a budget boresighter, but it does not exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The brass construction feels reasonably durable, but the design is very simple and utilitarian. Its weight is noticeable, but not excessive.
There’s no real “ergonomics” to speak of; it’s a cylindrical piece of brass with a laser. There’s no learning curve; it’s plug-and-play.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight should last a decent amount of time with proper care, given its solid brass construction. However, the laser module itself is a potential point of failure.
Maintenance is very simple; just wipe it clean after use and store it in a dry place. There are no user-serviceable parts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight comes with no accessories beyond the batteries required for operation. There are no customization options.
While Tacticon Armament claims the boresight is compatible with a wide range of calibers, in reality, it fits some better than others. Aftermarket adapters might improve the fit for certain calibers, but this is not officially supported.
Pros and Cons of Tacticon Armament Laser BoresightPros
- Greatly reduces ammunition waste during initial sight-in.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Wide claimed compatibility with various calibers.
- Affordable price point.
- Brass construction feels relatively durable.
Cons
- Questionable accuracy due to potential wobble and laser misalignment.
- Does not provide a precise zero; range fine-tuning is still required.
- Lack of included adapters for optimal fit in all claimed calibers.
Who Should Buy Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight?
Pros
- Greatly reduces ammunition waste during initial sight-in.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Wide claimed compatibility with various calibers.
- Affordable price point.
- Brass construction feels relatively durable.
Cons
- Questionable accuracy due to potential wobble and laser misalignment.
- Does not provide a precise zero; range fine-tuning is still required.
- Lack of included adapters for optimal fit in all claimed calibers.
The Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight is perfect for casual shooters or anyone looking for a budget-friendly way to quickly get their sights roughly aligned before heading to the range. It’s also suitable for individuals who own multiple firearms in different calibers and want a single tool for initial bore sighting.
This product should be skipped by precision shooters, competitive shooters, or anyone who demands extreme accuracy. Those individuals should invest in a more sophisticated bore sighting system.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality set of batteries to ensure consistent laser output.
Conclusion on Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight
The Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight is a decent, albeit imperfect, tool for initial sight alignment. Its low price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters, but its accuracy limitations must be considered.
The value proposition is justified if you understand its limitations and use it primarily for getting on paper quickly. I would personally recommend it as a starting point, but not as a substitute for proper range zeroing.
Ultimately, the Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight is a useful tool for saving time and ammunition, but don’t expect miracles. Go to the range to dial in your firearm to perfection after using the Tacticon Armament Laser Boresight.