
What’s the simplest and most effective method to improve accuracy – sighting in your scope properly, of course! Learn how to sight in a red dot scope without shooting from this concise guide!
How to Sight in a Red Dot Scope Without Shooting
Before sighting in your riflescope, check that it’s mounted properly and snugly.
The Tools
Boresighting involves aligning the scope reticle with your gun barrel’s true center (bore axis). These methods allow you to sight in without wasting precious ammunition.
Laser Boresighter
A laser boresighter projects a dot on the target through a laser diode. This allows you to easily align your scope’s dot or crosshairs with your target. It works similarly to a laser pointer.
- ✹[Aluminum Material+ Exquisite Workmanship] Using high-end aluminum alloy with exquisite workmanship to create a smoothly frosted metal surface
- ✹[30 Adapters Fit For More Models]Containing 30 adapters, Owlshoot Green bore sighting laser with multiple caliber can perfectly fit any .17-.78 caliber, rifles, pistols, handguns shotgun and scope....
- Improve Accuracy: Laser bore sight emit a straight red laser beam, providing a precise reference for zeroing in on your target.
- Applied More Model: Upgrade 9 bore adapters in set, the laser bore sight can be applied to all .177-.54 caliber rifles and pistols.
- Class IIIA laser, less than 5mW
- Made to fit the .223 chamber, caliber specific.
Last update on 2023-05-11 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Experienced shooters recommend boresighters because of their efficiency and ease of use. Plus, this tool has minimal parallax, so you can adjust your gun without displacing its alignment.
Optical Boresighter
The optical boresighter works like its laser counterpart, but without the laser diode. Like its laser counterpart, it’s screwed at the tip of the firearm’s barrel. You can see the red dot through the lens grid. Then adjust the crosshairs to align the target with your scope.
The Process
Now that you know each tool, it’s time to learn the entire sighting in process.
Boresight Your Weapon

After deciding on your starting range, mount your rifle on the shooting bench or any platform of your choosing. After which, you can boresight your weapon to have more accurate initial shots through your preferred boresighter. Here’s how:
- If you’ll be using laser boresighters, they come with a set of adapters that’s attached to the boresighter’s tip to tighten the beam. Screw in the one that’s compatible with the caliber you’re shooting.
- Attach the boresighter to your firearm’s muzzle.
- Switch on the boresighter.
- Use a daylight laser target or any standard target. Place the beam on the center of the target and bring down your scope’s reticle to the same spot. You’re now zeroed at 25 yards.
- ✅ Universal - the Dry Fire Laser Training Target fits for all bright green/ blue / red indoor laser bullet.
- ✅ Portable Size - Compact L*W*H Size at 9CM*4.5CM*13CM makes it be easy to keep and be easy to go.
- Laser class: IIIa. maximum. Output power:
- [Compatibility]: Works with most training laser cartridges on the market.The target gives you a flash,cumulative number and sound feedback when your laser hits it.Perfect to practice your shooting...
- EASE OF USE: Perfect for experts or beginners, train indoors without using live ammunition – Challenge friends to a fun competition with the included full-size and compact training pistols
- COMPATIBLE: Works with all LaserLyte Laser Trainers
Last update on 2023-05-11 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
[This is for a daylight laser target with grids in one-inch increments.] For example, if you want your scope zeroed at a hundred yards, position your scope’s reticle 2 grids above the center dot for the average caliber. You can look up detailed load data for your cartridge to refine that estimate.
It’s very important that you’re comfortable with your shooting position to avoid sprain and muscle pain especially if you’ll be practicing for hours. Here a few additional pointers every time you zero a scope:
- Don’t forget to remove the boresighter before firing.
- [Optional] You can use a bench rest (or sandbags or a gun vise) for more stability.
- SPECS: Weatherproof tabletop is 34” W x 23” L and weighs 30 pounds and the allweather seat is 17” in height with a total weight limit of 250 pounds
- EASE OF USE: Table unfolds to setup and the ambidextrous seat pivots around the rear table leg for maximum shooting comfort
- This Ultra-Steady Shooting Bench Offers A Stable, Comfortable, And Spacious Shooting Surface For Target Practice Or Field Hunting.
- The 21” Wide X 28” Long Padded Bench Top Provides Comfort. Weighs A Mere 32Lbs.With A Weight Limit Of 300 Lbs.
- SPECS: The highly durable, weatherproof tabletop is 34” x 23” and the allweather seat adjusts from 16”-22” in height with a weight limit of 275 pounds
- EASE OF USE: Table features a quick-release pin for easy seat height adjustment, an adjustable leg angle for use on uneven terrain and all movements can be locked to ensure a secure shooting bench
Last update on 2023-05-11 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Make sure your cheek is touching your firearm.
- Avoid moving your head and your firearm, especially while adjusting your optic.
- Wear eye and ear protection.
Conclusion
There you have it – the quickest ways to sight in your red dot scope without firing! These methods will save you plenty of money on ammo and leave more time to practice shooting, but you’ll still need to confirm your point of impact and refine for precision targeting afterwards.
If you prefer red dots, knowing how to sight in a red dot sight is key to increased accuracy!