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! Yes, you heard that right! Whether you’re a seasoned sharpshooter looking to fine-tune your skills or a newbie eager to get started without a bang, this guide is your new best friend. Today, we’re diving into the world of red dot scopes and uncovering not one, but two effective tools to help you sight in like a pro, all while keeping your ammunition untouched. So, grab your gear, and let’s embark on this exciting journey to accuracy and precision, no shooting required!
How to Sight in a Red Dot Scope Without Shooting
Before sighting in your riflescope, check that it’s mounted properly and torqued down correctly. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your time!
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.
- [Upgraded to 32 Numbered Adapters]: Bore sight kit comes with 32 adapters, it provides a more precise range differentiation for calibers, perfectly suitable for any caliber within the range of...
- [Preset Straight and Bright Laser]: Laser visible distance reaches 15-100 yards. Green laser has a greater wavelength distance compared to red laser, making it more suitable for long-distance zeroing....
- [Upgraded 50 Numbered Adapters]: MCREHOTZ Laser bore sight kit with 50 adapters, Each adapter is supplied with distinct serial numbers and explicit instructions,it provides a accurate range...
- [Unlock Unprecedented Accuracy]： The best boresight that embodies the zenith of precision engineering. With unwavering attention to detail, each component undergoes rigorous manufacturing....
- [New Upgraded 64 Adapters] Visiofire Laser bore sighter kit with 64 innovative manual knob adapters, suitable for any calibers from .17 to 12GA. Each adapter is marked with distinct serial numbers and...
- [Impeccable Accuracy] Our laser bore sighter kit has been rigorously tested with almost every firearm type, ensuring each component meets the highest quality standards. It offers unparalleled accuracy...
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.
- Package content: the package comes with 4 laser target card plates in different colors, 2 green and 2 red, which are applied to enhance the visibility and range of the green beam/spot and red...
- High visibility: the laser target plate is equipped with a reflective film on the back, which can enhance the laser's receiving ability, when you are working at a long distance or in an environment...
- Exquisite Gift Set: delight in the efficiency brought by our laser target set, you receive 2 laser targets, ideal for everyday use or replacement; This set can serve as a thoughtful gift for your...
- Convenient Usage: our laser targets come with counters, sensors, and changeable red and blue indicator lights; To use, insert three AAA batteries (not included) at the back, switch on the button at...
- [Compatibility]: Works with most training laser cartridges on the market. The target gives you a flash and sound feedback when your laser hits it. Perfect to practice your shooting skills in indoors...
- [3 Switch modes]: OFF/ON(sound)/Silent, Choose the SILENT MODE when you may disturb others. And the power is turned off at the end of the training session.
[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
- 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
- ULTRA STEADY BENCH - This Ultra-Steady shooting bench offers a stable, comfortable, and spacious shooting surface for target practice or field hunting; It has the gun rest that is versatile to...
- COMFORTABLE DESIGN - The 21" wide x 28" long padded bench top of Birchwood Casey Ultra Steady Bench provides comfort and a non-scratch surface protecting your gun, while also providing two additional...
- 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.
Summary: How to Sight in a Red Dot Scope Without Shooting
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!
Last update on 2025-04-15 / Images from Amazon Product API