Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors Review

The One Thing I Didn’t Expect from the Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors

The Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors is a tool designed to quickly and accurately align a firearm’s sights with its bore. It comes equipped with multiple arbors, making it compatible with a wide range of calibers, from .22 to .50, as well as 12 and 20 gauge shotguns. Its purpose is simple: save time and ammunition by getting you on paper before fine-tuning at the range.

I’m a gear specialist with over a decade of experience and I needed a reliable boresighter that could handle multiple platforms without breaking the bank. I was tired of burning through expensive ammo just to get my scopes roughly zeroed. This Bushnell product seemed like a cost-effective solution to minimize range time frustration.

Upon unboxing the Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors, I immediately noted its simple, utilitarian design. The metal construction felt reasonably robust, but the plastic arbors gave me pause. Compared to my magnetic bore sighter, this felt a little less precise but more versatile.

I considered the Sightmark Triple Duty and a high-end Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter. The Sightmark wouldn’t work with some of my muzzle brakes, and the Wheeler’s price point was excessive for my needs. The Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors promised broad compatibility and affordability, making it an easy choice for evaluation.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited by the idea of quickly zeroing my rifles but also a little skeptical about the potential for wobble and inconsistent readings. I hoped it would save me money and frustration, but only real-world testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was my home workshop, setting up for an upcoming range day with my AR-15 (.223/5.56) and bolt-action .308. I needed to quickly zero both rifles after swapping optics. I began with the AR, inserting the appropriate arbor and adjusting the screw until it was snug.

The initial setup was straightforward, although I did notice a slight wobble as some other users noted. I realized I had to really tighten the arbor screw to get a more stable fit. With the laser shining on a target 10 yards away, I adjusted the scope to match the laser’s position.

Using this product saved me rounds and time. However, the laser was not very bright, and struggled to show up in daylight.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use across multiple rifles, the Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors has held up surprisingly well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the main unit, although the plastic arbors show minor scratches from repeated insertion and removal. Cleaning is easy – just wipe down the unit and arbors with a dry cloth.

Compared to my previous method of visual boresighting, which was wildly inaccurate, this is a significant improvement. It’s faster than using a collimator and more versatile than a magnetic boresighter that is brake-dependent. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done efficiently.

Breaking Down the Features of Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors

Specifications

The Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors boasts several key specifications. It is universally compatible with calibers ranging from .22 to .50, along with 12 and 20 gauge shotguns, thanks to its included arbors. The unit is constructed from metal, enhancing its durability, and it operates on LR44 batteries.

The universal caliber compatibility is crucial because it allows the user to use a single tool for multiple firearms. The metal construction contributes to the tool’s longevity. LR44 batteries are commonly available and relatively inexpensive, which is important for ongoing use.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors is to provide a quick and accurate initial alignment of the firearm’s sights. It performs this task adequately, getting shots on paper at 25-50 yards. Its main strength lies in its ease of use and broad compatibility.

A key weakness is the laser’s brightness, which can be difficult to see in bright daylight conditions. It still gets the user on paper more efficiently than not using the product. Overall, it meets the basic expectation of getting rounds on target quickly, but it falls short of providing pinpoint accuracy.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors is simple and functional. The metal body feels reasonably sturdy, but the plastic arbors detract from the overall build quality. The unit is lightweight and easy to handle.

There is a slight learning curve to understanding how much to tighten the arbor screw for a secure fit. Once that’s figured out, the boresighter is easy to use. It could be made more intuitive, but generally, the design is adequate.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors appears to be durable enough for regular use. The metal body should withstand normal handling, but the plastic arbors are a potential point of failure over time. Maintenance is straightforward.

Keeping the unit and arbors clean and dry will extend its lifespan. The LR44 batteries will need replacing periodically. Considering the price point, it offers a reasonable balance of durability and maintainability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors comes with seven arbors to accommodate different calibers. There are no additional accessories or customization options available. It’s designed as a standalone tool.

While it would be nice to have higher-quality arbors, the included ones are sufficient for the task. The lack of customization options is not a significant drawback, given the intended purpose of the product.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Laser Boresighter w/ Arbors