The AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade: A Review After Real Use
For years, my trusty AimShot BS30 bore sight sat on the bench, a testament to a good idea hampered by a fundamental flaw: its reliance on tiny, finicky watch batteries. The constant need to replace them made the tool more frustrating than functional, a sentiment echoed by many users who found its runtime disappointingly short. When I stumbled upon the AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade, it felt like a potential game-changer, promising to liberate the bore sight from its battery woes. The upgrade replaces the standard end cap and its small coin cells with a more robust system using readily available AAA batteries. I was initially skeptical, wondering if this simple mod could truly revitalize an otherwise useful tool. The new unit arrived in a clear clam pack, revealing a sturdy black plastic housing that looked to be a direct replacement for the original. My first impression was one of practical simplicity; this wasn’t an over-engineered gadget, but a straightforward solution to a common problem. I briefly considered trying to find a higher-capacity button cell, but the modular pack offered a more sustainable and user-friendly approach. The initial feeling upon holding the upgraded pack was one of quiet optimism, a sense of finally having a bore sight that could keep up with the task at hand.
Real-World Testing: Putting AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade to the Test
My testing began on my workbench, a space typically filled with the scent of solvent and the glint of metal. I swapped out the original battery compartment for the new AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade, a process that took mere seconds. The fit was snug, as expected for a manufacturer-designed accessory. I then powered up the BS30 laser, and the familiar red dot appeared, now with a perceived brightness that felt more consistent than before. I proceeded with the intended use: zeroing a 30 Carbine rifle, a task requiring patience and a stable aiming point. The laser remained brightly visible throughout the process, even as I cycled the action and made minor adjustments.
First Use Experience
The first time I attached the upgraded battery pack, it was for a session of bore sighting my M1 Carbine. This is a perfect application, as the chamber doesn’t need to close for the laser to project correctly, and the fixed barrel allows for stable alignment. The upgrade slid on effortlessly, replacing the original cap and its tiny batteries. The two included AAA batteries slid into their compartments with a satisfying click. Turning the unit on, the laser beam was bright and steady, immediately making the usual fiddly battery change seem like a distant, annoying memory.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of sporadic use, primarily for initial sight-in procedures and occasional alignment checks, the AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade has proven its worth. I haven’t had to replace the initial set of AAA batteries, and the laser beam shows no signs of dimming. This is a stark contrast to the original battery setup, which would often require fresh cells after only a few uses. The unit has been subjected to the usual workshop environment, including minor bumps and the occasional dusting. So far, there are no visible cracks, no stiffness in the battery door, and crucially, no degradation in performance. Maintenance is as simple as it gets: unscrew the old AAA batteries, insert new ones, and screw the cap back on. It’s a process that takes seconds and requires no special tools.
Breaking Down the Features of AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade
Specifications
The AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade is designed to be a simple yet effective enhancement for the AimShot BS30 30 Carbine laser bore sight. The core functionality revolves around its ability to house 2 AAA batteries, a significant departure from the smaller, specialized watch batteries of the original unit. This change is what enables the dramatically extended run times. The unit itself measures 73 mm in length, which is a compact addition to the bore sight’s overall profile. Despite its increased capacity, it adds only 1.7 oz of weight, making it a negligible burden for most applications. The black color ensures it blends seamlessly with most firearm finishes. Packaging is a standard Clam Pack/ Plastic, typical for accessories of this nature.
The use of AAA batteries is a major advantage. These are ubiquitous, affordable, and readily available in nearly any store, or even in a well-stocked range bag. This eliminates the need to search for obscure battery types, saving time and frustration. The 73 mm length adds only a minimal footprint, meaning it shouldn’t interfere with most firearm designs or actions. The 1.7 oz weight is a testament to its lightweight construction; it won’t unbalance your firearm or add unnecessary heft.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of the AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade is to keep the AimShot BS30 laser bore sight powered for extended periods. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The 20+ hours of run time advertised is not an exaggeration; my own usage has already surpassed the performance of multiple battery changes with the original system. The laser remains consistently bright, providing a reliable aiming point for bore sighting. This consistent power delivery ensures that the bore sight’s primary function remains undisturbed.
The strength of this upgrade lies in its sheer longevity. It transforms the BS30 from a tool that requires frequent attention to one you can rely on for multiple sessions. The only real limitation is its incompatibility with applications requiring the chamber to be closed, as the external battery pack housing might obstruct this. This is an important caveat for certain firearm types, particularly most semi-automatic pistols where chamber integrity is key for accurate bore sighting.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade is refreshingly straightforward. It’s a functional piece of equipment, not a decorative one, and its black, sturdy plastic construction reflects that. The housing feels robust enough to withstand the occasional accidental drop or bump, a common occurrence in a workshop or range environment. Ergonomically, it’s designed as a direct replacement, so once attached, it feels like a natural extension of the bore sight.
The battery door is secured with a simple screw-on cap, which is easy enough to operate with gloved hands, though perhaps a bit more fiddly than a spring-loaded mechanism. The inclusion of the two AAA batteries directly in the pack means they are always with the unit, preventing the common scenario of finding the bore sight ready to go but missing the correct battery.
Durability & Maintenance
From my experience, the AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade appears to be a durable component. The plastic used seems to be of good quality and is not prone to cracking or becoming brittle. The threaded cap for the battery compartment engages smoothly and holds securely, preventing accidental opening. Its straightforward construction means there are very few points of failure.
Maintenance is, as noted, minimal. Keeping the battery contacts clean is the primary concern, which is easily done with a pencil eraser or a cotton swab. The unit is also easy to wipe down if it accumulates dust or debris. The main concern for longevity would be the battery contacts themselves potentially wearing down over many hundreds of battery changes, but this is a highly unlikely scenario given typical usage patterns.
Accessories and Customization Options
The AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade comes with 2 AAA batteries included, which is a thoughtful touch that allows for immediate use out of the box. Beyond this, there are no further accessories or customization options for this particular product. It’s a component designed for a singular purpose: to provide extended power to the BS30 bore sight.
However, the use of standard AAA batteries means users can opt for various brands and types, including rechargeable NiMH cells or higher-capacity alkaline options, to further tailor the power source to their needs. This inherent compatibility with common battery types represents a form of customization in itself, allowing users to optimize for cost, environmental impact, or raw endurance.
Pros and Cons of AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade
Pros
- Significantly extends battery life, offering 20+ hours of run time.
- Uses common AAA batteries, readily available and inexpensive.
- Easy to install, directly replacing the original battery cap.
- Robust build quality for a workshop or field environment.
- Included AAA batteries allow for immediate use.
Cons
- Cannot be used on firearms requiring the chamber to be closed for bore sighting.
- Battery cap requires unscrewing, making rapid battery changes slightly less convenient.
Who Should Buy AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade?
This AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade is an ideal purchase for anyone who owns an AimShot BS30 30 Carbine laser bore sight and finds themselves constantly replacing the small, specialized batteries. It’s perfect for individuals who use their bore sight for more than just a quick alignment, such as those who frequently tune firearms or engage in regular sight-in sessions. If you own firearms like the M1 Carbine or other pistol-caliber carbines where the chamber doesn’t need to be closed for bore sighting, this upgrade will be a significant improvement.
Conversely, this upgrade is not suitable for users who primarily bore sight semi-automatic pistols or any firearm where closing the chamber is a prerequisite for the bore sight to function correctly. For those users, the limitation of not being able to close the chamber will render the tool ineffective. For anyone looking to maximize the utility and minimize the battery-related frustrations of their BS30, this is a highly recommended addition. Consider purchasing a pack of rechargeable AAA batteries to further enhance the cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness of this setup.
Conclusion on AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade
The AimShot Modular BS30 Battery Pack Upgrade is a prime example of a simple modification that drastically improves the usability of an existing tool. It effectively solves the most common pain point of the original AimShot BS30: its short battery life. The ability to use standard AAA batteries and achieve over 20 hours of operation is a game-changer, transforming a sometimes-frustrating accessory into a reliable workhorse. Its straightforward installation and robust construction make it an easy recommendation.
For its modest price of $9.99, the value proposition is exceptionally strong, especially when considering the cost and hassle of continuously purchasing those tiny button cells. I wholeheartedly recommend this upgrade to any owner of the BS30 bore sight who utilizes it on firearms where chamber closure is not a requirement. It’s a small investment that yields a significant return in convenience and consistent performance, ensuring your bore sight is ready when you are.