Getting your rifle scope dialed in can be a frustrating process, especially when you’re burning through expensive ammunition just to get on paper. I’ve been there, spending more time walking to and from the target than actually shooting. That’s where a good bore sight comes in. This simple tool can save you a ton of time, money, and frustration by getting your first shots on paper at 25 or even 100 yards, right from your bench. It’s an essential piece of kit for any shooter, whether you’re a hunter sighting in a new rifle before season or a long-range enthusiast setting up a fresh build.
With so many options on the market, from basic magnetic laser units to advanced digital systems, choosing the right one can be tricky. You need to consider your caliber, preferred method of use, and budget. To make your decision easier, I’ve tested and compiled this list of the 9 best bore sights available in 2025. This guide will break down the pros and cons of each model, from budget-friendly picks to professional-grade tools, so you can find the perfect one for your needs and start shooting with confidence faster.
9 Best Bore Sights in 2025
- Bushnell Magnetospeed Bore Sighter
- Sightmark Accudot Green Laser Bore Sighter
- Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter Kit
- Lyman Universal Magazine Laser Bore Sighter
- SiteLite MagLite SL-100 Pro Laser Bore Sighter
- Frankford Arsenal Universal Laser Bore Sighter
- EZshoot Bore Sighter Kit with 9 Arbors
Bushnell Magnetospeed Bore Sighter
Bushnell is a trusted name in optics, and their Magnetospeed bore sighter brings that reputation for quality to the bench. This model uses a strong magnetic strap to securely attach to the muzzle of your rifle. I found this method to be very stable and quick to set up. The housing is rubberized, which provides a good grip and helps protect your firearm’s finish. The laser itself is a bright red beam and is activated by a simple on/off switch. It’s a no-frills, straightforward tool that focuses on doing one job well.
It comes with a set of bore centering cones to help ensure a proper fit for different calibers, which is a nice touch for improving accuracy. The Magnetospeed feels durable and well-made, like it can handle being tossed in a range bag without worry. While it doesn’t have the advanced features or green laser of some other models, it offers reliable performance from a brand you can trust. It’s a solid, mid-range choice for a hunter or shooter who wants a dependable tool without any unnecessary complexity.
Pros
- Secure magnetic strap attachment
- Rubberized housing protects firearms
- Simple and reliable operation from a trusted brand
Cons
- Standard red laser can be faint in bright light
- May not fit all barrel contours perfectly without adjustment
Sightmark Accudot Green Laser Bore Sighter
I found the Sightmark Accudot to be a fantastic value, especially for its bright green laser. Compared to red lasers, the green beam is significantly easier to see in daylight, which makes zeroing a scope at 100 yards much more practical. It uses a magnetic collar system that attaches directly to the muzzle crown, which means it’s universally compatible with almost any centerfire rifle caliber. The setup is incredibly straightforward; you just pop it on, turn the dial to activate the laser, and you’re ready to adjust your reticle. It feels sturdy in hand and the magnetic connection is strong enough that I never worried about it falling off during use.
One thing to keep in mind is that because it attaches to the muzzle, you need to ensure your barrel is unloaded and clear before using it—a standard safety practice for any bore-sighting activity. The battery life is solid, and it comes with a handy carrying pouch. While it might not have the absolute precision of a high-end, chamber-mounted system, for the vast majority of hunters and recreational shooters, the Sightmark Accudot provides more than enough accuracy to get you on paper and save a lot of ammo. It’s a reliable workhorse that does its job well without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Very bright green laser is easy to see in daylight
- Universal magnetic fit works with many calibers
- Simple and quick to set up and use
Cons
- Muzzle attachment can be less precise than chamber-mounted types
- Magnetic fit may not be perfect on all barrel profiles
Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter Kit
If you’re looking for a more traditional and highly precise method, the Wheeler Professional Kit is a top contender. Instead of a muzzle magnet, this system uses caliber-specific arbors that you insert directly into the chamber, aligning the laser with the actual bore. This method is generally considered more accurate because it mimics the path of a bullet more closely. The kit is comprehensive, coming with a wide array of arbors that cover everything from .17 caliber up to .50 BMG, making it a fantastic choice for someone with a diverse firearm collection. The laser unit itself is well-built and feels professional.
I appreciate that the laser has both continuous and pulse modes, which can help conserve battery life. The main consideration with this style is the need for the correct arbor for each specific caliber. While the kit is extensive, it’s crucial to double-check you’re using the right one. The process involves gently closing the bolt on the arbor, which requires a bit more care than a magnetic unit, but the resulting accuracy is worth the extra step. This is the kit I reach for when I need to sight in a precision rifle or when absolute initial accuracy is paramount.
Pros
- Chamber-mounted design offers superior accuracy
- Extensive kit with arbors for a huge range of calibers
- Solid, professional-grade construction
Cons
- Higher price point than basic models
- Requires selecting and handling the correct arbor for each firearm
Lyman Universal Magazine Laser Bore Sighter
The Lyman Universal offers a clever and convenient alternative by functioning like a dummy cartridge that you load into your magazine and chamber. This is an excellent solution for firearms where muzzle or chamber access is tricky, like many semi-automatic rifles and pistols. I found it incredibly easy to use with my AR-15 platform; just load it like a normal round, cycle the action to chamber it, and the laser activates automatically upon contact with the bolt face. It’s a very slick system that feels intuitive and safe.
Since it headspaces like a real cartridge, the alignment is typically very good. The unit is adjustable for different calibers by using spacers, which are included. The main thing to remember is that it requires a magazine to function, so it’s not suitable for single-shot or some bolt-action rifles without detachable magazines. The laser is a standard red beam, which is perfectly adequate for indoor or low-light use, but can be harder to see in bright sunlight compared to a green laser. For tactical shooters and owners of modern sporting rifles, this method is hard to beat for its simplicity and realism.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use with magazine-fed firearms
- Activates automatically upon chambering
- Realistic cartridge simulation for good alignment
Cons
- Not usable with firearms that lack a magazine
- Red laser can be difficult to see in bright conditions
SiteLite MagLite SL-100 Pro Laser Bore Sighter
For those who demand the highest level of precision and are willing to invest in it, the SiteLite MagLite SL-100 Pro is arguably the gold standard. This is a professional-grade tool used by gunsmiths and serious long-range competitors. Its key feature is a self-centering, magnetic muzzle attachment that is engineered for exceptional accuracy and repeatability. The laser module is incredibly bright and projects a fine dot that is visible even at long distances in daylight. I’ve used it to get a rifle on paper at 200 yards with the first live shot, which is a testament to its precision.
The build quality is exceptional, and it comes with a durable, foam-lined case. It’s designed for heavy use and provides a level of confidence that cheaper models can’t match. The price is the most significant barrier, making it best suited for professionals or enthusiasts with a large collection of firearms who will use it frequently. If your livelihood or competition success depends on fast, perfect zeroing, the SiteLite is a tool that will not let you down. It’s an investment, but for the right user, it pays for itself in saved time and ammunition.
Pros
- Professional-grade accuracy and build quality
- Extremely bright laser for long-range visibility
- Highly repeatable and reliable magnetic attachment
Cons
- Significantly higher cost than other options
- Overkill for the casual shooter who only sights in one rifle a year
Frankford Arsenal Universal Laser Bore Sighter
Frankford Arsenal is known for providing great value, and their Universal Laser Bore Sighter is a perfect example. This kit is very affordable yet comes with a surprising number of accessories, including multiple muzzle adapters (cones) to fit a wide variety of calibers. The laser unit is compact and uses a standard battery. The magnetic base is strong and holds firmly to the barrel. For someone on a tight budget or a new shooter who wants to try bore sighting without a major investment, this is an excellent starting point.
I’ve found that it does a perfectly adequate job of getting a scope roughly aligned at 25-50 yards. It might not have the pinpoint precision of a $200+ model, but it will absolutely save you ammunition and time compared to just guessing. The included storage case keeps all the pieces organized. The main compromise is the laser intensity; it’s a basic red laser that works best indoors or in shaded conditions. However, for the price, it’s a hard value to beat and a great tool to have in your kit for quick sight-ins.
Pros
- Extremely affordable price point
- Comes with multiple adapters for good versatility
- Good value for basic bore-sighting needs
Cons
- Laser is not very bright for daylight use
- Construction is more basic than premium models
EZshoot Bore Sighter Kit with 9 Arbors
The EZshoot kit is another budget-friendly option that follows the chamber-insertion arbor design. For a very low cost, you get a laser unit and nine common arbors, covering popular calibers like .223, .308, and 9mm. This is a great way to get the increased accuracy of the arbor system without the high cost of a professional kit. The arbors are made of brass and are clearly marked, and the laser turns on with a simple twist of the housing.
I’ve used this kit on a few .22LR rifles and a .308 bolt-action, and it worked surprisingly well. The alignment was good enough to get the first shot on a standard-sized target at 50 yards. It’s important to manage expectations; the tolerances on these budget arbors might not be as perfect as those on a Wheeler or SiteLite, so there can be a tiny bit of wiggle. However,
Your Guide to Picking the 9 Best Bore Sights in 2025
Getting your scope dialed in can be a real chore, especially if you’re starting from scratch at the range. That’s where a good bore sight comes in. It’s a tool that saves you a ton of time, ammunition, and frustration by getting you on paper before you even fire a shot. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? I’m here to help you figure out what to look for when you’re choosing from the 9 best bore sights in 2025.
First, you need to know the main types. Laser bore sights are the most popular. These are small devices that you insert directly into the muzzle or chamber of your firearm, and they project a laser dot onto your target. They’re generally very easy to use. The other type is an arbor-style bore sight. These are physical, spud-like tools that you look through directly to align your scope’s crosshairs with the bore. They don’t require batteries, which is a big plus, but they can be a bit more fiddly to set up perfectly.
The most important factor is caliber compatibility. You have to get a bore sight that fits your specific firearm. Some models are built for a single caliber, which is great if you only have one rifle to sight in. However, many of the best options come as kits with multiple arbors or magnetic bushings that let you use one laser unit on a wide variety of calibers, from a .22 to a .50 BMG. If you own several guns, a universal kit is definitely the way to go.
Next, think about the laser itself. A bright, clear laser is crucial for seeing the dot in various lighting conditions. Look for a model with a Class 2 or Class 3R laser. I also prefer models that offer multiple brightness settings. For maximum convenience, consider the battery type. Many use common watch batteries, but some now feature rechargeable batteries via a USB-C cable, which is a fantastic modern upgrade.
Finally, don’t forget about build quality. This is a tool that might live in your range bag, so it needs to be durable. A sturdy carrying case for organization is a sign of a quality product. Whether you go for a simple, affordable model or a full-featured kit, the right bore sight will make your next range trip much more efficient and a lot less stressful.
FAQ
How accurate is a bore sight?
A bore sight is designed to get you on the paper, not to achieve perfect zero. It’s a fantastic tool for a rough alignment that saves you from wasting shots trying to find the target. You should always expect to make final, precise adjustments with live fire at the range. Environmental factors and slight imperfections in how the bore sight sits in the barrel can affect its absolute accuracy, so think of it as a huge head start, not the finish line.
Can I use one bore sight for multiple calibers?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the key decisions you’ll make. Many of the top picks in our list of the 9 best bore sights in 2025 are sold as universal kits. These kits include a central laser unit and a set of arbors or caliber-specific adapters. This is incredibly cost-effective if you own more than one rifle. Just make sure the kit you choose explicitly lists the calibers you need.
What’s the difference between a muzzle-loaded and a chamber-loaded laser bore sight?
Muzzle-loaded models are inserted into the end of your barrel and are typically secured with a magnet or a bushing system. They are convenient and universal. Chamber-loaded models are shaped like a cartridge and are inserted directly into the chamber, just like a real round. These are often considered more accurate because they align with the chamber, which is concentric with the bore, but they are caliber-specific. You’d need a different one for each firearm.
Do I still need to fire live rounds after using a bore sight?
Yes, without a doubt. Bore sighting is the first step of a two-step process. It gets you close. The second, and most important, step is to confirm and refine your zero by actually shooting your rifle. You’ll fire a group of shots at a target and then adjust your scope’s windage and elevation based on where those shots land. This final confirmation is non-negotiable for safe and accurate shooting.
Are magnetic bore sights any good?
Magnetic bore sights are a popular type of muzzle-loaded sight. They use a powerful magnet to center themselves in the muzzle crown. When they are seated correctly, they can be very effective. The key is to make sure the muzzle crown is clean and undamaged so the magnet can sit flush and true. They are a great option for a quick and easy setup, especially for hunters who need to sight in a rifle quickly.