How to Bore Sight a 223 Remington Rifle with a Laser Boresighter

By Texas Precision Optics Inc | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to bore sight your 223 Remington or 5.56mm rifle using a laser boresighter. Step-by-step guide for safe, accurate zeroing without firing a round.

Quick Answer

Use a caliber-specific laser boresighter like the TPO 223 REM 5.56mm Bore Sight to align your rifle's sights or optic without firing a round. Insert it into the chamber, adjust your reticle to match the laser dot at 25 yards, then confirm at 100 yards.

Why Use a Caliber-Specific Laser Boresighter

A laser boresighter that matches your chamber—like a 223 Remington or 5.56mm—fits snugly without wobble, giving you a reliable reference point. The TPO 223 REM 5.56mm Bore Sight is built with a sturdy brass construction that sits perfectly in the bore, reducing alignment errors. Its sighting range of 15 to 100 yards covers the distances you'll typically use for initial zeroing.

Using a caliber-specific tool also avoids the guesswork of universal adapters. You get pinpoint accuracy right out of the box, which saves time and ammunition at the range.

Safety First: Verify the Chamber Is Empty

Before inserting the laser boresighter, double-check that your rifle's chamber and magazine are empty. This is a non-negotiable safety step. Even though you're not firing, the boresighter is not a live round, but you should always treat the firearm as if it were loaded. Point the muzzle in a safe direction during the entire process.

Step-by-Step: Bore Sighting Your 223 Remington Rifle

1. Prepare the Rifle and Boresighter: Ensure the rifle is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Remove the bolt or open the action. Insert the TPO 223 REM 5.56mm Bore Sight into the chamber until it seats snugly. It should not rattle or move. The laser will activate when the boresighter is fully seated. If the boresighter doesn't sit flush, check for debris in the chamber. Never force it.
2. Set Up a Target at 25 Yards: Place a target with a clear aiming point (like a 1-inch grid or cross) at 25 yards. This distance minimizes wind drift and gives you a manageable adjustment range. Rest the rifle on a stable support (sandbags or a bench rest) to eliminate shooter movement. Avoid using a flimsy rest—any wobble here will throw off your zero. A solid rest is critical.
3. Align the Laser Dot with Your Sights or Optic: Look through your iron sights or optic. Adjust the windage and elevation turrets (or move the rear sight) until the reticle or front post aligns exactly with the laser dot on the target. The dot should be centered in your sight picture. Make small adjustments—1/4 MOA clicks are typical. If the dot jumps erratically, the boresighter may have shifted; reseat it.
4. Confirm at 100 Yards: Move the target to 100 yards (or the farthest distance you plan to zero). Recheck the alignment. The laser dot may appear slightly off due to parallax or bullet trajectory. Adjust your sights again to center the dot. This step ensures your zero is consistent at longer range. At 100 yards, the dot will be dimmer. Use a shaded area or a laser-compatible target for better visibility.
5. Remove the Boresighter and Live-Fire Verify: Remove the laser boresighter and chamber a live round. Fire a group of 3-5 shots at your zero distance. Compare the point of impact to the point of aim. Fine-tune your sights as needed. The laser boresighter gets you on paper; live fire confirms the final zero. Expect the first group to be within 2-4 inches of the bullseye if you followed the steps carefully. Adjust from there.

Product Facts

TPO 223 REM 5.56mm Bore Sight Red Laser Boresighter with 6 Batteries: Fit the 223 5.56mm REM chamber, caliber specific. Sighting range of 15 to 100 yards. Sturdy brass construction sits perfectly in the bore. You get a precise, wobble-free fit for your 223 or 5.56mm rifle, with a useful range for initial zeroing without wasting ammo.
TPO 223 REM 5.56mm Bore Sight Red Laser Boresighter with 6 Batteries