Rifle Scopes Really newb question - What is min distance for laser boresighting?

[j741]

My only explanation for what I've observed is that I must need more distance for the angles to work out correctly.

I just jumped in to try our precision shooting. I have a Tikka CTR and a Viper PST II 5-25 scope w/Vortex Precision rings. I'm planning to get to the range this weekend but figured I could use my laser boresighter to at least ensure the first shots are on paper. Since I live in an area where many folks would not approve of a rifle being carried outside, my only option is to do the boresighting in a limited distance. I took the bolt out of the rifle and lined up the laser pointer on a tree that is a straight line-of-sight from my garage. There is my house, the street, an empty lot, and then the tree. Maybe 40 yards total. Then, first look through the scope shows the laser dot way below the crosshair. What I noticed is that to get the crosshair down to line up with the laser, I have to nearly max out the elevation adjustment. This really seems wrong since I then wouldn't be able to dial in any holdover for longer distances. I'm guessing that it's just my basic mistake where I need at least 100 yards for the angles between scope & barrel to not need so much elevation change. Is that correct?

I totally removed and re-mounted rings and scope while checking level on everything. Checked base level front-back and left-right, checked bottom ring halves level left-right, checked scope turrets level too. still had same issue. I'll know for sure on Saturday, just hadn't run in to this before.

 

[MosesTheTank]

I do not use a laser bore sighter but, maybe your laser is off center? A method I use and works just fine at short distances (though I like at least 50 yards) is to use a small peel and stick target on a clean background like a piece of cardboard. Then just eyeball the target through the center of the bore and line up the cross hairs. This can be a delicate operation so be sure you have the rifle motionless. A vise or lead sled works great. Provided you don't still have the elevation maxed out that should get you on paper at 50 for a single shot and correction. To make this correction ensure the rifle is again secure/well bagged then place your cross hair where the bullet struck and dial it over to the point of aim. Then move to 100 and repeat. If you are careful with the bore sighting this process shouldn't cost you but 3 or 4 rounds.

 

[lash]

^^^What Moses said above.^^^

Unless you are sure of the calibration of that laser bore sighter, you cannot be sure if there's a problem with your rifle, scope, or the laser. Or none of them.

Rereading your post, it sounds like you are dialing down to meet the laser sight. Are you certain that you are not just approaching the factory set zero stop? That would make more sense than you running out of down elevation.

 

[j741]

Rereading your post, it sounds like you are dialing down to meet the laser sight. Are you certain that you are not just approaching the factory set zero stop? That would make more sense than you running out of down elevation.

I'll go with the eyeballing through the bore when I get to the range.

For the elevation, I followed the Vortex directions to take off the turret cap and loosen the inner adjustment ring lock screws and that is what I'm adjusting. Before doing that I did move turret fully down as directed in the instructions.

I'm inclined to think its a laser think or a combination of laser & distance. Will hopefully have good enough weather on Sat to confirm.