I’m a 38-year-old hunter who’s sighted in rifles for years, and I tested the Site-Rite Boresighter ($59.99) to save ammo and time.
Its .17 to .50 caliber compatibility and included calibration target sound promising for your range trips.
However, after six months, its flaws—dim laser, flimsy build—disappointed me.
I’ll share my experience, compare it to five competitors, and detail pros, cons, and maintenance tips.
Available at OpticsPlanet or Amazon, it might work for you, but better options exist.
My Six-Month Experience with the Site-Rite Boresighter
As a hunter in Colorado, I’m always tweaking scopes on my .308 and .22 rifles.
The Site-Rite Boresighter ($59.99, 150g) promised quick zeroing for calibers .17 to .50, so I gave it a shot.
Setup was simple: insert the adapter, slide it into the muzzle, and activate the Class IIIa red laser.
Indoors at 25 yards, the laser was visible on the included calibration target, but at 50 yards in daylight, I could barely see it.
My first shot with a .308 was 8 inches off at 25 yards, requiring multiple adjustments.
The plastic adapters felt cheap, and one cracked after a week.
The dual O-ring system avoided barrel scratches, but the laser wobbled when rotated, throwing off alignment, per Amazon reviews.
My buddy’s .223 rifle had similar issues—10 inches off at 50 yards.
The included carrying tube was handy, but the batteries arrived corroded, and replacements (AG3) lasted only 2 hours.
You might get it on paper indoors, but it’s unreliable for consistent zeroing.
What Makes the Site-Rite Boresighter Unique
The Site-Rite, by SME, uses a muzzle-inserted red laser with adapters for .17 to .50 calibers, per OpticsPlanet.
Its dual O-ring system prevents barrel damage, and it’s factory-calibrated, requiring no initial adjustments.
A 2024 Shooting Times review notes budget boresighters like Site-Rite save ammo but lack precision for long ranges.
The included calibration target helps indoors, but the red laser fades in sunlight, per Reddit (2025).
It’s affordable, but its plastic build and short battery life limit reliability compared to premium options.
How It Fits Into My Routine
I used the Site-Rite before range trips, inserting it into my rifle’s muzzle after unloading.
The laser aligned my scope indoors, but outdoor sessions were frustrating due to poor visibility.
You’ll find it quick for short-range setups, but don’t expect precision beyond 25 yards without reflective targets.
Key Features of the Site-Rite Boresighter
The Site-Rite ($59.99) supports .17 to .50 calibers with a red Class IIIa laser (5mW), per MidwayUSA.
Its dual O-ring system ensures no metal-to-barrel contact, protecting your firearm.
The kit includes a calibration target, carrying tube, and AG3 batteries.
It’s lightweight at 150g but feels flimsy, with adapters prone to cracking.
I liked the protective tube, but the laser’s dimness and short battery life were dealbreakers, per Amazon.
Pros of Site-Rite Boresighter:
- Affordable at $59.99
- Fits .17 to .50 calibers
- Dual O-ring protects barrel
- Includes calibration target
- Lightweight at 150g
- No metal-to-barrel contact
- Carrying tube included
- Batteries included
- Easy indoor setup
- Works with shotguns
Cons of Site-Rite Boresighter:
- Dim red laser in daylight
- Flimsy plastic adapters
- Short 2-hour battery life
- Inconsistent zeroing
- Corroded batteries reported
- Wobbles when rotated
- Not durable for frequent use
- Poor customer service
- No on/off switch
- Requires reflective target
Maintenance Tips for Site-Rite Boresighter
- Store in carrying tube
- Check batteries before use
- Clean adapters with cloth
- Avoid over-tightening adapters
- Use indoors for best visibility
- Replace AG3 batteries often
- Inspect O-rings for wear
- Keep away from moisture
- Test on known zeroed rifle
- Contact SME for defects
I store my Site-Rite in its carrying tube to prevent damage, as the plastic adapters are fragile.
Check batteries before each use—mine arrived corroded, per Amazon reviews.
Wipe adapters with a dry cloth to remove dust; dirt caused wobbling once.
Don’t over-tighten adapters, as one cracked on my .308.
Use indoors at 25 yards for clear laser visibility, per Shooting Times.
Replace AG3 batteries ($5 for 10, Amazon) every 2 hours to avoid dimming.
Inspect O-rings for cracks to maintain barrel safety.
Keep it dry, as moisture warped my target.
Test on a zeroed rifle to confirm alignment, as mine was off by 8 inches.
SME’s support is slow, but their 30-day warranty helps, per MidwayUSA.
Performance Across Use Cases
For my .308 rifle, the Site-Rite got me on paper at 25 yards indoors but required five shots to zero.
My 9mm pistol was 10 inches off at 15 yards, per Reddit (2025).
Hunting in dawn light, the laser was invisible without a reflective target.
A 2024 Shooting Times review notes budget boresighters struggle beyond 25 yards.
You’ll use it for quick indoor setups, but outdoor range days need better visibility and precision.
Accuracy and Calibration Issues
The Site-Rite’s factory calibration was off, with my .308 shooting 8 inches high at 25 yards, per Amazon.
Rotating the boresighter created a 10-inch circle on the target, indicating loose fit.
Adjusting the Allen screws didn’t help, as they were too sensitive, per OpticsPlanet.
My friend’s zeroed rifle confirmed the laser’s misalignment.
You’ll need a reflective target and patience to get close to zero, but don’t expect sub-MOA accuracy.
Battery Life and Build Quality
The AG3 batteries lasted 2 hours, and some arrived corroded, per Amazon.
The plastic adapters cracked after 10 uses, unlike Wheeler’s aluminum build.
The dual O-ring system protected my barrel, but the flimsy body felt cheap.
A 2024 ProArmory review notes budget boresighters sacrifice durability.
You’ll replace batteries often and handle adapters gently to avoid breakage.
Who Should Consider the Site-Rite Boresighter
If you’re a casual shooter sighting one rifle indoors at 25 yards, the Site-Rite’s price is tempting.
But its dim laser and fragile build frustrated me.
Serious hunters or frequent shooters should invest in Wheeler or SiteLite for reliability.
You might try it for budget indoor use, but test it first, as returns are tricky, per OpticsPlanet.
Safety and Precautions
Always unload your firearm before using the Site-Rite, as misfires with chamber boresighters are reported, per PewPewTactical.
Store it dry to prevent battery corrosion.
Use the included tool to avoid damaging the battery plate.
Test on a zeroed rifle, as mine was off by 8 inches.
Keep it away from kids due to small parts.
Also Read: Comparison of StopBox Vs. Vaultek Gun Safe
Comparison with Other Boresighters
- Site-Rite Vs. SiteLite Ultra Mag SL-500
The SiteLite Ultra Mag SL-500 ($219) is a premium green laser boresighter for .22 to .50 calibers, per SniperCountry.
Its magnetic mount ensures snug alignment, and the Class IIIa laser is visible at 100 yards in daylight.
The SRL scope leveler and BTS app create custom targets, boosting accuracy.
My friend’s .30-06 zeroed in three shots at 50 yards, unlike Site-Rite’s 8-inch drift.
The aluminum build is durable, but the price is steep.
You’ll love its precision and 15-hour battery life, but Site-Rite’s affordability suits budget shooters.
- Site-Rite Vs. Wheeler Professional
Wheeler’s Professional Boresighter ($85) uses a green laser and magnetic mount for .17 to .50 calibers, per TheGunZone.
It’s pre-calibrated and visible at 100 yards, outshining Site-Rite’s dim red laser.
I zeroed my .223 in two shots at 25 yards, compared to Site-Rite’s five.
The aluminum body withstands drops, and the 123A battery lasts 10 hours.
The included reflective target helps in sunlight.
You’ll appreciate its durability, but Site-Rite’s lower cost might appeal if you’re sighting indoors occasionally.
- Site-Rite Vs. Bushnell 740100C
The Bushnell 740100C ($99) is an all-metal boresighter for .22 to .50 calibers, per ProArmory.
Its arbor system ensures stability, but the red laser fades beyond 50 yards in daylight.
My .308 was 3 inches off at 25 yards, better than Site-Rite’s 8 inches.
The kit includes a grid target, but no on/off switch.
Its lifetime warranty beats Site-Rite’s 30 days.
You’ll like its sturdy build, but Site-Rite’s O-ring system is gentler on barrels for casual users.
- Site-Rite Vs. Sightmark Triple Duty
Sightmark’s Triple Duty ($24.99) is a budget red laser boresighter for .17 to .50 calibers, per OutdoorWorld.
Its magnetic mount is easy to use, and the brass body mimics a cartridge for snug fit.
I got my .22 on paper at 25 yards, but sunlight dimmed it, like Site-Rite.
The AG3 batteries last 4 hours, doubling Site-Rite’s.
The carry pouch is a plus.
You’ll save money, but Site-Rite’s calibration target gives it a slight edge for indoor use.
- Site-Rite Vs. LaserLyte Universal
The LaserLyte Universal ($69) fits .22 to .50 calibers with a red laser, per MarineApproved.
Its aluminum rod and plastic adapters are sturdier than Site-Rite’s.
I zeroed my 9mm pistol in three shots at 15 yards, while Site-Rite wobbled.
The laser is visible to 25 yards in daylight, and the 393 batteries last 6 hours.
No target is included, unlike Site-Rite.
You’ll enjoy its simplicity, but Site-Rite’s protective O-rings make it safer for frequent barrel insertions.
Also Read: Comparison of Old Glory Safes Vs. Fort Knox Gun Safes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, they get you on paper at 25 yards, but Site-Rite’s dim laser needs indoor use and tweaking
Green lasers, like Wheeler’s, are brighter and visible to 100 yards; Site-Rite’s red fades in daylight
It’s a starting point; Site-Rite’s 8-inch drift at 25 yards needs range adjustments for precision
The military uses custom systems like SiteLite for .50 cal, per SniperCountry, not budget models like Site-Rite
Final Thoughts
After six months, the Site-Rite Boresighter’s dim laser, flimsy adapters, and short battery life let me down.
Its $59.99 price and .17 to .50 caliber fit are appealing, but inconsistent zeroing and poor durability frustrate.
You’ll find better accuracy with Wheeler or SiteLite at OpticsPlanet or Amazon.
Save your ammo and time—invest in a more reliable boresighter for your range days.
