Henry Rifle Forums

Has anyone ever used a boresighter on a 45-70? If so, what model? I know the old fashioned method and I have tried it, but I’m just wondering if there are other options. I haven’t seen any products specifically for 45-70 and I don’t know if the generic ones are worth it.

I used a BSA Bore Sighter (model BS30) with my 30-30. It includes studs from .177 caliber to .50 caliber. At best, it got me on paper. But, I was still getting on paper at 25 yards, which is the range that I stated zeroing from. So, no real help. However, the scope came mounted on the rifle from the manufacturer. So, it was probably already bore sighted. In addition, the stud did not fit as snugly in the bore as I would like. I guess that could be a good thing. Being that, it may help in not damaging the riffling. Yet, the bore sight could get off centered. There are other types out there. One that comes to mind is a cartridge type, which fits in the chamber. That may be a better way to go. However, I think it requires a target being placed on a wall. But, it may give a truer reading. I have only used mine once. I don't think that I shot less ammo in zeroing it. Nonetheless, it may come in handy, if I mount a scope to another rifle or get a different scope.

Bought and used a laser bore sighter on my bbs 45 colt, worked great for me. Sighted it in @ 35yds with the laser, off 2" @ 40yds at the range, not too bad for an old pole. Tricks I used:
1) I super glued the screw to the proper insert, that way you can tighten & loosen it easily to get a snug fit. (Just turn the laser)
2) Set a target of some kind @ about 30yds, put the rifle in a secure mount, put the laser beam on the target, without moving the rifle rotate the laser 90* see if the laser dot moves from original position, if so, many models have adjustment screws to center laser (had to adjust mine). Use very slight adjustments on the screws, depending on distance, an adjustment of .040" rotation could mean a 2" move, try just snuggin a screw a little.
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here is a link to a thread about the one we use ===> http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... ter#p89802 .... my last post in the thread pretty well sums it up

Check out Sitelite, I have the SL-500 and have had good experiences with it on my 45-70; .50 muzzleloaders too. The green laser is easier to see outdoors.

I see no reason to buy a laser when the old method of squinting down the barrel works so well. At least with large bores, I think a small caliber is a whole lot harder, but doable. I have done .22s a bunch of times. And obviously this doesn’t work for some action types…

John Davies
Spokane WA