StrongTools Red Green BoreSighter 177 12GA Review
When you're zeroing in on a target at the range or out in the field, the last thing you want is a shotgun pattern that's six inches off center because your optic wasn't aligned. That's where the StrongTools Red or Green BoreSighter 177 to 12GA Caliber comes in, promising to save you time, ammo, and frustration by getting you on paper before you fire a single shot.
After digging through hundreds of verified buyer reports and comparing the specs against the competition, I can tell you this: it's a solid entry-level tool that gets the job done for most shooters, but it's not the precision instrument a competition shooter might need. The 800mAh battery and dual red/green dot options make it versatile, though the plastic body raises some durability questions. If you're a casual hunter or a weekend plinker who wants to rough-sight in a new scope without burning through expensive shells, this bore sighter is worth a look.
Let's break down exactly what you're getting.
What it is
The StrongTools Red Green BoreSighter is essentially a drop-in laser cartridge that mimics the shape of a real round. You chamber it like a normal shell, and when you press the button on the rear, it projects a red or green dot onto your target. It covers a massive range of calibers, from .177 air gun pellets all the way up to 12-gauge shotgun shells, using a series of interchangeable plastic adapters.
This puts it in a different category from magnetic bore sighters that attach to the muzzle. It's also much cheaper than a professional-grade collimator from brands like Leupold or Caldwell. The 800mAh rechargeable battery is a nice modern touch, but the all-plastic construction means you should treat it gently.
It's built for convenience, not for a lifetime of abuse.
Setup & first impressions
Opening the package, you get the main laser unit, a USB charging cable, and a bag of small plastic adapters for the different calibers. Verified buyer reviews across multiple platforms consistently mention that the first thing you notice is how light it is. The plastic body feels a bit hollow compared to a metal unit, but it does make it easy to handle.
The laser itself is bright enough to be visible in typical indoor lighting at 50 yards. Many users report that the red dot is crisp and clear, while the green dot offers better visibility in brighter conditions. The press-switch on the rear is a simple momentary button, which means the laser only stays on while you hold it.
That's good for battery life, but it can be a little awkward if you're trying to adjust the scope while holding the button. It takes about 30 seconds to swap adapters, and the whole setup process from unboxing to first use takes maybe five minutes.
| Caliber Range | .177 to 12GA (includes multiple adapters) |
| Laser Color | Red or Green (switchable) |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable 800mAh Li-ion |
| Estimated Runtime | ~4 hours continuous (red) / ~2.5 hours (green) |
| Activation | Momentary press switch on rear |
| Body Material | Plastic |
| Weight | ~1.2 oz (34 g) with adapter |
| Charging | Micro-USB (cable included) |
Daily-use experience
Performance
The real test of any bore sighter is how close it gets you to your final zero. Aggregate user feedback suggests that the StrongTools unit is generally accurate to within a few inches at 50 yards for typical shotguns and rimfire rifles. That's exactly what you want from a tool in this price range.
It gets you on paper, so you only need a few shots to fine-tune your scope.
The dual red/green laser is a genuine plus. Green is easier to see in bright daylight, though it drains the battery faster. The 800mAh battery holds enough charge for a full afternoon of sighting in multiple guns.
Manufacturer specifications indicate a Class IIIA laser output, which is standard for consumer bore sighters. Just keep in mind that the accuracy depends heavily on how well the adapter fits your particular chamber. Some users report that the plastic adapters can be a little loose in certain calibers, which introduces a tiny bit of wobble.
Comfort & ergonomics
There's not much to say about comfort since you're not holding it in your hand for long periods. The press switch is located on the rear of the unit, which is where the primer would be on a real cartridge. It's easy to reach with your thumb when the sighter is in the chamber, but it does require a bit of pressure to hold down.
If you're working alone, you might find yourself wishing for a toggle switch or a remote button.
Several verified buyers mention that the button can be a bit stiff at first. It loosens up after a few uses, but it's worth noting. The adapters are color-coded, which is a small but thoughtful touch.
You don't have to squint at tiny markings to figure out which one fits your .22 vs your 20-gauge.
Build quality
This is the area where the StrongTools bore sighter shows its price point. The plastic body feels durable enough for careful use, but it's not something you want to drop on a concrete floor. The adapters are also plastic, and some users have reported that the tabs can break off if you're too aggressive with them.
The laser lens is protected by a small plastic window, which is good. The charging port is a standard Micro-USB, which is becoming a bit dated now that USB-C is more common. It's a minor inconvenience, but you'll need to keep a dedicated cable handy.
Overall, the build quality is acceptable for the budget category, but it won't survive the same abuse as a machined aluminum unit from a company like Wheeler or Sightmark.
✓ Pros
- Covers a huge range from .177 air guns to 12-gauge shotguns with included adapters — one tool for the whole safe.
- Rechargeable 800mAh battery means you never buy coin cells again, and it lasts for multiple sessions between charges.
- Dual red/green laser lets you pick the best color for your lighting conditions, with green being much easier to see outdoors.
- Press-switch activation saves battery since the laser only runs when you hold the button down.
- Price is very budget-friendly, making it a low-risk entry point for anyone who wants to try boresighting at home.
✗ Cons
- All-plastic construction feels a bit fragile, especially the thin adapter tabs that can snap if forced.
- Momentary button requires you to hold it down while adjusting the scope, which can be awkward when working alone.
- Loose fit with some calibers, as reported by multiple users, which can introduce a small amount of wobble and reduce accuracy.
- Micro-USB charging is outdated; a USB-C port would have been a welcome upgrade for convenience.
Who should buy it
Buy it if you…
You're a weekend hunter or a casual shooter who owns a few different guns. Maybe you have a .22 rifle for plinking, a 20-gauge for upland birds, and a 12-gauge for deer slugs. This one tool covers all of them.
You don't need pinpoint accuracy, just something that gets you close enough to only need two or three shots to dial in your scope. The rechargeable battery is a major convenience, and the price means you won't feel bad if it lives in the bottom of your range bag.
Skip it if you…
You're a dedicated long-range target shooter who demands sub-MOA precision. The plastic adapters and the potential for a slightly loose fit mean this isn't the tool for your 6.5 Creedmoor or .308. You'll be better served by a professional-grade laser boresighter that uses a more rigid chamber adapter or a magnetic muzzle attachment.
Also, if you need a tool for heavy-recoiling magnum cartridges, the plastic body might not hold up over time.
Better alternatives
If you have a larger budget, the Leupold ZeroPoint Laser Boresighter offers a machined aluminum body and a line-of-bore alignment system that's more precise. For a mid-range option, the Caldwell AR-15 Laser Boresighter is a solid choice if you only work with AR-style rifles. Both are more expensive, but they bring a noticeable bump in build quality and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does it work with all .177 to 12-gauge calibers?
The included adapters cover the most common calibers within that range, including .177.22.25.30, 9mm.38.40.45.223.308, 20-gauge, and 12-gauge. You should check the product listing for the full list. Some less common calibers like .243 or .270 might not be included.
Is the green laser really brighter than the red?
Yes, generally. The human eye is more sensitive to green light, which makes the green dot appear much brighter, especially in daylight or outdoor conditions. The trade-off is that the green laser uses more battery power, so you'll get less runtime overall.
How long does a full charge last?
Manufacturer specifications indicate roughly 4 hours of continuous use with the red laser and about 2.5 hours with the green. In practice, since you only press the button briefly, a single charge can last for several boresighting sessions.
Can I use it for a .50 caliber muzzleloader?
No, this bore sighter is designed for cartridge firearms, not for loose-powder muzzleloaders. The adapters require a chamber, and a muzzleloader's bore doesn't have the same shape. You would need a different type of tool for that.
Is the press switch annoying to hold?
It can be a little awkward, especially if you're trying to adjust a scope turret while holding the button. Some users have improvised by using a rubber band or a clamp to hold the button down, but that's not ideal. A toggle switch would have been a better design choice.
Final verdict
I'm giving the StrongTools Red Green BoreSighter a solid 4.2 out of 5 stars. It's not the most precise tool on the market, and the plastic construction won't win any awards for durability. But for the price, it delivers exactly what most shooters need: a quick, easy way to get on paper without wasting ammo.
The wide caliber range and rechargeable battery make it a fantastic value for the casual gun owner.
If you're a budget-conscious hunter or a weekend plinker who wants to tighten up your groups without spending a fortune, this is a smart buy. Just handle the adapters with care, and you'll save money on shells for years.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes my recommendation, I only suggest gear I'd actually buy myself.
Similar Posts
