Here’s a good video for boresighting IMO (an easy and quick way).
I do it almost like this now. There’s more than one way of doing it. You can lock with the WPN first then the TGP etc. Basically, you just have to have the TGP and the WPN locked to the same target and hit the Boresight button. It’s actually pretty easy once I grabbed that simple concept. I was getting confused by too many details for a long long time. Anyway, you have to be in range for the WPN to get a lock, I’d say its around 15nm but surely by 12nm you should be able to lock armor up, which is outside of the weapon range I think but not out of range for a lock.
The way I remember the method in the training manual – for me – that’s a good way to learn about handoff failures and how to deal with them, so I highly recommend working through that process, but I personally don’t boresight like that, it takes me too long.
So, if you are having problems, I’d recommend a nice and easy Maverick racetrack. I’ll be going about 300 knots, get my target in the TGP before turning in hot at 15nm. Once my nose is pointed at the target. TMS UP to lock first target. Wait for handoff. MSL STEP. TMS UP to lock second target. Now wait for weapon to be in range. Nose down easy if necessary to get in the keyhole and wait for the cross to stop blinking. Pickle 1. Verify cross is not blinking, adjust to keyhole if needed. Pickle 2. You should be able to turn off by 6nm. Flow out to a safe spot 15nm out, regain your preferred altitude, while doing so you can uncage your next round of mavericks, check with Awacs to see if the picture has changed. Get your next set of targets in your TGP (not locked but located). Of course, this assumes your side has control of the airspace and you have a racetrack that is clear of AAA and SAM threats. But, in my view, that’s the type of scenario you are looking for to have fun with Mavericks when you are first learning them.