How To Mount A Rifle Scope

Published on March 31, 2021
Duration: 29:11

This guide, presented by Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo, details the essential steps for properly mounting a rifle scope, focusing on methods effective for most shooters. It emphasizes the critical role of correct mounting hardware, proper tool usage including torque wrenches, and achieving the correct eye relief and scope level for optimal accuracy. The instruction highlights the importance of manufacturer torque specifications and visual checks like witness marks to ensure long-term reliability.

Quick Summary

Proper rifle scope mounting requires specific tools like a torque driver and bubble level. Key steps include ensuring the firearm is unloaded, setting correct eye relief by adjusting scope position for a clear field of view, torquing the mount to the rail (e.g., 35 in-lbs), leveling the scope, and tightening ring screws evenly with witness marks for security.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Scope Mounting
  2. 01:40Choosing Rings and Mounts
  3. 08:30Essential Tools for Mounting
  4. 09:57Firearm Preparation and Rails
  5. 12:27Setting Eye Relief
  6. 15:06Torquing the Mount to the Rail
  7. 16:30Leveling and Ring Torquing
  8. 18:27Witness Marks and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential tools needed to mount a rifle scope correctly?

You'll need a rifle rest or gun vice for stability, a torque driver set to inch-pounds for precise tightening, a small bubble level to ensure the scope is perfectly horizontal, thread locker like Purple Loctite 222, and a paint marker for witness marks.

How do I set the correct eye relief when mounting a scope?

Loosely place the scope in its rings. Shoulder the rifle at maximum magnification and adjust the scope's position forward or backward until you achieve a full, clear field of view without any dark shadows or blurring at the edges.

What is the proper torque specification for mounting a scope?

Torque specifications vary by manufacturer. For the mount to the rifle's Picatinny rail, 35 inch-pounds is common (e.g., for the Swampfox Independence mount). Ring screws require significantly lower torque values, specified by the ring manufacturer, to avoid damaging the scope body.

Why are witness marks important when mounting a scope?

Witness marks are small lines drawn with a paint marker or nail polish connecting the screw head to the mount. They provide a quick visual reference to easily detect if any screws have loosened during shooting, indicating a potential problem.

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