How To Mount A Riflescope - OpticsPlanet.com

Published on April 24, 2014
Duration: 37:48

This comprehensive guide details the professional process of mounting a riflescope, emphasizing safety, proper tool usage, and precise techniques like ring lapping and torque application. Expert Steve L. demonstrates how to achieve optimal eye relief and ensure a secure, aligned optic for improved shooting accuracy. The video covers everything from initial firearm safety checks to final bore sighting.

Quick Summary

Proper scope mounting involves several key steps: ensure the firearm is unloaded, clean and prepare the receiver, install bases and rings torqued to spec, lap rings for concentricity, set proper eye relief, level the reticle, and finally bore sight. Using a torque wrench and alignment bars is crucial for accuracy and preventing damage.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Equipment Overview
  2. 01:15Selecting Mounting Bases
  3. 04:26One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Bases
  4. 05:50Receiver Preparation and Degreasing
  5. 11:08Installing and Torquing Bases
  6. 15:42Ring Installation and Alignment
  7. 21:12Lapping the Rings
  8. 27:30Setting Eye Relief and Leveling
  9. 32:49Final Ring Torquing
  10. 35:03Bore Sighting Methods

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential steps for safely mounting a riflescope?

Begin by ensuring the firearm is unloaded. Then, prepare the rifle's receiver by cleaning and degreasing it. Install the scope bases, torquing them to spec. Mount and align the scope rings, lap them if necessary, and then install the scope, setting eye relief and leveling the reticle before final torquing and bore sighting.

Why is ring lapping important when mounting a scope?

Ring lapping ensures the inside surfaces of the scope rings are perfectly concentric and smooth. This prevents stress on the scope tube, which can cause internal damage, optical distortion, or affect the rifle's zero, ultimately leading to more reliable accuracy.

What torque values should be used for scope mounting?

Torque values vary by component. Steel bases are often torqued to 30 inch-pounds, while steel rings typically range from 15-20 inch-pounds (10-15 for aluminum). Always consult the manufacturer's specifications or a reliable torque chart for precise values.

How do you properly set eye relief when mounting a scope?

Set the scope to its highest magnification. Shoulder the rifle naturally and slide the scope forward or backward in the rings until you achieve a full, clear field of view without seeing black edges. This ensures comfortable and safe shooting, especially with recoil.

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