How to Mount an Optic Like a Pro

Published on March 11, 2017
Duration: 18:01

This guide details the professional process of mounting an optic, as demonstrated by Chad from Iraqveteran8888. It covers essential gunsmithing techniques like lapping rings, checking alignment, leveling the reticle, and proper torquing procedures for a Ruger M77 Mark II rifle. The video emphasizes precision and the use of specialized tools to ensure optimal scope performance and accuracy.

Quick Summary

Professional scope mounting involves ensuring the rifle is unloaded, installing bases, lapping rings for concentricity, verifying alignment with bars, mounting the scope, leveling the reticle using a specialized system, and finally torquing screws with Loctite to precise specifications. This ensures optimal optic performance and accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Professional Scope Mounting
  2. 01:12Installing Ring Bases
  3. 02:49Lapping the Scope Rings
  4. 05:21Checking Ring Alignment
  5. 07:01Mounting and Leveling the Optic
  6. 11:01Final Torquing and Loctite
  7. 12:12Boresighting Techniques
  8. 14:08Range Testing and Zeroing

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key steps in professionally mounting a rifle scope?

Professional scope mounting involves ensuring the rifle is unloaded, installing bases, lapping rings for concentricity, verifying alignment with bars, mounting the scope, leveling the reticle using a specialized system, and finally torquing screws with Loctite to precise specifications.

Why is lapping scope rings important when mounting an optic?

Lapping scope rings is crucial to remove high spots and ensure perfect concentricity. This process increases contact surface, prevents stress on the scope tube, and guarantees proper alignment, which is vital for accuracy and the longevity of the optic.

What tools are essential for professional scope mounting?

Essential tools include a torque wrench or handle, scope ring alignment bars, a lapping rod and compound, and a reticle leveling system. Brands like Wheeler Engineering, Sinclair, and Brownells offer specialized tools for this task.

How do you ensure a scope's reticle is level?

A reticle leveling system, such as the Wheeler Engineering Professional Reticle Leveling System, is used. It typically involves a level for the rifle's receiver and another for the scope's body or reticle, ensuring they are aligned vertically and horizontally relative to the bore.

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