Long Range Pursuit | S3 E5 Long Range Mule Deer with Western Lands

Published on September 5, 2017
Duration: 21:37

This guide details the process of mounting a rifle scope, emphasizing proper torque specifications, ring lapping for optimal bearing surface, and precise leveling of both the action and the scope. The instruction comes from Mike Davidson of Gunworks, highlighting the importance of these steps for accurate long-range shooting.

Quick Summary

Expert scope mounting involves using a torque wrench to tighten base screws to 25 inch-pounds and top cap screws to 20-25 inch-pounds. Crucially, lap the scope rings for over 70% bearing surface and level both the rifle's action and the scope's turret to ensure a plumb reticle for accurate long-range shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:29Introduction to Long Range Pursuit
  2. 00:47Western Lands Outfitter Location
  3. 01:23Hunter Terry Fricks Introduction
  4. 02:06First Morning Hunt Sighting
  5. 02:25Rifle Setup: 7LMR
  6. 03:09Deer Observation
  7. 03:50Scouting and Deer Encounter
  8. 04:41Gunworks Scope Mounting Tutorial Intro
  9. 05:02Tools for Scope Mounting
  10. 05:27Choosing Scope Rings
  11. 06:04Applying Thread Compound
  12. 06:24Torquing Base Screws
  13. 06:51Lapping Scope Rings
  14. 08:09Setting Eye Relief
  15. 08:42Leveling the Scope and Action
  16. 09:54Tightening Top Cap Screws
  17. 11:05Rifle Ready for Range
  18. 11:23G7 Ballistics Program
  19. 11:46Second Morning Hunt
  20. 13:18Encountering a Big Deer
  21. 13:56Second Day Evening Hunt
  22. 15:11Passing on a Shot Opportunity
  23. 16:19Fading Light and Difficult Choice
  24. 16:36Third Day Hunt - Early Morning
  25. 17:47Final Range Check
  26. 18:06Taking the Shot
  27. 18:25Successful Harvest
  28. 19:39Trophy Mule Deer Revealed
  29. 20:27Record Breaking Shot
  30. 20:33Western Lands Contact Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key tools needed for mounting a rifle scope?

Essential tools for scope mounting include a torque wrench (like the Wheeler Engineering Fat Wrench), a lapping bar with compound for ring alignment, a level to ensure the action and scope are plumb, and appropriate screwdrivers. A vise or rifle cradle can also be helpful.

Why is lapping scope rings important?

Lapping scope rings is crucial to ensure the inside surfaces of the rings are perfectly aligned and smooth. This creates maximum bearing surface (ideally over 70%) on the scope tube, preventing damage and ensuring a stable, accurate mount.

What torque specifications should be used for scope ring screws?

For Remington actions, base screws should be torqued to approximately 25 inch-pounds. The top cap screws are also torqued similarly, around 20-25 inch-pounds, ensuring even pressure without overtightening.

How do you ensure a scope is properly leveled on a rifle?

First, level the rifle's action using a level and a stable platform. Then, place a level on the scope's top turret and adjust the scope until it matches the leveled action, ensuring the reticle is square to the bore.

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