Welcome to the basics of Rifle Scope Mounting. This guide is like a treasure map, showing you step by step how to carefully and securely fit the scope.

You’ll learn about special screws and tools that help make sure the scope stays right in place.

It’s a bit like building a model or doing a puzzle, but in the end, you’ll know how to make your rifle ready for adventures.

Importance of Proper Scope Mounting

Properly mounting a scope is a key component in achieving the highest degree of accuracy from your rifle. If you’re on the hunt (literally or figuratively), missing your target because of a poorly mounted scope can be incredibly frustrating. This is why it’s essential to understand how to mount a scope properly.

Significance of proper scope mounting in rifle accuracy

Considering the various factors in rifle shooting, the condition and correctness of your firearm’s scope mounting can greatly influence the accuracy of your shots. With a correctly mounted scope, both the vertical and horizontal adjustments will be centered, making your shots more predictable and consistent. This is crucial for both hunting scenarios and for competing in marksmanship games.

Examples of problems in rifle accuracy due to improper mount

An improperly mounted scope can lead to various problems that interfere with your shooting accuracy. For instance, it can cause your rifle to shoot inconsistently or in worst case scenarios, it might not allow you to hit the target at all. Another issue might be the “canting” effect where the rifle is tilted to one side, causing the bullet to drift sideways. An improperly mounted scope might also lead to poor eye relief, making the shooter uncomfortable and causing further deviation in accuracy.

Choosing the Appropriate Equipment

Before you begin the process of scope mounting, it’s important to choose the right equipment for your rifle, including the right scope and rings.

Selection process for the right scope

Selecting the right scope depends greatly on your purpose for shooting. Are you hunting in dense forests or shooting at a range? In general, a scope with low magnification such as a 3×9 power Leupold VX-II with a 40-millimeter objective might suffice for closer shots. You can then dial it up to 9 power for longer shots when necessary.

Discussion on the standard style two-piece ring and base combination

There’s a wide array of choices when it comes to rings and base combinations. In most cases, however, a standard style two-piece ring and base combination tends to work best. The front ring has a small dovetail at the bottom which matches up to the base and two large opposing windage screws lock in the rear ring.

Choosing adequate ring size based on your rifle and scope

The ring size is also critical. You want to select low rings, which positions the scope in line with your eye. If you’re noticing that the front of your scope is hitting the base, you might need to switch to medium-high rings for better clearance.

Removing Plug Screws from the Receiver

Having adopted the appropriate equipment, we now move on to the actual process of mounting the scope, starting with the removal of plug screws from the receiver.

Process of plug screw removal

Removing plug screws can be easy with the right tools. Depending on your rifle model, the screws can either be turned by hand or with the use of a screwdriver. Either way, it’s crucial to remove the screws without damaging the receiver. As these screws are typically small and can easily be misplaced, make sure to place them somewhere safe, where you can find them when you need to.

Preparations prior to screw removal

Before you begin the actual process of removing the screws, you should degrease the base mounting screws and the holes in the receiver. This is done to ensure that the new screws fit perfectly and securely. You should also apply a bit of oil to the receiver and the bottom of the bases to help prevent these surfaces from rusting.

Mounting Scope Bases

Next comes the process of mounting the scope bases. This is also where you’ll need the correct torque to ensure the bases are securely lodged.

De-greasing process for base mounting screws and receiver holes

A clean and dry mounting base ensures a tight and secure fit for your scope. Remove all oils and dirt from the base mounting screws and receiver holes using a good quality degreaser. However, remember to be careful not to get oil into the degreased holes.

Oil application to prevent rust

Once the screws and holes have been adequately degreased, apply a small amount of oil to the receiver and the bottom of the bases. This acts as a lubricant, reducing the friction while tightening the screws. It can also prevent rusting, ensuring the longevity of your setup.

Installation and torque of base screws

With the preparation done, it’s time to install the base screws. An essential tool for this step is the Wheeler Engineering Fat Wrench, which allows you to apply the correct torque of 30-inch pounds. This helps to keep the bases firmly attached to the receiver while also ensuring you don’t apply too much torque, which could strip the threads or break the screw.

Checking Bolt Operation

With the scope bases securely mounted, you now need to check the bolt operation. This is important for the subsequent steps and overall functionality of the rifle.

Possible problems with base screws interfering with bolt

Sometimes, base screws can be too long, which might interfere with the bolt operation. This is why it’s crucial to always check the bolt’s operation after mounting the scope bases. It should move smoothly. If there’s any interference, consider replacing or adjusting the screws.

Ensuring consistent and smooth bolt operation

A smooth bolt operation is crucial for the consistency of your shots. If the bolt doesn’t interact seamlessly with the receiver or the mounted scope, your accuracy could be compromised. If you notice any inconsistencies in the bolt operation after mounting the bases, consider consulting a professional gunsmith to avoid damaging your firearm.

Attaching The Rings

With the base securely mounted and the bolt operation checked, the next step is to attach the rings to the base.

Utilizing grease for easy installation

To ease the installation process, apply a small amount of grease to the dovetail of the ring. This will not only make turning the ring easier but also prevent galling of the material, helping in the preservation of your equipment.

Importance of never using the scope to turn in a ring

Remember, you should never use the scope to turn in a ring. This could damage your scope leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Always use an appropriate wrench, such as the wrench from Leupold, which turns the front ring with ease.

Assuring appropriate spacing between front and rear ring

One potential obstacle that may emerge during setup is a spacing issue between the front and the rear ring. This might happen if the bases are too far apart for your scope. Instead of forcing it, use an extended front ring to correct the spacing issue. The spacing is crucial in holding the scope firmly and ensuring accuracy.

Aligning Scope Rings

When you’re done with attaching the rings, it’s time to align them. This step might seem minor but, it is equally important as misaligned rings can result in a tilted scope.

Use of alignment bars

To align the scope rings, use a tool like alignment bars from Wheeler Engineering Scope Ring Alignment and Lapping Kit. They will help you to center the ring and adjust them so that the points of the alignment bars are almost touching each other.

Introduction to lapping for correcting minor misalignment

Minor issues with alignment can be corrected by lapping the rings. Lapping is a process of using an abrasive compound to shave off a minute quantity of metal, resulting in perfectly fitting, flush rings. But be mindful that major alignment issues may require re-drilling and re-tapping the receiver, which is not something that you should try on your own unless you’re an experienced gunsmith.

Lapping Rings Process

After the initial alignment, comes the lapping process, which helps in further seating the scope properly in the rings.

Application of lapping compound to the inside of both sets of rings

Before lapping, apply a lapping compound to the inside of both sets of rings. This gritty material works by polishing and removing minute quantities of metal on the inside of the rings.

Contact and lapping bar movement

Once the compound is applied, the lapping bar is moved back and forth. The screws should be tightened just enough so that there is contact but still allow the lapping bar to slide.

Continued lapping until reaching sufficient contact in both rings

The lapping process should continue until there’s at least 75% or more contact in both rings. The ultimate aim of lapping is to create a perfect fit for your scope, which greatly reduces the chance of scope movement and increases accuracy.

Final Scope Installation

Now that the rings have been lapped, it’s time to install the scope onto them.

Use of leveling system to level the crosshairs

To install the scope, a leveling system such as the Wheeler Engineering Professional Reticle Leveling System is used. By ensuring that the gun is level beforehand and using a reference from the barrel clamp, this system allows you to rotate the scope until the crosshairs are perfectly level too.

Positioning the scope for maximum eye relief

Once the scope has been leveled, it should be moved forward as much as possible on the rings. This provides maximum eye relief, which can prevent potential scope cuts to the brow, especially for medium and heavy caliber rifles.

Installation of the top halves of the rings

With the scope securely positioned, attach the top halves of the rings. Don’t forget to evenly tighten these ring screws to a torque of about 15-inch pounds. Maintaining even spacing between the ring halves ensures that the scope is held securely in place without too much force that might damage it.

Conclusion

To summarise, properly mounting your scope is crucial for rifle accuracy. Choosing the right equipment, meticulously preparing and installing each part, and making essential checks are key to achieving maximum accuracy from your rifle. While it may feel complicated initially, with practice it becomes a routine process for a shooting excursion. Remember, a well-mounted scope equals more accurate shots. So, keep these tips in mind and your shooting experience will be smooth and fulfilling. Happy shooting!