Do you pay a gunsmith to mount your rifle, or do you do it yourself? Mounting a scope does seem a daunting task. But if you’re into regular hunting or shooting, mounting a scope is a skill you must learn.
A rifle with an improperly mounted scope will not shoot accurately. There is a lot to gain when mounting the scope yourself.
Mounting a scope on your own means you can fit the exact scope measurement. You can easily match it to your shoulder for that precise and custom fitting.
Main Contents
What is a scope?
A rifle scope is a sighting device mounted on top of a rifle. It allows the shooter to aim and target their firearm with greater precision. Scopes use a combination of lenses and reticles. It magnifies and aligns the shooter’s line of sight with the target.
Scopes are typically mounted on the rifle’s top rail or receiver. Shooters can then adjust to account for distance, wind, and other environmental factors that affect the bullet’s trajectory.
It provides the shooter with a clear, magnified image of the target, which makes it easier to aim and shoot accurately over long distances.
Rifle scopes come in various sizes, magnification levels, and reticle styles. This allows them to meet different user needs and purposes.
Importance of mounting a scope correctly
Mounting a scope correctly is essential for several reasons:
- Accuracy: Accuracy is one of the main reasons for mounting a scope. It ensures that the firearm shoots accurately. A poorly mounted scope can cause the point of impact to be off, leading to missed shots.
- Eye relief: A correctly mounted scope ensures the proper eye relief distance between the shooter’s eye and the eyepiece. Eye relief is crucial to prevent injury to the shooter’s eye caused by recoil or gunpowder residue.
- Comfort: Correctly mounted scopes ensure that the shooter is comfortable when aiming and firing the gun. An improperly mounted scope can cause eye strain or discomfort, which can affect the accuracy and the shooter’s overall performance.
- Durability: A correctly mounted scope ensures that the scope is securely attached to the firearm, reducing the chances of damage or wear over time. A loose or improperly mounted scope can cause damage to the firearm, leading to costly repairs.
Overall, mounting a scope correctly is crucial to ensure accuracy, eye relief, comfort, and durability.
Steps to mounting a scope
When mounting a scope, here are the steps to follow.
Gather the Necessary Equipment
You need to have all the equipment needed to mount a scope. Below are the most important equipment to gather.
- Scope
- Scope Rings
- Mounting Base
- Torque Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Threadlocker
- Level
With the tools in place, you can move to the next of mounting the scope.
Choosing the Right Location for the Scope
What is the right location for the scope? There are several factors to consider when choosing the right scope location.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between the shooter’s eye and the eyepiece of the scope. The proper eye relief distance varies depending on the scope and the firearm.
It’s important to choose a location for the scope that allows for proper eye relief. Incorrect eye relief can result in discomfort, eye strain, and even injury.
Height
The height of the scope above the firearm’s bore is also an essential factor to consider. The scope should be mounted high enough to allow for proper clearance of the firearm’s action and to provide a clear view of the target.
However, it should not be mounted too high, as this can cause shooting difficulties and decrease accuracy.
Positioning
The position of the scope on the firearm should also be considered. You need the scope mounted in a position that provides a clear view of the target. This further allows for comfortable and natural shooting positions.
Compatibility
Finally, the scope should be compatible with the firearm and the shooting situation. For example, a high-powered scope might be suitable for long-range shooting, but it might not be necessary for shorter distances or hunting in dense woods.
Mounting the Base
Once you have gathered the necessary equipment for mounting a scope and chosen the right location for the scope, the next steps for mounting the base are:
Preparation
Before you begin mounting the base, make sure the firearm is unloaded and the bolt or bolt carrier group is removed. Then, clean the mounting area on the firearm with a soft cloth to remove any debris or oil.
Installing the Base
Install the mounting base on the firearm according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves attaching the base to the firearm with screws or other fasteners. Ensure that the base is level and securely attached to the firearm.
Tightening the Screws
Once the mounting base is attached to the firearm, use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the base or the firearm.
Checking the Alignment
After tightening the screws, use a level to check the alignment of the mounting base. The base should be level with the firearm’s barrel. If the base is not level, make any necessary adjustments before proceeding to install the scope rings.
By following these steps, you can properly mount the base for your scope and ensure that it is securely attached to your firearm. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the appropriate tools to avoid damaging your equipment or compromising safety.
Mounting the Rings
Once you have mounted the base for your scope, the next steps for mounting the rings are:
Choosing the Right Size
Choose the correct size of scope rings for your scope and mounting base. Scope rings are available in various heights and sizes to fit different scopes and mounting bases. It’s important to choose the right size to ensure a proper fit and alignment.
Installing the Rings
Place the scope rings on the mounting base and position them to provide proper eye relief and alignment with the scope. Make sure that the rings are aligned with each other and the mounting base. Then, tighten the screws on the rings just enough to hold them in place, but not so much that you cannot adjust their position.
Checking the Alignment
Once the rings are installed, use a scope alignment tool or a laser bore sight to check the alignment of the rings and scope. The reticle in the scope should be centered in the bore of the firearm. Make any necessary adjustments to the position of the rings to correct the alignment.
Tightening the Screws
Once the rings are properly aligned, use a torque wrench to tighten the screws on the rings to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Tighten the screws in a criss-cross pattern, alternating between screws to ensure even pressure on the rings. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the scope or the mounting base.
Mounting the Scope
Preparation
Before mounting the scope, ensure that the firearm is unloaded and the bolt or bolt carrier group is removed. Also, ensure that the mounting base and rings are properly installed and tightened. Then, clean the scope’s mounting area and rings with a soft cloth to remove any debris or oil.
Placing the Scope on the Rings
Carefully place the scope on the rings, making sure that the scope is level and properly aligned with the firearm’s bore. Be sure to keep the scope in place while you complete the next steps.
Leveling the Scope
Use a scope leveling tool or a bubble level to ensure that the scope is level. The reticle should be perpendicular to the bore of the firearm. Make any necessary adjustments to the position of the scope to correct the alignment.
Adjusting the Eye Relief
Adjust the position of the scope on the rings to provide proper eye relief. Eye relief is the distance between the shooter’s eye and the eyepiece of the scope. The proper eye relief distance varies depending on the scope and the firearm. Adjust the position of the scope until you achieve the proper eye relief.
Tightening the Screws
Once the scope is properly positioned, use a torque wrench to tighten the screws on the rings to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Tighten the screws in a criss-cross pattern, alternating between screws to ensure even pressure on the rings. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the scope or the mounting base.
Checking the Alignment
After tightening the screws, check the alignment of the scope again using a scope alignment tool or a laser bore sight. The reticle in the scope should be centered in the bore of the firearm. Make any necessary adjustments to the position of the scope or the rings to correct the alignment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mounting a scope correctly is crucial for achieving accurate shots and preventing damage to your equipment. Proper scope mounting involves gathering the necessary equipment, choosing the right location for the scope, mounting the base, rings, and scope, and checking the alignment of the scope.
By following the manufacturer’s instructions and using the appropriate tools, you can ensure that your scope is securely attached and properly aligned with your firearm. Taking the time to properly mount your scope can make a significant difference in your shooting accuracy and overall performance.
Travis Mike is a firearm enthusiast and author passionate about all things guns. With 10 years of experience in the industry, Travis Mike has gained a wealth of knowledge on the subject. He is skilled in gunsmithing and tactical training. In addition to professional experience, Travis Mike is an avid hunter and shooter, regularly participating in local shooting ranges and hunting trips.