How To Mount A Scope

Having a perfectly mounted scope is the solution for accurate shooting. Going to a mounting expert is usually what most people do. What a beginner rifle owner does is buy one of the best rifle scopes, buy the ample rings and have it mounted by a gunsmith. Having this done by a professional gunsmith usually comes with a fee. But because there are mounting tools which are accessible to the ordinary gun enthusiasts, you can now easily mount a scope to any rifle.

Prepare These Proper Rifle Scope Mounting Tools:

1. Torque Wrench – This is the most important tool in the process of mounting a scope. You do not want to over tighten the screws and the scope rings. A proper torque wrench that clicks when screws are properly tightened is what you need to have to get the process done properly.
2. Sure Thread – This secures the bolts in place.
3. Lapping Bar and Pin Set
4. Screwdriver and bits
5. Modular Level System – This is needed to make sure that the gun is leveled with the scope
6. Outers Crud Cutter
7. Gunsmithing Center

Choosing The Best Scope Mounts

For the rings, you can either choose an aluminum ring which is best for all weather applications because it will not rust. You can also opt to purchase steel rings which will up your mounting price tag but is great for heavy duty shooting. You will have to purchase anti rust applications for metal rings though.

How To Mount A Scope- Steps:

1. Gun Preparation
   1. Inspect Firearm – It is very important that you inspect the firearm for safety reasons. You have to check if there is still a bullet placed inside the barrel just to make sure that there will be no accidents when installing the scope.
   2. Remove filler screws and prep holes – Once you have done your safety check remove all the filler screws and keep them in a secure place, preferably on top of a white piece of paper or a small container so you won’t lose any screws.
   3. Read instructions – You have to read the instructions on how to mount the scope not just once but at least twice to make sure that you are properly prepared to mount the scope. There are different processes in mounting a scope for different rifles. An AR 15 Red Dot Scope is going to be different than a Long Range Rifle Scope. It is always best to read the instructions.

2. Scope Mounting
   1. Base Installation – The first thing you need to install is the base. Make sure that once the base is in place it does not hinder any action movement when you cock the rifle.
   2. Ring Selection – You should install the ring with the proper height so that you won’t have problems like neck strains when you already use it for shooting.
   3. Scope Positioning – Lay the scope in place in the saddles of the rings once the bases of the rings are installed. Add the caps and install the cap screws. Tighten the cap screws but not too much so that you can adjust the scopes freely so that you can set it in the highest setting possible. Check the sight.

2. Reticle Alignment
   1. Modular Level System – Lay the level on the bolt and on the scope to ensure that the scope is both perpendicular and parallel to the line of the gun. You have to make sure that BOTH the bubbles are centered.
   2. Torque Wrench and Completion – Once everything is aligned, you can tighten the screws on the scope rings and secure it by using a sure thread.

Common Mistakes in Mounting a Scope

1. Not using the proper tools – Not using the proper tools can destroy the scope in the long run. For example, a wrench tool can over tighten the scope which can damage the accuracy of the scope. Tightening the screws on the scope will put unwanted pressure on it which will affect accuracy in the long run.
2. Not aligning the reticle after installation – Aligning the reticle is very essential for accuracy. You should do this especially for long range rifles. Make sure that everything is aligned so that you will hit the target when you need it.

Make sure you follow these simple steps to guide you in your scope mounting. You can save a lot of money if you mount a scope yourself, but you can also destroy your equipment if you do not have the proper tools. Make sure you always read the manual.