Gathering the Tools and Supplies You Need
Before you start, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready eliminates frustration and keeps you focused on the task at hand. Here’s what you’ll require:
The Scope: The centerpiece of your endeavor. Make sure it’s the right scope for your rifle and intended use.
The Rifle: Your firearm itself – ensure it’s unloaded and handled with utmost safety throughout this process.
Scope Rings: Choose rings compatible with your scope tube diameter and designed to fit the mounting base on your rifle. Consider the height of the rings as well; you’ll want enough clearance between the scope and the rifle barrel to accommodate the objective lens.
Scope Base (if needed): Depending on your rifle, you might need a scope base (e.g., Picatinny rail or dovetail). Ensure the base is the correct fit for your rifle’s receiver.
Screwdrivers: You’ll need screwdrivers that match the size and type of screws used on your scope rings and base. A good set of gunsmithing screwdrivers is ideal, minimizing the risk of stripping screw heads.
Torx Wrench (if applicable): Some rings utilize Torx screws. If yours do, have the correct Torx wrench size on hand.
Level: A bubble level or a dedicated scope leveling tool is essential to ensure your scope is perfectly aligned with your rifle. A smartphone app with a level function can be a temporary substitute, but a dedicated level is preferable.
Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is highly recommended. Over-tightening screws can damage your scope and rings, while under-tightening can lead to instability. A torque wrench allows you to apply the precise amount of force needed.
Threadlocker (Blue): This helps prevent screws from loosening due to recoil. Blue threadlocker provides a good balance of holding power and ease of removal.
Cleaning Supplies: A soft lens cleaning cloth and, optionally, lens cleaner are essential to keep your scope lenses pristine.
Ruler or Measuring Tape: To precisely measure and set your eye relief.
Preparing Your Rifle for the Scope
This step applies if you’re starting with a new rifle or need to replace an existing scope base.
Cleaning the Receiver: Before installing anything, ensure your rifle’s receiver (where the base mounts) is clean. Remove any old screws, debris, or remnants of old adhesive. Use a degreasing solvent and a clean cloth.
Installing a Scope Base (If Required):
Choosing the Right Base: Select a base compatible with your rifle’s action and the scope rings you’ve chosen. There are various standards, such as Picatinny or Weaver, each with its own mounting system.
Alignment and Centering: Align the base correctly on the receiver. Proper alignment is paramount for accurate shooting.
Using the Appropriate Screws and Torque: Use the correct screws supplied with your base. Carefully tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. A torque wrench is invaluable here.
Applying Threadlocker: Apply a small amount of blue threadlocker to the threads of the screws before tightening. This will help prevent them from loosening over time.
Mounting the Scope Rings – A Crucial Step
The scope rings connect your scope to the rifle. Correct ring selection and installation are foundational to accurate shooting.
Selecting the Right Rings: Scope rings are available in different heights, diameters, and mounting styles. Consider these factors:
Ring Diameter: Rings must match your scope’s tube diameter (typically 1 inch or 30mm).
Ring Height: The height of the rings is critical for proper clearance between the scope and the barrel, allowing for the objective lens without touching the barrel or the rifle. Low, medium, or high rings are available, and the ideal height depends on the rifle, the scope objective size, and your personal preference for cheek weld.
Mounting Style: Decide whether you prefer one-piece or two-piece rings. One-piece rings offer greater stability, while two-piece rings offer more flexibility for adjusting the scope position.
Installing the Rings on the Base:
Positioning the Rings: Place the rings on the scope base, ensuring they are aligned correctly with each other.
Torquing Ring Screws: Using a torque wrench, tighten the ring screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque. Be meticulous with this.
Applying Threadlocker: Apply a tiny amount of blue threadlocker to the screw threads before tightening.
Aligning the Rings: Properly aligning your rings is critical for preventing damage to the scope and ensuring accuracy. Check alignment using a ring alignment tool or carefully inspecting the rings for any misalignment.
Placing the Scope in the Rings
This is where the magic starts to happen; the scope meets the rifle.
Positioning the Scope in the Rings: Carefully place the scope within the rings. Ensure the scope body is centered within the rings, leaving equal space on both sides. Be careful not to scratch the scope during this process.
Checking Your Eye Relief:
Understanding Eye Relief: Eye relief is the distance your eye needs to be behind the scope’s ocular lens to obtain a full, clear field of view. Too little eye relief and the scope will bump your brow during recoil; too much, and you won’t be able to see the full image.
Finding the Correct Position: Hold the rifle in a normal shooting position. Move the scope forward or backward within the rings until you achieve a full, clear sight picture. You should see the entire field of view without any shadowing or black rings around the edges.
Adjusting the Scope’s Position: Once you have the correct eye relief, ensure the scope is level, and then adjust its position in the rings. Mark the position of the rings on the scope to make re-positioning easier.
Leveling the Scope Correctly:
Importance of Leveling: A scope that isn’t level will cause windage adjustments to affect elevation and vice versa, making it incredibly difficult to zero the scope and accurately shoot at various distances.
Using a Level: Use a bubble level placed on the top of the scope turrets or a scope leveling tool. You also can use a level for the rifle itself, especially when using a separate leveling tool for the scope.
Tightening the Ring Screws:
Importance of Torque: Proper torque is essential; overtightening can damage the scope, and under-tightening can cause the scope to shift during recoil.
Tightening to Specifications: Use a torque wrench to tighten the ring screws to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. These specifications are crucial and usually are provided in inch-pounds or foot-pounds.
Torquing in a Cross-Pattern: For rings with multiple screws, tighten them in a cross-pattern (e.g., tightening the top-right screw, then the bottom-left, then top-left, then bottom-right) to ensure even pressure.
Re-checking the Eye Relief and Alignment: Before moving on, double-check your eye relief and the alignment of the scope.
Final Adjustments and Checks
Once everything is in place, some final steps will ensure optimal performance.
Ensuring Proper Tightening: Carefully check all screws (base screws and ring screws) to ensure they are properly tightened. A gentle tug with the correct screwdriver will help you detect any loose screws.
Checking for Movement: After tightening everything, gently try to move the scope forward and backward, or side-to-side. If there is any play or movement, revisit the previous steps to identify and correct the issue.
Cleaning the Scope Lenses: Use a soft lens cloth to carefully clean the lenses, removing any fingerprints or smudges.
Preparing for Sighting In: At this point, you are ready to head to the range. It’s helpful to have a target prepared or a bore-sight check done before you get to the range.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with meticulous effort, problems can arise.
Scope Doesn’t Hold Zero: Several issues can cause this: loose screws on the rings or base, improper torque, a faulty scope, or even the rifle’s recoil being too much for the scope.
Uneven Ring Pressure: If the rings are not perfectly aligned, the pressure on the scope tube will be uneven, which can damage the scope. If you see this, consider lapping the rings.
Scope Slipping in the Rings: If the scope moves in the rings under recoil, the rings might not be providing enough grip. You might need to lap the rings to remove any paint or unevenness and then re-tighten. Some people apply a thin film of rosin powder between the scope and the rings to increase grip.
Safety First Always
Throughout this entire process, safety is paramount.
Unload the Firearm: Always ensure the rifle is unloaded.
Proper Tool Handling: Use tools correctly. Be very careful not to damage yourself or the rifle.
Protective Eyewear: Wear eye protection to avoid any injury.
Conclusion: Accuracy Starts Here
Mastering How To Mount A Rifle Scope is an essential skill for any serious shooter. While it may seem daunting at first, by following these steps carefully, you can achieve accurate results and dramatically enhance your shooting experience. Remember that a properly mounted scope is the foundation of accurate shooting.
By using this guide, you should now have the knowledge and confidence to mount your scope correctly. If you are not comfortable with the process, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a gunsmith.
