How to Mount your Scope like a Pro?
by Mac Raven
Note: This article only covers mounting your optics. The next article in the series addresses leveling your scope.
Unfortunately, installing your optics is not as pleasant as kicking back in a lawn chair at a barbeque. I’ve seen instances in which a person thought their gun was a piece of junk, only to discover their scope was installed wrong. These next steps may seem like a lot of work, but the results are reliable. A majority of long-range competition shooters make use of this process.
I highly recommend buying Wheeler professional’s scope mounting kit. The kit has everything you need.
First, do not purchase budget scopes, mounts, or rings. Dropping a lot of cash on your firearm and then putting cheap optics on it is equivalent to buying a Ferrari, putting a four-cylinder engine in it, and wondering why it doesn’t go fast.
Step one
Contact the manufacturers of your mounting hardware. They will supply you with the exact torque specifications you will need.
Step two
Install the scope base on the rifle’s action. Lightly thread all four of the screws into the action. Next, Using the kit’s torque wrench, tighten the screws from front to back in this order: one, three, two, and four. Torque the screws in 5-inch-pound increments until you reach the sweet spot the manufacturer gave you.
Step three
Install the bottom part of your scope rings to the base (no Loctite!) Torque the bottom of your scope ring screws in the same order as in step two, except this time from left to right. You don’t have to do that in order; it just makes me feel all tingly inside. I can actually put a level on the lower rings and they will be dead on.
Step four
Take the proper size alignment bar from the kit. Place the bars in the lower rings with the points facing each other. If the tips line up, you are good to go. If that doesn’t happen, you should read “How to Lap Scope Rings.” Note: Lapping isn’t an issue if you purchased the good stuff initially.
Step five
Remove the alignment bars and replace them with your scope. Now, install the upper rings, but do not completely tighten the screws. You still want to be able to slide your optic back and forth and rotate it.
Congratulations, you have completed the first part of the riflescope series How to mount your scope like a pro. When you finish this series, your optics will be 100%.
For you to make the perfect shot, you are capable of. Your equipment needs to be functioning correctly.
It’s kind of like drag racing. You’re never going to win if you’re driving a Pinto with a leaky gas tank and bald tires. It doesn’t reflect on your skills; everything needs to function correctly, or you’re out of luck.
Disclaimer: Reloading/handloading can be hazardous to your health like many things in life. You take full responsibility when performing these procedures. 5 Gun Nation is not liable for your decisions. Don’t be an idiot, and if you are, it is not our problem.