Easy Scope Mounting

By Outdoor Life Online Editor

Updated

Outdoor Life Online Editor

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** Mount Bases:** It's usually best to mount the scope as low on the rifle as possible without the objective bell touching the barrel, and allowing clearance at the eyepiece for free operation of the bolt. Ask a savvy gun shop operator for advice. Most bases and rings are attached with screws by using socket heads or Torx wrenches. Begin attaching the bases by wiping the attaching surfaces dry and clean and then applying a thin coat of oil or rust preventive. Check that the bases are properly aligned and that you're not attaching them backwards. Outdoor Life Online Editor
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Lock 'Em Down: For maximum security, apply a small drop of a thread-freezing compound such as Loctite (the semi-permanent Blue is best for scope mounting). Ensure an even fit by alternately tightening the screws. If you use rings that attach to the front base by a rotating socket system, do not use the scope as a lever to pivot the ring into position. Use a wooden dowel or something of similar diameter instead. Outdoor Life Online Editor
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Align Reticle: With the bottom half of the rings in place, position the scope and tighten the top halves of the rings only enough to allow the scope to rotate and move back and forth. With the rifle held level, rotate the scope until the reticle is precisely vertical and horizontal. Outdoor Life Online Editor
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** Adjust Eye Relief:** Position the scope forward enough to ensure your eye is safe from recoil. As a rule of thumb, move the scope about an inch farther forward than you think it ought to be. Outdoor Life Online Editor
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Tighten Screws: Double-check the scope's position and tighten the ring screws. Alternately tighten the screws for even spacing between the ring halves. Outdoor Life Online Editor
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Bore Sight: Insert a bore sight using the proper insertion pin for the caliber you're using, then adjust the vertical and horizontal axis to your desired point of aim. Outdoor Life Online Editor

Instead of having a pricey gunsmith mount your new scope, why not do it yourself using these simple instructions?