Basics of scope mounting

[brihacharan]

Hi Guys,
> Came across a nice write-up on mounting scopes on to a rifle - am pleased to share it...

Scope Mounting Basics:
Most scope mounting is easy for a gunsmith, and they usually do a good job. But, if you're careful, you can do it yourself. A gunsmith often mounts the scope to some standard measurements; you mount it to fit you exactly. For mounting hunting scopes on most rifles you need to do everything slowly and carefully. However if you have an unusual rifle & scope combination, or you don't feel confident have a gunsmith do you scope mounting.

First check if the gun unloaded - then read all of this before you begin!

•Get everything together, make sure you have plenty of time; you don't want to rush your scope mounting job.

• You need a place to work, a bench or table. Gunsmiths use a padded vise to hold the rifle upright for scope mounting. You can use other things to make the rifle sit upright. A rest if you have one, cut out a cardboard box, anything which will keep the gun upright, and protect it from a fall.

•Important:
1. Use screwdrivers which properly fit the screws, otherwise you will mar the screw heads. You need some LocTite or a similar product for the screws. LocTite is a little like glue. You put it on the screw threads and it helps to keep them from working loose.
2. Be sure you have the correct mounts and rings for your rifle and scope. Also ensure that the scope’s mounting ring holes are in line with those in the rifle's receiver. The rings must be of proper height for the scope’s clearance.

•You will probably need to remove "filler screws" from the receiver, on some guns you will need to remove the iron-sights. Be careful, if the screwdriver slips, it can scratch your gun.

•Very important to be sure all surfaces (especially screw threads) are clean and dry of any oil. Line up the mount with the holes; with a little LocTite on a screw: Take your time & turn each screw slowly counter clockwise until you feel a slight "bump" then gently start it clockwise. If a screw doesn't want to start don't force it. Once you get the screw started tighten the screw a little, then start another screw. Gradually tighten as you move from one screw to another. Tighten these as much as you can without the screwdriver slipping.

•Your goal in the best rifle scope mounting is to have the scope in a position that allows you mount the rifle naturally, and see the scope's full image, sharp, clear, and the cross-hairs level. Don't forget to adjust the focus of the scope to your eyes. Do this by rotating the eyepiece until you have a sharp image, look away and try it several times. Make the gun fit your shoulder easily. You should not have to adjust your body to fit the gun. This is where you can do better than most gunsmiths because you can make it fit you.

•The way to do all of this is to put it all together, but don't tighten the rings down. You want it snug enough to hold it in place, but loose enough so that you can slide the scope and turn it. Be obsessive about it fitting you.

•You don't want to tighten, until you are sure. When you think you have it right, tighten just enough so nothing will move. Now try your rifle again from every possible shooting position, you may find you need to adjust it a little more.

•When you are absolutely sure everything is in the best position, tighten the screws working back and forth between all the screws tightening only a little on each until all are tight. Check the gaps on the rings so the gaps remain about equal.

•For a rifle with more recoil, tighten one ring tight enough to hold everything in place. Take the screws out of the other ring and apply LocTite to the screw threads before you re-tighten them. I Always mount the scopes this way, so that you may never have to adjust the scope settings again.
> Please check this site: http://www.score-your-hunting.com/scopemounting.html
Cheers
Brihacharan