Quick Tip: Common Scope-Mounting Mistakes To Avoid
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Published 2023-02-15
1. Make sure the rings don't touch any part of the turret housing, objective bell, or eyepiece. Any one or combination of those will throw off your shot groups big time. Make sure those rings are clamping ONLY the scope's main tube.
2. Steve's pet peeve is scope rings that are not tightly clamped to the scope base. If you can grasp the scope with one hand and the rifle with the other and there's play between them, your groups are going to be all over the place! Scope rings come with torque specs for a reason, adds Caleb.
3. Make sure there's clearance between the objective bell and the rifle. No part of the scope should touch the rifle itself. The only nexus between the scope and the rifle should be the scope rings - and they're not actually part of the rifle. This also applies to a removable lens cover. When it's on the scope, it should not touch any part of the gun.
4. Don't mount the scope too low on an AR-15. On most rifles, you do want the centerline of the optic as close to the bore as you can get it. But the AR-15's stock is on almost the same plane as the top of the receiver, so you need some height on the scope. Otherwise, it'll be too low for you to look through it.
5. Overtightening the scope rings = VERY BAD. You can actually crush the scope tube and damage the optic beyond repair. Stick to those torque specs! If the rings come with a little wrench, that wrench is all you need to tighten 'em.
6. What about steel scope rings? Are they better than aluminum? According to Steve, aluminum rings are just fine for the average scope. If you have a huge scope and a rifle chambered in a heavy-kicker cartridge, then go with steel scope rings. On a 5.56-chambered AR-15, aluminum rings or a one-piece aluminum scope mount provides all the strength you need. Bonus: a dedicated AR-15 scope mount will position the scope at the correct height.
All Comments (21)
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Nope, we did not cover lapping scope rings in this one, the reason is because it is typically not an issue for you average user, by average we are referring to the vast majority of rifle shooter. Lapping rings is important for precision rifle shooting and it deserves it's own video.
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I'm getting old, so watching other gunsmiths re-affirm things that I know reassures me that I'm still on top of my game. Thanks guys. I struggle to remember to wear pants out of the house sometimes. At least the gun knowledge is still there.
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You should always make sure your rings or mount are pushed forward against the slot before torquing to spec, imho......
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It’s important to push the rings or mounts forward (towards the muzzle) inside the pic rail notches before tightening them down so that they remain snug under recoil.
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Tip: Inspect the inner radius of the scope rings. Run your finger along the radius and feel for surface irregularities. Sometimes the radius are irregular due to machining defect. Don't mistakenly assume Made in USA to mean "defect-free".
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Always a great job fellas. Brownells is a blessing to Gunsmiths and Armorer's.
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I’ll add a few that our shop sees VERY often: 1- the ring to receiver screws and ring screws themselves need to all be brought down together gently in steps to gain perfect alignment and seating. 2-average AR scope needs to be 1-1/4” to 1-1/2”. 3- Do not use separate rings and bridge a receiver to a handguard 4- a solid one piece mount setup is always better, IF your bolt action allows. AR’s no problem. 5- Interface problems between Weaver and Picatinny. 6-scope mounted too high causing a gap in cheek to stock contact. 7- clueless as to how to achieve proper cheek to stock weld, and clueless as to how to adjusting their body to properly shoulder the rifle. 8- believe it or not, placing the optic where it looks coolest.
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You guys should do much longer (~30-60 minute) deep dives on this topic (and many others). I learn a lot from this channel. Thanks.
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Tip: Level your scope with/using the reticle, not the elevation cap.
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Don't forget a bore sighter from Brownells. I ordered one over 40 years ago and it has saved me countless amounts of ammunition dialing in firearms for myself and customers.
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it's a joy to listen both of you.. please continue these... I've learned a lot!
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Thank you so very much for this. I checked my scope and rings while Caleb was talking and sure enough they were making contact with the turrets both front and back. I had no clue that them touching could make such a difference. I can't wait to get out to the range after work tomorrow to see the improvements. Thank you much gentlemen.
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Never gets old listening to true professionals. Thanks for the great video fellas
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When I first mount anything especially scopes I use liquid white out in the little squeeze bottle with the metal tip to put a fine dot on each screw to check for proper tightness at a glance. After a box or so doubel check with torque wrench and use engine decreased to clean off white out and trust your work until it changes on patters.
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I volunteer at a gun range and a frequent problem I see with AR-15's are when the forward scope mount touches or is fully on the hand guard rather than fully on the upper receiver. That can grow your groups from 2 inches to 13 inches.
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Getting ready to mount one soon great information and timing
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7:36 this happened to me 😅 Had the scope rotated 90 degrees. Went to sight that in and up was left, right was down. It was so messed up. My father-in-law was bewildered as to why we couldn't sight it in. LOL
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I got a nice Vortex scope for Christmas... I went out and bought a torque screwdriver specifically to mount it...glad I did the right thing rather than just eyeballing it.
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It’s funny you mentioned the 742. I was picturing my 742 with see through rings when you guys were discussing it, and then you brought up the 742. I’ve had good look with the setup using an old tasco exp. It’s my most trusted hunting rifle.
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Thank I will be mounting my vortex this weekend. So awesome to see this video show up this evening. And thank you
