{"id":123,"date":"2022-08-27T23:37:40","date_gmt":"2022-08-27T23:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=123"},"modified":"2022-08-27T23:37:40","modified_gmt":"2022-08-27T23:37:40","slug":"how-to-mount-a-rifle-scope-tips-tricks-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=123","title":{"rendered":"How to Mount a Rifle Scope \u2014 Tips &#038; Tricks You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"player-inline-wrapper no-margin-top\">\n<div class=\"video-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe class=\"player-inline\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/737956606?h=75cc07c1b6&amp;api=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"byline\">By <a class=\"byline-author ajax-home\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/author\/ian-kenney\/\">Ian Kenney<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">M<\/span>ounting an optic properly and getting it set up for the range doesn\u2019t have to be a complicated process. To show you how simple mounting a rifle scope can be, I\u2019m going to fit a <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/vortex-diamondback-tactical-4-16x44\/\">Vortex 4-16X Diamondback Tactical scope<\/a> to my <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/review-is-the-saint-victor-duty-grade\/\">Springfield Armory SAINT Victor rifle<\/a>. To mount a rifle scope, you only need to use some basic hand tools.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture class=\"wp-image-33832\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/scope-mounting.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/scope-mounting-800x600.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/scope-mounting-400x300.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/scope-mounting-768x576.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>Do you know how to mount a rifle scope? The author provides his process along with some tips and tricks to improve the\u00a0process.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Before I get started, I always check the manufacturer\u2019s recommended torque settings to mitigate the risk of damaging the optic and scope mount during assembly or while shooting. I also degrease the threads and screws, since clean threads prevent binding and damage while making sure proper torque is transmitted to the screw.<\/p>\n<p>You should never use a torque wrench to loosen a fastener, and always reset the wrench to zero after using it. This prevents damage to the mechanism so that it will stay accurate in the future.<\/p>\n<h2>Mount the Scope Up<\/h2>\n<p>When I\u2019m placing the scope mount on the receiver, I\u2019m putting it in a location that gives me a fair amount of play to move the scope forwards and backwards. This location is driven by the mounting hardware, your length of pull and <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/what-is-eye-relief-how-to-avoid-scope-bite\/\">how much eye relief<\/a> the scope has. Push the mount forward to engage the rail slot so that the mount won\u2019t move under recoil. The cross bolts only need to be hand tight at this point, since the mount may get moved around some.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full flush\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33833\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installing-a-rifle-scope.jpg.webp 1191w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installing-a-rifle-scope-794x800.jpg.webp 794w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installing-a-rifle-scope-397x400.jpg.webp 397w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installing-a-rifle-scope-768x774.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1191px) 100vw, 1191px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1191\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installing-a-rifle-scope.jpg\" alt=\"installing a rifle scope\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installing-a-rifle-scope.jpg 1191w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installing-a-rifle-scope-794x800.jpg 794w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installing-a-rifle-scope-397x400.jpg 397w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installing-a-rifle-scope-768x774.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1191px) 100vw, 1191px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>When installing a rifle scope, take your time and ensure you get the appropriate eye relief for your\u00a0setup.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Wipe down the inside of the rings and the scope tube with degreaser before setting it in the mount and place the ring caps on both ends. Use the feeler gauges to take up the space between the mount and bottom of the turret globe to level up the reticle. These surfaces are usually machined flat, so this technique can be used across multiple optics and mount styles.<\/p>\n<div class=\"newsletter inline\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: none;\" class=\"logo-tal-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/themes\/thearmorylife\/img\/logo-tal-tm-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Live The Armory Life.<\/strong> The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our <a class=\"ajax-giveaways\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/giveaways\/\"><strong>monthly gun\u00a0giveaways!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Tighten the ring cap screws down and check the eye relief to see if it\u2019s where you need it to be. I don\u2019t get OCD about making sure the ring gap is perfectly even on both sides, I just make sure they\u2019re close. As I\u2019m checking the eye relief, I\u2019m making sure the edges are crisp all the way around and there\u2019s no shadowing around the reticle.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Final Torque when Mounting a Rifle Scope<\/h2>\n<p>When the scope is set where I want it, I\u2019ll final torque the fasteners starting with the cross bolt screws, alternating from front to back and then moving on to the ring cap screws. Ring cap screws generally get 15 in.\/lbs., tightened in a criss-cross pattern.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33834\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/tools-for-installing-a-scope-on-a-rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/tools-for-installing-a-scope-on-a-rifle-800x556.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/tools-for-installing-a-scope-on-a-rifle-400x278.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/tools-for-installing-a-scope-on-a-rifle-768x534.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"973\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/tools-for-installing-a-scope-on-a-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"tools for installing a scope on a rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/tools-for-installing-a-scope-on-a-rifle.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/tools-for-installing-a-scope-on-a-rifle-800x556.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/tools-for-installing-a-scope-on-a-rifle-400x278.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/tools-for-installing-a-scope-on-a-rifle-768x534.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>Installing a scope on an <span class=\"nowrap\">AR-15<\/span> doesn\u2019t require many tools. However, a torque wrench should be used to ensure you tighten the parts without damaging the\u00a0optic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I don\u2019t use or recommend thread locker on the ring cap screws. In my experience, it\u2019s unnecessary. Sometimes I put witness marks on the fasteners with a paint pen so I can tell if a screw has loosened up.<\/p>\n<h2>Scope Maintenance<\/h2>\n<p>As part of my process, I\u2019ll also clean the lenses off to remove any fingerprints or smudges that could\u2019ve gotten on the lenses. There are optics cleaning kits available, but I\u2019ve found a simple lens pen to be a great product to use for periodic cleaning.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33835\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Witness-Marks-on-how-to-mount-a-scope.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Witness-Marks-on-how-to-mount-a-scope-800x585.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Witness-Marks-on-how-to-mount-a-scope-400x292.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Witness-Marks-on-how-to-mount-a-scope-768x561.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"877\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Witness-Marks-on-how-to-mount-a-scope.jpg\" alt=\"witness marks for how to mount a scope\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Witness-Marks-on-how-to-mount-a-scope.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Witness-Marks-on-how-to-mount-a-scope-800x585.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Witness-Marks-on-how-to-mount-a-scope-400x292.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Witness-Marks-on-how-to-mount-a-scope-768x561.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>Witness marks can help with the installation and maintenance of a rifle scope. Witness marks can give you a quick indication when something is no longer in\u00a0spec.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Use the brush end to clean debris off the lens and then use the felt tip portion to remove any fingerprints or other marks that remain. Start in the center of the lens and move outward in a large circular motion out to the edge. This will keep your lenses clean for superb performance.<\/p>\n<p>Editor\u2019s note: Be sure to also check out Gunspot\u2019s <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/how-to-level-a-scope-two-simple-tricks\/\">tips on leveling a scope<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Closing Thoughts on How to Mount a Scope<\/h2>\n<p>This has been my process for mounting a rifle scope, and it doesn\u2019t require any complicated jigs, kits or processes. These techniques can be used across multiple platforms, only needing to be adapted for a specific fastener or torque requirement. If you find this kind of \u201chow to\u201d article helpful, be sure to leave a comment in the forum along with any ideas for future articles you would find helpful.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Note: Be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in!<\/em><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-forum-thread hide-share\"><span>Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n<p class=\"forum-thread-button-wrapper hide-share\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/forum\/threads\/12362\/\">Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-featured hide-share\"><span>Featured in this video<\/span><\/h5>\n<section class=\"featured hide-share grid-two\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-saint \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/saint-series\/saint-victor-ar-15-rifles\/saint-victor-556-ar-15-rifle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-556nato\">556<sup>NATO<\/sup><\/span><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/STV916556B.png\" alt=\"SAINT\u00ae Victor\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>SAINT\u00ae <span>Victor<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/vortexoptics.com\/vortex-diamondback-tactical-4-16x44-ffp-riflescope.html?vortex_reticle=23\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width: 58%; margin-bottom: 1rem;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/products-vortex-diamondback-tactical-4-16x44-1.jpg\" alt=\"Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16\u00d744\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Vortex <span>Diamondback Tactical 4-16\u00d744<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/how-to-mount-a-rifle-scope\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Ian Kenney Mounting an optic properly and getting it set up for the range doesn\u2019t have to be a complicated process. To show you how simple mounting a rifle scope can be, I\u2019m going to fit a Vortex 4-16X Diamondback Tactical scope to my Springfield Armory SAINT Victor rifle. To mount a rifle scope, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":124,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-123","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=123"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}