Thread: Scope mounting tips and tricks

Hi team,

Will be re mounting my scope this week and after some tips and tricks to getting her nice and level and getting the eye relief correct. Going from two piece Optilocks to one piece.
I did it myself last time but pissed around with a spirit level for ages (think its was the tube out of a level?). Leveling across the rail then across the top of the turret cap.

Anyone got a A-Z of things to do to make it a smooth process?

1. Do it right
2. Don't fuck it up!

Sprit level, with a lock up bipod job done.

Originally Posted by scoped

1. Do it right
2. Don't fuck it up!

I said A-Z not 1-2 ya smart arse!!

Originally Posted by BRADS

Sprit level, with a lock up bipod job done.

Yeah sweet as. Was what I did last time but seemed to be fucking around for ages keeping rail level after tweaking the scope. May have had the rings a tad tight.....

Does it have to be level?, I have picked up many rifles and reckon they are far from level. If I comment, the reply is usually "shoots good for me".
I don't have any fancy gizmo's for setting my scopes, just a horizontal/vertical lines drawn on a wall and pull the rifle into my shoulder and raise or lower to the lines. If it's out I adjust to suit (the scope, not the wall). For the eye relief I close my right eye, pull the rifle to shooting position and open eye, once again if it's out, adjust to suit...fucken primitive, I know, but works for me.

Originally Posted by Gibo

Yeah sweet as. Was what I did last time but seemed to be fucking around for ages keeping rail level after tweaking the scope. May have had the rings a tad tight.....

Nothing should move mate, I level mounts,
Butt of gun is in a gun butler, bipod so tight it won't move, on goes scope
Never had any issues.
Maybe there's a better way?

Do you pass this way often ?
Wanna borrow torque wrench and levels.



Or pop in I ll help you and boresite for you as well ?

I'll be right thanks Happy. I'd say its the way im securing the rifle (lack of) that was the issue. Will get that done then the rest is easy.

Originally Posted by Happy

Do you pass this way often ?
Wanna borrow torque wrench and levels.

Attachment 28757

Or pop in I ll help you and boresite for you as well ?

You have the toys alright @Happy

When you say one piece do you mean a rail?

Also, what scope?

This is a good guide for scope mounting:
Perfect Every Time Scope Mounting

Steps I do for mounting scopes for myself and clients (when I was in the industry):
1. Clamp rifle in bench vice
2. Make sure it is sitting 90degrees to the base with a level (adjust if necessary)
3. Attach scope ring bases (Can place level on these to check angle again)
4. Place and secure scope into rings and tighten screws until they are just snug (you are still able to move the scope but it will hold its place if untouched)
5. Look down scope to plumb level (paracord with weight tied to bottom at far end of room, also helps to have a white sheet of paper behind for contrast), rotate scope until vertical crosshairs align with plumb level
6. Gently tighten all screws (in an alternating figure 8 pattern) in small stages until you reach the pre-set torque setting.

For eye relief, do this before you start the above, loosely secure the scope onto the rifle and set your eye relief. Set it for your preferred (most common) shooting position (note: I like to set mine up for prone shooting as you are further away from the scope compared to standing). Place a small mark or piece of tape where the scope meets the back of the rear ring to index where the scope needs to sit for when you secure it as per above. IMPORTANT: DO THIS WITH THE SCOPE SET ON ITS HIGHEST MAGNIFICATION (as this is where the eye relief is at its smallest).

I also use lock tight 222 on the screws to help prevent them coming loose.

Originally Posted by Proudkiwi

When you say one piece do you mean a rail?

Also, what scope?

From Tikka two piece Optilocks to One piece Opti's and on standard rail. Vortex Viper 4x16x44

Originally Posted by Gibo

From Tikka two piece Optilocks to One piece Opti's and on standard rail. Vortex Viper 4x16x44

You should of said it was for the tikka...that roll of masking tape on @Happy bench is all you need.

Originally Posted by Spook

You should of said it was for the tikka...that roll of masking tape on @Happy bench is all you need.

Yeah they are pretty good aye, dont need all that metal and shit to stay zeroed just comes naturally