New scope for new gun, how important is it to...?

[mwunsch]

use a torque wrench, and/or have a bubble level to set the scope?

its a weatherby vangaurd sub-moa .300 win mag
leupold vx-3 CDS 4.5x14 (so its good stuff)

i have leupold one piece mts and a weatherby 2 piece mt set.

i know to use locktight, bore sight it, set the distance for eye relief on full power.

but i dont have a torque wrench or rifle scope bore leveler

ive saved a while for it and spent some serious dough, so i dont mind spending the dineros if i have to get it profess done. or is it that big of a deal?


thanx

[Trapper]

The bubble level is a very useful tool in aligning the scope to bore which will affect the usefulness of your scopes adjustments when you move out to longer distance. If you are in the San Diego area I have a level that you can use. The torque wrench is very important in repeatability when scope & ring set ups are taken on and off of rifles, more common with a picatinny rail and tactical rings. This may be less of an issue for a hunting rifle with Leupold rings. Over torquing scope rings seems to be more common then under torquing.
Having a professional mount the scope shouldn’t cost more than $50.

[Stringer]

torque wrench: imperative. I use my torque wrenches all the time. A good investment.

bubble level: nice, but not necessary. That VX-3 has a flat area on the bottom of the tube, so you can level it relative to a 1-pc base by using feeler gauges, adjustable parallels, or a deck of cards. With a two-pc. base, I'd use a flat surface, a vise or a non-swiveling bipod, and plumb bob.

What kind of rings do you have? I ask because most rings could stand to be lapped before scope installation. If you really don't want to buy yourself a torque wrench, then consider bringing it to a smith to have the rings lapped and the scope installed.

If you intend on owning more rifles and scopes in the future, invest in at least one decent torque wrench and a ring lapping set-up.

[Sheepdog1968]

I had a good reputable shop install mine know for its high quality work. I'd spent a lot on the scope (and rifle). To me iit seemed to be inexpensive insurance to have a pro do it. That way, if it shoots poorly, I can't blame the equipment.

[Donk310]

I've mounted many scopes on many guns for many years. I don't have or torque wrench nor do I use a leveler. I guess I am just a natural.

[mwunsch]

Well, since i dont have either tools, it seems better to just go to a gunsmith and have them put it on proff done.
like i said, i dont mind paying the $ if its a good job

[randy]

Do it yourself. Put it on don't take it off.