Going to mount my first scope by myself tomorrow- any tips?

[waxer]

One more tip, mark your rings with a sharpie so you know you always have the matched parts together and the rings aligned as they came from the factory.



Camera didnt pick em up so sharpie marks added in post production hehe. The other ring has a single line. That way I always know the rings/caps are matched and aligned as they came from NF.

That's a good idea. However, I will just use a punch to put 1 hole on one set, and 2 holes on the other, but between the mating surfaces so they aren't seen at all. If I ever take em apart, the holes will keep things together.

[peacedivision]

I didn't want to modify anything or hit my rings with a punch The sharpie mark is hardly visible black on black

[waxer]

Different strokes for different folks

[ThemBastards]

Thanks all. I learned some good stuff.

[PrimaryArms]

Place a level on your gun and then level your crosshair not the scope against something level like a telephone pole or anything level. Get an anti cant device and level that as well.

Dimitri

[thomashoward]

Place a level on your gun and then level your crosshair not the scope against something level like a telephone pole or anything level. Get an anti cant device and level that as well.

Dimitri

1 Level the gun
2 level the scope

[Paltik]

Hmm. I just ordered a Burris scout scope and a couple of Leupold QRW rings in a low profile to mount on the Ultimak rail of my Mini-G. This thread has me wondering if I may be naively moving forward where angels fear to tread. Is this something I might best leave for my local gun shop to do for me?

[peacedivision]

noooo, its so easy don't let a stranger hack up your mount.

[OpticsPlanet]

Good vids

+1 for Peacedivision. These videos are great tools. Watch them and they cover most everything. You'll learn your own habits as you go. I love mounting friends scopes so I get to try out new tools and see new scope and ring selctions. Learning never gets old.

Trevor B.

[PrimaryArms]

Going to mount my first scope by myself tomorrow- any tips?

1 Level the gun
2 level the scope

Lol not exactly level your crosshairs not the scope and here is why. In some cases there tends to be an error between level of crosshairs and scope. Its best to level the crosshairs to the gun if the scope is level with the crosshair it will follow. After all you aim with the crosshair not the body of the scope.

Trust me its the ACSS way or right way to do it.


Dimitri

[thomashoward]

Lol not exactly level your crosshairs not the scope and here is why. In some cases there tends to be an error between level of crosshairs and scope. Its best to level the crosshairs to the gun if the scope is level with the crosshair it will follow. After all you aim with the crosshair not the body of the scope.

Trust me its the ACSS way or right way to do it.


Dimitri

there is more to it.

ring mount height
ring lap
eye relief
focus
thread cleaning
screw torquing

After leveling the rifle and scope I use a Bushnell boresighter to check the alignment of the crosshairs. Also pull the bolt and look at a distant object through the bore and the scope. They should be the same picture. I'm never off by more than 6 inches with the first round on paper.
Then you can do the one round sight in to bullseye.
This has been good for me. A noob should do the video

[OpticsPlanet]

Lol not exactly level your crosshairs not the scope and here is why. In some cases there tends to be an error between level of crosshairs and scope. Its best to level the crosshairs to the gun if the scope is level with the crosshair it will follow. After all you aim with the crosshair not the body of the scope.

Trust me its the ACSS way or right way to do it.


Dimitri

Little bit more to it. If there is an error from crosshair to scope level your erector housing will not adjust correctly. If the crosshair/reticle is level and the erector housing is not, you will be adjusting at an angle in correlation to that misalignment. This can create issues.

If you have noticable alignment/leveling error in your crosshair/reticle to the turrets, return the scope. Crooked reticles do happen.

Now, sometimes I mount a scope that I shoot the rifle off hand and I purposely mount the scope at a slight angle, barely noticable. This is because in that position I am more comfortable with a quick shoulder. I only do this for closer range shots, sub 400 yards(ish). Just muscle memory for me.

Personally, I adjust to make the rifle level, the scope, and then check the crosshairs repeatedly during the torque down. Different rings require different special attentions; ie vertical split rings.

Trevor B.

[PrimaryArms]

Going to mount my first scope by myself tomorrow- any tips?

Little bit more to it. If there is an error from crosshair to scope level your erector housing will not adjust correctly. If the crosshair/reticle is level and the erector housing is not, you will be adjusting at an angle in correlation to that misalignment. This can create issues.

If you have noticable alignment/leveling error in your crosshair/reticle to the turrets, return the scope. Crooked reticles do happen.

Now, sometimes I mount a scope that I shoot the rifle off hand and I purposely mount the scope at a slight angle, barely noticable. This is because in that position I am more comfortable with a quick shoulder. I only do this for closer range shots, sub 400 yards(ish). Just muscle memory for me.

Personally, I adjust to make the rifle level, the scope, and then check the crosshairs repeatedly during the torque down. Different rings require different special attentions; ie vertical split rings.

Trevor B.

Trevor I respectfully disagree.

Non level crosshairs with create canting resulting into high right high left depending on what side its canted, that is a known fact. You can't use the Mil grid with out level crosshair. Level weapon/crosshair is taught in every sniper school and the basis of bore sighting.
I shoot 4-5 days a week day in day out. I can tell you first hand the variations and raw data/DOPE. Even a 5degree error will result in over 2.5MOA error at 800 yards. At 1000 its over 4MOA thats over 3.5'
Here is some info

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/gun-nuts/2013/04/level

Having level crosshairs allows me to make multiple hits at 700-800 yard shots with 5.56 M193.in this video I am shooting a standard AR 15 with my now patented ACSS reticle using 55fmj in rapid fire at 700 yards.

http://youtu.be/nxwaiDeXP8c

Dimitri

[OpticsPlanet]

Trevor I respectfully disagree.

Non level crosshairs with create canting resulting into high right high left depending on what side its canted, that is a known fact. You can't use the Mil grid with out level crosshair. Level weapon/crosshair is taught in every sniper school and the basis of bore sighting.
I shoot 4-5 days a week day in day out. I can tell you first hand the variations and raw data/DOPE. Even a 5degree error will result in over 2.5MOA error at 800 yards. At 1000 its over 4MOA thats over 3.5'
Here is some info

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/gun-nuts/2013/04/level

Having level crosshairs allows me to make multiple hits at 700-800 yard shots with 5.56 M193.in this video I am shooting a standard AR 15 with my now patented ACSS reticle using 55fmj in rapid fire at 700 yards.

http://youtu.be/nxwaiDeXP8c

Dimitri

Dimitri,

Thats great you shoot. I shoot and hunt often as well, all over the country. Been at it my whole life. I've been lucky enough to shoot almost every optic company we carry. Literally hundreds of models of scopes, and mounted them all. Also have been lucky and fortunate to have been invited to, and shoot with, many of the big names, NF, Trijicon, Leupold, Nikon, Vortex, etc.

Through these experiences, Ive learned you have different techniques and equipment for different jobs. Thats just the truth to the matter. ie, not every situation needs an FFP scope, or a mil graduated reticle.

I don't think you understood what I said, so I'll rephrase it. I apoligize if this is blunt.

1. There is more to mounting than just saying level your reticle to the bore axis. (though this is one important step in mounting)

2. You CANNOT just say level the crosshair. What if your crosshair is crooked? How does that affect your elevation dialing at longer distances? It WILL have an adverse effect. This is fact. Every factory puts out some bad ones every once in a while. I sell a lot of various manufactures and see it across the board. Sometimes I dial elevation, sometimes a holdover. depends on my setup and needs. (target, BR, hunting, etc)

3. I said you NEED a level rifle, level scope, AND level reticle. Especially checking so while you torque down. I actually use a plum line hanging from a tree about 50 yards out, if you have never done this, its probably one of the best methods out there.

4. I have some of my setups that I purposely mount the reticle a few degrees off because it creates a perfect hold for me on a quick shoulder. (meaning the reticle is in perfect vertical alignment to the bore when I shoulder it) This is more of a learned preference to use with close range shooting/competitions. It makes for a comfortable quick shot and works well if YOUR shooting needs require/warrant it. As i said, it is for shorter distances, also where I am not using the turrets, just the crosshair and holdovers(speed). Once again, this works perfectly at shorter, sub 400 yards(ish) distances.

Don't want to hijack the OP's thread anymore. If you would like to chat, we can meet up at Media day next week or sometime throughout SHOT.

Trevor B.

[PrimaryArms]

Going to mount my first scope by myself tomorrow- any tips?

Dimitri,

Thats great you shoot. I shoot and hunt often as well, all over the country. Been at it my whole life. I've been lucky enough to shoot almost every optic company we carry. Literally hundreds of models of scopes, and mounted them all. Also have been lucky and fortunate to have been invited to, and shoot with, many of the big names, NF, Trijicon, Leupold, Nikon, Vortex, etc.

Through these experiences, Ive learned you have different techniques and equipment for different jobs. Thats just the truth to the matter. ie, not every situation needs an FFP scope, or a mil graduated reticle.

I don't think you understood what I said, so I'll rephrase it. I apoligize if this is blunt.

1. There is more to mounting than just saying level your reticle to the bore axis. (though this is one important step in mounting)

2. You CANNOT just say level the crosshair. What if your crosshair is crooked? How does that affect your elevation dialing at longer distances? It WILL have an adverse effect. This is fact. Every factory puts out some bad ones every once in a while. I sell a lot of various manufactures and see it across the board. Sometimes I dial elevation, sometimes a holdover. depends on my setup and needs. (target, BR, hunting, etc)

3. I said you NEED a level rifle, level scope, AND level reticle. Especially checking so while you torque down. I actually use a plum line hanging from a tree about 50 yards out, if you have never done this, its probably one of the best methods out there.

4. I have some of my setups that I purposely mount the reticle a few degrees off because it creates a perfect hold for me on a quick shoulder. (meaning the reticle is in perfect vertical alignment to the bore when I shoulder it) This is more of a learned preference to use with close range shooting/competitions. It makes for a comfortable quick shot and works well if YOUR shooting needs require/warrant it. As i said, it is for shorter distances, also where I am not using the turrets, just the crosshair and holdovers(speed). Once again, this works perfectly at shorter, sub 400 yards(ish) distances.

Don't want to hijack the OP's thread anymore. If you would like to chat, we can meet up at Media day next week or sometime throughout SHOT.

Trevor B.

Not going this year.... I always feel beat coming home. Last year I felt like my legs were going to fall off and I am in good shape, its huge! Have fun and post the cool stuff you see for me.

Dimitri