Caldwell lead sled for mounting scope?

[bigbearbear]

I'm looking at getting a scope for my AR soon, I've read that in order to mount the scope correctly, you really need to have the rifle leveled. Plus, after the mounting the scope, you'll have to sight it in properly.

Can I get a Caldwell lead sled and use it for both mounting and sighting in instead of having to get a separate gun vice?

What would you recommend? Thanks.

[baih777]

Yes you can but I would look at other sleds if you are using a AR. I have that sled and my grip hits the center bar. I use a block of wood in the rear to raise the rest so I can raise the front adjustment. I also have a small block under the front pad.
Pay a little extra for a sled meant for a AR or without that center bar.

[M1NM]

This Lead Sled is built to clear the grip & mag

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/394466/caldwell-lead-sled-solo-rifle-shooting-rest?cm_vc=ProductFinding

[bigbearbear]

Yes you can but I would look at other sleds if you are using a AR. I have that sled and my grip hits the center bar. I use a block of wood in the rear to raise the rest so I can raise the front adjustment. I also have a small block under the front pad.
Pay a little extra for a sled meant for a AR or without that center bar.

Thanks, they have a version specially designed for ARs it seems. It looks like the center support is divided into 2 bars, allowing the magazine to be inserted correctly.

http://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-336647-Lead-Sled-DFT/dp/B000X7AJP6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

[bigbearbear]

This Lead Sled is built to clear the grip & mag
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/394...ProductFinding

Ah, thanks. That's a cheaper option, didn't realize this when I saw it on Amazon.com.

[ja308]

Actually to mount the scope you need to shoot groups . If a sled helps shooting groups its suitable for zeroing a scope .

I like to sight in at 25 yards, which for your rifle is about a 300 yard zero .

Try getting all the shots in about 1 1/2 inches which is 6 moa at 25 yards .

From there its easy to move your group to the center .
Look at each quarter inch as 1 moa .
Typically the scope is graduated in 1/4 moa clicks . So for each 1/4 inch you need 4 clicks .

It's not a bad idea to check all screws for tightness either .

[CK_32]

As for leveling your scope, no you don't need a lead sled. They have rifle levelers for under $50 now and many local shops if you buy direct will offer a free leveling and zero.

If you don't want to go that rout it's not hard to get a bubble level and youtube and level your gun, your mount then your scope then just bore sight or take it to the range and sight it in.


That said, as for the lead sled it self. I plan on getting one for load development and if you can afford it I would recommend one for shooting or testing like rifle group testing, not for leveling a scope/mount. Waste of money IMO.

But I think the lead sled is a awesome shoot rest if you want one, but don't recommend it if it's just for a scope level. It's not that difficult.

Not to mention if your like most, unless it's a big bore rifle and you plan on shooting long distances (300+) often and or it's just a plinker, scope can't to a eye ball or quick level mock up will not be noticed especially if you only shoot once in so often.

[Wildhawk66]

Thanks, they have a version specially designed for ARs it seems. It looks like the center support is divided into 2 bars, allowing the magazine to be inserted correctly.

http://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-33664...pr_product_top

I have this one and it works great.

[russ69]

Get a front rest and a sandbag rear bag.

[SloChicken]

Get a front rest and a sandbag rear bag.

this.

Simple is good.

[bigbearbear]

As for leveling your scope, no you don't need a lead sled. They have rifle levelers for under $50 now and many local shops if you buy direct will offer a free leveling and zero.

If you don't want to go that rout it's not hard to get a bubble level and youtube and level your gun, your mount then your scope then just bore sight or take it to the range and sight it in.

Can you point me to a rifle leveler? Those that I've found looks like bubble levelers, which is useful and I plan to get those, but what I need is something to hold the rifle while I level it. And since I also need to sight in the scope after I've mounted the scope, I thought maybe I should get a lead sled which I can use like a gun vice when leveling the rifle for scope mounting, then haul it to the range and use it as a rest to sight in the scope.

Thanks.

[Merc1138]

Can you point me to a rifle leveler? Those that I've found looks like bubble levelers, which is useful and I plan to get those, but what I need is something to hold the rifle while I level it. And since I also need to sight in the scope after I've mounted the scope, I thought maybe I should get a lead sled which I can use like a gun vice when leveling the rifle for scope mounting, then haul it to the range and use it as a rest to sight in the scope.

Thanks.

As Russ69 stated, you can do the same thing with a simple front rest and rear bag, eliminating the need to haul that caldwell contraption anywhere.

[bigbearbear]

Get a front rest and a sandbag rear bag.

As Russ69 stated, you can do the same thing with a simple front rest and rear bag, eliminating the need to haul that caldwell contraption anywhere.

Can I also use the front rest/rear bag thing to keep my AR leveled for mounting the scope? It'll be great if I can do that, less thing to carry is definitely a good thing.

[russ69]

As Russ69 stated, you can do the same thing with a simple front rest and rear bag, eliminating the need to haul that caldwell contraption anywhere.

Not only that, a front rest and rear bag allows you to shoot the gun using proper bench technique and better results. I know LeadSleds are popular but they are totally unnecessary. The zero you get with a sled will be completely different from you holding the gun so what's the point?

[Merc1138]

Can I also use the front rest/rear bag thing to keep my AR leveled for mounting the scope? It'll be great if I can do that, less thing to carry is definitely a good thing.

Yes. Heck, you can do it with 2 socks full of rice if that's all you can put together. Remember, you only need it to be held level, you aren't banging on it with hammers or a pipe wrench with a breaker bar.

As far as leveling it? 2 small bubble levels that you can pick up for probably 99 cents a piece at the local hardware store.

Bore sighting? Same thing, you just need something to hold it still. Remember, this is for an AR. The easiest way to bore sight it is just take the upper off, remove the BCG, and look down the bore.

You don't need bulky/expensive rifle stands, lasers, scope specific leveling tools, etc.