Installing a scope, help!
 

What do you feel are the biggest mistakes the average person makes when installing a rifle/pistol scope? I have made my mistakes and ended up taking it to a friends house for his help. I know I am not the only guy who has messed up! I am developing a segment for an outdoor show, "mistakes we make" with in home gunsmithing, any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Dr. Mike
[email protected]

RE: Installing a scope, help!
 

using too much of that blue loc tite stuff. it ran down onto the wooden stock in a spot and I didnt notice it. let me tell you that stuff eats through a finish like acid. BE CAREFUL!

RE: Installing a scope, help!
 

Not tightening the scope ring screws evenly, not cleaning everything THOROUGHLY!

RE: Installing a scope, help!
 

I'd say not having the rings and bases properly aligned.

RE: Installing a scope, help!
 

I always use my rear base screws to adjust my wideage before adjusting my scope...

RE: Installing a scope, help!
 

Make sure you have the correct bases. Just because the holes line
up doesn't mean the base is flush to the receiver. Also, some rifles (ruger)
have differents heights of rings from the front to the back. I have
seen an attempt of this- not pretty.
Another problem- the lengths of base screws vary and holes are often
drilled all the way through- thus the screw may touch the bolt.
I have also seen dovetail mounts that are cut differently
where certain recievers need a sharper cut to fit properly on.22's.
Another mistake that could be made is tightening a ring where the objective widens out. Just on the edge be careful. Cheers

RE: Installing a scope, help!
 

I see people reall torque down the front rings with leupold bases, then make windage adjuements with the screws on rear Leupold bases. you can really torque a scope if not lapped and aligned.

RE: Installing a scope, help!
 

I have made the mistake of using an allen wrench when I should have been using the tool that Leupold gives out with their rings. I rounded the bolt out and had the drill the rings off of the scope. It was a mess. Foolish foolish me.

RE: Installing a scope, help!
 

When tightening the screws, know when to say when. I once over torqued and damaged the scope tube.[:@]

RE: Installing a scope, help!
 

Never torque anything tight until the scope is aligned correctly just the way you want it. Slowly tighten every screw down evenly like you would when you mount a tire. Also please don't use loc-tite unless you just have to. A properly mounted scope with good accessories doesn't need it. I'm sure there are a few cases of a super-high caliber gun where it could be used. But otherwise leave it off, you'll save yourself a headache in the future.

Just some of the tips I've ran into when mounting scopes for customers.