mounting a scope?

[Beav]

I just got my first scope and rings today and I was wondering what is the proper way to mount it. Do I need to lap the rings? If so how do you lap rings? Also how hard do you tighten the rings? Any info appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Mulliga]

Lapping is generally a good idea. The Burris Signature rings, if I recall correctly, eliminate this, but with standard rings, you'll often want to use some good metal-specific sandpaper and a smooth 1" dowel to lap the rings.

Here is a decent tutorial I used to mount my Leupold:

http://www.pentaxlightseeker.com/products/scopes/mounting_scope.cfm

Others can be found via your favorite search engine.

Tighten the rings to finger-tightness, but don't "give it all you've got" when you tighten - you'll leave nasty marks on the scope, and you could freeze an objective or damage the scope entirely.

 

[ocabj]

12-15 in/lbs for the scope rings. If you don't have a torque wrench, use the small 'L' torx/allen wrench. Hold the small end of the wrench and tighten the screws with one hand until your fingers hurt (yes, I'm serious). That should be about 12-15 in/lbs.

 

[Beav]

Awesome thats just the info I needed. I had a feeling there was a little more to it than just slapping it on there.

 

[nipprdog]

make sure to use a couple bubble levels to make sure the scope is level to the rifle.