Proper way to mount a scope

[snipe300]

I recently bought a 4-14x44 scope with a 30mm tube. It is going on a Remington model 700 with weaver style bases which clamp to the rail using a cross screw. This rifle has functioned very well over several years using a one inch scope, so the rifle isn't the problem. The factory rings that came with the scope are visibly out of concentricity with one another so I replaced them with a pair of Weavers. The scope prints about eight inches low and left at about 25 yards, obviously too much travel for the scope to handle with the knob adjustment. My question is what can I do to fix this? Has anyone had any experience with this problem with the rings? What is the proper procedure for mounting a scope like this? I'm not inexperienced in this area, but I may be overlooking something. Lastly how does one return a scope to its zero?

 

[AKElroy]

Lastly how does one return a scope to its zero?

This one is easy but time consuming. Turn the windage adjustment until it stops, then go the other direction until it stops, counting the clicks. Turn back half that number & you are back to factory zero. Do the same for elevation. I am not a gunsmith, so take this advice as worth what you paid for it. I have mounted a lot of scopes, and by trial and error this is how I do it. When mounting the bases, I use blue locktite on the mounting screws. I use the proper screwdriver, and I turn the first screw until it JUST offers a little bite. Then I drop in the second screw and do the same. Then I go back and forth, matching effort in single turns, alternating between both screws. I do the same for the ring screws and mounts, sans locktite. I have never had a problem boresighting from there. It is possible the bases may be improperly drilled or milled, or the receiver may be improperly tapped. Since the latter is expensive to fix, I would replace the bases first. It is more likely, though, that something got tightened out of relation to the opposite screw, pulling the rig to one side.

 

[hoghunting]

You could also use the Burris Signature Zee rings to fit the Weaver bases. You will need the offset kit that replaces the factory inserts in the rings, so you can align the scope to the bore.

 

[Bailey Boat]

You currently are where I have been in the past. I stopped using 2 piece bases with Weaver type rings and went to one piece bases and twist in rings, i.e. Redfield type with windage adjustment on the rear ring.
When I want to bring a scope to "zero" before mounting I use a cardboard box of suitable size and cut a V notch in each side to lay the scope in and rotate it to see where it's out of adjustment. As you rotate it you'll see the reticle moving in an elliptical pattern if it's not in zero, adjust until it is centered.
Word of caution, DO NOT attempt to turn the rings into the base using the scope, use an alignment rod, otherwise we'll hear of a bent scope tube.......