It may surprise you to learn that over 50% of households in the United States have at least one gun owner. While firearms can be great ways to protect your home and enjoy one of your favorite hobbies, you must understand how to work with them.
Not only will you need training to use them appropriately, but you’ll also need to use accessories correctly. Scope mounting for rifles can sometimes be difficult, but it’s not as complicated to overcome as many people anticipate.
We’ve created a brief guide with the key information you should keep in mind before moving forward, so keep reading to find out more.
Incorrect Positioning
There may be instances where your scope is firmly mounted on your gun. However, this doesn’t guarantee you have an accurate shot.
People often mount their scopes in the incorrect position, causing them to become misaligned. Even though you center your target in your crosshairs, your shot could still be inaccurate. It’s best to center your scope before fully tightening the screws.
This allows you to achieve the highest level of accuracy. You may need to adjust to the position of your scope after extensive use.
Even scopes that are sufficiently heightened can sometimes move after taking hundreds or thousands of shots. It is best to get in the habit of checking scope alignment before each session.
Over-Tightening Screws
While it’s essential to tighten your scope before using a gun, over-tightening can lead to substantial problems. For example, tightening screws too tightly could damage your gun and make it unsafe to use.
Doing so could also snap the screws or strip their threats. It’s also difficult to remove tight screws, and some people inadvertently break the screws during the process.
Keep in mind that most screws need surprisingly little tightening. Certain mount systems will deviate from this standard, though. Torque values are usually for dry screws, not lubricated screws. Always consult the manufacturer of the scope and the mount, to determine proper specifications.
To clarify, heavy scopes will need extra tightening to secure in place. Your scope shouldn’t move at all after firing your rifle.
Unaligned Rings
This is a mistake many people overlook when mounting scopes. When rings aren’t aligned properly, you risk placing extra stress on the scope tube.
This could impact its internal parts and damage its structure. It’s best to check your alignment with alignment rods. This will help ensure your rings are in the appropriate position.
Oiling the Rings and Scope Tube
Lubricating your rings and scope tube will make it easier for them to move around. However, many people overlook the fact that you do not want these two components to move.
The logic behind people lubricating these parts is to prevent rust from accumulating. When rings fit properly to scope tubes, though, water intrusion is unlikely. It’s worth noting that cheap scopes won’t be as easy to tightly secure.
This could allow water to enter the components and cause rusting. If you’re particularly worried about corrosion, you can use a preservative oil and wipe it off before reassembling the components. The residue will keep water away.
Using Screws That Are Too Long
If your screws are too long, you could interfere with the movement of your rifle’s bolt. This can lead to costly, inconvenient repairs.
The screws you use should be long enough to engage all of the screw hole’s threads without interfering with the rifle itself. Properly sized screws are generally drilled all the way through into the bolt channel.
Using the Wrong Tools
Using the wrong tools will cause you to mount your scope wrong no matter what strategy you use. Many manufacturers no longer use the slotted screws for scope mounting. Instead, they use Torx or Allen types.
It’s essential to use the appropriate tool instead of one that almost meets the manufacturer’s requirements. To elaborate, someone might use an Allen wrench when they need another tool instead. This could lead to improper tightening or damage to the screw.
Torque wrenches are often necessary for proper screw tightening. Be sure to invest in the appropriate tools before mounting your scope.
While it may be off-putting to pay extra money, it will prevent issues in the future. There’s even a chance that you could spend a substantial amount repairing the damage you cause with improper tools.
Dangers of Improper Scope Mounting
There is no shortage of issues that can arise if you don’t mount your scope correctly. Understanding these will help you make better decisions in the future. Listed below are some of the most notable.
Safety Hazards
This is one of the most important dangers to consider. If you don’t mount your scope the right way, it could come loose when firing and strike you in the face.
This could lead to eye injuries, chipped teeth, a broken nose, etc. Being unable to shoot accurately can also endanger other people and animals.
For instance, let’s assume you’re shooting a target in a rural location. A poorly mounted scope that provides a skewed perspective could cause you to inadvertently miss your target and injure those nearby.
To clarify, your shot could be so far off that it travels to an area you had no intention of aiming at. Keep this in mind moving forward.
Worse Performance
People who want to improve their accuracy will find it difficult to do so if they don’t mount their scope the right way.
If you zero in on the target and still have difficulty striking it, you won’t build the skills you need. This can cause major issues for competitive shooters, as it takes a large amount of consistent practice to succeed in this pursuit.
There’s also something to be said about the performance hit you’ll take during competitions if you don’t mount your scope correctly. The last thing you want is to fall short of your goals due to a simple oversight like this.
Improper scope alignment can also make it difficult for beginners to become better shooters. You’ll only waste time (and potentially money at a range) with poor scope mounting.
Damage to Your Firearm
Mounting a scope wrongly doesn’t always mean it’s too loose. As previously mentioned, over-tightening screws is a common mistake people make.
If you tighten them too tight, you risk damaging your gun. While the damage won’t always be substantial, it could lead to costly repairs.
You’ll also be unable to use your gun for the time being, which would cause you to miss out on certain opportunities (such as using your gun at the range with your friends). If you don’t have a backup gun, you might not be able to shoot until your gun is repaired.
Finding a Quality Scope
Avoiding mistakes is only half the battle regarding the performance you get. You will need to use a quality scope to ensure you have an accurate view of your target.
Look for a reputable provider with strong positive feedback online. A quick Google search can often tell you everything you need to know.
Pay attention to how they respond to criticism, though. You should avoid companies that get defensive or aggressive. Keep an eye out for fake reviews during your search, as well.
These are often posted in large batches and contain similar keywords. The last thing you want is to choose a company that you don’t have an accurate perception of. What is their pricing like?
You often get what you pay for, and it’s never recommended to choose the cheapest options. You don’t need to purchase the most expensive scopes, though. There’s a point of diminishing returns regarding how much you budget.
Instead, look for options in the middle of the price range. These can help you meet your goals without overspending.
Do they offer stellar customer support? It can be frustrating to deal with certain issues on your own, such as shipping errors.
Their support team should be easy to get in touch with and enthusiastic about helping you. Don’t settle regarding this attribute, as you could encounter difficulties in the future. Ask about their return and shipping policy.
If you need your scope by a specific date, find a provider who can meet this requirement. If the scope you ordered isn’t what you expected, you should be able to return or exchange it. With enough vigilance, you shouldn’t have an issue finding the best products for your needs.
Always Prioritize Proper Scope Mounting
Without correct scope mounting, you risk encountering many issues that could jeopardize the safety of you and others. The information in this guide will help ensure you take the right steps toward preventing accidents. Just make sure you use the appropriate scope for your firearm.
RKB Armory prides itself on offering high-quality products to our customers. Our team consists of lifelong gun enthusiasts and a Marine Corps veterans.
We strive to exceed all customer expectations and help you find the best product for your needs as soon as possible. You’ll learn more about how we can help when you get in touch with us today.