Scope Mounting Help

[FYT]

I just bought a new Leupold VX3i for my Savage .308. I recently mounted a different scope on that gun as well as an old scope on my .22, but I didn't feel as successful with mounting and leveling it well as I would have liked.

Anyone have any tips and/or resources for a relative newb on this? I have a normal level, but I don't have a level specific to scope mounting. Any tips on ensuring the gun is level as well? I think that was part of my problem last time.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[TNKnoxville]

Put the gun in a gun vise or a regular vise with some padding to protect the gun. Get a small level, make sure the gun is level across the action/barrel width then do the length. Put your scope in the rings and lightly tighten down the screws. Then take off your top scope cap and put the level on it and make sure it is level with the action /barrel (width). Best to have 2 levels. Adjust scope level to match action/barrel level. What you are trying to do is make sure the scope is level with the barrel and not have a cant in the scope reticle. Slowly tighten the screws down in an alternating pattern while checking the action/barrel and scope level. Torque down screws and check reticle to make sure it is straight. If you don't tighten in an alternate pattern your scope level can change.

Hope this makes sense, maybe someone can explain better. I use a set of scope levels and makes it super easy. But I started out using a small 6 inch level before I bought the kit.

 

[Team4LongGun]

Before you start, loosely place scope in rings and establish proper eye relief. Once scope rings are mounted where you have good eye relief, measure the distance from rear ring to eye piece (so you can place properly once scope is level later)

Start from the ground up. Level a table to work on, then place rifle on table (in gun vise, on sand bag or lead sled)
Level the buttstock (plum)
Level the lower scope rings (without scope or top rings on yet)
Secure all of this as you go, and it helps to have a buddy or your woman help.
Once all of these are level, place scope on, put top rings on but DO NOT tighten yet.
Level the scope by placing a level on your elevation turret.
Slowly start to tighten scope ring screws EVENLY! They will cant the scope as you torque, so this is where a helper comes in.
Once you have it snug and level, tighten down to appropriate torque specs

 

[TNKnoxville]

Forgot to set eye relief!!!!!! What Team4LongGun said! I use a Wheeler scope level set. Look on Midways site at the Wheeler scope levels and it will make more sense.

 

[FYT]

Thanks so much, fellas. Do you think a torque wrench is necessary? I could buy mounting levels and a torque wrench, but at that point I could also just pay to have it done.

 

[TNKnoxville]

I find the Wheeler electronic torque wrench set very handy and I use it on my guns and bow. Got mine on sale at Midway. One of my purchases that I use more than I thought I would.

The scope level set is nice, I've used it for my guns and my boys. I also did a guys scope mount from work. As much as my guns and scopes cost it's cheap in comparison, lol. I like working on my own stuff so it was worth it.

 

[Team4LongGun]

Not needed. Tighten by hand until they are very snug. Don’t be a gorilla about it. You can also use a torpedo level (I use 2 at a time for mounting) they can be found at any Home Depot or Lowe’s or hardware store

 

[Team4LongGun]

Not needed. Tighten by hand until they are very snug. Don’t be a gorilla about it. You can also use a torpedo level (I use 2 at a time for mounting) they can be found at any Home Depot or Lowe’s or hardware store

 

[bwhntMT]

A good gun vise is very helpful. The Wheeler scope leveling kit has also really helped me make sure my gun itself is level. However, rather than trust another level on my turret, which may or may not be machined level, I have had great results aligning my vertical crosshair along a string with a plumb bob.