how to mount a scope?

thomasbrooks07 · 03-11-2008, 12:12 AM

I just had my local gun shop special order me a savage mark II F bolt action .22 long rifle to day. The rifle has no sights so I was gonna take my tasco 3-9X 32mm siver antler scope off my ruger 10/22 carbine and mount it on the new savage. Now im not sure how to mount it and sight it in. When I bought the scope it was mounted and bore sighted by the gun shop and I dont know how to mount it and have it be accurate my self. Does anyone have any info on how to mount a scope at home and sight it in effectively?

HAWKEYE50 · 03-11-2008, 12:19 AM

Good morning, I've mounted my last 3 scopes myself and I reccomend you have the work done. There is a chance the weapon could be damaged if done incorrectly. The cost to have it done professionaly isn't very much.

GlockMeister · 03-11-2008, 12:38 AM

I agree, if you've never done it, and are hesitant of doing it, then ask the gun shop where you got it if they'll do it and for how much.

Also, why not get the new rifle its' own new scope. You can find a decent one for under $100 bucks. Some examples are:
RedHead Pursuit Series Rifle Scopes

Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Rifle Scopes

And the cheapest they have.
Bushnell Sportsman .22 Rimfire Scopes

And they have someone there that can mount it for you as well, if you have one near you that is? Just don;t scratch up the gun or anything if you do try to do it yourself. Good luck.

thomasbrooks07 · 03-11-2008, 12:48 AM

I am kind of new to shooting but how can you break a gun putting a scope on a rifle thats all ready drilled and tapped. My basic understanding is you take out the screws that fill the holes then put the mount in place and screw it in place then you just put the rings on the mount and sight it in. Thats my basic undersanding of whats involved but ive never personally mounted one so I wouldnt know for sure.

GlockMeister · 03-11-2008, 01:14 AM

No, you probably won't break it, but you could put a nice deep gouge in the stock (if wood) or put a scratch in the barrel or synthetic stock or receiver is possible if a tool slips or if you don't have it secured and it falls or something.

SwedeSteve · 03-11-2008, 02:50 AM

If you don't have a good set of gunsmithing screwdrivers, I would suggest looking for a base and rings that utilize allen wrenches. Also, I would use loctite on the base screws.

killer · 03-11-2008, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomasbrooks07

how can you break a gun putting a scope on a rifle thats all ready drilled and tapped.

There are many diff styles of scope base mounts and rings.

The rings come in different heights and sometimes the base, rings and scope simply aren't a good match. I bought some really expensive super high Ruger rings for a scope I just had to have on the rifle. I could not get them to match up due to the scope being too short.

And it is possible to have scope rings so low the scope does not cradle right in both sets of rings and instead actually rests on part of the scope base or receiver below the scope. It would be possible to bend the scope and or damage it if that were to happen as you tightened it down.

I would at least try to have a friend that has done it supervise the procedure.

I don't like windage adjustable rear scope bases. And certainly for you it would only make it much more complicated. If you can't find a friend to help out I would have a gunsmith get the proper base and rings and bore sight it.

samuel · 03-11-2008, 08:32 AM

The scope bases are already installed.All you have to do is buy a set of rings that fit the base,install them and put the scope in the rings making sure the bottom line in the crosshares is in the center of the rifle and the eye relief is proper to give you a full circle when you mount the rifle.Then turn the scope to lowest power and,using a good rest,zero in at 25yds or paces.Turn the power to highest and sight in again at 50yds or whatever you prefer.Be careful about using too much force with either allen wrenches or screwdriver as you can round the hole or slot out farely easily and it shouldnt take that much force.I tighten the screws and fire a few shots and check the tightness.Scopes are basically 4clicks per 1" at 100yds which would be 16clicks at 25yds since it is only 1/4th as far.Most economy scopes dont adjust right on the money.I would advise going to Wal Mart or others and getting rings and a new scope.To check for clarity,turn to lowest and highest power and look through.I find with bargain scopes,usually the middle settings are what you will use.If you get a new scope,you will get instructions with it. sam.

Ron AKA · 03-11-2008, 10:57 AM

Mounting a scope is not that difficult unless the receiver has not been drilled and tapped for bases. See this link for some tips:

The Shooting Sports Cheap Scope Page

Bedding the scope rings and bases to the reciever is optional, but covered.

Ron

Grandy · 03-11-2008, 08:30 PM

Not sure if I'm in the correct section. I used to work at a gun range about 8 years ago. One popular item to rent was the bench rest. We had a club member that made them out of 2x4's. I have looked online and can't find any plans or even a pic of the rest.
Any shooters out there have plans or a pic I could copy. My grandson got his first bb rifle and I said he needed a steady rest to do better. Dad says great, how about you making him one.
I need help, please.
Grandy

billy · 03-11-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomasbrooks07

I am kind of new to shooting but how can you break a gun putting a scope on a rifle thats all ready drilled and tapped. My basic understanding is you take out the screws that fill the holes then put the mount in place and screw it in place then you just put the rings on the mount and sight it in. Thats my basic undersanding of whats involved but ive never personally mounted one so I wouldnt know for sure.

you could just give it a whirl and if you get stuck/confused then take it to someone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandy

Not sure if I'm in the correct section. I used to work at a gun range about 8 years ago. One popular item to rent was the bench rest. We had a club member that made them out of 2x4's. I have looked online and can't find any plans or even a pic of the rest.
Any shooters out there have plans or a pic I could copy. My grandson got his first bb rifle and I said he needed a steady rest to do better. Dad says great, how about you making him one.
I need help, please.
Grandy

i found this for you .
it's a great idea.

Find a scissor jack & use 2 zoom ties to hold the front leather sand bag in place & this is what everyone is using. I went to the dump & found 3 jacks made one & gave the other 2 away. The crystal door knob I epoxied on the part where you turn to raise or lower the pad with the sand bag looks cool.

Of all the homemade front rest I have used this has been the easiest and most adjustable front rest to use with the rear owl ear sand bag. The whole rig is very steady & less expensieve then many of the plastic or metal tripods @ $60.00 & up.

So one full size scissor jack & 1 front sand bag with 1 rear sand bag a door knob & some zip ties to hold the front bag on the flat pad that pushes up on the car. Easy to make & will last a lifetime. Is this what you are thinking about? With a right or left hand you can adjust that jack up and down better than most store bought front Adj front leather sand bag rest.

I'm surprised more Shooters don't know about using the scissor jacks for adjusting their front bag. This is one of those bench shooters tricks I am learning about shooting on the bench. Shooters paint them stars & stripes, metal flake with clear coat. I think I started a fad with my old found is an old house in Ohio Crystal door knob, everyone wants one now but brass looks nice also.

kygunsmith · 03-11-2008, 09:36 PM

Shoot, TB go ahead and do it yourself! It sounds like you know enough to use common sense and mt your scope. Does your ruger have the dovetail grooves? If so surely the savage is grooved and you need merely loosen the bottom screws, on the scopes rings where they "squeeze" the grooves on the rifle. (Don't use loctite on rimfires?)
If either of the rifles has only D&T holes, you must use a base/ring set. The bases screw to the rifle and the rings fasten to the bases. There are two basic types of common sets. Weaver type and leopold/redfield. The weaver type is usually cheaper and no worse for a rimfire. Leopold/redfield has a "turn in" type mt on the front and windage adj on the rear. Here one Can damage the scope if he turns it in with the scope tube?
I don't mean to be condescending with so many simple specifics.

thomasbrooks07 · 03-12-2008, 06:15 PM

I was just thinking to day is there a scope mount out there that lets you use iron sights with out removing the scope?

Rem 742 30-06 · 03-12-2008, 06:16 PM

Yes the are see thru mounts they have a loop, or a hole whichever you like, in the middle

billy · 03-12-2008, 06:19 PM

yes they do.
they are called see through rings

texnmidwest · 03-12-2008, 06:23 PM

Yep, they are called see through mounts. A lot of people up here use them. I don't like them much. I find that the see through mounts make the scope too high for my rifles. With them I have a hard time getting a consistent cheek weld to the stock. Plus, I use lower power scopes. 2-7 is my favorite and I leave it on low power most of the time. I find my scopes are as fast if not faster than most factory sights. Especially so with my aging eyes. If I had a good peep sight it would be different.

at4rxj · 03-12-2008, 07:22 PM

Here's the deal...

Mounting a scope isn't hard. It's not rocket science, but there are a couple of things that if not done right, can mess up the scope. Chances are you're not going to do anything to the gun unless you can't handle changing a light bulb...

If you over-tighten the rings, you can mar the finish of the gun, and also put a dent and or nasty scratch on the scope. In addition, you need to make sure that the scope crosshairs are perferctly level. Even a couple of degress in variation can severely affect accuracy at various distances.

Gunsmiths have tools to help them mount these, that most ppl don't have at home. If you feel comfortable trying it, go for it. Just use your head and take your time. If you do have someone do it for you, don't take it to Academy or Gander Mtn (or anwhere like that). Go to a gunsmith or go to the range if they have a shop there. You're more likely to get someone who knows what they're doing that way.

TheWall · 03-12-2008, 08:23 PM

I tried to mount my scope, but it wouldn't hold my weight.

Grandy · 03-13-2008, 01:58 PM

Billy, Thanks so much for the idea with the car jack. I think I can pic in my mind exactly what you made. It's certainly worth a try.
Thanks again.
Grandy

ElmerFudge · 03-27-2008, 12:54 PM

Hello All!
I was searching around the Internet about scope matters and discovered this lovely place.

As it happened, I took my Marlin 30-30 (w336) in to a local gun shop and am having the guy mount a Bushnell to it. He's charging $40.00 for doing the job. My main concern is that because I just read an article a few minutes ago whereby an expert said that one should be there when the job is being done so that they get the right placing for one's eye to the end of the scope. If it's off then it'll mean I'll have to readjust it myself, which sorta defeats the purpose of having a pro do it. Maybe when I'm there I'll shoulder it and the guy can tell me if it's positioned correctly for me (that's if he's ethical, that is).

I hope, sir, that things go well for you with your doing it ... if that's what you end up doing. I doubt it's brain surgery.

03-11-2008, 12:12 AM	#1
thomasbrooks07 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 185	how to mount a scope? I just had my local gun shop special order me a savage mark II F bolt action .22 long rifle to day. The rifle has no sights so I was gonna take my tasco 3-9X 32mm siver antler scope off my ruger 10/22 carbine and mount it on the new savage. Now im not sure how to mount it and sight it in. When I bought the scope it was mounted and bore sighted by the gun shop and I dont know how to mount it and have it be accurate my self. Does anyone have any info on how to mount a scope at home and sight it in effectively?

03-11-2008, 12:38 AM	#3
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 6,158	I agree, if you've never done it, and are hesitant of doing it, then ask the gun shop where you got it if they'll do it and for how much. Also, why not get the new rifle its' own new scope. You can find a decent one for under $100 bucks. Some examples are: RedHead Pursuit Series Rifle Scopes Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Rifle Scopes And the cheapest they have. Bushnell Sportsman .22 Rimfire Scopes And they have someone there that can mount it for you as well, if you have one near you that is? Just don;t scratch up the gun or anything if you do try to do it yourself. Good luck. __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

03-11-2008, 01:14 AM	#5
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 6,158	No, you probably won't break it, but you could put a nice deep gouge in the stock (if wood) or put a scratch in the barrel or synthetic stock or receiver is possible if a tool slips or if you don't have it secured and it falls or something. __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

03-11-2008, 02:50 AM	#6
SwedeSteve Thor's Hammer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 12,158 Images: 1	If you don't have a good set of gunsmithing screwdrivers, I would suggest looking for a base and rings that utilize allen wrenches. Also, I would use loctite on the base screws. __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

03-12-2008, 06:19 PM	#15
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 13,878 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 154	yes they do. they are called see through rings __________________

03-11-2008, 12:19 AM	#2
HAWKEYE50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: HOLLY MI Posts: 167 Blog Entries: 20	Good morning, I've mounted my last 3 scopes myself and I reccomend you have the work done. There is a chance the weapon could be damaged if done incorrectly. The cost to have it done professionaly isn't very much.

03-11-2008, 12:48 AM	#4
thomasbrooks07 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 185	I am kind of new to shooting but how can you break a gun putting a scope on a rifle thats all ready drilled and tapped. My basic understanding is you take out the screws that fill the holes then put the mount in place and screw it in place then you just put the rings on the mount and sight it in. Thats my basic undersanding of whats involved but ive never personally mounted one so I wouldnt know for sure.

03-11-2008, 08:32 AM	#8
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	The scope bases are already installed.All you have to do is buy a set of rings that fit the base,install them and put the scope in the rings making sure the bottom line in the crosshares is in the center of the rifle and the eye relief is proper to give you a full circle when you mount the rifle.Then turn the scope to lowest power and,using a good rest,zero in at 25yds or paces.Turn the power to highest and sight in again at 50yds or whatever you prefer.Be careful about using too much force with either allen wrenches or screwdriver as you can round the hole or slot out farely easily and it shouldnt take that much force.I tighten the screws and fire a few shots and check the tightness.Scopes are basically 4clicks per 1" at 100yds which would be 16clicks at 25yds since it is only 1/4th as far.Most economy scopes dont adjust right on the money.I would advise going to Wal Mart or others and getting rings and a new scope.To check for clarity,turn to lowest and highest power and look through.I find with bargain scopes,usually the middle settings are what you will use.If you get a new scope,you will get instructions with it. sam.

03-11-2008, 10:57 AM	#9
Ron AKA Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 704	Mounting a scope is not that difficult unless the receiver has not been drilled and tapped for bases. See this link for some tips: The Shooting Sports Cheap Scope Page Bedding the scope rings and bases to the reciever is optional, but covered. Ron

03-11-2008, 08:30 PM	#10
Grandy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2	Not sure if I'm in the correct section. I used to work at a gun range about 8 years ago. One popular item to rent was the bench rest. We had a club member that made them out of 2x4's. I have looked online and can't find any plans or even a pic of the rest. Any shooters out there have plans or a pic I could copy. My grandson got his first bb rifle and I said he needed a steady rest to do better. Dad says great, how about you making him one. I need help, please. Grandy

03-11-2008, 09:36 PM	#12
kygunsmith Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 146	Shoot, TB go ahead and do it yourself! It sounds like you know enough to use common sense and mt your scope. Does your ruger have the dovetail grooves? If so surely the savage is grooved and you need merely loosen the bottom screws, on the scopes rings where they "squeeze" the grooves on the rifle. (Don't use loctite on rimfires?) If either of the rifles has only D&T holes, you must use a base/ring set. The bases screw to the rifle and the rings fasten to the bases. There are two basic types of common sets. Weaver type and leopold/redfield. The weaver type is usually cheaper and no worse for a rimfire. Leopold/redfield has a "turn in" type mt on the front and windage adj on the rear. Here one Can damage the scope if he turns it in with the scope tube? I don't mean to be condescending with so many simple specifics.

03-12-2008, 06:15 PM	#13
thomasbrooks07 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 185	I was just thinking to day is there a scope mount out there that lets you use iron sights with out removing the scope?

03-12-2008, 06:16 PM	#14
Rem 742 30-06 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Wisconsin Posts: 390	Yes the are see thru mounts they have a loop, or a hole whichever you like, in the middle

03-12-2008, 06:23 PM	#16
texnmidwest Where's that Coyote?! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South east Wisconsin Posts: 4,067	Yep, they are called see through mounts. A lot of people up here use them. I don't like them much. I find that the see through mounts make the scope too high for my rifles. With them I have a hard time getting a consistent cheek weld to the stock. Plus, I use lower power scopes. 2-7 is my favorite and I leave it on low power most of the time. I find my scopes are as fast if not faster than most factory sights. Especially so with my aging eyes. If I had a good peep sight it would be different. __________________ "Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (If all else fails play dead)

03-12-2008, 07:22 PM	#17
at4rxj Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 872 Images: 10	Here's the deal... Mounting a scope isn't hard. It's not rocket science, but there are a couple of things that if not done right, can mess up the scope. Chances are you're not going to do anything to the gun unless you can't handle changing a light bulb... If you over-tighten the rings, you can mar the finish of the gun, and also put a dent and or nasty scratch on the scope. In addition, you need to make sure that the scope crosshairs are perferctly level. Even a couple of degress in variation can severely affect accuracy at various distances. Gunsmiths have tools to help them mount these, that most ppl don't have at home. If you feel comfortable trying it, go for it. Just use your head and take your time. If you do have someone do it for you, don't take it to Academy or Gander Mtn (or anwhere like that). Go to a gunsmith or go to the range if they have a shop there. You're more likely to get someone who knows what they're doing that way.

03-12-2008, 08:23 PM	#18
TheWall Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 246	I tried to mount my scope, but it wouldn't hold my weight. __________________ *You only live once, so make sure you shoot twice.*

03-13-2008, 01:58 PM	#19
Grandy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2	Gun Rest Billy, Thanks so much for the idea with the car jack. I think I can pic in my mind exactly what you made. It's certainly worth a try. Thanks again. Grandy

03-27-2008, 12:54 PM	#20
ElmerFudge Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1	Getting my Marlin scoped today Hello All! I was searching around the Internet about scope matters and discovered this lovely place. As it happened, I took my Marlin 30-30 (w336) in to a local gun shop and am having the guy mount a Bushnell to it. He's charging $40.00 for doing the job. My main concern is that because I just read an article a few minutes ago whereby an expert said that one should be there when the job is being done so that they get the right placing for one's eye to the end of the scope. If it's off then it'll mean I'll have to readjust it myself, which sorta defeats the purpose of having a pro do it. Maybe when I'm there I'll shoulder it and the guy can tell me if it's positioned correctly for me (that's if he's ethical, that is). I hope, sir, that things go well for you with your doing it ... if that's what you end up doing. I doubt it's brain surgery.