Basic Training: How to Mount a Rifle Scope

If you want to set yourself up for shooting accuracy, consistency, and reliability, then you need to correctly mount your rifle scope. 

You might be a hunter, a law enforcement officer, or a recreational shooter. Either way, a properly installed scope brings your better precision and confidence in the field. 

Poor mounting, on the other hand, can cause misalignment, improper eye relief, and even damage to your valuable optic. The good news is you can mount your rifle scope the right way in a few basic steps.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

The first thing you have to do to mount your rifle scope is to gather the necessary tools. You’ll need:

• Scope Rings and Bases – Make sure these are compatible with both your rifle and your scope.

• Torque Wrench – This prevents over-tightening that could otherwise damage your components.

• Bubble Level – This tool helps your reticle stay perfectly aligned.

• Gun Vise or Shooting Rest – These tools stabilize your rifle during installation.

• Thread Locker – An optional tool, it helps secure screws against recoil vibrations.

Step 2: Secure the Rifle and Install the Base

To secure your rifle and install its base, set your rifle on a stable surface – preferably in a gun vise. Then, attach the scope base to the rifle. Make sure it’s firmly in place. 

If your rifle has separate scope rings, you’ll want to align and attach them to the base according to the manufacturers’ instructions. You can use a torque wrench to evenly tighten the screws.

If you’re using a bolt-action rifle, make sure your scope sits high enough up to clear the bolt’s travel. If, however, you’re using AR-style platforms, you’ll need to check compatibility with Picatinny or Weaver rails.

Step 3: Position the Scope in the Rings

After you’ve secured the rings, it’s time to place the rifle scope inside of them. You’ll want to keep the screws slightly loose… but just for now – you’ll make adjustments for eye relief and reticle alignment before you tighten them later on.

If you didn’t know, eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope’s ocular lens. Place the scope so that you can see a full sight picture without having to strain your neck. If you place it too close, you could get scope bite from the recoil. If it’s too far, you’ll have a limited field of view.

Step 4: Level the Reticle

If you have a canted reticle, that can cause inaccurate shots – especially at greater distances. 

Instead, use a bubble level to align the horizontal and vertical crosshairs with the rifle. You’ll want to place the level on the action or turret cap to get the best results. Before proceeding, make sure you adjust the scope until the reticle is perfectly level.

Law enforcement and tactical shooters require precise reticle leveling. An off-kilter reticle can cause shot deviation when they engage targets at different ranges.

Step 5: Tighten the Rings

Now you’re ready to tighten the rings. Start by tightening them in a crisscross pattern. Be sure you apply even pressure on all sides. You can use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings.

Remember, over-tightening can deform your scope tube. That can negatively affect internal adjustments. But under-tightening can also cause the scope to shift under recoil. If you’re using a high-recoil rifle, use a small amount of thread locker on the screws so you can prevent them from loosening over time.

Step 6: Final Check

Now that you’ve mounted your rifle scope, you’re ready to conduct a final check on it. Before you head out to the range, evaluate a few final adjustments:

• Screws – Make sure all screws are torqued to their specifications. Loose screws can cause a shifting zero.

• Eye Relief – In addition to verifying your eye relief, also check your sight picture. Make adjustments as needed.

• Reticle Alignment – Make sure the reticle is level.

• Dry Fire Test – If applicable, check for any movement under recoil simulation.

Step 7: Zero Your Scope

After you’ve successfully mounted your rifle scope, you’re ready to head on out to the right and sight it in. Start at 25 yards, so you can get it on paper before making adjustments at your preferred distance. You’ll want to use small, deliberate adjustments so you can dial in your accuracy.

Zeroing is important to hunters who need a reliable point of aim for ethical shots. Law enforcement and military personnel need precise zeroing for critical missions.

Achieve Optimal Rifle Performance

Mounting your rifle scope is about so much more than just attaching it to your firearm. No, it’s about precision, stability, and optimal performance. When you have a  properly mounted scope, you boost your accuracy so that every shot counts.

If you’re ready to upgrade your optics, start to browse through the collection of night vision scopes, thermal sights, and rifle optics at Night Vision Guys. We have all the gear you need for your next hunt or mission.