Quick Tip: Common Scope-Mounting Mistakes To Avoid

Mounting a scope isn't a super-complex or highly technical job, but there are ways you can mess it up. Steve and Caleb are here to tell us about common pitfalls to avoid when you're mounting a rifle scope.

1. Make sure the rings don't touch any part of the turret housing, objective bell, or eyepiece. Any one or combination of those will throw off your shot groups big time. Make sure those rings are clamping ONLY the scope's main tube.

2. Steve's pet peeve is scope rings that are not tightly clamped to the scope base. If you can grasp the scope with one hand and the rifle with the other and there's play between them, your groups are going to be all over the place! Scope rings come with torque specs for a reason, adds Caleb.

3. Make sure there's clearance between the objective bell and the rifle. No part of the scope should touch the rifle itself. The only nexus between the scope and the rifle should be the scope rings - and they're not actually part of the rifle. This also applies to a removable lens cover. When it's on the scope, it should not touch any part of the gun.

4. Don't mount the scope too low on an AR-15. On most rifles, you do want the centerline of the optic as close to the bore as you can get it. But the AR-15's stock is on almost the same plane as the top of the receiver, so you need some height on the scope. Otherwise, it'll be too low for you to look through it.

5. Overtightening the scope rings = VERY BAD. You can actually crush the scope tube and damage the optic beyond repair. Stick to those torque specs! If the rings come with a little wrench, that wrench is all you need to tighten 'em.

6. What about steel scope rings? Are they better than aluminum? According to Steve, aluminum rings are just fine for the average scope. If you have a huge scope and a rifle chambered in a heavy-kicker cartridge, then go with steel scope rings. On a 5.56-chambered AR-15, aluminum rings or a one-piece aluminum scope mount provides all the strength you need. Bonus: a dedicated AR-15 scope mount will position the scope at the correct height.