How to Mount an Optic Like a Pro

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In this viewer requested video we go over the process of mounting an optic as a gunsmith would including lapping the rings to maintain 75% or better contact with the scope tube, the top rings do not require lapping as they will find their home once torqued in place. This is a process that is necessary for proper fitment of two piece bases especially or lesser quality rings but is not typically required for precision rings such as Spuhr one piece mounts, Leupold Mark 4, Badger Ordnance or Seekins tactical rings for example as has been shown in a previous video. Hopefully this clears up some of the questions and concerns that you guys may have had. Stay tuned, much more on the way.
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[@Spushed]

After doing scope level I do a reticle (the vertical line) test. Hang dark string with a lead weight at the end against a white wall (gravity ensures perfectly vertical) and while the rifle scope is level, check the reticle against the string. If it’s not matching up I set the reticle to match the string. Presto, a perfectly leveled reticle! Especially useful if you use a BDC reticle.

[@newenglandrider3189]

How do you assure your rifle is level? Just leveling the scope without making sure your rifle is level is meaningless.....

[@Spushed]

@@newenglandrider3189 that kinda goes without saying. I use an ultra precise level that is accurate to .1mm at 1meter. Good enough?

[@johngilson7085]

Chad, your instructional videos are top notch, down to earth, and easily understandable. Thanks and keep it up.

[@TheMikeFranzonePod]

yeah he keeps it so classy! lmao

[@a_dan8693]

He makes it look easy don’t he

[@ontargetthomunclesam3926]

I'm a gunsmith and your video is right on one of the best I've seen on you tube well done at least you know what you are talking about Thank you.

[@thischannelisbackon5679]

Thomas Pyles Im 16 and i would love to become a gunsmith. I have no way to learn however.

[@stevencoughlin339]

Look into Sonoran desert institute its a good program and offers work studies with gunsmiths.

[@louiewatson9389]

You're a shitty gunsmith then... He screwed up.

[@danfiscus9263]

Louie Watson what did he do wrong

[@khempleman]

He didn't lap the upper halves or the rings. The bottom halves are in full contact with the tube. the uppers could still have high spots creating pinch points to the tube.

[@Senormojado75]

I’m new to distance shooting and you made the process of mounting my optics so much easier! Thank you Chad keep up the great work.

[@thomasa1588]

1 minute into this video and I already want that rifle. Stainless...two tone stock...7.62x39...damn...

[@Iraqveteran8888]

I'll tell you a quick story. My first rifle I bought with my own money was a Ruger M77mkii all weather chambered in .223. Zytel boat paddle stock, stainless and all that. I remember being younger and wanting this gun chambered in 7.62x39mm. It turns out Ruger only made just over 100 of these rifles exclusively for Davidsons with the wood inserts. If you can find one BUY IT. I could afford both, but hindsight being as it is I wish I would have sold most of my guns and bought 3-4 of these when they were more available. This is the perfect Georgia hunting rifle for anything and everything you want.

[@thomasa1588]

There's been a few rifles in the past I wish I'd purchased when I had the chance. Kicking myself in hindsight.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

Looks like a nice one. Was looking for one in 30-06 like you had in another vid, but gave up and got the new version synthetic stock w/matt stainless. Not scoped yet, scope shopping is a headache. Was leaning towards the 3.5-10x40 VX3i leupold. Any idea what glass they use in what models? Is it all Japanese for example? Not sure if Burris is still any good. I think they need to get with the program and catch up to the times with their scope offerings. Not sure about Vortex after i saw a Viper reticle break sadly. That crap shouldn't happen in a scope in that price range. Thats what youd expect out of a barska junker or something but not a mi/high end hyped up vortex.

[@EricKremer]

Iraqveteran8888 I've got 2 in this exact setup with the zytel boat paddle stock and the wooden enlays in 7.62x39. I'm going to sell one what should I ask for it?

[@dallasparty316]

Eric kremer where do you live?

[@TheMustangs05]

ive been a fan for a while and i just wanted to compliment you on the quality audio and overall production :)

[@ShawnD1027]

A critique on the torquing from 2:37 to 2:44. Fasteners must be moving as they move up to and stop at a torque setting to know that they are actually at that setting. The rear mount's fastener was torqued properly, as the fastener was moving and stopped when the 45 in-lb torque setting was reached, but since the front mount's fastener did not move before the torque handle clicked, all you know is that the front fastener was already torqued to an unknown value that was 45 in-lb at minimum (but is likely over that by some unknown amount, which might or might not matter, depending on how much). For example, if the fastener had been torqued to 60 in-lb by using the screwdriver, the tool would click at any torque value below that, including the 45 in-lb here.

[@antoespiga]

It could actually be lower torque too. Static friction is higher than dinamic friction, so for the torque measurement to be truly accurate you need to have it moving. So yeah, it should be noticeably lower to start with anyway.

[@timnell9423]

ShawnD1027 I think the front one moved a TINY bit

[@bobgarr6246]

Sir, that is correct. Thanks for pointing it out so I didn't have to.

[@dgafbrapman688]

Thought the same thing

[@AD4MRick]

Thank you Chad. This was all new to me. I learned a lot. Please keep this kind of video a part of the channel's programming. R

[@wpankey57]

These "how to" videos are great. Please keep them coming!

[@zacklynch584]

Just mounted my Vortex Viper on my Tikka T3X using this video! Thanks!

[@vamplestat1881]

Makes me want to remount my scopes!

[@purdywaters6457]

I use the magnetic levels on the reciever and scope as well, but I also like to tie up a plum across the room as an extra reference point. A lot of the scopes I've had to mount for people weren't of the best quality and I don't trust that the scope caps are perfectly level to the reticle. As long as the reciever is level, the reticle should be plum if the scope is straight. It maybe a useless extra step but it's extra verification.

[@semco72057]

I love the information you have provided us and I will try to remember it as I adjust my scope on my rifle. This bolt action rifle had been put away after the gunsmith had adjusted the rifle for one hundred yards and it still didn't work. Before that I tried adjusting the scope old school without it being correct.

[@thegobblerproject2363]

Love the laugh after the first shot. It was like pure joy and a I told ya so all wrapped up in one

[@tomr9661]

Thank you so much, I have a new rifle and scope on order and your conciese instuctions allow me to feel confident that I can tackle this. And BTW, like everyone else here, I would also love to have that Rifle.

[@ArtisanTony]

Chad, you know I love you but use the center of the bubble. If the levels are little different in size, the front bubble may be a little bigger than the back. Center of the bubble is always level no matter what size bubble :) Love you, mean it! :)

[@bunnyhug4365]

Great video, Chad. Very informative. Anything worth doing is worth doing right.

[@Hiuy41]

Thank you so much for doing a video on this!

[@RealSB]

Solid presentation. This is perfect for anybody mounting their first scope correctly. Good stuff. I really like that Ruger, sexy!

[@MrTrackday101]

Awesome vid as always. Now i gotta remount my scope. Never took all that into consideration other than making sure the rings were torqued.

[@dornjr]

I'm mounting a Burris 2-7 on my 336 30-30 this week, thanks guys! BTW we need a Brush Gun Pt. II with 30-30. :)

[@brianhaller587]

very informative. thank you guys. keep up the good videos.

[@seantyree8443]

ive always loved that scope, love the color the look the gold ring just everything, its such a nice looking scope in my eyes

[@stephenlonon4605]

Do you know what scope it is?

[@davethebarbarian2363]

Thanks this helped a lot and actually fixed my scope, I ended up taking it to a local gunsmith as I don't have the tools to do it.

[@dontask8979]

I always liked that stock. Haven't seen one in a long time. Just used a MOE rifle stock on a AR and after seeing this, Im seeing they kinda have the same look.

[@whycantweeatabortedbabies6259]

Use the lapping rod when mounting the rings man. Keep the rings loose and apply downward pressure on the lapping rod while torquing the rings. It will greatly help with ring alignment right of the get go

[@wasachevyguy]

Great video. The only question I have is how can you be sure your reticle is perfectly vertical this way? Just because the turret cap is level doesn’t mean the reticle is. You’re putting a lot of faith in the connection between that cap and the reticle inside the scope.

[@texasdeeslinglead2401]

nice work Chad, that's as good as any of us need.

[@rene3261]

super video I just found with my first shots with a new rifle the first 2 shots at 10 -20 meters help me save time and ammo with eliminating the lateral deviation completely and cranking the dope to where it will make sense at 100 meters and pick it up from there.

[@blazer2297]

You guys should do like a walk through or over view of your collections i think it would be really cool to get to see all the different stuff you guys have.

[@mulekicker-ut5jl]

I like these videos I learn something every time 👍

[@merrelgage7814]

Thanks for the video. I have never ever used a scope, even after 30 years in the military, shooting on Post Teams and more. I am going to mount my first scope to my new 308.

[@marcfloyd9082]

I've never lapped my rings or used alignment tools but I can see how it would be beneficial in getting a perfect solid mount. Love the way you zero. I do similar except I normally boresight and then get it dead on with a shot or two at 25 yards. Then take it out to 100 yards and fine tune if needed. Then test at 200 yards for final confirmation. I normally have a rifle zeroed and confirmed in 6-8 shots. Sweet rifle, I have a friend with the same model in 243.

[@TrikeRoadPoet]

Great video Chad, thanks for the info!

[@Dawgkilla]

I have the ruger m77 mark 2 25-06 and I'm in love with it , a true rifle

[@RemoteViewr1]

Thanks a million!! Just what I need and enjoy.

[@TheMikeFranzonePod]

Absolutely Great Video Chad!

[@Deerslayer1912]

Those m77 mkii's are good looking guns. My grandfather has one in 30-06 with the black boat paddle stock.

[@TrajanowskiRifleworx357]

Great video and highly informative. Can you do a video on zeroing a PSO-1 type scope? Many people (including me) would be greatful

[@philippefrater2000]

Never had a problem mounting my scopes using this method. Nice video, as usual! Regards from France... 🇫🇷🎯🇫🇷

[@EVLfreak666]

Philippe FRATER it's nice to see that not EVERYONE in europe has been completely disarmed yet. happy shooting 😀

[@philippefrater2000]

Yep! You know in France, people are really surprised when they learn how easy it is to buy a gun totally legally. So i try as much as i can to spread info about it. And by the way it seems to work! I own a 22lr a 222Rem and a 243Winchester as precision riffles and a Maverick 88 for self defense...

[@dgafbrapman688]

One thing that could really help dial in the lapping is using a feeler gauge to check for consistancy and help you focus on problem areas. Then confirming it once more when the optic is sitting in the ring.

[@floridaman9026]

great video Chad! very informative! I learned a lot. I've got a $200 budget. What's the best scope I could put on my 10/22?

[@garygerow4822]

Thanks for the info and time, this will be helpful . Awesome .

[@brandonmatz9832]

Much appreciate y'all... I'm mounting a Athlon 8-34x56 30mm FFP. It's a really nice scope perfect for my Texan; it's an Airforce Texan SS .457 air rifle that shoot's up to 300 grain bullets @ 350 fpe. I'll be putting 250 grainer's through the eye of a deer this coming year with that think I was doing it @ 50 yards with a red dot sight that I was using on my AR (M4).

[@HyperCast2012]

Great video! Would have been cool to see where each round hit after bore sighting

[@JackOSUrulz]

I certainly hope you guys plan on doing a video with that gun, it is definitely one of the most beautiful bolt action rifles I have seen...and for it to shoot a round that is significantly cheaper to buy than for most guns is a huge plus. Well, until you get into the really "gourmet" cartridges in 7.62X39. Judging by the serial number, I have one from the same year and exact configuration...1991.

[@thevacuumtubejunky9774]

Great tutorial Chad, Thank you for your videos. Kind regards! Eric Dee.

[@csedan510]

Great video, I am going to take the time and re-do it like this on my rifles.

[@testos2701]

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing!

[@skankmuffin]

Awesome, Thank You!!! Great as always

[@thefatfrog713]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this but a small rubber band rapped under the scope with both ends strapped to each end of the level as it sits on scope caps will help sometimes . Great video anyway . Love the inserts in the stock .

[@gregmccutchan.]

Great information. Thank you!

[@mikebyrd9945]

On the Ruger if you will lay the lapping bar in the rings then snug up the rings you will have less, sometimes much less lapping to do. BTW I like your trigger technique.

[@paulmoss7940]

This is good info. On another note,I recently have installed three different "DED NUTZ" rings on base mounts(one piece bottom) and after mounting,the zeros were almost dead on and required less final zero than any other rings and mounts I have used. Not quite as pretty as some others.

[@TheGremlin50cal]

cant wait for the video on this rifle

[@simbaABR]

the lapping processs can totally be an asmr

[@fontking1a]

Great video! I think we all should factor out....or in....in some cases the first shot with a cold bore. Maybe not all, but a lot of rifles shoot a bit off the mark when taking that first shot with a cold barrel. The next shot is where I would place my attention and apparently your rifle is similar to most with that first shot off target just a bit and the next two right on.

[@adamcraig5355]

that realy helpful way mount optics propperly,& what that mount called your using when u bore sighting the rifle? cheers👍

[@fritzd2116]

Very helpful video, gents!😎👍🏻

[@criticalreasoning2129]

I just use Burris Signature Zee Rings with Posi-Align ring inserts. These provide perfect self alignment with super tight permanant scope fastening. Finally, when you can afford to upgrade to a better scope the original scope shows no misalignment damage gouges.

[@purosonoracompa]

Absolutely awesome looking rifle.

[@fijillian]

Thank you for this.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I have a Leupold scope, (suppose to be high quality), where the turret and cap surfaces are not square with the reticles. Use a plumb bob with the reticles, and hope your rails or machined surface with a bubble is square with the bore.

[@jonallen761]

Incredibly useful. Wish his my recent videos weren't so politicized.

[@markwhitmore6862]

Great explaination!

[@chicowize]

Nice video & good tips Chad. TFS

[@rhamilton371]

The EPL-4 makes for a great optic on a hunting rig. It’s value, toughness, features, and power range cover nearly every base.

[@patrickslevin6424]

Thanks for the instruction Chad. I'm one of those guys who's eyeballed his whole life with decent results. I don't shoot any further than 300 yards. What I'm asking is if your rifle is accurate eyeballing, then what's to be achieved by doing it the way a gunsmith would?

[@JackOSUrulz]

I don’t see that you guys have done a shooting video of this gun yet...would love to see how it does out to 300. Even get silly and try some 600 lol. Because of this video, I found one of these still new in the box. It’s probably the most accurate rifle that I own, at least in the range for which this round is capable. Cheap Golden Tiger 7.62x39 shoots one inch groups or better at 100. I use it on coyotes here on my little 25 acres in Oklahoma. 150 yards and in, they get throat shots without fail.

[@timhooami6949]

Excellent instruction an good video.

[@brettsmith3703]

I would like to see a video on this rifle the scope was mounted on.

[@capt.mike73ahoy14]

Eric should be buying lunch for doing a pro job on that M77!

[@Dustysa4]

Turret caps on my VX-2 weren't level with the reticle. On an entry priced optic, I wouldn't count on the caps lining up squarely with the reticle. Ended up dropping a plumb line to get the reticle level, and I don't worry about the turret caps.

[@jjs811]

Thanks for the video! I was wondering if you needed to lap the top rings as well? Seems to me if the bottom was that far off wouldn't the tops need to be lapped? Thanks again for another helpful video:)

[@damonsmith71712]

Was just going to ask the same thing. Is it enough to lap the bottom but not the top?

[@timhatchett7048]

Great job buddy

[@dronepilot260rc]

Wow Never thought to do this. Thumbs up for sure

[@joeofcourse]

Great work Chad

[@timhatchett7048]

I’ve got 3 M77 s and love them

[@shine6772]

Well done video. Thanks!

[@brianwhite6691]

Would you guys consider doing a similar set of videos for mounting a scope on a revolver?

[@Ivan_Glamdryng]

Question please. Why was only the bottom half of the rings lapped? Thank you for the video, it taught me something about mounting.

[@RCPropaganda]

those levels are nice. Good info thanks.

[@voltairee3012]

Growyourmind86 do it

[@johnny6148]

gees i've just mounting my scopes and firing until i hit center. just got a mossberg 6.5 creedmore and threw on the scope by eyeballing everything. will see how it works up to 500 yds. thanks for all the technical tips.

[@dallas5374]

johnny6148 hack!

[@patrickguerriero5425]

Could you guys make a video on your recommended optics in the 300-600 price range?

[@tazdog4528]

Lots of folks lap i never found it need for it myself. Have mounted many scopes over my 40+ years of hunting and never had any issues i think it more of a personal prefrance than anything else but each to their own. Does it help maybe, is it needed thats up to you to deside, i've never had any problems with not laping.

[@drake0145]

Liked for future use!

[@1pieman]

Good how to. Thanks Chad. Eric what year is that 77.Thanks

[@Ws_minion]

how did you make sure the rifle itself was level in the vice, i understand that the level on the barrel can tell you if it has moved during adjustment but how do you get the barrel mounted level to be correct in the first instance, do you just line it up with flats on the stock or is there more to it than that??

[@412johndoe]

Great Video Chad. However, I am curious what's Ray been up to lately?

[@VxNemesis]

What about aluminium rings? If you try to lapping them you will remove the hard anodization and bite in the soft part, am I wrong? I've seen very high end aluminium mounts, like SPUHR that are ribbed, what is it for? Does it help to prevent the scope from sliding? As always, love your videos.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

So I just bought a Tikka T3x Hunter 7mm-08 rifle and a set of two piece low Talley rings specked to the rifle ( no bases required as they are integral to the top of the Tikka rifle ) The manufacturer states that no lapping is required … 🤔 I would still like to check the concentricity of the rings before mounting up my Leupold scope . They must have a great deal of confidence in their machining tolerances to make such a claim that no lapping is required , and I’d say even more confidence in this guy right here who’s doing the mounting job lol 😆

[@nathanrichardson3291]

What is a good precision rifle scope for a .270 savage 110 deer rifle? What size and brand do you recommend. I’m partial to primary arms. Didn’t know if they have one specifically for .270 with drop reticle

[@kassilewis5511]

Feeler gauges from an auto parts store work really well for getting an equal gap between the ring halves.

[@richardb8042]

I do target shooting in the UK, never thought to do this!

[@richardb8042]

I have shotguns (7) and airguns (16) some of which are target guns. I will be moving into firearms later this year but this is a good tip to make sure my NF, Leupold and Sightron scopes sit better for competition.

[@Joedeaton]

How did you get that front level that was on the barrel level first to be able to tell how much you needed to adjust your scope from the top of the adjustment cap?

[@striker1553]

I've always heard of people having problems leveling the crosshairs on some optics with this method (level on top of turret) because some optics the crosshairs may not be exactly level with the turrets. I noticed a slight tilt to my crosshairs on the SWFA SS 10x42. Have you guys ever encountered this issue?

[@briandyck4637]

Just ran into the bolt clearance issue on one of my late fathers guns that I bought from my mother. The way that it's set up, the scope has to be as far back in the rings as possible in order for the bolt to be able to travel far enough to eject the empty casing. There is also a screw on the magnification adjusting ring that interferes with the bolt as well so the magnification has to be set from 3-5x for the bolt to travel far enough to eject the case. If the magnification is at 6-9x I have to reduce it to at least 5x. And lastly, in order to remove the bolt, I have to remove the scope first. Not ideal. The mounting bracket bolts to the side of the receiver and the ring bottoms are part of the mounting bracket so currently, the option available that I'm aware of is to find a different scope with a smaller ocular.

[@ReBible180]

Wow...amazing...thank you so much.

[@raider762]

I was about to say, be sure the bolt handle clears the scope... I ran into the same problem on a Ruger M77 Mark 2.

[@Physics072]

I have a Ruger with those same rings. I have all the lapping tools but they might not be the best thing to do right away on those rings. On a high powered rifle like a 450BM or 300 winmag those rings will move, they will find their set point and its usually not how you tightened them. That means you just lapped the rings in a position that they won't be in after a few shots. I think its best to oil the bases and put them in and wiggle them then snug them up. Then fire the gun a few times with the scope off it but the rings on the base. They will settle. Those Ruger calls for 30 inch pounds not 45 on them. And the base screws will loosen unless you use locktite. On those rings if you lap them before they settle means you lapped the rings in the incorrect position. Might be better to use the scope without lapping and only do it once you know they really have settled, that will only occur after shooting.