Perfect Every Time Scope Mounting

By Darrell Holland

Rifle cant is a common problem for many shooters, especially those you have a "Natural" cant when holding the rifle. More than not the rifle scope is mounted by eye, once the proper eye relief is found. "She looks pretty good to me" and screws are tightened.

The more sophisticated types purchase the "level level" gadgets and attempt to level the ejection port and top of the scope turret. While good in theory, it is not always a precise way to mount your scope guaranteeing your scope reticle is perpendicular to the bore.

Years ago I developed a unique fixture to "SOLVE" those pesky scope mounting issues. Numerous customers watched me mounting their scope using this fixure and encouraged me to offer it to the public. This fixture is very simple to use and a perfect job can be had even by the mechanically challenged. Forget about fumbling with the vise twisting and torqueing the rifle to level the scope base. We've all been through that frustrating procedure.

Mount the rifle in the fixture and tighten the clamp, set the magnetic level on the base and make sure it is 90 degrees to the base. Use the adjustment screw to bring the base into "EXACT" level, remove the level and attach the scope rings. Note: You can lap scope rings prior to this step. Be sure and clean all abrasive material from the rings, hot soapy water works best with water soluble lapping compound.

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With the rifle held securely in the fixture, one simply turns the adjustment screw (upper right hand corner) until the scope base is absolutely level. We are now ready to mount our rings and align our scope reticle with the plumb bob we have hung across the room. Tighten ring caps uniformly.


Hang the plumb bob across the room ( supplied with the fixture) and set the rifle scope in the ring saddles. Attach the ring caps and loosely snug the screws to gently hold the scope in place. Rotate the scope until the reticle aligns itself with the plumb bob. Tighten the screws.

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Now is a good time to add a scope level ensuring reticle perpendicularity in the field. While the rifle is still in the fixture insert the collimator and align the grid with the reticle. View the grid thru the scope and dial 30 minutes of elevation making sure the reticle is tracking parallel to the collimator. If everything is working correctly you may remove the rifle from the fixture.

Don't trust your scope mounting to the kid behind the counter at Wal-mart. This fixture will pay for itself in no time at all. For more information contact Holland's Shooter Supply at 541-439-5155.

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Holland's Scope Mounting fixture complete with all the bells and whistles. Magnetic level, plumb bob, grip cloth, nylon spacer block and forend shim. Everything you need to do a perfect job for yourself and friends.


Being self-sufficient in simple gunsmithing techniques can save you money and time.
Until next time,
Respectfully,
Darrell Holland
Holland's Shooter Supply


Darrell Holland is a Custom Riflesmith and designer of Advanced Reticle Technology in Leupold, Schmidt & Bender and NIGHTFORCE rifle scopes. Darrell offers an intense 4 day shooting school that is ideal for long range hunters and tactical enthusiasts.