Now that you have finally selected the right scope for your .308 rifle and hunting needs, it is time to mount it. Some people will take their scope and rifle to a gunsmith, but it is a job you can tackle yourself. You simply need to make sure you have some common tools on hand first, and then make sure you have some time. This is a job you can do, but you do not want to rush through it.
Let’s take a look at what you will need and then the steps you will take to mount your .308 scope to your rifle.
Contents
Before you begin
The most important step to take before you do anything, is to check your rifle. Make sure that it is unloaded and safe. You must check to make sure that the magazine is unloaded, unclipped and the area is safe and secure.
What you will need
Before you begin mounting the scope to your rife, gather all your materials and tools.
1.The right screwdriver bits
Some mounting systems will have slotted screws for the base and rings. Others will have Allen head screws, and some will have Torx head screws. You may find that some will have large nuts that require a socket. It is a good idea to buy a good set of gunsmith bits. This way your scope and gun’s parts will be protected and you will have tools that will last a lifetime. It is important to know that Gunsmithing bits are hollow-ground and allow the bit to seat properly, which will give better torque, reduced wear, and have a far less chance of causing damage to the firearm.
2.Torque Wrench
You will need a simple torque wrench that is quickly adjustable for your base screws, ring screws and action screws. Proper torque is key because it keeps everything tight and square and ensures you do not tweak something during the mounting process.
3.Loctite
You should use the medium grade. This will effectively keep your screws tight, but also allow you to remove the screws later so you can change mounts or optics.
However, make sure to check the owner’s manual for the brand of scope you are mounting. Some brands do not recommend using Loctite as it can act like a lubricant.
4.Levels
These are needed in order to level the rifle and level the optic so that your vertical and horizontal scope adjustments are perfectly in line with the bore of your rifle.
5. Rubbing alcohol
This is needed to clean the receiver or rail, bases, rings, and screws prior to mounting. You do not want oil in or on your scope mounting system.
6.Cleaning Rag
7.Dial Caliper
This tool can be used to help level the rifle with a bubble level. It is also a quick way to check to see if the scope and rifle are square to each other.
8.A gun vice
This is a really important that you will need to keep your rifle or upper secure as you work. This tool is a must.
9.Make sure you have your rifle, scope, rings and base.
How to mount your scope to your rifle.
Once you have double checked that the magazine is unloaded and unclipped and that your work area is safe, you are ready to begin mounting the scope.
1. Take the cleaning rag and add some rubbing alcohol to it.
You need to remove all the oil from the top of the receiver. Also, be sure to clean the bottom of the bases, the screws, the rings and the screw holes in the rifle and the rings.
Removing any oil will ensure that the Loctite will cure properly.
2.Test fit
Make sure that the holes in the base match the holes in the rifle. Then, loosely screw on your bases. Do not use the Loctite in this step.
3.Attach the rings
Now you want to attach the lower rings to the bases. Make sure to pay careful attention to the height of the rings in this step. In some instances, the rings are different heights. You must use the manufacturer's instructions and get the correct ring in the correct position.
4.Place the scope on the rings
Now, carefully place the scope in the rings. Check and see how much room you have between the rings and the turret. Check and see how much there is between the eyepiece and the objective bell. It is possible you will need to turn the bases around in order to allow more adjustment of the scope in the rings.
5.Now you can start to tighten the screws.
Take everything off and start with the base. Put a drop of Loctite on the threads of the screws.
Use the correct driver bit to tighten each screw.
Now use the torque wrench and tighten each screw to the recommended amount of pressure.
Most base and ring sets come with a recommended torque for the screws. If you cannot find this info in the package, check online with the manufacturer of the mounting system. You will almost always find the info for the parts you have.
6. Attach bottom rings
Now you can fasten your bottom rings to the base. Follow the directions that were in the package with the rings. Use just a drop of Loctite on the threads of the attachment screws, tighten the screws and torque them to the specs provided.
7.Set the scope on the bottom rings.
8. Place the top rings over the scope and tighten them lightly.
9. Now you will level the reticle
You will use two bubble type levels for this step. Place one of the levels on the action of the rifle.
You will then place the other level on the elevation dial on the scope. Once the rifle levels up, turn the scope in the rings to level it. Tighten the rings just a touch to hold the scope level.
10. Now check the eye relief
Pick up the rifle and shoulder it, but close your eyes first.
Get a good cheek weld and hold the rifle there as you would when shooting.
Open your eyes and check that you have a full, clear view through the scope.
If you have to, adjust by moving the scope back and forth until you have a full field of view. Now, check your levels again to be sure the reticle is still square to the gun.
11.Finish securing the screws
Once you are happy with your eye relief, and you are sure that your scope is square to the rifle, Loctite the threads of the ring screws and start tightening them up and torqueing them to specs.
12. Bore sighting
Now you will check your scope and rifle for bore sighting. This means that you are ensuring that the centerline of the barrel is looking at the same place in the distance as the scope.
If everything is square, it should already be close. It is a good idea to bore sight at 50 yards. Generally speaking, 25 yards is usually too close. Remember, your scope is probably about 1.5 inches higher than the bore; at 25 yards you will probably not see the same target spot.
13. Make sure to let the Loctite cure overnight.
Points to remember
If you are a gun owner, then you already understand the importance of caring for and maintaining your firearms. Adding scopes and optics to your rifle is a great way to increase your shooting range your accuracy and the type of game you may be hunting.
Once you have narrowed down your choices and picked the best scope for your 308, it will need to be mounted. Although your first reaction may be to go visit your local gunsmith, this is a job you can do yourself. Just make sure that you have a few tools on hand and clear your schedule.
The mounting process is not overly difficult, but you do not want to rush through it either.
Once you have your scope properly mounted, you will want to zero your scope. Doing this increases your accuracy and ensures that the point of aim and the point of impact will line up successfully. All of this prep work can seem time consuming, but it is worth it when you see your success out on the range.
Conclusion
Mounting your new scope can be done pretty easily. Make sure you have the proper tools on hand and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best and safest installation. It is a good idea to invest in a good set of tools if you do not already have them on hand. A dependable set of tools will be with you for a long time and serve you well.
And as always, before doing any work on your rifle, make sure that the magazine is unloaded and unclipped and that your work space is secure. There are no shortcuts when it comes to your safety.
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