Scopes Man

Scope For Hunting

How to mount a scope for a 308

Last updated on November 24, 2019 By Eric Patton Leave a Comment

How to mount a scope for a 308

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
  • What you will need
  • How to mount your scope to your rifle.
  • Points to remember
  • Conclusion

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.

About Eric Patton

Eric grew up hunting, fishing, and roaming the hills of the Easter U.S. and has dedicated himself to becoming a well-rounded outdoorsman.  Anytime there is an opportunity for a little fishing or a morning spent hunting, you will find him in the woods.  In his off time, he teaches a variety of outdoor skills including land navigation and basic survival.  Recently a Search and Rescue member, he has begun learning the ancient art of human tracking in a variety of terrains.

Top 6 Best Scope for 30-30 Reviews 2019
How to choose a scope mount for a 308

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LASTEST UPDATE

Best .30-06 Scopes Reviews For Hunting

Best .30-06 Scopes Reviews For Hunting

LAST UPDATED ON December 10, 2019

Best air rifle scope

Best Air Rifle Scopes Reviews and Guides 2019

LAST UPDATED ON December 10, 2019

Best Rifle Scope for AR15 For Huting 2019

Best Rifle Scope for AR15 for Hunting 2019 – Definitive Guide

LAST UPDATED ON December 10, 2019

Best Scope for .300 Win Mag Reviews 2019

TOP 10 Best Scope for .300 Win Mag

LAST UPDATED ON December 9, 2019

Best Thermal Scope for the Money 2019

Best Thermal Scope for the Money 2019 – Reviews and The Complete Guide

LAST UPDATED ON November 27, 2019

Best Scope for Mini-14 Ranch Rifle

LAST UPDATED ON November 26, 2019

Best AR 10 Scope For The Money – Definitive Guides

LAST UPDATED ON November 26, 2019

Best Scopes For The Ruger AR-556

5 Best Scopes For The Ruger AR 556

LAST UPDATED ON November 26, 2019

Best Scope for a 22-250 Review 2019

Discover Best Scope for a 22-250 (2019 UPDADTED)

LAST UPDATED ON November 26, 2019

Scope for .223 Rifles Reviews

Best Scope for .223 Rifles Reviews and Guides

LAST UPDATED ON November 26, 2019

Recent Comments

  • Jimi on Best Scope For 6.5 Creedmoor Reviews And Buying Guide 2019
  • findtubes on Best Scopes For .308 Reviews And Guides 2019
  • Ray on Best Rimfire (.22lr) Rifle Scope For The Money (2019)
  • Bobby Scherer on 5 Popular Long Range Scope Brands You should know
  • Byrne W Chapman on 5 Popular Long Range Scope Brands You should know
  • Bobby Scherer on Best Scope for an M1A For The Money (2019 Updated)
  • Mark H on Best Scope for an M1A For The Money (2019 Updated)
  • Bobby Scherer on Best Scope for an M1A For The Money (2019 Updated)
  • Bobby Scherer on Best Night Vision Scope For The Money – Reviews And Buying Guide (2019)
  • NAPOLEON l TOUSSAINT on Best Scope for an M1A For The Money (2019 Updated)

Amazon Associates Program

Scopesman.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We do not specifically market to children under 13.

Recent Posts

  • TOP 10 Best Scope for .300 Win Mag
  • Red Dot or Scope for a 308
  • How to choose a scope mount for a 308
  • How to mount a scope for a 308
  • Top 6 Best Scope for 30-30 Reviews 2019
  • Rifle Scopes 101
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

COPYRIGHT © 2019 · Scopesman.com · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED