Choosing a rifle scope and how to mount it is an important part of any shooter’s arsenal. With the right choice of scope, you can be sure that you will have a long-term experience with your rifle. To help you choose, we’ve put together a few tips for you.

Cantilever scope mount

A cantilever scope mount allows you to mount a secondary optic to your rifle without adding pressure on your handguard. It also gives you the freedom to adjust your eye relief. The cantilever scope mount is one of the best options available for tactical applications. However, getting started can be difficult. You’ll need to consider the materials used in the construction of the scope mount, as well as the type of gun you own.

Cantilever scope mounts are typically heavier than a 2-piece scope mounts. However, they’re also more durable. They can be used for a wide range of guns, and you can adjust the position of the mount based on your needs.

Cantilever scope mounts come in many different designs. There are even ones that can be mounted on pre-drilled guns. This makes it easier to match the cantilever scope mount to your gun.

When choosing a cantilever scope mount, you’ll want to ensure that it has a sturdy fixing point. Most mounts will come with a level to help you get the scope mount aligned properly.

Another important factor is the material of the rail. If you need extreme precision, you’ll want to choose steel. But if you’re looking for a light and compact option, an aluminum rail might be the way to go.

Another thing to keep in mind is the height of the scope. It’s a good idea to measure from your upper receiver to your eye level to find the best ring height for your rifle. In most cases, the lower your scope is, the more space you’ll use.

If you plan to use your cantilever scope mount with your rifle in a combat situation, it’s a good idea to look for mounts that can accommodate the weight of your scope. This will help ensure you have a comfortable shooting position, and reduce your chance of losing your zero.

Bases

The purchase of a new rifle is often an exciting time. However, the task of mounting a scope can sometimes be a frustrating one. Getting it mounted properly is important for accuracy and ease of use.

A wide variety of bases for rifle scopes is available. Some are manufactured by manufacturers, while others are standard. They all connect to the firearm receiver through screws.

Depending on the manufacturer, bases are either made of aluminum or steel. They may have an attached rail on the underside.

The best base for your scope depends on the purpose and style of your rifle. Some are designed for flattop rifles, while others are more suited for heavy-duty, high-magnification scopes. If you’re looking for a basic, reliable base, a Leupold style base is a good choice.

Another option is to install an offset mount, which attaches to the top of the Picatinny rail. These are also known as cantilever mounts. This allows you to adjust the scope’s eye relief while providing proper scope bite protection.

When choosing a base, consider the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most recommend torque specifications in inch/pound measurements. You’ll also want to check out the screw pattern. Heavy-duty screws are better for tough use.

If you don’t have the time to install a mount, you can buy a scope with a built-in base. These can be found on some Ruger/Sako rifles.

Scope rings and bases are the primary attachment points for a scope. To attach a scope, you’ll need to tighten the ring screws. Do this in a zig-zag pattern, and be careful not to overtighten. Using too much torque will cause your scope to loosen and potentially malfunction.

Rings

A rifle scope is usually mounted onto the receiver of a rifle with mounting screws. The scope may be secured by a bolt or by using a hex or Torx head tool. Depending on the rifle, the scope may be attached to a base or may mount to the barrel.

To properly mount a scope, you’ll need to make sure that the ring is the right height, is thread-locked, and is the right size. This can be a tricky task, so you’ll want to use a torque wrench or a torque wrench kit.

One of the best ways to ensure that you get the correct mounting is to buy the appropriate scope rings. These are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some are a bit more robust than others. For instance, there are dual-purpose rings that are designed to hold larger scope tubes while having inserts for smaller ones.

You’ll also need to consider the proper torque to tighten the ring screws. Using a torque wrench will ensure that you are able to do this without damaging the glass or ruining the scope. Also, you should be able to turn a scope ring on its axis.

Using the appropriate torque will also enable you to get a smoother ride. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to apply a light coating of oil to the base to protect against corrosion.

It’s also important to test the alignment of the scope ring, and to check the scope’s index level. Ideally, the scope should be aligned in a straight line between the top and bottom halves of the ring.

As with any type of gun, it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of the proper sighting technique. Having a scope that’s adjusted correctly will allow you to achieve better shot placement and better accuracy.

Eye relief

If you’re shooting a rifle with a scope, you want to be sure that your eye relief is properly adjusted. You can’t shoot effectively if you are unable to see the targets. Using a scope with a poor eye relief will leave you with a blurry image.

Eye relief is the distance between the scope’s ocular lens and the lens closest to your eyes. The ideal range is 10 to 18 inches. Depending on your specific needs, you may need to adjust the eye relief to fit your shooting position.

Eye relief is important for a number of reasons. It allows you to get a clear image at the scope’s magnification settings. Moreover, it prevents the scope from hitting your eye when it recoils.

Some scopes have a wide range of eye relief, so you can easily switch from a magnified view to an open field of view. However, these long eye relief scopes don’t allow you to move the reticles in and out. They’re also very susceptible to mechanical problems.

As with any kind of optic, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure that your scope has the proper eye relief. The best way to measure the scope’s eye relief is to have someone stand in front of you and hold the scope steady.

Generally, the average range for standard eye relief is 3 to 4.5 inches. For more powerful magnification, you might need to increase your eye relief. This should be done before you tighten the rings.

There are other factors to consider when adjusting your scope. Make sure that you have enough space to move the scope’s rings. Also, it’s important to have a leveling kit.

Choosing a scope that will serve you for a long time

If you are thinking of buying a rifle scope, you should take into account several factors. These include quality, magnification, reticle, and measurement systems.

The most important factor to consider is the magnification. Most scopes come with a range of magnifications. You should choose one that fits your needs and budget.

Another factor to keep in mind is the size of the objective lens. A larger lens means more light and a better picture. Depending on the scope, the diameter can range from one inch to 44mm. For some scopes, the objective lens can be a little bulky. However, it is only noticeable in the dimmest conditions.

If you are considering purchasing a scope, you should also consider whether you need a variable scope or a fixed one. With a variable scope, you can adjust your scope’s power to increase your accuracy. This is especially useful when you are not shooting at a specific distance.

Other features to look for in a scope include the reticle, illumination, and focal plane. Each of these features can help you determine if the optic is worth the price.

Choosing the right scope is a complicated process. There are many different types of scopes and each model has its own characteristics. Some of these features include:

While it may be tempting to purchase the most expensive and the most technologically advanced scope, you should always keep your needs in mind. Often, the bells and whistles can be a waste of money and are not useful. Purchasing a less expensive scope that has a higher reticle will suffice if you just need something to get the job done.

Buying a rifle scope that is built to last is a great way to maximize your shooting time. Before you buy, consider these factors to find a scope that will provide you with years of service.