How to Mount a Rifle Scope

Most sportsmen enjoy the range and usability of a scope to better take down an animal or hit a target at a longer range. Although spotting scopes have been in use for hundreds of years in one form or another, mounting them on a rifle can sometimes be a challenge. Follow the steps provided here to make mounting a rifle scope can be an easy project.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the type of rifle to be used to ensure that the best scope for that particular weapon will be mounted. Ask a retailer or hunting supply dealer to assist in finding just the right scope.

    • 2

      Look at the barrel of the rifle. Near the cartridge-receiving chamber on the top of the weapon there will be four, six or eight threaded holes. Some weapons have more or fewer threaded holes. These are the mounting holes.

    • 3

      Purchase a mounting system for the rifle barrel. Many manufacturers have differing systems that offer choices for the consumer. Choose the system that works best for the user. Most common is a rail attachments system.

    • 4

      Attach the scope mounting rail system to the barrel of the rifle using the provided setscrews. Tighten these screws as tightly as possible. Some systems even offer an epoxy mixture to coat the setscrews to prevent any movement.

    • 5

      Slide the scope onto the rail system or place the scope into the mounting clamps and secure according to the manufacturer's provided instructions.