Mounting a scope on AR15 is very straightforward and easy. Some believe that any mount will work for all scopes and rifles. In reality, it's crucial to select the right mount for both the scope and the AR-15 to ensure zero retention and performance.
On top of that, Incorrect placement of the scope, too far forward or backward, can affect eye relief and field of view, impacting shooting accuracy.
Mounting A Red Dot
Most red dot sights on the market can go on any M1913 top rail on the receiver. Pick a optic height that you feel comfortable with is the key. Riser mounts are very popular these days.
There are many aftermarket mounts for various optics. The key to properly mounting a red dot sight on AR15 is to tighten the screw or throw level nut with a torque wrench. Also push the optic forward when applying torque can help push the mount against the recoil lug gap to prevent any shift.
Most high quality mounts today have built in recoil lugs that fits the rail slot.
Do not mount optic on the handguard, KeyMod or MLOK slots. Handguard may be slightly misaligned which can cause accuracy issues.
Hand tight works, but using a torque wrench is recommended. Use REAL AVID Smart TORQ wrench with adjustable torque setting.
Zero it at the range.
Mounting A Scope
When mounting a magnified scope on an AR15, the key here is to first level the scope before clamping them down on the top rail. Before tightening the screw, always shoulder the rifle again and check the eye relief. The common eye relief for a magnified scope on an AR15 is about 4"
Please only use high quality scope mounts and rings to mount tube style scopes because precision machined mounts perfectly make contact of the scope tube.
When tightening screws on the scope, make sure to tighten each screw in a cross diagonal sequence until everything is tightened.
Using a level, ensure the rifle is level by placing it on a flat portion of the receiver or base. Place another level on the top turret of the scope. Rotate the scope until the bubble in the scope's level aligns with the bubble in the rifle's level. This ensures the reticle is level.
- Clean the top of the receiver to remove any oil or debris.
- Position the mount base on the receiver.
- Apply a small amount of thread locker to the screws.
- Tighten the screws according to the manufacturer's recommendations, often using a torque wrench.
Finally, take the rifle to the range. Fire groups of shots and adjust the scope until it's zeroed at your desired distance.
For Scope Rings
Scope rings are two separate pieces. They can be either horizontally split or vertically split. This means alignment is crucial to mount the scope without tilt or uneven surface contact whether on a 1", 30mm or a 34mm tube.
Even though mounting a scope using scope rings on a uninterrupted top rail, but making sure alignment is still required.
Vertically split rings flex a bit when tightened around a tube. This makes lapping them hard. Lapping needs the ring to be flexed tight, but then the lapping bar can't move. If you lap a loose ring, you remove some material. This changes the inside shape of the ring. When you tighten it later, the shape is wrong. This can create uneven spots and pressure on the tube.
Horizontal rings, especially ones that adjust for windage, are often lapped. These rings can sometimes be off-center. This can cause the rings to not line up right. This can either squeeze the tube too much or not hold it tightly enough. Lapping helps fix these issues. But Warne Maxima rings are different.
Using a scope mount that is precision machined is way easier especially on a AR15.
They center themselves on the base because both halves tighten equally. If the receiver is made right and the bases are of good quality, these rings will always line up perfectly. So, there's no need to lap them.
Not every scope or mounting system requires lapping. While it can enhance the fit and alignment of some rings, many modern high-quality rings are precision-machined to such tight tolerances that lapping becomes unnecessary.
Done incorrectly, lapping can damage both the scope and the rings. Too much material removal or uneven pressure can result in rings that are too loose or uneven, potentially harming the scope. For tactical shooters, we highly recommending using a scope mount over scope rings instead to eliminate the.