QA

How To Bed A Scope Base

Do I need to bed the scope base?

In an ideal world, the bottom of your new Murphy Precision Scope Base, would fit the top of your rifle action perfectly, with no gaps, or misalignment. Without bedding, the only solution is to tighten the scope base screws enough to warp the scope base and rifle action sufficiently to make close contact.

What does bedding a scope mean?

The reason a shooter wants to bed his/her scope rings is because it increases the contacting surface area of the rings with the scope. The scope has a cozy “bed” to rest in. When done correctly, bedded rings will have close to 100% contact on the scope tube.

Do you need a rail to mount a scope?

Today, scopes are commonly mounted on rifles and even shotguns and handguns. Today, virtually all hunting rifles are “drilled and tapped,” which means they have holes drilled in the top of the receiver by the factory or a built-in “Weaver-style” or “Picatinny” rail that enable anyone to mount their own optic.

What is lapping a scope mount?

Lapping—or truing up the inside surface of your scope rings—protects the outside of the scope tube from damage; eliminates stress on the tube that could affect the integrity of the scope’s internal moving parts; and aids accuracy by removing any stresses that the scope tube could be applying to your rifle’s action.

Do Leupold scope rings need lapping?

When using some designs of scope mounts, lapping is recommended to get the best performance. Lapping can increase the amount of surface contact between the ring and scope tube, and also help with proper alignment between the scope rings.

Should you use Loctite on scope mounts?

The quick answer is no we don’t, not unless something indicates to us that it is needed. Most of the companies that make rings and mounts recommend not using Loctite for a couple of reasons. Instead of using Loctite we prefer to use a torque wrench that measures in pounds per inch.

Why is it called a Picatinny rail?

The rail itself is named after the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, which was named “after the Lenape-named peak overlooking the old forge, loosely translated to mean ‘rugged cliff by water’ or ‘water by the hills’.” The Picatinny Arsenal was tasked in 1992 to develop a standardized mounting system after the U.S. Army.

How far back should a scope be mounted?

Three to 4 inches is about right. You must focus the eyepiece (ocular lens), and thus the reticle, on every new scope. Point the scope at a uniform surface just a few yards away to see the reticle clearly.

Will Warne rings fit Weaver bases?

Warne Maxima and Tactical rings are a weaver style ring that will work on both weaver and picatinny style bases. In short, the answer is yes, there is more forward and back play in a picatinny slot.

What is lapping tool?

Laps and lapping tools are used for precision surface finishing, often in conjunction with loose abrasive compounds. Lap is a soft material that is charged with an abrasive and is used for cutting harder material. A cast iron plate, called a lapping plate, is smoothed using a lapping tool placed in the lapping machine.

Do scope rings matter?

Regardless of the money you just spent on that new scope for your deer rifle, its quality doesn’t matter much if it is not mounted properly in suitable rings. You bought a good rifle and a good optical scope, so also buy some high quality rings and mounts to set the rig up right.

What does Leupold LRW stand for?

Suggested Products. Leupold Open Range Cross-Slot Weaver-Style Rings Matte. 5.

Are scope rings important?

If a scope is the most important element for rifle accuracy, the scope’s mount and rings are just as important. All modern rifles have receivers that are drilled and tapped for mounting scopes. If your rifle was made before 1947, there is a good chance that its receiver was not drilled and tapped to mount scope bases.

What can I use instead of Loctite?

Superglue and nail polish as threadlocker alternatives are two of the most common, often quoted as effective replacements for dedicated threadlockers. Using these two products can indeed lock a fastener in place in the short term.

What do you torque scope rings at?

Assuming your firearm has the appropriate bases already properly installed, and your firearm is unloaded: Step 1. Secure the scope rings to the base at the recommended torque value. Most rings are held secure between 35-45-inch pounds.

Which Loctite for scope bases?

Purple Threadlocker (222) is great for use on scope base & ring screws, set screws, calibration screws, meters and gauges. This non-wicking formula is recommended for fasteners from #2 through 1/4″ and cures in 10 minutes with full strength in 24 hours.

Is 1913 and Picatinny the same?

The Picatinny Rail A Picatinny rail has specific dimensions of grooves and notches and is built into a handgun or long gun to mount different attachments. It’s sometimes called a “Pic Rail” and is exactly the same thing as a MIL-STD-1913 rail.

How long is a Picatinny slot?

The Picatinny 1913 rail is 5 slots long or 2.2 inches in length and accepts all standard Picatinny accessories. The rail installs quickly to any universal Keymod platform, allowing for fast modular attachment of grips, bipods, sights, or other accessories.

What type of rail is on an AR 15?

Picatinny: The “Tried and True” Rail System For many years, the Picatinny has been regarded as the standard mounting platform for AR-15s and other rifles.