How To Mount A Scope On A Ar15?
How to Mount a Scope on an AR-15
The AR-15 is a popular rifle for many reasons, including its accuracy, versatility, and ease of use. However, one of the most important factors in getting the most out of your AR-15 is mounting a scope correctly.
A properly mounted scope will help you to achieve better accuracy, make it easier to track moving targets, and improve your overall shooting experience. In this article, we will discuss the different types of scopes that can be mounted on an AR-15, as well as the steps involved in mounting a scope correctly.
We will also provide tips on choosing the right scope for your needs and shooting style. By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge and skills you need to mount a scope on your AR-15 and start taking your shooting to the next level.
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose the right scope for your AR-15. |  |
| 2 | Install the scope rings on the receiver. |  |
| 3 | Mount the scope on the rings. |  |
| 4 | Adjust the scope’s eye relief and focus. |  |
Choosing the Right Scope for Your AR-15
When choosing a scope for your AR-15, there are a few things you need to consider.
What will you be using the scope for?
The most important factor to consider when choosing a scope is what you will be using it for. If you plan on using your AR-15 for hunting, you will need a scope that is designed for long-range shooting. If you plan on using your AR-15 for home defense, you will need a scope that is designed for close-range shooting.
What is your budget?
Scopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The amount of money you want to spend on a scope will depend on your budget and your needs.
What features are important to you?
Some of the features you may want to consider when choosing a scope include:
- Magnification: The magnification of a scope refers to how much it can magnify an object. Scopes typically have a magnification range of 1x to 10x. For hunting, a scope with a magnification of 4x to 10x is typically recommended. For home defense, a scope with a magnification of 1x to 4x is typically recommended.
- Objective lens diameter: The objective lens diameter of a scope refers to the diameter of the lens at the front of the scope. The larger the objective lens diameter, the more light the scope will gather, which will result in a brighter image.
- Eye relief: Eye relief refers to the distance between the eyepiece of the scope and your eye. The eye relief of a scope should be long enough so that you can comfortably see the entire field of view without having to strain your eyes.
- Field of view: The field of view of a scope refers to the amount of the area around you that you can see through the scope. A wider field of view is typically better for hunting, while a narrower field of view is typically better for home defense.
- Turrets: The turrets on a scope allow you to make adjustments to the point of impact of the bullet. Some scopes have capped turrets, which means that the adjustments are protected from being accidentally changed. Other scopes have exposed turrets, which allow you to make adjustments more easily.
- Parallax adjustment: Parallax adjustment allows you to compensate for the difference in the position of your eye and the position of the target. This is important for making accurate shots at long distances.
Types of scopes for AR-15s
There are two main types of scopes that are commonly used on AR-15s:
- Rifle scopes: Rifle scopes are designed for long-range shooting. They typically have a magnification range of 4x to 10x and a large objective lens diameter.
- Red dot sights: Red dot sights are designed for close-range shooting. They typically have a magnification of 1x and a small objective lens diameter.
How to mount a scope on an AR-15
To mount a scope on an AR-15, you will need the following tools:
- A scope mount
- A torque wrench
- A set of Allen wrenches
- A screwdriver
Steps:
1. Remove the factory-installed front sight post.
2. Install the scope mount on the receiver of the AR-15.
3. Align the scope with the bore of the rifle.
4. Secure the scope to the mount with the Allen wrenches.
5. Zero the scope.
Choosing the right scope for your AR-15 can be a daunting task, but it is important to take the time to do your research so that you can get the best scope for your needs. By considering the factors listed above, you can narrow down your choices and find a scope that will help you take your AR-15 shooting to the next level.
Installing the Scope Base
What is a scope base?
A scope base is a mounting platform that is attached to the receiver of a rifle. It provides a solid foundation for the scope and allows you to adjust the position of the scope for optimal viewing.
How to install a scope base on an AR-15
To install a scope base on an AR-15, you will need the following tools:
- A scope base
- A torque wrench
- A set of Allen wrenches
- A screwdriver
Steps:
1. Remove the factory-installed front sight post.
2. Install the scope base on the receiver of the AR-15.
3. Align the scope
3. Attaching the Scope to the Base
Once you have chosen the correct scope base for your AR-15, you can attach the scope to it. Here are the steps involved:
1. Remove the factory iron sights. If your AR-15 has factory iron sights, you will need to remove them before you can attach a scope. To do this, use a screwdriver to unscrew the two screws that hold the front sight in place. Then, use a punch or a nail to drive out the roll pin that holds the rear sight in place.
2. Install the scope base. The next step is to install the scope base to the receiver of your AR-15. To do this, you will need to use a torque wrench to tighten the screws that hold the base in place. Make sure that you tighten the screws evenly so that the base is level.
3. Attach the scope to the scope base. Now that the scope base is installed, you can attach the scope to it. To do this, you will need to use scope rings. Scope rings come in different sizes, so you will need to choose the right size for your scope. Once you have chosen the right size scope rings, you can attach them to the scope base. To do this, you will need to use a screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the scope rings in place.
4. Adjust the scope rings. Once the scope rings are attached to the scope base, you will need to adjust them so that the scope is properly aligned. To do this, you will need to use a screwdriver to turn the screws on the scope rings. Turning the screws in will move the scope closer to the receiver, and turning the screws out will move the scope away from the receiver.
Different types of scope rings
There are two main types of scope rings: cantilever scope rings and standard scope rings. Cantilever scope rings are designed to allow you to mount a scope further forward on the receiver, which can give you a better view of the target. Standard scope rings are mounted directly to the receiver, and they do not allow you to mount the scope as far forward.
How to adjust the scope rings
The easiest way to adjust the scope rings is to use a bubble level. A bubble level is a small device that has a bubble inside of it. When the bubble is centered, the scope is properly aligned. To adjust the scope rings, you will need to turn the screws on the rings until the bubble is centered.
4. Zeroing the Scope
Once the scope is attached to the rifle, you will need to zero it. Zeroing the scope means adjusting the sights so that the bullet hits the target at a specific distance. To zero the scope, you will need to:
1. Find a suitable target. The target should be at a distance of 25 yards.
2. Attach a target to a stable surface. The target should be attached to a stable surface so that it does not move when you shoot.
3. Load your rifle with ammunition. Make sure that you are using ammunition that is the same caliber as the scope.
4. Fire three shots at the target. Aim for the center of the target.
5. Adjust the scope. If the shots are not hitting the center of the target, you will need to adjust the scope. To do this, you will need to turn the screws on the scope. Turning the screws in will move the point of impact up, and turning the screws out will move the point of impact down.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 until the shots are hitting the center of the target.
Mounting a scope on an AR-15 is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully in order to ensure that the scope is properly installed. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily mount a scope on your AR-15 and start enjoying the benefits of using a scoped rifle.
How do I mount a scope on an AR-15?
There are a few different ways to mount a scope on an AR-15. The most common method is to use a scope mount that attaches to the flattop rail on the receiver. Other methods include using a cantilever mount that attaches to the receiver and handguard, or a side-mount that attaches to the receiver and barrel.
To mount a scope using a scope mount, you will need the following tools:
- A flathead screwdriver
- A torque wrench
- A scope mount
- A scope ring set
- A scope
1. Install the scope rings on the scope. The scope rings should be installed so that the center of the scope is aligned with the center of the receiver.
2. Install the scope mount on the receiver. The scope mount should be installed so that the scope rings are centered on the mount.
3. Tighten the scope rings to the scope. Use a torque wrench to tighten the scope rings to the scope until they are snug.
4. Tighten the scope mount to the receiver. Use a torque wrench to tighten the scope mount to the receiver until it is snug.
Once the scope is mounted, you can zero it in by shooting at a target at a known distance.
What type of scope mount should I use?
The type of scope mount you use will depend on the type of scope you are using and the position on the rifle you want to mount it. If you are using a low-power variable optic (LPVO), a cantilever mount is a good option. Cantilever mounts allow you to mount the scope further forward on the rifle, which gives you a better field of view. If you are using a magnified scope, a fixed mount is a good option. Fixed mounts are more rigid than cantilever mounts, which can help to improve accuracy.
How do I zero my scope?
To zero your scope, you will need to shoot at a target at a known distance. The distance you shoot at will depend on the type of scope you are using. For a LPVO, you will typically shoot at 50 yards. For a magnified scope, you will typically shoot at 100 yards.
1. Set up your target. The target should be at a known distance. You can use a rangefinder to measure the distance to the target, or you can use a known distance marker.
2. Mount your scope. Follow the instructions in the previous section to mount your scope.
3. Adjust the scope. Use the adjustment knobs on the scope to move the crosshairs until they are centered on the target.
4. Shoot a group of shots. Fire a group of shots at the target. The shots should be clustered together in the center of the target.
5. Adjust the scope. If the shots are not clustered together in the center of the target, adjust the scope until the shots are clustered together.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the shots are clustered together in the center of the target.
Once the shots are clustered together in the center of the target, your scope is zeroed.
What are some common mistakes people make when mounting a scope on an AR-15?
There are a few common mistakes people make when mounting a scope on an AR-15. These mistakes can lead to the scope being improperly aligned or not being securely mounted.
- Not using the correct tools. The correct tools are essential for mounting a scope on an AR-15. Using the wrong tools can damage the scope or the rifle.
- Not following the instructions. It is important to follow the instructions that come with the scope mount. This will ensure that the scope is mounted correctly.
- Tightening the screws too much. Overtightening the screws can damage the scope or the rifle. It is important to tighten the screws until they are snug, but not so tight that they damage the threads.
- Not checking the alignment. It is important to check the alignment of the scope after it is mounted. The crosshairs should be centered on the target when the rifle is aimed. If the crosshairs are not centered, the scope needs to be adjusted.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can mount a scope on your AR-15 correctly and securely.
mounting a scope on an AR-15 is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the scope is properly aligned and secure. By taking the time to do this, you can be confident that your scope will provide you with accurate and reliable performance.
Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- The first step is to choose the right scope for your AR-15.
- Once you have chosen a scope, you need to mount it to the rifle.
- There are two main types of scope mounts: one-piece mounts and two-piece mounts.
- One-piece mounts are easier to install, but two-piece mounts offer more flexibility.
- Once the scope is mounted, you need to adjust the eye relief and make sure that the scope is properly aligned.
- By following these steps, you can mount a scope on your AR-15 with confidence.