How To Properly Mounting Procedures for Rifle Optics

Mounting a rifle optic isn't just a "tighten and pray" job; it's a bit of an art form if you ask me. You could have the world's toughest, most attractive Vortex scope, but if you mount it on a rifle like you're assembling Ikea furniture, don't expect miracles. Accuracy? Gone. Comfort? Forget it. Long-term precision? There will be no precision.

Honestly, if you find Vortex optics on sale, do not get caught up in the excitement and rush the process. Take your time lining it up properly on your rifle. A properly mounted optic allows for zero retention, shooting comfort, and accuracy over time.

Choose the Right Mount

First off, don't grab the first set of mounts and rings you see in the bargain bin. You need mounts and rings that actually fit both your scope and your rifle. Not all mounts are one-size-fits-all, so double-check your sizes. Pay attention to height, too. You want your optic sitting low enough for a comfy cheek weld, but not so low that it's basically eating your rail. A solid mount reduces movement and helps maintain zero over time.

Clean All Surfaces

Make sure to clean all primary points of contact before starting, which are the rifle's rail, the base of the scope, and the rings themselves. Use a soft cloth and wipe off any oil, dust, and/or debris. Dirt between surfaces will only cause slipping and performance issues. A clean base will also allow Loctite or any other thread-lockers to bond properly during tightness.

Torque Screws Correctly

Make sure that you are tightening the screws on your base and rings evenly and slowly. Most optics come with a specified torque setting. If you apply too much torque, you can damage your optic or mount. If you don't apply enough torque, the optic can shift. Use a torque wrench or a driver and refer to the manufacturer's specifications. If you want your screws to stay in place, you can use an allowed, very small amount, blue thread-locker to help prevent the screws from loosening; you don't want it to be so permanent that they won't ever come apart.

Set Proper Eye Relief

To adjust eye relief, move the optic forward or backward. Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the rear lens of your scope. Eye relief is important for comfort, but also very important for safety, especially when shooting rifles with significant recoil. Put yourself into your normal shooting position and look down the scope at your target. Adjust your eye relief until you have a full and clear view of the scope. This means you have reached the eye relief point and do not need to move your head at all. When you reach that point, lock your optic in place, and you are ready to shoot!

Dont Skip on Quality Brands

A reliable optic setup often comes down to the brand and quality of the components. Shops like CSTactical dont mess around; theyll get you the right mounts and gear, plus they actually know what theyre talking about. If youre the guy who buys random stuff off eBay and wonders why nothing fits, maybe rethink your life choices. Red dot sights follow a similar mounting process. Many shooters now look for an Aimpoint red dot for sale when upgrading their rifle. When installing, use the proper mount and position it for quick eye alignment.

Doesnt matter if youre running a Vortex, Aimpoint, or anything else. Take a little time, follow the steps, and youll actually enjoy shooting instead of fighting your gear. When your shots hit where theyre supposed to, youll thank yourself.