This is just about everything the average shooter could possibly want to know about mounting a scope. We’ve walked through the whole process step by step, explaining not just the “how” but the “why” behind each step. Our demo gun is an AR-15 with low-powered variable optic, but most of these procedures should work for other types of rifles and optics as well.
Shortcuts:
00:02 – Introduction
01:39 – Choosing the right rings and mounts
03:29 – Understanding cheek weld and optic height
06:43 – Cheap versus affordable versus premium scope mounts
08:29 – Tools needed for mounting an optic
09:56 – Mounting a rifle optic – safety check
10:22 – Does your rifle need a scope base?
11:38 – Initial placement of the mount and optic
15:07 – Using thread locker/Loctite
18:27 – Setting eye relief
21:20 – Torquing the mount screws
23:28 – Leveling the optic
25:19 – Torquing the scope ring screws
26:30 – Adding witness marks
27:38 – Final thoughts
The AR used in this video is a 16-inch BCM with an Aero Precision handguard, a Mission First Tactical Battlelink Minimalist stock, and a PWS FSC Compensator.
The optic is a Swamp Fox Arrowhead 1-10×24 with a Swamp Fox Independence mount.
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Also if a put my scope in the middle it would be half on the barrel pic rail. It would sit pretty far back.
I’m new to guns and maybe I am asking something stupid. Why don’t the add something on the bottom of the rifle like a ridge? Then in the mount you have a cut out that it sets into the. It will always be straight and level? When you tighten the top of the ring the scope can’t turn but it can slide back and forth still?
Making sure the rifle is safe is your responsibility. Why do you think we have to witness you checking it?
I recently watched this video and really like the gun vise. I think someone said it on here already but I did find it and it is the CTK Precision P3 Ultimate Gun Vise. You can actually see the partial logo at 9.11. on the bottom left corner. Anyways… hope this helps those looking for it.
What model gun vise/mount is that?
Edit: Pretty sure it is the CTK Precision P3 Ultimate Gun Vise for anyone else wondering.
The vast majority of users don’t have a gun vise, yet every video uses one.
So if the gun is level but the scope is not, how do you adjust it?
Where is that gun vise from?
I just purchased my first AR and in process of looking for my first scope ever, yes I'm a noob. Your video is very informative and I really appreciate you explaining all little details that I had questions to. Thank you for making this video.
I enjoy your videos, thank you.
What gun rest is he using?
What vise are you using?
Thank you for this video. I've enjoyed getting more into doing everything myself as part of the hobby. This helps a lot. Thanks again.
Hello! I wanted to know which Rifle vise you used for this video? Looking forward on your feedback. Thanks
What is the brand gun vice that was used in this video? I would really love to have one for my AR.
Great Viedo. Thanks for you're in depth review.
When I am looking for information, I know if I find a vid from Chris @ LG I'm good to go.
thanks for the video, helping noobs like me into the LPVO game.
Finding out, very sadly, just how important scope ring selection is. Avoid Weaver rings. Don't cheap out.
Learned the hard way that not all scopes fit every scope mount
👍
Excellent video. Very clear & methodical (but not boring!). I particularly appreciated the explanation of why optics on AR platforms need a riser vs. other rifles – I never understood the "why." Now I need to remount my Nikon M-223 3-12×42 scope the RIGHT way – it's never felt comfortable! Thanks!
I just mounted mine a couple days ago on my lap and it was an LPVO mounted it and looks straight to my eyes and other peoples eye.
Should I also bore sight at my local range/store first?
This was very thorough and clear. So good. Kinda hard to believe anybody voted this down.
What torque driver are you using.
A scope with a 30mm tube diameter should fit 30mm scope rings, right? Because that's what I did and the scope rings ended up being too small. Did I miss something?
Highly professional and informative video, as always. You're the best!
So helpful! Like and subscribe!
Tip in case you weren't aware already: if you set the first timestamp in the description at 00:00 all stamps should be visible in the video progress bar and the cursor should snap to the stamps when you move it close enough
Super helpful video. Thanks for making this
Great video!!!
I really needed this video, thank you so very much brother
Incredible video, just so extremely helpful. I've not fired a rifle in quite a few years (haven't found an outside range that meets my needs), and in any case I never learned when growing up how to properly mount a scope. I'm planning on buying a new rifle soon, and have some older rifles that I need to sight in with current or possibly new scopes, so this information will come in very handy. A thousand thanks to Chris!
The idea with pushing the scope mount forward before tightening come from the idea that when firing, the rifle would kick back and the mount would want to stay in place. By pushing it forward, you force the scope to kick back with the rest of the rifle
People are just talking about Dumpsdark on telegram and I confirmed it can't believe it was real… When they delivered my Gun to me yesterday.. Thanks alot bro
Timely for me. Just purchase a Primary Arms Raptor 1-6 for my Sig M400 tread. Very informative!
Dials?
What gun vise are you using? Thanks!
Very helpful Vidio !!
Excellent video!
I'm watching your vids for learning English but also for my Airsoft guns. Here in Japan almost of all cititzens cannot own a real firearm, so some people enjoy airsoft (which almost like a toy gun, 0.2g BB can fly no more than 40m with decent accuracy, if it's legally tuned. ) Some people say that Airsoft is not like the real one, but I must say, as a big fan of airsoft, you can have fun with airsoft just as much as the real one, and many of shooting tips like Chris provided us also apply to airsoft. I'm trying those mounting methods with my Tokyo Marui VSR-10 this weekend. Thank you Chris for always giving us useful informations.
We need a video on AR pistols! Great content.
Who makes the bench vice?