Mounting a scope on a lever-action rifle can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and tools, it's a manageable task that significantly enhances accuracy and shooting enjoyment. This guide covers everything from choosing the right mount to the final adjustments, ensuring you get the most out of your lever-action.
Understanding the Challenges of Lever-Action Scope Mounting
Lever-action rifles present unique challenges for scope mounting compared to bolt-action or semi-automatic rifles. The primary hurdle is the lever itself. The movement of the lever can interfere with the scope, potentially causing damage or impacting zero. This necessitates the use of specialized mounts designed to accommodate the lever's arc of motion.
Choosing the Right Scope Mount
Selecting the correct mount is paramount. There are several types available, each with its pros and cons:
1. Side-Mounts:
- Pros: These mounts position the scope to the side of the receiver, completely clearing the lever's path. They are often the most readily available option.
- Cons: Side-mounted scopes offer a less natural cheek weld and can impact shooting posture. They also introduce parallax issues, meaning the point of impact can shift based on your eye position behind the scope.
2. Top-Mounts (with Clearance):
- Pros: Maintain a more traditional sight picture and cheek weld.
- Cons: Requires a mount specifically designed with sufficient clearance to avoid lever interference. Finding a properly fitting mount might require careful research and measurement. Improperly fitting top mounts risk damaging the scope or rifle.
3. Low-Profile Mounts:
- Pros: Keep the scope closer to the bore, reducing the height of the entire setup and improving handling.
- Cons: Can be challenging to find a low-profile mount that provides adequate lever clearance, especially for rifles with high levers. May limit scope choices due to height restrictions.
Tools and Materials You'll Need:
- Appropriate scope mount: Carefully selected based on your rifle and scope.
- Scope: A scope appropriate for the intended use.
- Screwdrivers: The correct size and type for your chosen mount.
- Torque wrench: Essential for tightening screws to the manufacturer's specified torque to prevent damage.
- Gunsmithing vise (optional but recommended): Provides secure support during mounting.
- Level: For ensuring the scope is perfectly level.
- Boresighting tool (optional): Helps to get you close to zero before heading to the range.
- Gun cleaning supplies (optional): Always a good idea to clean your rifle before and after any modifications.
Step-by-Step Mounting Process:
- Prepare the Rifle: Carefully clean your rifle's receiver and ensure it's free of any debris.
- Mount Installation: Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the chosen mount. This typically involves attaching the base to the receiver and then attaching the rings to the base.
- Scope Installation: Securely mount the scope into the rings, ensuring it's properly aligned. Tighten screws to the manufacturer's specified torque using a torque wrench. This is crucial to prevent damage to the mount and scope.
- Leveling the Scope: Use a level to ensure the scope is perfectly level both horizontally and vertically. This is crucial for accuracy.
- Initial Boresighting (Optional): If using a boresighting tool, follow the instructions to align the scope with the barrel. This provides a rough zero before heading to the range.
- Zeroing at the Range: Take your rifle to the range and zero the scope. This involves adjusting the windage and elevation adjustments on the scope until your point of impact matches your point of aim.
Choosing the Right Scope for Your Lever-Action Rifle
The choice of scope depends largely on your intended use. Consider these factors:
- Magnification: Choose a magnification suitable for your shooting distance and hunting style.
- Objective Lens Diameter: Larger objective lenses gather more light, beneficial in low-light conditions.
- Reticle: Select a reticle that suits your shooting preference and the type of hunting or shooting you'll be doing. A duplex or mil-dot reticle is often a popular choice.
Conclusion:
Mounting a scope on a lever-action rifle is achievable with careful planning and attention to detail. By selecting the right mount, using the proper tools, and following these steps, you can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and enjoyment. Remember, safety is paramount; always handle firearms responsibly and follow all safety precautions. If you are uncomfortable performing this task yourself, consult a qualified gunsmith.
