{"id":12377,"date":"2025-11-10T10:14:44","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T10:14:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-to-avoid-the-most-common-mistakes-while-mounting-a-scope\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:34:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:34:36","slug":"how-to-most-common-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes While Mounting A Scope"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#How_To_Avoid_The_Most_Common_Mistakes_While_Mounting_A_Scope\" >How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes While Mounting A Scope<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#Why_Scope_Mounting_Mistakes_Matter\" >Why Scope Mounting Mistakes Matter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#Common_Mistake_1_Over-Tightening_the_Rings\" >Common Mistake #1: Over-Tightening the Rings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#Common_Mistake_2_Mismanaging_Base_Screws\" >Common Mistake #2: Mismanaging Base Screws<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#Product_Highlight_MDT_Premier_Rings_by_TRACT\" >Product Highlight: MDT Premier Rings by TRACT<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#Key_Features\" >Key Features:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#Common_Mistake_3_Not_Positioning_Rings_Correctly\" >Common Mistake #3: Not Positioning Rings Correctly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#Common_Mistake_4_Uneven_Screw_Tightening\" >Common Mistake #4: Uneven Screw Tightening<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#Common_Mistake_5_Using_the_Wrong_Tools\" >Common Mistake #5: Using the Wrong Tools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#Recommended_Tools\" >Recommended Tools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Avoid_The_Most_Common_Mistakes_While_Mounting_A_Scope\"><\/span>How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes While Mounting A Scope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zzDiYtwygCI?si=WeLhYRNnIjd06v2v\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p><p>Mounting a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/the-best-coyote-hunting-cartridges\/\">rifle<\/a> scope might seem straightforward, but even seasoned shooters can fall into traps that compromise accuracy, waste time at the range, and burn through expensive ammunition. <a title=\"Jon LaCorte\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/why-the-toric-12-5x50-binoculars-stand-out\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jon LaCort<\/a> of <a title=\"TRACT Optics\" href=\"http:\/\/TRACT Optics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TRACT Optics<\/a> breaks down the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them\u2014so your scope performs exactly as it should.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Scope_Mounting_Mistakes_Matter\"><\/span>Why Scope Mounting Mistakes Matter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Improper mounting leads to a host of frustrating issues:<\/p><ul><li>Scope won\u2019t hold zero<\/li><li>Tracking inconsistencies<\/li><li>Internal damage to the erector assembly<\/li><li>Stripped screws and uneven pressure<\/li><li>Wasted <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/finding-the-right-ammo-for-your-rifle\/\">ammo<\/a> chasing phantom problems<\/li><\/ul><p>Avoiding these pitfalls means more time <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/shooting-tight-groups\/\">shooting tight groups<\/a> and less time troubleshooting.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistake_1_Over-Tightening_the_Rings\"><\/span>Common Mistake #1: Over-Tightening the Rings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>One of the most common errors is cranking down the ring screws too hard. It\u2019s tempting to think tighter is better\u2014but overtightening compresses the scope tube and interferes with the internal erector system, causing tracking issues and loss of zero.<\/p><p><span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong>Best Practice:<\/strong><\/span><\/p><ul><li>Use a torque wrench.<\/li><li>Do not exceed <strong>18 inch-pounds<\/strong> on ring screws.<\/li><li>Evenly tighten screws in a cross-pattern to distribute pressure.<\/li><\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistake_2_Mismanaging_Base_Screws\"><\/span>Common Mistake #2: Mismanaging Base Screws<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Base screws are a different story. They require more torque and a touch of thread locker\u2014but only in the right places.<\/p><p><span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong>Best Practice:<\/strong><\/span><\/p><ul><li>Torque base screws to <strong>25 inch-pounds<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Apply <strong>blue Loctite<\/strong> only to base screws\u2014not to ring screws or ring-to-base screws.<\/li><li>For ring-to-base screws, consult the ring manufacturer. TRACT recommends 25 inch-pounds for MDT rings.<\/li><\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Product_Highlight_MDT_Premier_Rings_by_TRACT\"><\/span>Product Highlight: <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/accessories\/30mm-rings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MDT Premier Rings<\/a> by TRACT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>When precision matters, pairing your scope with the right rings is non-negotiable. TRACT offers <strong>MDT Premier Rings<\/strong> in both <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/accessories\/30mm-rings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">30mm<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/accessories\/34mm-rings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">34mm<\/a><\/strong> sizes\u2014engineered for rugged reliability and optimal alignment.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Features\"><\/span>Key Features:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><ul><li><strong>Custom Cerakoted in Sniper Grey<\/strong> to perfectly match <a title=\"TORIC scopes\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?reload=9&#038;v=27viqJh16_A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC scopes<\/a><\/li><li><strong>Double-screw Picatinny interface<\/strong> for enhanced stability under recoil<\/li><li><strong>Precision-machined aluminum<\/strong> for lightweight durability<\/li><li><strong>Easy-to-balance top cap design<\/strong> minimizes tube stress and ensures even torque<\/li><\/ul><p>Whether you&#8217;re mounting a <span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong><a style=\"color: #ff6600\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\/toric-30mm-long-range-rifle-scopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC 30mm LR<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>or the <span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong><a style=\"color: #ff6600\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\/toric-34mm-elr-rifle-scopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC 34mm ELR series<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, these rings deliver the secure fit and sleek finish that serious shooters demand.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_9199\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9199\" style=\"width: 460px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a style=\"font-weight: bold;background-color: #ffffff;font-size: 1.8rem\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/accessories\/34mm-rings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9199\" title=\"Common Mistakes\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/34mm-med-resize-1024x718.jpg\" alt=\"Common Mistakes\" width=\"460\" height=\"323\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9199\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/why-you-miss-at-long-range\/\">Common Mistakes<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Avoid The Most Common Scope Mounting Mistakes<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistake_3_Not_Positioning_Rings_Correctly\"><\/span>Common Mistake #3: Not Positioning Rings Correctly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Recoil naturally pushes the scope forward. If your rings aren\u2019t seated properly, the scope can shift over time.<\/p><p><span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong>Best Practice:<\/strong><\/span><\/p><ul><li>Push rings <strong>toward the muzzle<\/strong> before tightening.<\/li><li>Ensure rings are fully seated in the Picatinny or Weaver slots.<\/li><li>Use rings like MDT\u2019s double-screw design for added stability.<\/li><\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistake_4_Uneven_Screw_Tightening\"><\/span>Common Mistake #4: Uneven Screw Tightening<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Uneven torque across screws can warp the scope tube and cause internal misalignment. This is especially problematic with traditional ring tops.<\/p><p><span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong>Best Practice:<\/strong><\/span><\/p><ul><li>Tighten screws incrementally and evenly.<\/li><li>Use rings that allow balanced tightening (<a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/accessories\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MDT rings<\/a> are a great example).<\/li><li>Avoid gaps on one side of the ring top\u2014aim for symmetry.<\/li><\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistake_5_Using_the_Wrong_Tools\"><\/span>Common Mistake #5: Using the Wrong Tools<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>The wrong bit can strip screws and ruin your mounting hardware.<\/p><p><span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong>Best Practice:<\/strong><\/span><\/p><ul><li>Use <strong>hollow-ground bits<\/strong> that fit snugly.<\/li><li>Invest in a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/understanding-ultra-high-definition-in-optics\/\">quality<\/a> toolkit like the Real Avid set.<\/li><li>Avoid bits that wiggle or don\u2019t seat fully in the screw head.<\/li><\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recommended_Tools\"><\/span>Recommended Tools<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Jon recommends the <a href=\"https:\/\/capritools.com\/shop\/torque-screwdriver-set\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Capri Tools torque wrench<\/strong><\/a>, which covers a wide range from under 10 inch-pounds up to 50\u2014perfect for scope mounting, action screws, and more.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_9198\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9198\" style=\"width: 569px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/capritools.com\/shop\/torque-screwdriver-set\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9198\" title=\"Common Mistakes\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Capri.jpg\" alt=\"Common Mistakes\" width=\"569\" height=\"443\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9198\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Common Mistakes<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Mounting your scope correctly isn\u2019t just about following steps\u2014it\u2019s about precision, patience, and the right tools. By avoiding these common mistakes, you\u2019ll:<\/p><ul><li>Protect your optic investment<\/li><li>Save time at the range<\/li><li>Preserve your ammo<\/li><li>Ensure your rifle performs at its peak<\/li><\/ul><p>Whether you&#8217;re a first-time scope installer or a seasoned hunter, these tips will help you get it right the first time.<!--EndFragment --><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center\"><a style=\"text-align: center;text-decoration: none\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trustpilot.com\/review\/tractoptics.com?utm_medium=Trustbox&#038;utm_source=EmailNewsletter3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/emailsignature.trustpilot.com\/newsletter\/en-US\/3\/5fc7afaa58a6e200016f0dfc\/520\/170\/light@2x.png?stars=5,4,3,2,1&#038;fontSize=default\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"170\" border=\"0\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes While Mounting A Scope Mounting a rifle scope might seem straightforward, but even seasoned shooters can fall into traps that compromise accuracy,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12038,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2275,2256,2257,2259,2262,2265,2266,2267,2274],"tags":[3894,2935,2936,3895,3896,3897,3898],"class_list":["post-12377","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accessories","category-how-to","category-how-to-fix-adjust","category-hunting-rifle-scope","category-product-reviews","category-rifle-scope","category-riflescopes","category-shooting-skills","category-video","tag-mistakes-in-mounting-a-scope","tag-mounting-a-rifle-scope","tag-mounting-a-scope","tag-torque-specs-for-rifle-scopes","tag-what-torque-spec-do-i-use-for-my-rifle-scope","tag-why-is-my-scope-not-tracking","tag-why-is-the-parallax-not-working"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12377","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12377"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12377\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12512,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12377\/revisions\/12512"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12038"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}