{"id":713,"date":"2025-10-07T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/06\/Blog-Image-Reason-for-Elk-Hunting.png"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:35:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:35:02","slug":"how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Properly Mount a Rifle Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 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' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/#How_to_Properly_Mount_a_Rifle_Scope_A_Step-by-Step_Guide\" >How to Properly Mount a Rifle Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/#Step_1_Safety_First\" >Step 1: Safety First<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/#Step_2_Set_Proper_Eye_Relief\" >Step 2: Set Proper Eye Relief<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/#How_to_Set_It\" >How to Set It:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/#Step_3_Level_the_Reticle\" >Step 3: Level the Reticle<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/#Tools_Technique\" >Tools & Technique:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/#Step_4_Torque_the_Screws_Properly\" >Step 4: Torque the Screws Properly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/#Why_Proper_Mounting_Matters\" >Why Proper Mounting Matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/#Most_Commonly_Asked_Questions_When_Mounting_a_Rifle_Scope\" >Most Commonly Asked Questions When Mounting a Rifle Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/#Final_Check_Before_the_Range\" >Final Check Before the Range<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Properly_Mount_a_Rifle_Scope_A_Step-by-Step_Guide\"><\/span>How to Properly Mount a Rifle Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eyHGwy38Ycw?si=g7v4H-Dg5lCT8u9F\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/\">Mounting a rifle scope<\/a> isn\u2019t just about slapping optics onto your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/toric-2-5-15x44-sfp-turret-reset-to-zero\/\">rifle<\/a> and heading to the range. It\u2019s a precision process that directly impacts accuracy, comfort, and confidence behind the trigger.<\/p><p>Whether you&#8217;re dialing in for long-range shots or hunting in rugged terrain, a properly mounted scope ensures your reticle tracks true and your eye relief is optimized.<\/p><p>Let\u2019s walk through the essential <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/videosview\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope-a-step-by-step-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">steps to mount your scope<\/a> correctly\u2014and explore what can go wrong if you don\u2019t.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Safety_First\"><\/span>Step 1: Safety First<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>Before any adjustments, always confirm your firearm is unloaded.<\/p><ul><li>Use a chamber indicator or visually inspect the chamber.<\/li><li>Close the bolt only after confirming the rifle is clear.<\/li><\/ul><p>This foundational step ensures safe handling throughout the mounting process.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Set_Proper_Eye_Relief\"><\/span>Step 2: Set Proper Eye Relief<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope\u2019s ocular lens. Too close, and you risk scope bite. Too far, and you lose your full field of view.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Set_It\"><\/span>How to Set It:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><ol><li><strong>Max Out Magnification<\/strong>: Set your scope to its highest power. Eye relief is most critical at max zoom because the eye box tightens.<\/li><li><strong>Eyes Closed Mounting<\/strong>: With eyes closed, shoulder the rifle naturally. Then open your eyes\u2014can you see the full field of view?<\/li><li><strong>Adjust Accordingly<\/strong>: If the image is shadowed or incomplete, slide the scope forward or backward until the view is perfect.<\/li><\/ol><p>Using quality rings (like those from Warne Manufacturing or MDT) allows you to adjust the scope position even after tightening the base screws.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_8960\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8960\" style=\"width: 495px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-8960\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/34mm-med-resize-1024x718.jpg\" alt=\"How to Properly Mount a Rifle Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide\" width=\"495\" height=\"347\" title=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8960\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Checkout the full line of custom cerakoted MDT Premier Mounts &#8211; The Perfect fit for your TORIC 30mm or 34mm Scope.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0How to Properly Mount a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/understanding-turkey-behavior\/\">Rifle Scope<\/a>: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/figcaption><\/figure><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Level_the_Reticle\"><\/span>Step 3: Level the Reticle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>A canted reticle can cause your shots to drift left or right, especially at longer distances. Even a few degrees off can result in significant point-of-impact errors.<\/p><h4>Tools &#038; Technique:<\/h4><ul><li>Use a Segway Reticle Leveler or similar tool.<\/li><li>Attach it to the top of your base using the included rubber band.<\/li><li>Align the reticle with the horizontal lines on the leveler.<\/li><li>Adjust the scope until the reticle is perfectly level.<\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> View the reticle from as far back as possible to ensure true alignment.<\/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><h2><\/h2><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Torque_the_Screws_Properly\"><\/span>Step 4: Torque the Screws Properly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>Over-tightening can damage your scope. Under-tightening can cause it to shift under recoil.<\/p><ul><li>Use a torque wrench and follow manufacturers torque specs.<\/li><li>When tightening the screws, make sure to not over tighten the ring top screws. The correct spec for all TRACT Rifle Scopes is: 18inch lbs. of torque.<\/li><li>Check periodically\u2014recoil can loosen screws over time.<\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Make sure the rings are tightened evenly to eliminate any undue stress on the tube or large gaps between the top and bottom part of the rings.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Proper_Mounting_Matters\"><\/span>Why Proper Mounting Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/\">Mounting a scope<\/a> incorrectly can lead to:<\/p><table><thead><tr><th>Mistake<\/th><th>Consequence<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Scope not inline with bore<\/td><td>Run out of adjustment in the scope and not be able to sight in properly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Improper eye relief<\/td><td>Scope bite or inconsistent sight picture.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canted reticle<\/td><td>Cause displacement of shots &#8211; Reticle is not true horizontally and vertically with the bore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Loose screws<\/td><td>Scope shifts during recoil, ruining zero.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p>Imagine zeroing your rifle at 100 yards, only to find your shots drifting 3\u20134 inches at 300 yards\u2014not because of wind, but because your reticle wasn\u2019t level. Or worse, missing a trophy buck because your scope shifted after a few rounds.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Most_Commonly_Asked_Questions_When_Mounting_a_Rifle_Scope\"><\/span>Most Commonly Asked Questions When Mounting a Rifle Scope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><ol><li>What height scope rings should I get?<\/li><li>Can I mount the scope myself or do I need a gunsmith?<\/li><li>What torque value should I use on the ring screws and base screws?<\/li><li>Should I lap the rings?<\/li><li>Should I use Loctite?<\/li><li>How do I know if my reticle is straight?<\/li><\/ol><p><a href=\"https:\/\/help.tractoptics.com\/p\/5GBO-4DJ\/mounts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong>Find the answers<\/strong> <\/span><\/a>to these and many more questions by <span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong><a style=\"color: #ff6600\" href=\"https:\/\/help.tractoptics.com\/p\/5GBO-4DJ\/mounts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">clicking here!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Check_Before_the_Range\"><\/span>Final Check Before the Range<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><ul><li>Eye relief: Comfortable and full field of view.<\/li><li>Reticle: Level and aligned.<\/li><li>Screws: Torqued to spec.<\/li><li>Rifle: Unloaded and safe.<\/li><\/ul><p>Now you\u2019re ready to head to the range and zero your rifle with confidence.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_4958\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4958\" style=\"width: 768px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\/toric-30mm-long-range-rifle-scopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-4958\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/TRACT_30MMLR_970x250.jpg\" alt=\"How to Properly Mount a Rifle Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide\" width=\"768\" height=\"198\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/TRACT_30MMLR_970x250.jpg 970w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/TRACT_30MMLR_970x250-300x77.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/TRACT_30MMLR_970x250-768x198.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/TRACT_30MMLR_970x250-600x155.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/TRACT_30MMLR_970x250-150x39.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4958\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">How to Properly Mount a Rifle Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Whether you&#8217;re mounting a <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\/tekoa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TEKOA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\/response-hunting-rifle-scopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RESPONSE<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\/22-fire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">22 FIRE<\/a> scope, these steps ensure your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/our-top-tips-for-glassing-terrain\/\">optics<\/a> perform at their peak. Precision starts with the mount\u2014don\u2019t skip the fundamentals.<\/p><p>Want help choosing rings or tools for your setup? Let\u2019s build your perfect system together. Contact us now at:<\/p><p>Phone: <span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong>631-662-7354<\/strong><\/span> or Email: <strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><a style=\"color: #ff6600\" href=\"mailto:support@tractoptics.com\">support@tractoptics.com<\/a> <\/span><\/strong>or\u00a0Chat Live: <span style=\"color: #ff6600\"><strong><a style=\"color: #ff6600\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TRACT<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Properly Mount a Rifle Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide. Mounting a rifle scope isn\u2019t just about slapping optics onto your rifle and heading to the range. It\u2019s a precision process that directly impacts accuracy, comfort, and confidence behind the trigger.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11889,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2275,2256,2266,2267,2274],"tags":[2637,2763,2764,2765,2766,2768,2769,2770,2771,2772,2773,2774,3387,3388,3051,3384,3389,3361,3385,3386,3351,3390],"class_list":["post-713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accessories","category-how-to","category-riflescopes","category-shooting-skills","category-video","tag-firearm-safety","tag-how-to-mount-a-rifle-scope","tag-how-to-mount-a-scope","tag-how-to-mount-a-scope-on-a-rifle","tag-how-to-mount-rifle-scope","tag-how-to-properly-mount-a-scope","tag-how-to-read-a-rifle-scope-reticle","tag-how-to-read-a-scope","tag-how-to-read-a-scope-reticle","tag-how-to-read-moa-reticle","tag-how-to-read-scope-reticle","tag-how-to-reset-scope-turrets","tag-leveling-reticle","tag-mounting-rifle-scope","tag-rifle-scope-setup","tag-segway-reticle-leveler","tag-setting-eye-relief","tag-shooting-accuracy","tag-warne-manufacturing-rings","tag-wheeler-torque-wrench","tag-wistia","tag-zeroing-rifle-scope"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/713","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=713"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/713\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11890,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/713\/revisions\/11890"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}