“Precision meets power with our step-by-step guide to mounting a scope on your AR-15.”
Choosing the Right Scope for Your AR-15
Mounting a scope on your AR-15 can greatly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall performance. However, before you can start enjoying the benefits of a scope, you need to choose the right one for your rifle. There are a few key factors to consider when selecting a scope for your AR-15.
First and foremost, you need to determine the intended use of your rifle. Are you planning on using it for hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications? The type of shooting you will be doing will dictate the type of scope you need. For example, if you are a hunter, you may want a scope with a higher magnification level to help you spot game from a distance. On the other hand, if you are a competitive shooter, you may prefer a scope with a wider field of view for quick target acquisition.
Another important factor to consider is the magnification range of the scope. Magnification refers to how much closer an object appears when viewed through the scope. A scope with a higher magnification level will allow you to see targets at a greater distance, but may also make it more difficult to acquire targets at close range. Conversely, a scope with a lower magnification level will provide a wider field of view and make it easier to acquire targets up close, but may limit your ability to shoot accurately at long distances.
Once you have determined the intended use and magnification range of your scope, you can start looking at other features such as reticle type, objective lens size, and turret adjustments. The reticle is the crosshair or aiming point in the scope, and there are several different types to choose from, including duplex, mil-dot, and BDC reticles. The objective lens size refers to the diameter of the front lens of the scope, and a larger objective lens will allow more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter image. Turret adjustments allow you to make fine adjustments to the windage and elevation of the scope, ensuring that your shots are on target.
Once you have chosen the right scope for your AR-15, it’s time to mount it on your rifle. The first step is to ensure that your rifle is unloaded and the safety is engaged. Next, remove the existing scope mount or rail from your rifle, if applicable. If you are installing a new scope mount, make sure it is compatible with your rifle and that it is securely attached to the receiver.
Next, place the scope in the rings of the scope mount and adjust the eye relief, which is the distance between your eye and the scope, to ensure a clear and comfortable sight picture. Once you have the eye relief set, tighten the screws on the scope rings to secure the scope in place. Be sure to use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications to prevent damage to the scope.
After the scope is securely mounted on your rifle, it’s time to zero it in. This involves adjusting the windage and elevation turrets on the scope to align the point of impact with the point of aim. To do this, set up a target at a known distance and fire a few rounds to see where they hit. Use the turret adjustments to move the point of impact to the point of aim, making sure to make small adjustments and recheck your zero after each shot.
In conclusion, choosing the right scope for your AR-15 and mounting it properly are essential steps in improving your shooting accuracy and overall performance. By considering factors such as intended use, magnification range, and features like reticle type and turret adjustments, you can select a scope that meets your needs and preferences. With the right scope mounted on your rifle, you’ll be ready to take on any shooting challenge with confidence and precision.

Properly Mounting the Scope Base
Mounting a scope on your AR-15 can greatly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall performance. However, it is important to ensure that the scope is properly mounted to avoid any issues down the line. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in properly mounting a scope on your AR-15.
The first step in mounting a scope on your AR-15 is to select the appropriate scope base. There are various types of scope bases available, including Picatinny rails and Weaver rails. It is important to choose a scope base that is compatible with your AR-15 and the scope you plan to mount.
Once you have selected the appropriate scope base, the next step is to ensure that the mounting surface is clean and free of any debris. Use a cleaning solvent and a clean cloth to wipe down the mounting surface to remove any dirt or oil that may interfere with the mounting process.
After cleaning the mounting surface, it is time to attach the scope base to your AR-15. Place the scope base on top of the rifle’s receiver and align it with the mounting screw holes. Use the appropriate screws to secure the scope base to the receiver, making sure to tighten them securely to prevent any movement.
Once the scope base is securely attached to the receiver, it is time to install the scope rings. Place the scope rings on top of the scope base and align them with the mounting holes. Use the appropriate screws to secure the scope rings to the base, making sure to tighten them securely.
After the scope rings are securely attached to the base, it is time to mount the scope. Place the scope in the rings and adjust it to the desired eye relief. Once you have the scope positioned correctly, tighten the screws on the scope rings to secure the scope in place.
It is important to ensure that the scope is properly aligned with the rifle’s bore. To do this, use a bore sighter or laser boresighter to align the scope with the bore. Adjust the windage and elevation turrets on the scope until the reticle is centered on the target.
Once the scope is properly aligned, it is time to zero the scope. Take your rifle to the range and fire a few rounds to see where the bullets are hitting. Use the windage and elevation turrets on the scope to adjust the point of impact until it matches the point of aim.
Properly mounting a scope on your AR-15 is essential for achieving optimal shooting accuracy. By following these steps and taking the time to ensure that the scope is properly aligned and zeroed, you can greatly improve your shooting performance. So, take the time to mount your scope correctly and enjoy the benefits of enhanced accuracy on your AR-15.
Installing Scope Rings Correctly
Mounting a scope on your AR-15 can greatly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall performance. In order to ensure that your scope is properly mounted, it is crucial to install scope rings correctly. Scope rings are essential components that secure the scope to the rifle and provide stability and alignment for accurate shooting. In this article, we will discuss the steps to correctly install scope rings on your AR-15.
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment for the installation process. You will need a torque wrench, a set of scope rings, and a level. It is important to use high-quality scope rings that are compatible with your scope and rifle to ensure a secure and stable mounting.
To start, remove the top half of the scope rings and place them on the rail of your AR-15. Make sure the rings are evenly spaced and aligned with the rail. Use a level to ensure that the rings are perfectly horizontal and not tilted in any direction. This step is crucial for proper alignment and accuracy when shooting.
Once the rings are in position, place the scope on top of the rings and adjust it to the desired eye relief. Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope when aiming. It is important to find the right eye relief for comfortable and accurate shooting. Once you have adjusted the scope to the correct eye relief, tighten the screws on the rings to secure the scope in place.
Next, it is important to torque the screws on the scope rings to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Over-tightening the screws can damage the scope or the rifle, while under-tightening can cause the scope to become loose during shooting. Use a torque wrench to ensure that the screws are tightened to the correct specifications for a secure and stable mounting.
After torquing the screws, check the alignment of the scope with the rifle. Look through the scope and adjust the reticle to ensure that it is centered and aligned with the bore of the rifle. This step is crucial for accurate shooting and precision when aiming at targets. Make any necessary adjustments to the scope to achieve perfect alignment.
Finally, check the stability of the scope by gently tapping on the scope with your finger. The scope should not move or shift in the rings. If the scope moves, re-tighten the screws on the rings to secure it in place. It is important to ensure that the scope is securely mounted to prevent any movement or shifting during shooting.
In conclusion, installing scope rings correctly is essential for mounting a scope on your AR-15. By following these steps and using the right tools and equipment, you can ensure a secure and stable mounting for accurate shooting and improved performance. Take your time during the installation process and double-check your work to ensure that the scope is properly aligned and secured. With a properly mounted scope, you can enhance your shooting accuracy and enjoy a more successful shooting experience with your AR-15.
Aligning and Leveling the Scope
Mounting a scope on your AR-15 can greatly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall performance. However, it is crucial to ensure that the scope is properly aligned and leveled to achieve the best results. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in aligning and leveling your scope on an AR-15.
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment, including a scope, scope rings, a scope mount, a bubble level, and a torque wrench. It is also important to have a stable shooting platform to work on, such as a shooting bench or a vise.
To start, place your AR-15 on a stable surface and remove any existing scope or accessories. Next, attach the scope mount to the rifle’s rail system, making sure it is securely fastened. Then, place the scope in the rings and tighten the screws to hold it in place.
Once the scope is mounted, it is time to align it with the rifle. To do this, look through the scope and adjust the windage and elevation turrets until the reticle is centered. This will ensure that your shots will hit the target where you aim.
After aligning the scope, the next step is to level it. A level scope is essential for accurate shooting, as any tilt or cant can cause your shots to miss the mark. To level the scope, place a bubble level on the rifle’s rail system and adjust the scope mount until the bubble is centered.
It is important to check the level multiple times from different angles to ensure accuracy. Once the scope is properly leveled, tighten the screws on the scope rings to secure it in place. Be sure to use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications to prevent over-tightening.
After mounting, aligning, and leveling your scope, it is important to test it at the range to ensure it is zeroed in correctly. Start by shooting a group of shots at a target and adjust the windage and elevation turrets as needed to center your shots on the target.
Remember to take your time and be patient when mounting a scope on your AR-15. Proper alignment and leveling are crucial for achieving accurate and consistent shooting results. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can ensure that your scope is mounted correctly and ready for action.
In conclusion, mounting a scope on your AR-15 is a straightforward process that can greatly improve your shooting accuracy. By aligning and leveling your scope properly, you can ensure that your shots hit the target where you aim. Remember to use the right tools and take your time to achieve the best results. Happy shooting!
Zeroing In Your Scope
Mounting a scope on your AR-15 is a crucial step in ensuring accuracy and precision when shooting. Once you have successfully mounted your scope, the next step is to zero it in. Zeroing in your scope means adjusting it so that the point of aim matches the point of impact at a specific distance. This process may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and techniques, you can easily zero in your scope and improve your shooting accuracy.
Before you begin zeroing in your scope, it is important to understand the basics of how a scope works. A scope consists of two main components: the reticle and the turrets. The reticle is the crosshair or aiming point inside the scope, while the turrets are the knobs used to adjust the windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) settings of the scope. By making precise adjustments to the turrets, you can align the reticle with the point of impact of your shots.
To zero in your scope, you will need a stable shooting platform, such as a shooting bench or sandbags, to ensure consistent shooting conditions. Start by setting up a target at your desired zeroing distance, typically 100 yards for most AR-15 rifles. Take a few shots to establish a baseline group on the target.
Next, use the turrets on your scope to make adjustments to the windage and elevation settings. Start by adjusting the windage turret to move the point of impact horizontally towards the center of the target. Make small adjustments and take additional shots to confirm the changes. Repeat this process until the point of impact aligns with the point of aim.
Once you have adjusted the windage settings, move on to the elevation turret to adjust the vertical point of impact. Similar to the windage adjustments, make small changes and take additional shots to confirm the adjustments. Continue this process until the point of impact matches the point of aim at the desired zeroing distance.
It is important to remember that zeroing in a scope is a trial-and-error process that may require multiple adjustments to achieve the desired results. Take your time and be patient as you make incremental changes to the windage and elevation settings. Keep in mind that environmental factors such as wind and temperature can also affect your shooting accuracy, so it is important to zero in your scope under consistent conditions.
Once you have successfully zeroed in your scope, it is recommended to confirm your zero at different distances to ensure accuracy at various ranges. You can also make adjustments to your zero based on your shooting preferences and the type of ammunition you are using.
In conclusion, zeroing in your scope is a critical step in maximizing the accuracy and precision of your AR-15 rifle. By understanding the basics of how a scope works and following the proper techniques for zeroing in, you can improve your shooting performance and hit your targets with confidence. Remember to take your time, be patient, and make small adjustments to achieve the desired zeroing results. Happy shooting!