Scope ring lapping

[Mistered]

Known about it for quite some time and just tonight I started researching it and how it is accomplished exactly and the design of the tool.
Actually it's about what I thought and a lapping tool will be easy to make.
I have often wondered about how a scope might be affected by rings that are slightly out of alignment and lapping looks like a simple process to eliminate any misalignment.

[JEBar]

interesting .... I've read about it and watched a couple of short videos but haven't given it any serious consideration .... looking forward to your continued reports

[Lyman]

I have often wondered about it. Seen the tools. Seen the videos. Keep us posted if you go down that road.

[markiver54]

My only scoped rifle is my BBS 357. The Talley one piece mount does not require lapping. That's why I chose it. Height was perfect for me and I didn't have to bother with that process. Easy to mount also and less parts to possibly loosen up.
If I ever scope one with separate rings I will definitely lap them. Don't want any scope tube damage.
The Wheeler kit is not awfully expensive, if I remember correctly.

[Yornoc3]

I've done it a bit, mostly to assure there are no rough edges to mar the scope tube, since the rings and bases I've checked since acquiring the tools have all been really true for alignment. Still, it makes sure everything is just right. Another point is to be sure not to over-tighten rings. I've found the inch pounds torque driver to be a worthwhile tool to have to avoid that.

[Mags]

.
yes, an absolute must to avoid over tightening.

... Another point is to be sure not to over-tighten rings. I've found the inch pounds torque driver to be a worthwhile tool to have to avoid that.

[Mistered]

The Talley one piece mount does not require lapping.

Reading this got me to thinking about it again.
Heck now I just need to scrounge up a section of 1" shaft stock to make my tool. I could probably probably get by with a piece of cold roll but I'll see what I can find.
I might even bore a hole in one end and press in a section of drill rod so I can use my drill driver to 'automate' this process.

[markiver54]

The Talley one piece mount does not require lapping.

Reading this got me to thinking about it again.
Heck now I just need to scrounge up a section of 1" shafting stock to make my tool. I could probably probably get by with a piece of cold roll but I'll see what I can find.
I might even bore a hole in one end and press in a section of drill rod so I can use my drill driver to 'automate' this process.

The nice thing a bout the Wheeler kit is that it comes with 3 shafts. One is the lapping tool and the other two are pointed at the ends. They are to be mounted opposite each other in the rings so you can see perfect alignment when points meet up.

Something tells me you already knew that Ed.
BTW, no way would I attempt to automate this process.

[Mistered]

BTW, no way would I attempt to automate this process.

I agree - just a passing thought.
I'll keep it 'manual' - it doesn't appear it will take much to get the rings lapped and lined up.

[Stray Cat]

The Talley one piece mount does not require lapping.

Reading this got me to thinking about it again.
Heck now I just need to scrounge up a section of 1" shaft stock to make my tool. I could probably probably get by with a piece of cold roll but I'll see what I can find.
I might even bore a hole in one end and press in a section of drill rod so I can use my drill driver to 'automate' this process.

Mistered ~ Did you get the chance to make up and try out your lapping bar? I'm going to try my hand at it with the 1" size in the Wheeler kit. I was curious what your experience may have been.

[markiver54]

The lapping procedure is not real difficult, or time consuming. It's worth it to just get the wheeler kit as to make it easy.
Need a good support sled, clamps or whatever, to hold your rifle. Once everything is sighted, as close as you can get it, then, remove scope and lap. Biggest reason for lapping is to prevent any deformation of the scope tube. Scope can be mounted without lapping, however, the process insures that everything is sitting comfortably with no damage or movement.

[Stray Cat]

The lapping procedure is not real difficult, or time consuming. It's worth it to just get the wheeler kit as to make it easy.
Need a good support sled, clamps or whatever, to hold your rifle. Once everything is sighted, as close as you can get it, then, remove scope and lap. Biggest reason for lapping is to prevent any deformation of the scope tube. Scope can be mounted without lapping, however, the process insures that everything is sitting comfortably with no damage or movement.

It is interesting how many scope mounting tutorial videos there are where they never mention lapping or mounting torque.

[markiver54]

This is true Stray Cat, however if one wants to be truly anal, and I confess that I usually lean that way, It is the proper way to do it. I bought the BBS 357, then added the Talley, one piece, scope mount to avoid the process. So I don't own the kit, however, if I were to purchase separate parts, ie: scope rail and two piece ring set up, then I would take the time to lap.

[Shakey Jake]

I used to lap before discovering Warne rings. No need to lap with them.

[Mistered]

Did you get the chance to make up and try out your lapping bar?

No I did not - yet.

Other priorities got in the way.

While I believe ring lapping is beneficial it was not a cause of the problem I was dealing with the Ruger PCC issue I was experiencing so I did not pursue it at the time.

Largely in part if the scope tube 'seats' in the bottom rings with little to no binding and the top rings the same there will probably be no issues. I have never had a problem with any scope I have ever mounted however like I said I do see lapping as beneficial as a nice, smooth fit of the scope in the rings is another advantage to accuracy.

If you have a kit however I would go for it and let us know how it works out for you.

[markiver54]

The two pointed bars in the kit, when mounted, show what adjustments are needed to assure that both the front and rear rings are in perfect alignment with each other. Important to do to avoid scope tube damage and improve accuracy.

[Mags]

With the rings I've bought so far I haven't seen the need to lap. When I mount a scope the ring screws and mount bolts all start out semi-loose. I gradually tighten each in rotation so that the mount and rings settle into position with the least amount of binding. Latest rings have been the Vortex tactical.

[ESquared]

I used to lap before discovering Warne rings. No need to lap with them.

+1 on Jake's comments on Warne products. Very "true" when it comes to alignment and security. Have had great experiences with Leupold rings, too.

[Stray Cat]

When I mounted my Leupold on my Thompson muzzleloader, I didn't torque the base screws or the clamp screws on the dove tail rings.
My group is 2" @ 100 yards. I've been wondering if I reset the scope using the alignment, lap (if needed) and torque the screws if I might
see an improvement. Then again it is a muzzleloader, not exactly a precision load on each shot.

[markiver54]

When I mounted my Leupold on my Thompson muzzleloader, I didn't torque the base screws or the clamp screws on the dove tail rings.
My group is 2" @ 100 yards. I've been wondering if I reset the scope using the alignment, lap (if needed) and torque the screws if I might
see an improvement. Then again it is a muzzleloader, not exactly a precision load on each shot.

Stray Cat; if I had 2" groups at 100 yards with ANY of my firearms, I would be thrilled, and not change a thing!
Especially with a muzzle loader.