Lapping scope rings?

Sirex · Mar 9, 2019

So, I bought a Nikon scope, and scope mount for my AR10. Should the rings always be lapped, or is it ok to just drop the Nikon scope in the Nikon rings? One person told me you only need to lap the rings if they are cheap rings. Thanks

Bountied · Mar 9, 2019

These days there really is no need to lap scope rings. I have never lapped any set of rings or mounts I have purchased in the past 20 years and I have had no issues with any of them. Just make sure to torque the screws to the specified amount and you will be good to go.

davsco · Mar 9, 2019

i've never lapped scope rings because i've never seen a need to do that. i guess some might need that though. but the nice thing about actual mounts, is the rings are (or at least, should be) totally and permanently aligned such that lapping is not an issue.

Doco Overboard · Mar 9, 2019

Every once in a while I will lap scope rings after checking them with alignment rods. You would be surprised sometimes what you find. Ring caps off, saddles out of alignment and tapped holes off just enough to create a little stress. If you have access to the tools and a little time it doesn't hurt to smooth them out some. What I try to keep in mind is limiting the amount of vibration that is transmitted to the ring clamping surface and the optic.

antco · Mar 12, 2019

Some additional input, along with my opinion and Ed's: https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=166916&highlight=Rings

kingfish · Mar 12, 2019

If your scope is expensive, lap the rings and properly torque the screws. You will put Ring marks on your scope if you don’t

clandestine · Mar 12, 2019

Yes, it matters. Good kits are not cheap though.

smdub · Mar 13, 2019

You have a one piece mount. Lapping should not be required as it would take a spectacularly crappy cnc to machine them wrong in one operation (though anything is possible.) Individual rings are likely to need it.

The mount you show in your last picture is a POS though. I've had one, ranted about it before, and others here have had problems too. Since both sides that 'clamp' to the rail are movable it doesn't reliability mount straight. If you can wiggle it and get it to mount straight and not need a ton of windage adjustment from your scope don't take it off. It won't hane as much recoil resistance or being knocked sideways either. Just a lousy design.

Sirex · Mar 13, 2019

smdub said:
You have a one piece mount. Lapping should not be required as it would take a spectacularly crappy cnc to machine them wrong in one operation (though anything is possible.) Individual rings are likely to need it.

The mount you show in your last picture is a POS though. I've had one, ranted about it before, and others here have had problems too. Since both sides that 'clamp' to the rail are movable it doesn't reliability mount straight. If you can wiggle it and get it to mount straight and not need a ton of windage adjustment from your scope don't take it off. It won't hane as much recoil resistance or being knocked sideways either. Just a lousy design.

So a pair of Nikon scope rings would be better than this one piece? I just (incorrectly) figured a one piece would be more stable.

My scope isn't a top end scope, but a half decent one, according to reviews, and matches the gun. Not one of the eBay cheapies though. I guess I should get the individual scope rings then by Nikon.

Sirex · Mar 13, 2019

antco said:
Some additional input, along with my opinion and Ed's: https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=166916&highlight=Rings

A good chunk of knowledge there. Thanks

smdub · Mar 13, 2019

Sirex said:
So a pair of Nikon scope rings would be better than this one piece?

Nothing wrong w/ a good one piece mount. IMO, anything is better than *THAT* one piece mount. Nikon makes other ones that don't have the stupid two picatinny rail clamps (one side is machined w/ the mount and only one side of the clamp moves.) Most other single piece mounts are fine as Nikon is the only one who seems to do the 2 part clamp thing. I can't find the threads here on it. If you tighten it down in small steps and really wiggle/twist it side to side while its starting to lock down you might be able to get it fairly straight.

Lapping scope rings?

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