Scope Mounting Novice Scope User

wb3jma · Dec 10, 2020

I have a Mossberg Patriot I just got that comes with Weaver type scope mounts but no rings. Just ordered a Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 4-12X AO scope SFP.

I'll open another thread to get feedback whether SFP was a good choice over FFP. But will need rings to attach to the bases and want some reccomendations(not more $ than the scope please). Especially if you have this gun and have an idea what kind of eye relief is good as well.

John from MD · Dec 10, 2020

I have that exact scope but not on that rifle. Since your mounting on a current production rifle, I would contact Mossberg to ask what height rings would work with the combination. As to eye relief, the scope is listed as having 3.3 inches. That means that you around that distance, between the scope lens and your eye lens, you should have clear and bright view of the full field of vision that the objective lens allows for. YOU need to adjust this for the position that you will be in when shooting the rifle. You do this by leaving the top ring screws somewhat loose so you can move the scope back and forth to get the right view.

I suggest that you take the scope and have it mounted by someone who has done it before. Most gun shops only charge about $25.

wb3jma · Dec 10, 2020

Had been my intention but gunshops and gunsmiths are backed up from weeks to months for anything like this.

SkiPatrolDude · Dec 10, 2020

As low rings as possible without the objective bell coming too close to the barrel.

For my TC compass and 44m objective scope, low rings fit the bill. If I had a 50mm objective I would likely throw medium height rings on it.

I swear by Warne Maxima rings for anything with reasonable recoil. They're not the lightest but they are tough and well made and make for easy mounting. I found the standard Vortex Hunter rings to be insufficient for my 308 bolt action, as the recoil was causing the scope to move forward in the rings.

You also want to make sure to level the rifle to the action. You can achieve satisfactory results with two small bubble levels, one on the weaver mounts and one on the top turret. You will need a gun vise of some kind, or something to ensure the rifle stays secure when you torque the rings down. Use a torque screw driver, a Fat Wrench is a popular option. Mount to scope specs, which is usually 15-18 in lb.

KRC · Dec 12, 2020

I have used low cost rings for decades and never had a ring issue. Very nice rings for reasonable prices are available on eBay. Your choice will be low, medium and high heights. Set your scope on top of your rifle in approximately the position you think it will go, with the tube parallel to the action and with the front bell touching the barrel. Then measure the distance from the bottom of the scope to the top of the base(s). You will need a ring height higher than this distance, and with enough extra height to accommodate the scope cap. Compare this with online ring descriptions, as most rings will have dimensions shown.

As for mounting, "you are not going to learn younger". I'd suggest you try to mount your scope yourself. Lots of descriptions online. I use a flat piece of metal on top of the action with small level bubbles, and a plumb-line to mount the scope level and get the reticle properly oriented with respect to rotation. I also use low cost (eBay) scope level bubble indicators. There are several other scope mounting methods that work well for other people. Also, from your description of your intended use, you do NOT need an expensive FFP scope, as others have indicated in your other post.

ken792 · Dec 12, 2020

Lapping rings takes some specialized tools, but leveling the scope is easy.

My method is to tape a flashlight to the ocular lens and project the reticle onto a wall. Then, hang a plumb bob from the ceiling or wall and turn the scope until the reticle runs parallel to the plumb bob string or its shadow.

Scope Mounting Novice Scope User

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