Introduction
The lever-action rifle, a cornerstone of American firearms history, conjures images of the Wild West, rugged pioneers, and iconic figures etched in the annals of marksmanship. These rifles, known for their reliability, smooth action, and rapid-fire capabilities, remain popular today for hunting, target shooting, and collecting. While traditionally paired with iron sights, the integration of a scope has become increasingly common, offering a significant upgrade in accuracy and effective range.
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to mounting a scope on your lever-action rifle, empowering you to enhance your shooting experience.
Why enhance your trusted lever-action with a scope? The advantages are numerous. Scopes magnify the target, making it easier to acquire and engage at extended distances. They also provide a more precise aiming point, the crosshairs, eliminating the need to align front and rear sights. This increased precision translates to tighter groupings, improved shot placement, and greater confidence in the field or at the range. Furthermore, a scope allows for better target identification in low-light conditions, extending your shooting opportunities.
This article serves as a comprehensive resource, transforming the potentially daunting task of scope mounting into a manageable process. We’ll cover everything from gathering the necessary tools and preparing your rifle to fine-tuning adjustments and zeroing your scope. Throughout this guide, safety is paramount. Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, and follow all local, state, and federal laws. Let’s begin the journey of equipping your lever action for enhanced performance.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before embarking on this project, meticulous preparation is key. Ensure you have all the essential components and tools readily available. This proactive approach will streamline the process and minimize frustration.
First and foremost, you will need the *lever-action rifle* itself. Ensure that the rifle is unloaded and that you have a safe space to work. This is the foundation upon which your scope system will rest.
Next, the *scope*. Choose a scope that suits your intended use and the capabilities of your lever-action rifle. Consider factors such as magnification, objective lens size, and reticle type. A variable-power scope offers versatility for different shooting distances, while a fixed-power scope can be a more economical and straightforward choice.
Critical to this process are the *scope rings*. Scope rings are the connection point between the scope and the rifle, so it’s essential to get the right size. The size of the rings is dictated by two primary factors: the diameter of the scope’s tube and the type of mounting system on your rifle. Your rifle might have a pre-drilled and tapped receiver, or perhaps a rail already attached. If your rifle has a built-in rail, you’ll need to ensure you obtain rings compatible with that rail type (e.g., Weaver, Picatinny). For scopes with a one-inch or thirty-millimeter tube, you’ll need to select rings accordingly.
You’ll also need a set of the appropriate *screwdrivers*. Choose screwdrivers that fit the screws on your scope rings and, if necessary, the screws on your rifle’s mounting system. Using the wrong size or type of screwdriver can damage the screws and make the installation difficult, or even impossible.
A *torque wrench* is highly recommended. It allows you to tighten the screws on the scope rings to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings. Over-tightening can damage the scope or rings, while under-tightening can lead to the scope shifting during recoil, losing zero.
A *level* is another valuable tool. While not strictly essential, using a level will help ensure that the scope’s reticle is perfectly aligned with the rifle. This precise alignment contributes to accuracy, especially at longer ranges. A level can sit atop your scope’s turrets.
Finally, gather a *cleaning rod and patches*. This is for bore sighting.
Preparing the Rifle
Safety is not just a suggestion, it is *the* fundamental principle of firearms handling. Before touching your lever-action rifle or any equipment, double-check the firearm’s safety status. Remove the magazine, if applicable, and manually cycle the action several times to ensure the chamber is empty. Physically inspect the chamber to confirm that no ammunition is present. Point the muzzle of the rifle in a safe direction throughout the entire process. Choose a work area that allows you to work without being distracted.
Next, you must consider the rifle’s mounting options. Many modern lever-action rifles are pre-drilled and tapped on the receiver, ready for scope bases or rings. This is the most straightforward option. Simply screw the appropriate base or rings onto the receiver. Other rifles might have a Weaver or Picatinny rail already attached. Alternatively, some manufacturers offer scope mounting systems that replace the rear iron sight with a rail or a direct mounting system. The choice of mounting system depends on your rifle’s design and your personal preferences.
Inspect the receiver where the rings or base will be mounted. Use a cleaning solvent and a clean cloth to remove any dirt, debris, or old mounting hardware. A clean mounting surface ensures that the scope rings or base sits securely on the receiver.
Mounting the Scope Rings
The success of this project is largely dictated by the way the rings are installed. Carefully study the manufacturer’s instructions for your scope rings. These instructions will outline the precise steps needed for your specific rings.
For the most common setup, you’ll likely be attaching two rings to a base or receiver. Identify the orientation of the rings – the front and rear rings are often slightly different. Place the rings on the mounting surface (receiver or rail).
Secure the rings. Carefully tighten the screws *evenly*. Alternating between screws, tightening them a little at a time, prevents uneven pressure that can distort the scope. If you have a torque wrench, follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications precisely. Evenly tightening all the screws is critical for proper function.
After tightening, it is a good idea to check the alignment of the rings. While most rings are precision-made, ensuring proper alignment before the scope is inserted is helpful.
Installing the Scope
With the rings securely mounted, the next step is to install the scope itself. Carefully open the rings by loosening the screws on the rings. Place the scope into the rings, ensuring it’s positioned correctly. The scope should be oriented so that the windage and elevation adjustments are accessible.
The most crucial aspect of scope mounting is achieving the correct *eye relief*. Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope’s ocular lens (the lens closest to your eye) at which you obtain a full, clear sight picture. Too little eye relief can result in the scope hitting your eyebrow during recoil (ouch!), while too much eye relief can lead to a restricted field of view.
To find the proper eye relief, assume your normal shooting stance. Shoulder the rifle and move the scope forward or backward in the rings until you can see a full, clear picture through the scope without any black edges (vignetting). The full picture is a sign of appropriate eye relief.
Leveling the Scope
Proper scope leveling is essential for long-range accuracy. Use a level to ensure your scope’s reticle is perfectly aligned with the rifle.
The first step involves placing the rifle on a level surface. A level workbench or a stable platform will suffice.
Then, you can begin leveling the scope. You can use a bubble level placed on top of the scope’s windage and elevation turrets. If those turrets aren’t flat, you can use a specialized leveling kit with a base that fits between the turrets. Center the bubble by adjusting the rifle’s position. Then, gently rotate the scope within the rings until the reticle appears level when viewed through the scope.
Tighten the scope ring screws. Once you are sure your scope is perfectly level, begin the tightening process of the screws. *Evenly tighten the screws*, gradually, ensuring the scope remains level. Again, if you have a torque wrench, use it, and remember to abide by the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tightening the Rings
Once the scope is positioned, the eye relief is perfect, and the scope is level, the time has come to tighten the ring screws. Again, we emphasize the importance of *evenly* tightening the screws.
Bore Sighting
Bore sighting is a preliminary step to align your scope with the rifle’s bore. This process will help save time and ammunition when you finally go to the range to zero your scope.
To bore sight, remove the bolt from the rifle (if the rifle design allows). With the bolt removed, you should be able to look *through the barrel* and align it with a distant target (like a target placed at 50 or 100 yards).
Then, look through the scope at the same target. Adjust the windage and elevation knobs of your scope until the crosshairs are aligned with the target you can see through the barrel.
Final Adjustments and Zeroing
Bore sighting provides a starting point, but live fire is essential to precisely zero your scope. Your goal is to adjust the scope until your shots consistently hit the point of aim at the desired range.
Go to a shooting range. Secure the rifle in a stable shooting position (e.g., benchrest). Start by shooting a three- or five-shot group at a target at a reasonable distance (e.g., 50 yards). Observe where your shots are landing on the target. Are they high, low, left, or right?
Adjust the scope’s windage and elevation knobs to correct for the point of impact. The adjustments move the reticle (and, consequently, the bullet’s impact point) in the direction you want it to go. If your shots are hitting high and to the left, adjust the elevation and windage knobs to bring the point of impact down and to the right. Scopes often have markings that indicate the direction each click moves the point of impact.
Shoot another group of shots. Continue making adjustments until your shots consistently hit the point of aim.
Fine-tuning for bullet drop is another consideration. At longer ranges, bullets drop due to gravity. Depending on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and the distance, you may need to compensate for bullet drop by adjusting your scope’s elevation.
Tips and Considerations
Choosing the right scope for a lever-action rifle is a key decision. Consider the rifle’s intended use and the distances you plan to shoot. For close-range hunting or plinking, a lower-magnification scope (e.g., 1-4x or 2-7x) may be sufficient. For longer-range shooting, a higher-magnification scope (e.g., 3-9x or 4-12x) may be appropriate. Look for scopes that are durable and can withstand the recoil of a lever-action rifle. Consider the weight and size of the scope, ensuring it doesn’t make the rifle feel too unbalanced.
Periodically check the tightness of the scope rings. Recoil can sometimes cause screws to loosen over time. Make sure you check the tightness of the screws before each shooting session.
Routine maintenance will keep your lever action and scope in good working order. Clean the rifle regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep the lenses of your scope clean and free of dust and debris.
Should you encounter any common problems such as loose screws or accuracy issues, it may be time to re-tighten the scope rings, double check alignment, and possibly re-zero the scope.
Conclusion
Mounting a scope on a lever-action rifle can significantly enhance its performance. By following these steps, you have equipped your rifle for improved accuracy, extended range, and a more rewarding shooting experience. The increased precision offered by a scope will allow you to make more accurate shots, leading to greater success in hunting or target shooting.
Always remember that safety is paramount when handling firearms. Following the correct procedures, taking the time to mount your scope correctly, and practicing safe gun handling techniques are the keys to a safe and enjoyable shooting experience. Enjoy your newly scoped lever action!
