How To Mount A Scope On An AR-15?

The AR-15 is an American-made semi-automatic rifle. It has been produced for several decades and still remains one of the most popular types of civilian weapons. This model is mainly used for hunting and self-defense. She is also found in the police departments. To increase the accuracy of shooting, users supplement the rifle with an optical sight. The process of its installation requires the presence of certain tools and needs to follow the correct sequence of actions.

Scope mounting tools

Attaching a scope to an AR-15 is not a very difficult task. At the same time, the owner of the weapon needs to carefully prepare for such work. To do this, you need to find or buy the tools that will be needed when performing certain manipulations.

List of required tools:

1. Torque wrench. Anyone who wants to put a scope on their rifle will need this device. It is used to attach the optics to the platform provided for this, located on the weapon. Such a key is universal. With it, you can also do a lot of related work, so having it in the house is a must.

2. Wrench (hex). Such a tool is used for its intended purpose. It helps to fix the optics to the installed bar. Very often, the key is part of the assembly kit and is sold along with the mount.

3. Special screwdriver. It is also often included with the mount. With the help of this tool, the fixation of the rings and the base of the structure is pulled out. Such a screwdriver is an alternative to a key and is rarely used.

4. Building level (bubble). The sight should be parallel to the barrel of the rifle. It is practically impossible to do this without the use of an additional tool. In this regard, users buy a bubble-type building level. Its capabilities are enough to align the fixed elements and achieve parallelism of the optics with the AR-15 barrel.

5. Special stand. To simplify the process of attaching optics to a rifle, you need to purchase a weapon stand. It will securely fix the AR-15 and make it immobile during work. Also, this tool will simplify the task of the user while using the building level. An ordinary vise can become an alternative to the stand, but their use is carried out only as a last resort.

In addition to tools, an AR-15 owner will need a scope mount. It is a connecting element between optics and weapons. This part is purchased separately, taking into account the chosen mounting option for the sight. In the process of carrying out the work, the user will also need some kind of alcohol-containing composition and cotton pads. These items are used to clean the surface of all parts used in mounting the scope.

How to mount a scope on an AR-15

The process of connecting a rifle with a sight takes place in several stages. On each of them, the owner of the weapon performs certain manipulations that allow you to achieve the desired result. In this case, it is important to perform all actions as carefully as possible. Only in this case the sight will be fixed correctly and there will be no difficulties during its operation.

The correct sequence of actions:

1. Before moving on to the process of attaching optics, you need to take measures that will make the weapon safe for the user. To do this, you need to unload the rifle, remove the magazine from it and make sure there is no cartridge in the chamber. Similar work needs to be done several times in a row. In this case, you will be protected from accidental shots and protect yourself from big troubles as much as possible.

2. At the next stage, prepare all the items necessary for work. Among them should be carefully selected tools and accessories. Such preparation will help to fully concentrate on the process of mounting optics and not be distracted by the search for one or another object.

3. Place the weapon stand on a level and non-slip surface. This will help to avoid structural shifts, which will greatly complicate the process of installing the sight. Attach the rifle well to the base and make sure it is stationary. After that, check the entire structure with a building level for tilt to one side or the other. If there are inaccuracies, alignment should be done by any available means (for example, raise one of the corners of the table by a few millimeters).

4. Using a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol, thoroughly wipe all visible parts of the weapon and fasteners. This procedure will help to remove grease and other dirt from the surface of the rifle parts, which can affect the accuracy of the installation of the sight. Similar actions with fasteners will eliminate the same problems during installation.

5. After completing all the preparatory activities, you can proceed directly to the installation itself. At its initial stage, fix the mount on the upper receiver. This must be done as carefully as possible to avoid any shifts or distortions. At the same time, do not forget that it is not recommended to install the mount on a special rail. Otherwise, the load on the barrel of the AR-15 will increase, which will lead to various negative consequences.

6. Use your fingers or a wrench to tighten the optics well. After that, perform the same work with a torque wrench. This tool will allow you to achieve greater connection strength, in accordance with the recommendations of the scope manufacturer. In this case, you should not overtighten the fasteners, as in this case the probability of their destruction will increase.

7. In the next step, use the building level again. Use it to re-check the horizontal position of the weapon on the stand. Next, take the scope and place it on the mount. Make sure that the used rings are supported by the surface of the optics. Perform all actions slowly and carefully in order to correctly position the sight and not damage it.

8. Fix one of the parts of the rings using the available tool. At the same time, do not forget to leave a gap on each side for the location of the optics.

9. After completing the previous steps, adjust the eye relief. In this case, be guided by personal preferences and achieve the optimal distance from the lenses to the eyes. As soon as this task is completed, immediately put the top caps on the optics.

10. Tighten fasteners firmly. Ensure that the optic does not move in the mount and does not vibrate when changing the position of the rifle.

11. Having finished installing the sight, take the building level again. They should check the AR-15’s position for any deviations from the horizontal. If necessary, make adjustments and make sure that the air bubble in the level flask is exactly in the center.

12. After that, examine the location of the reticle. If necessary, make the necessary changes and achieve the optimal position of the auxiliary aiming lines.

13. At the final stage, place the level on the scope itself. It should show no deviations from the horizontal and vertical. Then once again check the strength of the fastening of the rings and the position of the reticle.

The AR-15 is a versatile weapon found in police and civilian use. It is simple and easy to use, but requires careful aiming before firing. To make things easier, rifle owners use optical sights. They are quite simply attached to the weapon and do not require the user to have much experience in carrying out such work. If you do not make mistakes and follow all the precautions, you will be able to quickly upgrade the AR-15 and reduce the percentage of inaccurate shots.