Rifle Scopes Rule of thumb for lapping

[DeauxJoe]

When should I lap my rings? I'm curious because I did a search on it and I saw a lot of people recommended aginst lapping a set of seeking rings. So for example I am putting a set of NF ultralights on a badger base on a R700. Should I lap them? On the other have I'm also putting a set of NF ultra lights on a TC built on base, should I lap those?

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

With Seekins & Nightforce rings you will probably do more damage then helping them. I wouldn't lap those rings as they have pretty tight tolerances already.

 

[Graham]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

Lapping won't tighten any tolerances on the rings.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DeauxJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When should I lap my rings?</div></div>Measure your scope tube. If there's more than a few thousands between the diameter of the front section and the rear section of the tube you might want to consider lapping the rings. I've never needed to.

 

[buckey]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSTARSZ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With Seekins & Nightforce rings you will probably do more damage then helping them. I wouldn't lap those rings as they have pretty tight tolerances already. </div></div>


BINGO!!!!!


Don't lap - just install & torque to specs, then go shooting!!

 

[DeauxJoe]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

Thanks guys, I figured that was going to be the answer. The cost of being wrong would have been high though lol.

 

[Mile High Shooting]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

Nightforce specifically recommends NOT to lap their rings. That's one of the advantages of paying the higher cost of premium rings.

-Sean

 

[DeauxJoe]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

Thank you sir, that advice I know i can go by.

 

[Twitch2120]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

high end rings dont need it. having a base that isnt level can give the illusion of needing it. make sure your base isnt bent and is bedded if need be.

 

[DeauxJoe]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

I understand bedding of an action, but what is bedding of a base?

 

[azimutha]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

I've never seen ring marks using either Seekins or a NF unimount. So would agree: Don't lap. Just buy good rings and bases.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

Bedding a base:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoW5bHQqgis

 

[Graham]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

Bedding the base has nothing to do with whether or not you need to lap your rings.

 

[ChaosKid]

Re: Rule of thumb for lapping

I didn't lap mine, but when I installed my Nightforce rings I used a lapping bar to align the rings before torquing the bottom halves and dropping the scope in. Just place the rings on the rail, lay the bar in, try the upper halves for size, torque. Replace the lapping bar with the scope and everything was fine.
No metal removed.