Rifle Scopes Switching Optics between rifles

[DannyS99]

I'm planning on buying a good scope (instead of 2 mediocre ones) and sharing it between my AR & bolt action. I'm thinking about using rings with quick detach levers but to be honest, I don't know how stable these types of rings are since I've never used them. Please take this as a novice question.

My AR is flat top and the FF tube has top rails for its entire length as well.

Purpose for both rifles are paper punching & plate dinging up to 500 yards. No hunting, competition or defense scenarios.

Thanks folks & happy new year!






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[Graham]

Switching Optics between rifles

So.... What is your question?

BTW, it would be cheaper to buy standard 30mm rings and switch the scope by only loosening the base screws.

The problem you will have switching between AR and bolt gun platforms is the excessive ring height necessary for mounting on an AR rail.

 

[Rob01]

Put a riser on the AR and get a set of standard rings for the bolt gun and then you can swap right over to the AR and it will be proper height for both.

 

[Deadshot2]

I switch scopes from rifle to rifle on a regular basis. I've found that if you first set the rings on the "rail", bottom section only, then lap them with a lapping bar, you can transfer the scope without any problem. I use only premium steel rails that are as straight as can be. The rings have to be of good quality top but so far I've found my Leupold QD's to handle the job flawlessly.

Zero the scope on the rifle it will be used on most then record all changes necessary (Windage and Elevation) when installed on the "new" rifle as "+" or "-" numbers. Again, for me, this has worked great and any variations are well within those you'd see with weather/condition changes.

Just remember to lap the rings while they're installed on a nice straight rail, not some cheapie you buy "off the peg" at a "big box store".

 

[Graham]

Switching Optics between rifles

You don't need to lap quality rings.

And you don't lap rings to fix a problem with a base.

OP, lapping or not lapping the rings has nothing to do with your issue.

 

[DannyS99]

Amazing information in such a short time. Thanks Folks!!!






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[Deadshot2]

You don't need to lap quality rings.

I heard that from a "Quality Ring" Mfr too. Unfortunately their rings weren't as "Quality" as their literature and Customer Service claimed.


FWIW lapping rings, as long as they are mounted on a "straight" base, can do wonders for even a mediocre set of rings. I spent a long time as a precision tool/die/model maker and learned this a long time ago.

That said, one can choose any path they want.

 

[Graham]

I heard that from a "Quality Ring" Mfr too. Unfortunately their rings weren't as "Quality" as their literature and Customer Service.

Then they were not quality rings.

Lapping can be necessary when the scope tube is too thick at one ring and the correct diameter at the other ring. But it is never an effective remedy for poor quality rings.

 

[Zebra644]

LonewolfUSMC AKA 8541 Tactical did a return to zero test with 1 or 2 QD systems check that out on you-tube. As previously mentioned, ring height may cause you to not find the same point of reference and cause you to kinda crane neck or look over / under the scope instrad of through it. Also be aware that you are mixing two different platforms . Different feel, different recoil impulse and different triggers. Your going from shooting a 2 stage trigger to a single stage. So your going from shooting a Glock to a single acttion revolver so to speak so it may take you a little bit to adjust from one platform to another.

 

[Deadshot2]

Then they were not quality rings.

Lapping can be necessary when the scope tube is too thick at one ring and the correct diameter at the other ring. But it is never an effective remedy for poor quality rings.

Trust me, the rings were quality (and expensive). Never overlook the fact that parts produced on different machines, in different shops, have a different set of tolerances. Both parts can be within tolerance but when "mated" the tolerances stack.

 

[dondlhmn]

Trust me, the rings were quality (and expensive). Never overlook the fact that parts produced on different machines, in different shops, have a different set of tolerances. Both parts can be within tolerance but when "mated" the tolerances stack.

The above is VERY true...just ask any machinist you know about production tolerances and how differences can creep in along the way as an item is made or measured or installed.. Now, you CAN minimize the allowable tolerances by buying the very best (usually means VERY expensive) product you can get your hands on, but there will ALWAYS be some difference between PERFECT and what you can get your hands on...there are tolerances +/- in measuring equipment, tools, variables with temperature, installation error, etc....etc...The tolerances can stack up in your favor or against you and that is mostly luck of the draw, but CAN be managed, to a degree, by checking/measuring many "identical" parts and then selecting the ones that best suit your application. The trick there is to use the VERY, VERY most accurate measuring equipment operated by the VERY, VERY best, most experienced, most consistent person. Hey, kid...How much MONEY you got?????

 

[Graham]

Switching Optics between rifles

Nobody said scope rings are always perfect, and no one is arguing that, in theory, tolerances stack. But that wasn't the question and it has nothing to do with the correct answers here. In the quest to be right, when one back peddles enough to begin stating the obvious, in detective work we call that a 'clue'.