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Scope ring lapping

bpost
Is it a good idea to lap the scope rings on high recoil rifles?
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9 comments

Date Votes
  • codenamepaul
    I think its a good idea on any mount you will put a quality scope into. A high recoil rifle practically requires this (quality scope). Case in point- I have a Win. Mod. 70 in 7mm Mag (fair recoil, more than 30-06 less than a .458) I went cheap on the scope (came w/a Simmons cheapo 3x9) replacement 2x before I decided on a Leupold that stayed together. The crosshair was usually what broke on the cheapos. The lapping ensures the rings are perfectly aligned with the scope, and that any "internal" ring imperfections will not damage the scope.


    Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my gun.
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  • JustC
    It has nothing to do with recoil but it is a good idea. On todays production actions you can't be sure if the scope base mounting holes are all drilled in line with the bore. This will lead to misalignment of the rings and can "pinch" the adjustments or dent the scope tube (known as ring marks). Lapping the rings WHILE ON THE RIFLE will align them and allow a better fit. Once removed and put on another rifle or base, the rings must be re-lapped for that rifle/base combo.

    I lapp the rings I install my tactical and high end scopes in, especially a tactical ring like Badger Ordnance which due to it's construction could really crush a scope tube.

    why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
    Got Balistics?
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  • He Dog
    I lapp them for every scope, but I am not as good a shot as JustC and need all the help I can get.
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  • gotstolefrom
    I'm over 50, been hanging around gun shops, ranges, and fiddling with guns since I was 10 or 12. I have lapped more than a few things in my time, but I have never heard of 'scope lapping'.
    Am I to assume that you use a mild polishing compound between the rings and scope tube and 'polish' a perfect fit in ?
    Could be because I have only owned a few scoped guns.

    Enlighten me please



    If we do not hang together,
    We will most certainly hang separately.
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  • bpost
    quote:Originally posted by gotstolefrom
    I'm over 50, been hanging around gun shops, ranges, and fiddling with guns since I was 10 or 12. I have lapped more than a few things in my time, but I have never heard of 'scope lapping'.
    Am I to assume that you use a mild polishing compound between the rings and scope tube and 'polish' a perfect fit in ?
    Could be because I have only owned a few scoped guns.

    Enlighten me please



    If we do not hang together,
    We will most certainly hang separately.



    Exactly. It is to insure firm even contact between the rings and scope tube. It also shows mis-alignment of the rings that my cause binding and bending on the scope tube.
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  • mrbruce
    You would use a 1 inch steel bar to lap the rings in, with a polishing compound, and usually only the lower part of the ring set. You do not use the scope to do this.
    Use Burris Signature rings and you don't need to do this [:D]

    Gun control is hitting what your aiming at.
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  • He Dog
    Lapp until you have about 80% contact between rings and scope. Burris Signatures are good rings, but too tall for most of my rifles. I prefer low bases if I can get them for a good cheek weld. They are great if you are using a scope with a spotlight sized objective.
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  • JustC
    The rings are lapped by a lapping tool, not the scope. Using the scope as a lapping br would serve to do nothing but take finish off the scope tube and for the most part destroy it's value.

    There are 1", 30mm,, and 34mm lapping bars right now and I am sure a 35mm will follow for the new IOR Valdada Tacticals with the new 35mm tubes. The tool is basicaly a steel bar with a "t" handle for leverage. As He Dog stated, it is as simple as removing 50-75% of the black in the bottom of the rings while moving the bar back and forth and rotating it sideways in the ring bottoms. I then set the ring top on, and slightly tighten it to remove just a bit (50%) of the coating from the ring tops. As I stated, I do this for my Tactical rings as they are many times stronger than standard rings, and with the leverage provided by their torx heads and 4 screw tops, they CAN AND WILL crush a scope tube if incorrectly aligned or torqued.

    Burris signature rings are fine, but I prefer the grip I get with a set of Badger ordnance, IOR, TPS, Farrel, MK IV, of Nightforce tactical rings or PRW's. These type set-ups also provide a recoil lug which is stronger than any other ring made. This is moreso for keeping the HEAVY tactical scopes in place as they weigh far more than standard target scopes.

    I even lapp my Warne verticle rings by slightly tightening them and lapping, then slightly more tight, then more lapping.

    Just don't get carried away and lapp them to another size ring[:0][B)] As long as you stay with no more than 75% of the coating gone, you'll be just fine and your scope will appreciate the effort.

    why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
    Got Balistics?
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  • bill2740
    I have Badger Ordnance rings and a Nightforce 5.5-22X56 scope on my 50BMG target rifle. Used a 30mm lapping bar to lap the bottom half of the rings--Required by Nightforce.

    Bill
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