PROPER OPTICS MOUNTING How to do the job right the first time and maximize the performance of both your scope and rifle.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY NICK PERNA
A
ny job worth doing is worth doing right, the first time. A poorly or improperly mounted optic will cause the user endless frustration. The best scope paired with the finest rifle is worthless if the optic has not been mounted properly. Here’s the good news: It’s pretty easy to do it right. Here’s the bad news: It’s even easier to do it wrong.
FIRST THINGS FIRST, let’s talk about
equipment. I’ve mentioned in previous articles the need to purchase quality gear. A good rifle is important, obviously, but the scope and mounts are just as important. If you decide to go cheap on either of these items, prepare to be frustrated. A good optic should cost as much (if not more) than the rifle you are mounting it on. The mounts, not as much, but plan on shelling out $100 – or more – for them. On the topic of scopes, decide what you ultimately desire your optic/rifle combo to do. Once that is decided, research the optic. Is this going to be a basic mid- to large-size game rifle?
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American Shooting Journal // August 2021
If so, look at scopes with a variable power of 3 to 12. You can go down to a maximum magnification of 9-power, but you might need a little more power at distance. For tactical applications there are many considerations. Is your weapon strictly a close-range, or close quarters battle (CQB), gun? If so, maybe no magnification (referred to as 1-power) will work. A red dot, or holographic, sight will do the job. Aimpoint, EO Tech and many others make great “running and gunning” optics. If you need that plus some magnification, consider a low-power variable optic, or LPVO. On the 1-power setting, they work like a standard holographic sight. Add some magnification and they can be used at longer distances. The “L” in LPVO is somewhat of a misnomer. Early LPVOs were usually 1- to 4-power. Many now go up to 6- or 8-power, with a few models reaching 10-power. For long-range target shooting, a super high-power optic would be necessary. This is an incredibly unique sport with specific guns, calibers and
