Author Topic: Scope ring lapping on the cheap? (Read 1518 times)

New Hampshire · « **on:** March 11, 2005, 05:18:02 PM »

Hey guys, I am considering lapping the scope rings for when I get my new Leupold. Ill be using the Leupold PRW rings. But, do I really need to spend anywheres from $35 on up for a kit or can I do it cheaper? Would a 1" wood dowel and some kind of lapping compound work just as good? Im only looking to do 1 set of rings right now, and I dont do a whole lot of scope mounting, so spending that kind of money for a one time deal seems like a waste.
Thanks,
Brian M.

KN · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2005, 05:46:32 PM »

Yes but don't use a wooden dowel rod. It wont be round enough or the correct size. Find a piece of 1" steel bar stock and use the finest valve grinding compound you can get. All you are trying to do is "clean up" the irregularities in the rings and ensure they are aligned with each other. You only need to clean up about 80% of the ring surface. More than that and your just wasting time. KN

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2005, 05:56:20 PM »

Doing it on the cheap could cost you a set of rings. The bar needs to be precisely 1" in diameter, no more and no less. It also needs to be soft really so the abrasive will embed in it and cut the rings and not vice versa.

jhm · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2005, 04:00:54 AM »

New H. I use a old scope that I had around the shop the adjustment rings on the scope gives you a place to hang onto when doing the laping, go slow and remember that all scopes dont require any lapping or vary little to have them rite again go slow and you will see and feel the difference as youy lap, you should be able to pick up a broken scope from most gunshops if you dont have one, and look for a older steel one instead of the alum. ones.

JIM

gunnut69 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2005, 08:02:48 AM »

Actually an old scope is not a good idea. Scopes can be bent. If the scope you use to lap your rings is bent, you have a problem. The best lap is brass or aluminum. A machine shop will have what you need. Drill and tap a 1/4x28 hole in the middle and add a bolt with a wood handle. Brownells sells lapping grits and they are cheap.. I mix with enough oil to make a paste.. The bar needs to be straight and you need a way to move it... a few grooves, lite and 1/2 inch or so apart help the compound stay with the lap..

bgjohn · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2005, 10:21:36 AM »

Better yet get a set of Burris "signature" rings. You won't need to lap them at all.
JM

New Hampshire · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2005, 12:10:54 PM »

Ok, I ordered a set of Burris Signature Zee weaver style rings. Now comes the big question.....they do come with the plastic inserts right?
Brian M.
P.S. Here is the exact set I ordered http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/416175

jhm · « **Reply #7 on:** March 14, 2005, 02:44:45 PM »

As stated in their add #3 posi-align ring inserts were also ordered for the additional cost of $9.95

JIM

Graybeard · « **Reply #8 on:** March 14, 2005, 06:20:39 PM »

All Burris Signature rings come complete with a set of the ZERO inserts. This is normally what you need. BUT when you need the adjustment capability you need to order also the offset inserts. Originally they came with the rings but they decided since they were seldom needed to offer them separately and lower the price of the rings.

New Hampshire · « **Reply #9 on:** March 15, 2005, 01:04:28 AM »

Thank you gents. I actually goofed up. I also ordered a set of eccentric inserts (.020s) before I even knew they had .010 inserts as well as a kit containing both :oops: . But thats ok, I can always order the .010s if I need them anyways. With my discount the insert was only $3.95.
Brian M.

Graybeard · « **Reply #10 on:** March 15, 2005, 01:22:50 AM »

If you scope enough guns sooner or later you'll need those 20s. I had a TC Classic .22 Semiauto that had to have them in BOTH rings to sight in. No I didn't keep it long. The dang scope looked like it was pointing off to the side of the rifle. That's the worse one I've ever run into. But I have a Marlin .336 and an NEF that neither will sight in without such measures. I just use them with factory irons and all works well.