Mounting a scope on an AR-15 with a front sight is a critical step for firearm enthusiasts and hunters looking to enhance the accuracy and versatility of their rifles. The combination of a scope and front sight allows for improved target acquisition, increased accuracy, and customization options to suit individual shooting preferences.
However, it is essential to follow proper procedures to ensure a safe and effective mounting process. In this guide, we will introduce the steps involved in mounting a scope on an AR-15 with a front sight, highlighting the importance of this process for optimizing the rifle’s performance.
Importance Of Mounting a Scope On An AR-15 With A Front Sight
Mounting a scope on an AR-15 with a front sight is an important process for firearm enthusiasts and hunters who want to improve the accuracy and versatility of their rifles. A properly mounted scope can increase the versatility of an AR-15 by allowing for more effective engagement of targets at varying distances.
With a front sight, the shooter can utilize the scope for longer-range shots while still maintaining the ability to quickly transition to shorter-range shots using the iron sights. This can be particularly useful in hunting or tactical situations where targets may be at different distances.
Image credit: www.shootersimage.com
Properly mounting the scope allows for proper eye relief, which enhances comfort and safety while shooting. This allows firearm enthusiasts to personalize and customize their rifles according to their preferences and shooting style.
Different scopes offer various magnification levels, reticle options, and features, allowing shooters to choose the scope that best fits their needs and shooting applications. This customization can greatly enhance the shooting experience and overall satisfaction with the rifle.
Properly mounting the scope is essential for maximizing the performance of the rifle and achieving desired shooting results. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek professional assistance if needed to ensure a safe and effective scope mounting process.
The Tools You Need to Mount a Scope on an AR-15
Before you start the process of mounting a scope on an AR-15 with a front sight, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and equipment. Here are some commonly used tools and materials you’ll need:
AR-15 Rifle: You’ll need your AR-15 rifle with a front sight attached. Make sure it’s unloaded and the safety is engaged before beginning any work.
Appropriate Scope: Choose a scope that fits your shooting needs and preferences. Consider factors such as magnification level, reticle type, and objective lens size based on your shooting application.
Cantilever scope mount: Scope rings or mounts are used to attach the scope to the rifle. Choose rings or mounts that are compatible with your AR-15 and the scope you’ve selected.
Torque wrench: A torque wrench is essential for applying proper torque to the mounting screws, ensuring that the scope is securely attached to the rifle without over-tightening and damaging the components.
Allen Wrenches or Screwdrivers: You’ll need appropriate-sized Allen wrenches or screwdrivers to tighten the screws on the scope rings or mounts.
A vise and bubble level: These can help you ensure that the scope is mounted straight and level on the rifle, which is important for accurate shooting.
Bore Sighter: While not mandatory, a bore sighter can help you align the scope with the rifle’s bore, making the zeroing process easier and more precise.
Cleaning Supplies: It’s always a good idea to have rubbing alcohol and cleaning patches to clean any debris or residue from the mounting process and to keep your rifle in good condition.
Owner’s Manual: Last but not least, refer to the owner’s manual of your AR-15, the scope, and the scope rings or mounts for specific instructions and guidelines to ensure proper installation.
Scope Installation Process on AR 15 With Front Sight
Gather Tools and Materials
Collect all the necessary tools and materials, including your AR-15 rifle with front sight, the scope, scope rings or mounts, torque wrench, Allen wrenches or screwdrivers, level, bore sighter (optional), cleaning supplies, and owner’s manuals.
Prepare the Rifle
Ensure that your AR-15 rifle is unloaded and that safety is engaged. Place the rifle in a stable position, such as on a rifle vise or gunsmithing bench, to securely hold it during the scope installation process.
Install Scope Rings or Mounts
Attach the scope rings or mounts to the rifle according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure they are properly aligned and level. Use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications, taking care not to over-tighten and damage the components.
Mount the Scope
Carefully place the scope in the scope rings or mounts. Adjust the position of the scope to achieve proper eye relief, which is the optimal distance between your eye and the ocular lens of the scope for a clear and comfortable sight picture. Use a level to ensure the scope is mounted straight and level on the rifle.
Tighten Scope Rings or Mounts
Using an Allen wrench or screwdriver, tighten the screws on the scope rings or mounts evenly and gradually, following the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Be careful not to over-tighten, as it can cause damage to the scope or the rifle.
Bore Sighting
If using a bore sighter, insert it into the rifle’s bore and align the reticle of the scope with the bore sighter’s target. This will provide an initial alignment of the scope with the rifle’s bore, making the zeroing process easier.
Zero the Scope
Take your rifle to the range and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for zeroing the scope. Adjust the windage and elevation knobs on the scope to align the point of impact with the desired target. Fine-tune the adjustments as needed until you achieve the desired zero.
Final Tightening and Cleaning
Once the scope is properly zeroed, use the torque wrench to give a final check and tighten the scope rings or mounts to the recommended torque specifications. Clean any debris or residue from the scope installation process and the rifle using appropriate cleaning supplies.
Can I mount a scope on an AR-15 with a front sight?
Yes, it is possible to mount a scope on an AR-15 with a front sight, but it requires some additional considerations and potentially specific mounting solutions.
What are the challenges of mounting a scope on an AR-15 with a front sight?
The front sight of an AR-15 can obstruct the field of view of a traditional scope, making it challenging to achieve proper sight alignment and clear target acquisition. Additionally, the height of the front sight may require a higher mount or an offset mount to allow for proper alignment of the scope.
What tools do I need to mount a scope on an AR-15 with a front sight?
The tools required for mounting a scope on an AR-15 with a front sight may include a torque wrench, screwdriver, or Allen wrench (depending on the type of mount), and possibly a level for proper alignment. The specific tools needed may vary depending on the mounting solution you choose.
Conclusion
To summarize, you may utilize a scope in conjunction with an AR15’s front sight. If you have a fixed front sight, use a greater magnification power on the scope to acquire a crisp target view. If you have a flip-up front sight, remove it while not in use.
Finally, carefully follow the directions to correctly install the scope. Don’t forget to gather all of the essential tools before beginning the procedure. These reduced procedures should make the process much easier for you!
