Lapping Scope Rings

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PSE

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I am mounting a new Zeiss on Tikka light weight Tally rings and I was thinking that lapping the scope rings while they are on the rifle might be a good idea. I realize there is a tool - a 1 inch tube bar that is normally used for this but I don't have access to one nor do I want to buy one just to do this scope.

Has anyone done this another way say by using a 1 inch wood dowel with fine grit sand paper rolled around the dowel and working it back and forth between the rings? Might take longer but would save you the cost of buying the tool. Renting one around here also does not seem to be an option.
 
PSE said:
I am mounting a new Zeiss on Tikka light weight Tally rings and I was thinking that lapping the scope rings while they are on the rifle might be a good idea. I realize there is a tool - a 1 inch tube bar that is normally used for this but I don't have access to one nor do I want to buy one just to do this scope.

Has anyone done this another way say by using a 1 inch wood dowel with fine grit sand paper rolled around the dowel and working it back and forth between the rings? Might take longer but would save you the cost of buying the tool. Renting one around here also does not seem to be an option.
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Yes you can do it, and I have done it . I have also wrapped wet/dry 320 sandpaper around an old scope and used it. I like to lap until I hit the bottom of the rings. However, I then use Devcon Plastic Steel Putty to bed the bottom half rings. Kiwi Shoe polish on the scope, and screws, drop it in, and tape it down with electricians tape. It gives you a perfect fit. Baseball pitcher rosin also helps to ensure the scope does not slip. Blue locktite on the screws after you clean them up.
 
Personally, I would use the Burris signature rings with inserts. they do not mark the scope tube and they self align making lapping totally unnecessary. You can also get off set inserts for major scope adjustments if needed.

$50.00 should get you a set.
 
Ron AKA said:
Yes you can do it, and I have done it . I have also wrapped wet/dry 320 sandpaper around an old scope and used it. I like to lap until I hit the bottom of the rings. However, I then use Devcon Plastic Steel Putty to bed the bottom half rings. Kiwi Shoe polish on the scope, and screws, drop it in, and tape it down with electricians tape. It gives you a perfect fit. Baseball pitcher rosin also helps to ensure the scope does not slip. Blue locktite on the screws after you clean them up.
Click to expand...


Thanks - I never thought of using the old scope - that should work :)
 
You could probably make do with the dowel and sandpaper. I've used a peice of 1" mild steel I found in the shop, with valve grinding compound. I'm making a new one with SS and machining the end fit into a drill, to speed things up.
 
stovepipe699 said:
You could probably make do with the dowel and sandpaper. I've used a peice of 1" mild steel I found in the shop, with valve grinding compound. I'm making a new one with SS and machining the end fit into a drill, to speed things up.
Click to expand...

Your method makes the most sense that's why I am doing the lapping the same way! Wooden dowel and sandpaper will do a very poor job and old scope is not even guaranteed to be straight....G8
 
PSE said:
Thanks - I never thought of using the old scope - that should work :)
Click to expand...

Keep in mind this will make the ring over sized by the thickness of the sandpaper, so you really do have to Devcon/epoxy bed the bottom half, if you go down that road. It takes a bit of time, but I do think it is the best way to do rings. Use lots of oil on the wet/dry to keep it cutting. If you are careful you can do it without even damaging the scope finish.

I go one step further and bed the bases to the receiver (Weaver style), as well. I clamp straight edges to both sides of the front and back bases with Devcon/epoxy under them and the screws loose. Tighten the screws down to a moderate level and let the epoxy set up. This lines the front and rear bases so less lapping is required. You can buy a jig to do it, but I just use straight edges and clamps.

Scope Base Alignment
 
Ron AKA said:
Keep in mind this will make the ring over sized by the thickness of the sandpaper, so you really do have to Devcon/epoxy bed the bottom half, if you go down that road. It takes a bit of time, but I do think it is the best way to do rings. Use lots of oil on the wet/dry to keep it cutting. If you are careful you can do it without even damaging the scope finish.

I go one step further and bed the bases to the receiver (Weaver style), as well. I clamp straight edges to both sides of the front and back bases with Devcon/epoxy under them and the screws loose. Tighten the screws down to a moderate level and let the epoxy set up. This lines the front and rear bases so less lapping is required. You can buy a jig to do it, but I just use straight edges and clamps.

Scope Base Alignment
Click to expand...

Not a bad idea.
 
I have a couple Tikkas with Talley LWs on them. I've never found a need to lap. Never had any issues with ring marks or misalignment.
 
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