Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is aimed at experienced gunsmiths. Scope bedding and lapping are advanced techniques that, if done incorrectly, can cause damage to the firearm, scope, or scope rings, and may even result in personal injury. Attempting these procedures without proper training or experience can compromise the safety, accuracy, and integrity of your firearm.
Redleg Guns assumes no responsibility or liability for any damages, injuries, or legal consequences that may arise from the use or misuse of this information. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific scope, rings, and firearm, and consult a qualified professional if you are unsure about any part of the process. By following this guide, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and the results of your work.
Introduction
In the world of precision shooting, every detail matters. Whether you’re on the hunt for that trophy buck at 300 yards or pushing the limits of your skills in a long-range competition, even the slightest inconsistency can throw off your accuracy. As any seasoned gunsmith will tell you, achieving a perfect shot isn't just about the rifle or the scope alone; it’s about ensuring that every component in your setup works in seamless harmony. And one of the most overlooked—yet critical—aspects of this is the alignment of your scope rings.
When scope rings aren’t perfectly aligned, they create stress points on the scope tube, distort the optics, and, ultimately, sabotage the precision you worked so hard to achieve. This is where lapping comes into play. Lapping scope rings is a meticulous process that involves smoothing and aligning the contact surfaces within the rings to create a near-perfect fit around the scope tube. It’s a technique that requires patience, skill, and attention to detail, but the payoff is well worth it: improved consistency, a more secure hold, and protection against wear on your optics.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of lapping scope rings with the precision and care that only a world-class gunsmith can provide. We’ll dive deep into the technical reasons behind each step, discuss the tools of the trade, and address common pitfalls to avoid. By the end, you’ll not only understand the how but also the why of lapping—empowering you to get the very best performance out of your rifle setup.
Let’s get into it and take the first step toward a setup that’s as finely tuned as your aim.
Why Lapping Scope Rings Matters
Lapping scope rings is about more than just achieving a secure fit—it’s about enhancing accuracy, protecting your optics, and ensuring that your setup holds zero under all conditions.
Precision and Contact Area: When you lap scope rings, you increase the surface contact between the scope tube and the rings. More contact means less chance of the scope moving under recoil. Even minor scope slippage can throw off your zero, especially in long-range shooting. By creating a custom fit for your scope tube, you achieve a level of consistency that factory rings alone can’t guarantee.
Ring Misalignment: Misalignment can occur due to slight imperfections in the mounting surfaces or even variances in the manufacturing of the rings themselves. High-quality rings help, but even the best can have minor discrepancies. Lapping corrects these issues by removing small amounts of material, bringing the rings into alignment with each other and ensuring that your scope sits perfectly centered without undue stress.
Reduced Scope Stress and Protection Against Damage: Misaligned rings create stress points on the scope tube, which can lead to warping or even internal damage over time. By lapping your rings, you minimize these stress points, protecting both the scope’s structural integrity and its optical precision. This is particularly important with high-end optics, where any distortion can affect your aim.
Improved Accuracy and Zero Retention: With a more secure fit and better alignment, your scope will hold zero more consistently, even after multiple rounds or during transport. This is especially valuable for precision shooters who rely on pinpoint accuracy at long distances.
Required Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the right tools for the job. This isn’t a task where makeshift solutions will work; you need precision tools to achieve professional results.
Lapping Bar and Compound: Brownells and MidwayUSA sell lapping kits, which includes a quality lapping bar and the appropriate lapping compound. A good lapping bar will be true to diameter, ensuring an even lap across the entire ring surface. The compound’s grit should be fine enough to remove material evenly without causing gouges. Some where around 220 grit works well.
Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is essential for consistent, controlled pressure on the ring screws. Uneven torque can cause misalignment and negate the benefits of lapping.
Protective Materials: Cover your rifle action with painter’s tape or a cloth to prevent any lapping compound from contaminating the action, which can impact function and wear.
Degreasing Solution: Degreasing the rings prior and after lapping this removes oils and residue, allowing the compound to work more effectively.
Rosin or Bedding Compound: Powdered rosin provides extra holding powder and helps prevent slipping. Bedding compound can be used for ultra holding power. We will do a blog on that after this one.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lapping Scope Rings
Step 1: Prepare the Rifle and Rings
Begin by cleaning and degreasing the rings. Any oil or residue can interfere with the lapping process, so take the time to prepare properly.
Cover the rifle action with painter’s tape and/or a cloth. Lapping compound is abrasive, and if it gets into the action, it can cause wear and functional issues. A clean work environment is critical.
Step 2: Mount the Rings on the Base
Attach the lower halves of the rings to your rifle’s base. Ensure they are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. Even torque is key to preventing additional misalignment.
If mounted to a picatinny rail push the rings forward in the slot towards the muzzle of the base.
Check that the rings are level and aligned with each other. Misalignment at this stage will result in uneven lapping, so double-check your work before moving on. Example: Ruger rings you need different heights of rings. Med in the front high in the rear.
Step 3: Apply Lapping Compound
Apply a thin, even layer of lapping compound to the inside surfaces of the lower ring halves. Too much compound can create a mess and lead to uneven material removal, so start with a conservative amount.
Step 4: Insert the Lapping Bar
Verify you have the correct diameter lapping bar for the rings you have.
Place the lapping bar in the rings, making sure it sits evenly. Tighten the top halves of the rings loosely—just enough so the bar can move freely while still making contact with the compound.
Step 5: Begin Lapping Process
Hold the lapping bar firmly, and slide it back and forth in a controlled, even motion. Rotate the bar slightly with each pass to achieve a uniform lap.
Be patient—apply steady, even pressure. Rushing this process can lead to uneven lapping or over-lapping, which will enlarge the rings excessively.
Step 6: Check Progress Frequently
After about 20-35 passes, remove the bar and clean the rings to check your progress. Look for a uniform, shiny area where the material has been removed. Steel rings will grind slower than aluminum rings.
Aim for 70-80% contact area on each ring. This provides excellent support without over-lapping. Too much lapping can make the rings too large to hold the scope securely, so it’s critical to stop once you reach the desired contact.
Step 7: Final Cleaning and Assembly
Once you’re satisfied with the contact area, thoroughly clean off all compound residue from the rings, base, and lapping bar.
Applying rosin to the rings can be done now. Also can begin bedding scope at this time also.
Reassemble the rings and mount your scope, ensuring that each screw is torqued evenly to prevent introducing new alignment issues. Blue thread locker can be used on threads of screws at this point.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Overlapping: One of the most common mistakes is removing too much material. Excessive lapping enlarges the rings, reducing their ability to grip the scope securely. Stop once you reach 70-80% contact area.
Contamination of Action: Lapping compound is abrasive, and if it gets into the action, it can cause wear and functional issues. Cover the action thoroughly before starting.
Uneven Pressure During Lapping: Applying uneven pressure can result in an uneven lap. Focus on steady, consistent movements, and avoid “forcing” the bar.
Additional Benefits of Properly Lapped Rings
Enhanced Scope Lifespan: By reducing stress on the scope tube, lapping minimizes the risk of damage to both the scope’s body and internals, extending its life.
Consistency in Zero: A properly lapped scope is less likely to shift under recoil, making it more reliable across different shooting sessions.
Reduced Risk of Slippage: Especially with high-recoil rifles, properly lapped rings create a secure fit that minimizes scope movement, even under heavy recoil.
Recommended Products
For this process, I recommend the Wheeler Lapping Kit, which includes a high-quality lapping bar and lapping compound that will deliver consistent results. Brownells and Midway USA have tools that are precision-machined and trusted by professionals, making them ideal for achieving the alignment and contact area that serious shooters demand.
Conclusion
Lapping scope rings may seem like a small step, but in precision shooting, the details make all the difference. A properly lapped scope provides consistent contact, minimizes stress on the optics, and helps maintain zero even under recoil. By following these steps carefully, you’ll be able to set up your scope for the highest level of performance, protecting both your investment in optics and the integrity of your rifle.
At Redleg Guns, we understand the precision and care that goes into every firearm setup. If you have any questions or need assistance with your rifle build, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to ensure that every shot you take is as precise as your setup.
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