my son asked me if he should lap the rings on his hunting rifle, I have read some articles that say it isn't necessary, anybody do this anymore? Thanks Jeff
lapping rings
bailey-JA
1 - 20 of 38 Posts
Joined
·
2,549 Posts
I usually find 2 pce. rings need a bit of lapping for correct tube alignment. Of course you could get away without it, depending on how important accuracy is to you. I, however, just installed a one pce ring mount on my Marlin, which when tested with alignment bars, proved perfect, no lapping needed. I'm sure there's folks that would lap these also, but I guess it depends on how far you want to take the installation. (There's actually a 1/8" gap between the objective bell and mount that can't be seen at this angle)
![Image]()
Joined
·
7,787 Posts
Whether lapping is necessary is determined after the alignment tools are put in the rings after the rings are inserted into the base. As claybird2 says, a one piece mount shouldn't need it. Good 2-ring sets shouldn't either, especially when using a one-piece base. Where they are most needed is when the holes are drilled off center for the bases, especially with 2 piece bases.
Joined
·
346 Posts
I read the same thing that with today's technology, rings and bases are milled to tight tolerances there is no need to lap but I decided to lap the rings I put on my newest addition. A Remington Model 700, SF barrel, 6.5 Creedmoor, Limited Edition. I put a 3x9x50 Leupold on it. I used a two piece base and found the rings to be just a tad off when I put alignment tools in. It was the first time I had done this but I am planning on doing it to another one of my rifles for peace of mind. I bought the lapping kit on Amazon for what I thought was a reasonable price. As much as you will use this tool, ask your friends if they have one and save yourself some money. A friend of mine helped me mount the scope and asked if he could borrow the kit. Of course I said. Take this for what it is worth.
Joined
·
2,764 Posts
When buying good QUALITY rings and base's and a good quality scope, lapping is not needed. Also having proper alignment and knowing how to torque the screws takes away alot of issues you might have. I've mounted several 100 scopes in my time (probably a lot more then 100). Waste of time and money.
Joined
·
2,549 Posts
Welp...kinda trapshooter. Here's Leupold bases & rings, with a Vari X 2 scope I recently mounted. Even after proper torquing and proper adjustment of rear windage screws, the rings needed lapping for sure. I am guilty of not lapping a few rings (that could have used a bit).... in my day however, when laziness overcame a job well done..........:biggrin2:
Joined
·
6,479 Posts
I use nothing but Leupold scopes and mountings but always lap the rings. As you start the process, you will see the coating on the interior of the rings coming off unevenly, usually at the top and bottom of the pieces. I lap them until all the coating is removed and then after cleaning all the pieces with brake parts cleaner torque the screws to 28 inch-pounds. I may be wasting time and effort but I've never had ring marks a little wiping couldn't remove, even on older gloss-finished scopes.
Ed
Ed
Joined
·
573 Posts
I have lapped many rings and it used to be what was needed, but not so much anymore with quality rings. On my long range rifle I put on new Talley rings and it said not to lap them. I was a bit skeptical, but mounted them and then put on the alignment tools to check the rings. They were amazingly perfect. I will use Talley rings on every rifle from here on. So the answer to your question depends on the rings you are using and what rifle they are being mounted to. By far the worst rings I have ever worked with are the rings for the Ruger Hawkeye rifles. They have their own rings that have their own mounting system to the rifle... and the rings and mount system suck. Lapping was definitely needed.
Joined
·
573 Posts
I would caution saying it can’t hurt because that’s not entirely true. I get what you’re trying to say, but it really depends on what the rings are made of before you lap them. Steel rings should be ok, but light aluminum alloy rings can have too much material removed by lapping. My Talley rings on my long range rig are not to be lapped. That is because of the material. Just a word of caution.
Joined
·
7,787 Posts
I've installed quite a few sets of Talleys, I prefer them for my own scopes. Have yet to see a set needing lapping.
Joined
·
2,666 Posts
Like others have said, GOOD rings shouldn't require lapping. One of the jobs I did in the gun shop was mounting scopes, and there were very few rings that had any problems right out of the package. Most problems were caused by the holes in the receiver of the rifle being drilled slightly off, or somebody messing about with the packaging out on the floor, putting mismatched rings in packages. The only rings that I had consistent problems with were Millets, and thank God we were only getting rid of a few old stock items! If something else worked, I would always strongly suggest that option.
Matching bases with rings by manufacturer is always the best option, but I have mixed Burris bases with Leupold rings, and vice versa. A little STOS on the ears of the rings, and they turn right in to the base. Do it dry, and you are liable to break either one, usually the ring.
After you do a couple hundred a year, you get pretty good at lining up the bases to the line of the bore. I used to amaze new employees by turning in a Leupold base, looking at it, and declaring it right on. When they questioned the alignment, I'd get out the alignment tool, explain how it worked, and offer to bet on whether or not it was in alignment. After I won the second bet, anybody new coming to work behind the gun counter was warned not to bet with me on that particular question.
Some customers insisted on lapping being done, but it really wasn't necessary, as with modern manufacturing techniques, lapping only removed the coating on the inside of the ring, and did nothing to improve concentricity.
Matching bases with rings by manufacturer is always the best option, but I have mixed Burris bases with Leupold rings, and vice versa. A little STOS on the ears of the rings, and they turn right in to the base. Do it dry, and you are liable to break either one, usually the ring.
After you do a couple hundred a year, you get pretty good at lining up the bases to the line of the bore. I used to amaze new employees by turning in a Leupold base, looking at it, and declaring it right on. When they questioned the alignment, I'd get out the alignment tool, explain how it worked, and offer to bet on whether or not it was in alignment. After I won the second bet, anybody new coming to work behind the gun counter was warned not to bet with me on that particular question.
Some customers insisted on lapping being done, but it really wasn't necessary, as with modern manufacturing techniques, lapping only removed the coating on the inside of the ring, and did nothing to improve concentricity.
Joined
·
818 Posts
If you have the lapping bar lay it on the bottom half of the rings and give it a turn. Pull it off and see if the bottom looks okay. If not then lap them. Usually the mounts cause torque that can be relieved by lapping. Ten minutes of checking can alleviate issues down the road.
Joined
·
384 Posts
I use a wheeler lapping kit for all my scope's.
Joined
·
1,984 Posts
Take to much material off? Probably only lose a couple thousands of a inch from lapping quality rings. I do agree lapping aluminum rings will remove some of the anodizing and may allow corrosion.
I use a Wheeler lapping kit and lap my rings just because I enjoy the work, not because its always needed.
Recently got a BLR in 358 Win. and put a 30mm scope with Talley rings on it
1 - 20 of 38 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
