Professional to mount a scope?

[MCMXI]

A quality set of modern rings should not need to be lapped.

That's utter rubbish!! I have numerous sets of rings from Seekins, Leupold, Talley and Warne as well as one-piece mounts from LaRue, GG&G and Accuracy International. I've mounted far too many scopes over the years on my own and other people's rifles using quality rings .... like I said, utter rubbish and a disservice to those that don't know better.

 

[herkyguy]

I've mounted two higher-end scopes myself. I had good results so far with both, nothing too fancy, but i took my time doing it and followed basic instructions. it's not that a "professional" is a bad thing, it's more that I trust myself more than many out there who call themselves pros.

 

[Keitha]

High Power Optics out of Ventura, CA has rentals available with all the mounting tools you need:
http://www.highpoweroptics.com/rentals-c-732_735.html

 

[Picher]

I've drilled and tapped many rifles and handguns and mounted hundreds of scopes and receiver sights. It's takes a bit of practice and I prefer to have the customer mount the rifle to check eye relief before final tightening.

One way to align crosshairs is to look from the muzzle end with a light background behind the eyepiece. The reticle is clearly seen from a few inches beyond the muzzle, so it's easy to align it with the bore. I usually clamp the rifle in a padded vise, to install mounts and bore sight. I prefer to look through the bore, when possible, instead of using my laser boresighter.

I also have powdered rosin that I often use on the rings when mounting a rifle on a heavy-recoiling rifle. It works well and is easy to clean off.