removing and reinstalling scope on AR-15

[crest117]

If I sight in my scope on an AR-15 with Picatinny rail, then remove it to use the iron sights and later reinstall it in the same grooves and with the same torque on the mounts, should I expect it to still be zeroed in? The rings would not be removed from the scope, only taken off the rail.

 

[jeepnik]

It "might" be close, but you will still have to check the zero by firing it.

Never found any mount, even those that claim to return to zero that didn't from time to time shift. Two many variables.

Heck think about it. If you've never had a zero drift in a weapon and sighting system that was just fine the last time you put it in the safe, you are extremely lucky.

 

[Inebriated]

What kind of mount? Some mounts return to zero well. LaRue mounts, both their QD and VFZ mounts, for instance, are very repeatable. That doesn't mean that your POI will be the same if you haven't used the scope since spring and it's now winter, or you haven't used the scope in 3000 rounds and the barrel may shoot different than it did when you first zeroed, but for must uses, I would trust a quality mount to be close enough for social work or hunting in a pinch. I would also verify at the very first opportunity.

 

[jmr40]

In my experience it will be VERY close. The key is to install and reinstall exactly the same every time. The scope wants to move forward as the rifle recoils to the rear. If you place the mounts in the rail and slide them as far forward as possible each time before you tighten the rings you'll be close enough for most uses. I've done this for years with both rails and Weaver style bases. I've never had enough difference at 100 yards to have to make any changes.