Swapping scopes

[IdahoSkies]

I have two rifles, both 30-06s, both have scopes. One is a fixed power, the other is a variable power. I want to swap them. How hard a project is this?

I have never done any scope work before. I've done some stock work. I have a gun vise/clamp, and a garage full of handtools.

Can I do this? How do I do this. Thanks.

Oh, both scopes have the same barrel diameter.

 

[twofifty]

sorry

 

[Blue68f100]

The hardest part is getting the axis orientation correct. Vertical is vertical not at some angle. Then you don't want to over torque the screws. Bore sighting tools can help with this.

 

[allaroundhunter]

Using a proper vice and scope mounting kit (including levels) will allow you to level the crosshairs with the action.

 

[Coltdriver]

Swapping the scopes is not hard at all. It is important that you set the ring tension on the scope correctly. Not enough and the scope can slip under recoil, too much and you can dent the scope tube. Depending on if you have slotted screws or hex keys or a torx head it is harder or easier.

The harder part, and this has plagued me as long as I have owned a scope, is to get the elevation cross hair perfectly aligned to the vertical axis of the rifle bore. I have found that the best way for me is to use a Leupold bore sighting tool that will let you mount the scope and get the adjustments set so that you are on paper with your first shot. It has also worked great for me in getting the elevation cross hair perfectly vertical.

Some will tell you to aim the rifle at a window pane and center the cross hairs on the widow frame but it is very easy to slightly tilt your rifle and center the cross hairs. So getting the rifle vertical first is essential and that Leupold tool works like a charm for this.

There are other tool sets that have you putting a level on the rifle and one on the scope and then lining up the bubbles. I have tried these too but they are tedious to get it really perfect.