bearcatter

The Simmons 22 Mag scope on my 10/22 is the best scope I've had, no joke. The only others were cheapo Tasco 20mm rimfire scopes.

All were mounted the same, for the base and rings; screws snug, then a pinch more. I do most everything that way. I evened the rings by using the card they were packaged on. It's a slightly snug fit through the gaps on both sides of the ring.

The scope was on sale plus a $ 30 rebate, making it $ 20. Another $ 20 got me better rings ( came with grooved receiver type) and a scope cover. I'm just too cheap to spend another $ 40 + to mount a $ 40 investment.

I leveled it cheap, too. "Shooting" myself in a large mirror, the verticle reticle split the bore and the top turret. Then slid a piece of stainless rod stock between the base and scope. Looked, from well back of the ocular, to see if horizontal reticle looked parallel to the rod. All good.

Did my initial zero with a Tasco Scope Guide, $ 10 plastic gadget. Got me within a few clicks on first actual shooting.

Terry_P

You supposed to use a torque wrench when you mount a scope? I have a laser bore sighter that has a leveler on it. I usually do like you and just eyeball it.

north country gal

Absolutely, the Simmons is the best bargain in a 22 scope I've found, yet. Very decent optics, despite the bargain price.

I never use a torque wrench, but I am careful to tighten every screw in rotation, a bit at a time. Used to get obsessive about leveling and used all the tricks and even some gadgets, but I just eyeball it, now, and do fine. After you do this hundreds of times, no big deal.

RetiredSeabee

Damn it Bearcatter, now you have me wanting another scope that I don't need.
I already have two more scopes than rifles....... maybe it is time to go rifle shopping.
I do own a couple of torque wrenches one for working on the machines that pay the mortgage. And a fat wrench that I bought for firearms. I do use it mainly because I spent money on it. I have no doubt that I could mount and tighten a scope without it. But I like tinkering with my toys.

Dennis H

I roll the same way bearcatter, but I'm not a thousand yard guy. I get more of a thrill gettin close, had a 4x4 bull at 8yds a few weeks back!

moakes58

Cabela's Black Friday sale is having Nikon 3x9 for $99.99

$80 with my discount gift card purchase.

As far as Simmons, I have a 3x12 8-point scope I got for $30 & I love it. It's on my Rossi single shot .223 Rem & has held zero for 2 years.

bearcatter

Nice to hear that I'm not the only one too cheap to buy a torque wrench..........I own a couple of big ones, but not right for scope screws.

And I made RetiredSeabee realize he had a great excuse for a new rifle (or two)......

Actually, from my aircraft mechanic days, I know that most any threaded fastener that is snugged, plus a quarter turn, will be close to the specified torque range. I usually do 1/8 turn on small screws to be on the safe side. Some specialised uses are different, usually a hardened fastener and higher than basic torque. Like the bolts that hold a wing onto a plane are triple the usual torque.

This morning I tried a different way to check my leveling. I put the straight rod across the scope base, and taped two bubble vials to the ends. Then I taped a vial to the top turret cap. Hey, they all matched within a hair. Works for me.

north country gal

Welcome to the forum.

First question, though, is scope for what gun and what use?

moakes58

+1! I was taught a few years back to hold the short end of the "L" shaped hex head wrench & you can not overtighten & it has worked well for me.