Rifle Scopes Question about switching scopes between rifles

[EchoDeltaSierra]

I asked a similar question previously, but wanted to ask again, in a more clear manner.

I have (in possession) a Bushnell HDMR ordered to go with a JP LRP-07 (due in mid/late-August). I also have a JP one-piece mount for this scope.

My plan is to mount, level, adjust this scope on my Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle, which has the full length XS rail installed; then switch this optic to my JP when it arrives.

Here are my specific questions:

1. When using a good quality one-piece mount, is the scope mounted and leveled to the mount, or the gun?

2. Do adjustments, like cant, stay valid when the optic is moved from one gun to another?

3. Anything else I might be overlooking?

I hope to have this mounted and begin the scope validation this week, in hopes to complete as much as possible before my JP rifle arrives.

Thanks.

 

[DirtyRod]

When you move the scope from rifle to rifle you will most likely have to re-zero. Even if you move the base and the scope together its likely that the screw holes won't be drilled exactly the same or that the rifles will shoot to exactly the same POI.

 

[EchoDeltaSierra]

The scope will be mounted into a high-quality one-piece 34mm mount which will be rail mounted on both guns. I do assume I'll have to re-zero, but will things like level and cant stay valid between rifles?

 

[ZombieSlayer]

The only way to find out is to find out. Mount it up on the XS, box test it and see how it tracks. Mount to the other and test again. Whats important is that whatever you use be it reticle holdover or dialing that it is vertically parallel to gravity. So if you use holdovers, the reticle needs to be level, If you dial, your turrets adjustments need to be running true(hopefully both are true to each other as well but not always). If the scope is not perfectly inline with the barrel's axis it isn't that big a deal. 1mm off to the left is only 1cm out at 1000yards which is sweet stuff all and significantly less than human error is going to be anyway.

A good quality scope on a good quality mount on a good quality rifle in a perfect world you should be fine. Is the world perfect? Not last time I checked. Basically mount it and see, test, then adjust accordingly.

If I mount a new scope I'll level the rail with the rifle in a vice. Mount it with the reticle level to the rail and whack on a bubble level. Then shoot it and test the tracking at the range. If the test is out I'll do some maths and calculate how much angularly, clamp the rifle back in the vice and with a digital level on the scope turret I'll adjust it the required direction the required amount and tighten it all up again. Using a reticle to gauge whether the rifle is level isn't gonna work as the human eye is not perfect nad can play tricks on you depending on your terrain. A bubble level/ACD does not. Whats important is the adjustments and reticle are both true and level to the earths gravity. Where the gun is in relation to the scope doesn't really matter unless its majorly off center and your point of aim needs to be altered accordingly. With good quality gear your not gonna have this issue anyway.

 

[tylerw02]

I swap my S&B between my gas gun and my AX right now, running a GDI mount. I have to adjust the tension screws, but I can log the differences and run it back and forth with no noticeable shift. It depends on the rail, the mount, etc. You're just going to have to try.

 

[EchoDeltaSierra]

Perfect, thanks for the feedback; now I have a scope I need to start playing with.

 

[ARKEMAXUS]

I have a UMQDS 35mm 20moa mount holding a USO 5-25 and it had to be adjusted every time I switched rifles, kind of a pain. Now I just leave it on my .50 and have decided I'll have to get another scope for my .300WM because I got tired of messing with slight change in zero.

 

[MadmetalP238]

Me and a buddy have tried this and have had to re-zero every time. I would strongly advise you to leave the scope with the rifle. Now I don't think you would have as many problems since the rifles were the same caliber however they aren't very similar spec wise. Bottom line its going to be a pain but I wouldn't plan on being able to switch back and forth and get the kind-of precision that scope is capable of, without a re-zero every time you swap. Let us know how it plays out man.

 

[scudzuki]

I don't think the OP asked if he would have to re-zero the scope once moved to a different rifle.

To answer the OP's questions,
I level my scopes to the mount (or rail if running rings).
Unless I need to change the height or eye relief of the optic when mounting on a different rifle, I will move the scope and mount/rings as a unit. The level and cant of the optic is not affected by moving to a different rifle unless the rail is seriously out of level.

Joe