Using a scope is something that is almost a given for most shooting enthusiasts, particularly those that are not in specialized types of competitive shooting activities and events. Often gun owners spend a significant amount of time researching scopes and optics to ensure they find just the right component for their weapon.
However, rarely do these same people spend a lot of time in choosing the right way to mount the scope. Failing to select the right type of scope mounts can reduce accuracy and create challenges for the shooter if the scope is incorrectly aligned for the user.
Considerations
Some scope mounts, particularly the scope rings, make positioning and securing the scope a very easy process. Scope mounts can be one piece, with the front and rear mount attached by a bar. There are also two-piece options with a front and rear that are not connected.
Generally speaking, the single piece mounts are heavier, but only slightly, and they do provide extra stability for the scope, which may be important for hunters and those that may transport their weapons frequently. They are also easier to position on the weapon so that the rings are in the ideal position on the scope, which can be a bit trickier with the two-piece options.
However, with the two-piece option of scope mounts, there is more versatility possible. Gun owners can position the mounts for different scope types and designs with relative ease.
The height of the mounts will also be an important consideration. The scope should be off the barrel of the weapon but not so high as to require an unnatural positioning of the head. Scopes that are mounted too high can cause the shoulders to lift up, which leads to inaccuracy and frustration for the shooter intent on improving at target practice.
