Are you mounting your own scope?
Do you plan to do your own troubleshooting and make mount and scope adjustments?
You’ll need a few tools to get the job done correctly.
I’ve compared the best scope mounting kits that are affordable and will get a beginner set up to start mounting away.
Some come with a full tool kit while others provide specific tools for part of the mounting process.
Assess the budget, evaluate the mounting process you need tools for, and get it done!
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After hundreds of hours of hand-testing scopes and accessories in the field and at the range, and thousands more hours researching and writing about them, we feel we earn the title of experts when it comes to optics!
We purchase as many of the optics and accessories for our tests as possible, and run them through their paces to make sure they will perform at the range and in the field.
Our combined decades of experience mounting scopes and red dot sights, trouble-shooting, and making our own adjustments has been integral in putting together this round-up of the best scope mounting kits.
Get the inside scoop on how we test optics here.
Best Scope Mounting Kits in 2024
1. Wheeler F.A.T. Wrench Bit Set – Best Overall
The Wheeler FAT wrench is a very high ranked mounting kit. It has the tools needed to get many, not all, scopes mounted into a mount and base at the right torque specs provided by the manufacturer. This isn’t a complete set, but it will get you started with the basics down.
Pros:
- 10 bit set
- FAT wrench
- 10-65 in-lbs
- Comes with storage case
- Compatible for all sorts of work
Cons:
- Need to purchase extra bits
I have this set and I love it. The only problem is that it comes with 10 bits, and while I use a portion of them for torquing down mounts when mounting a scope, I’ve still needed to purchase extra bits.
The two Torx bits included in this kit are the T15 and T20. I always use the T15 bit with the FAT wrench instead of the T15 wrench that often comes in the box with red dots and scopes. It’s way easier to use the FAT wrench and I’m also making sure I’m torquing down to spec.
The other bit I often need is a T10 which doesn’t come in the kit. However, I did purchase a T10 bit separately, but just make sure it’s a ¼” hex drive to fit the FAT wrench.
The FAT wrench is easy to use as it works like a screwdriver and clicks when you’ve reached the spec’d torque. It does not work like a ratchet! This wrench has torque markings in in-lbs from 10 to 65. The storage case is convenient to keep in a pack or on the workbench and keeps your bits together.
Though it’s not a complete set, it’s a good beginner kit to get you started.
2. Wheeler Scope Mounting Kit Combo – Best Combo Kit
The Wheeler Scope Mounting Combo Kit is more expensive than other options in this lineup, however it includes a lot more tools than just the FAT wrench.
Pros:
- FAT wrench
- Lapping bars
- 1” & 30 mm scopes
- 10 bits
- Comes with storage case
Cons:
- Cost
To get the extra tools and equipment in this kit will cost you. Coming in under $200, the Wheeler Scope Mounting Kit Combo is a more expensive kit than alternatives but is still considered mid-range for Wheeler.
The ‘extras’ include alignment bars, lapping bars, lapping compound, thread locker, bubble levels, and more. The alignment and lapping bars will fit scopes with 1” and 30 mm tubes. With these, you can assess scope rings for alignment and concentricity for increased contact surface between the rings and the scope for an ideal fit.
The bubble levels will help to get your scope leveled and true while mounting, and a bottle of thread locker is included if you choose to apply some to the screws.
The FAT wrench measures torque from 10 to 65 in lbs, and there are 10 various bits including two Torx bits: T15 and T25. You still may need some extra bits for different mounts such as a T10, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.
For a complete kit, minus a boresighter, the Wheeler Combo Kit is pricey, but the consensus is that it’s a great combo that comes with everything you need to mount scopes on your own.
3. Real Avid Level-Right Pro – Best Anti-Cant Mounting Kit
The Real Avid Level-Right Pro scope mounting kit helps to align the reticle to the rifle and then to gravity. Using a plumb line is a popular method, but there are kits like the Level-Right Pro that uses a grid to level the reticle for both vertical and horizontal alignment.
Pros:
- Cost
- Leveling system
- Built-in levels
- Barrel & Picatinny mounts
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Not compatible with all scopes or rifles
Before you consider the Real Avid Level-Right Pro, you must know that it’s not fitted to work with scopes with objectives larger than 50 mm. This barrel mount only works on rifles with an open/exposed barrel or handguards with Picatinny rails. This should help narrow down if the Real Avid kit is right for you.
First off, this isn’t a scope mounting kit in the sense that it has the tools necessary to mount your scope into a mount or base. This kit is for during the mounting process when you must level the scope.
There are different methods to level a scope and the Real Avid Kit is more like a plumb bob alternative. A faceplate with a built-in level is attached to the objective bell of the scope. The faceplate also holds the light projector that shines light through the objective end. The faceplate is held in place by the barrel or Picatinny mount.
On the opposite end, the alignment grid with the built-in level is held in place with the included mini tripod. Turn on the light, adjust the diopter for reticle sharpness, and rotate the scope within the rings until the crosshairs are aligned with the grid. Tighten down the mount to spec.
That’s basically how it works. The tripod is short, and the grid has been described as flimsy. The light projector is rechargeable, but people say it runs out of juice fast. You could mount your own flashlight and your own heavy-duty tripod. At this point, you could just hang your own plumb bob.
This kit won’t work for everyone, but it is a complete leveling set up that comes with everything if you don’t have or want to set up any of your own gear.
4. Weaver Deluxe Scope Mounting Kit – Best 1” Scope Mounting kit
The Weaver Deluxe Scope Mounting Kit is best compared to Wheeler’s Scope Mounting Combo Kit. It has very similar equipment from the common size gunsmithing bits to bubble levels and the adjustable torque wrench.
Pros:
- Adjustable torque wrench
- 10-80 in lbs
- 1” lapping bars
- Bubble levels
- Comes in storage case
Cons:
- Need to purchase extra bits
Like the Wheeler kit, a T10 bit isn’t included in the set, so you’ll need to get that as an aftermarket purchase. There are T15 and T20 bits along with a couple Allen bits too. All the bits are a ¼” drive to fit the torque wrench.
The torque wrench works like the FAT wrench in that you adjust the reference line for the specs you need and then use it like a screwdriver and not a ratchet. It can be adjusted from 10 to 80 in-lbs and has reference markings for every 5 increments. Though the kit is expensive, there are reports of poor quality from broken bits to the torque wrench breaking.
The Weaver Deluxe kit comes with bubble levels, and I know that the adjustable mount level is magnetic. You can also lap 1” scope rings with the 1” lapping bars that are included. A small bottle of SureThread is also included if you want to add a small dab to the mounting screws.
The storage case is nice and holds all the equipment in their own blow-molded compartments. Altogether, it’s lighter than the 11 lb Wheeler Scope Mounting Kit weighing in at approximately 6.8 lbs.
If you’re only ever mounting 1” scopes, the Weaver Deluxe Scope Mounting Kit has everything you need except for a boresighter. If you’re also mounting 30 mm scopes, I’d recommend the Wheeler kit instead as you also get 30 mm lapping and alignment bars at a competitive price to the Weaver kit.
5. Monstrum Alignment & Lapping Kit – Best Scope Lapping Kit
Monstrum doesn’t yet have a scope mounting kit, but they do have a scope ring alignment and lapping tool kit. These kits come in 1” or 30 mm kits, but they also have a kit that has both 1” and 30 mm tools for just a little bit more.
Pros:
- Cost
- 1” kit
- 30 mm kit
- 1” & 30 mm kit
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Packaging
The most common complaint with the Monstrum alignment and lapping kit is not with the actual tools themselves. The box the equipment comes in is essentially a cardboard box with foam. This might not keep for long-term use, and a few of the rods come with small amounts of corrosion. It appears that Monstrum sends out kit replacements for ones that have rust.
For the money, the Monstrum lapping kit is a good deal. It’s a simple kit with alignment bars, lapping bar, lapping compound, and a flex driver. That is all you will need to check for scope ring alignment and to lap them if there’s issues. Why should you pay more for that? It’s good value.
Monstrum backs their kit with a lifetime guarantee but there are conditions. Anecdotal reports say that Monstrum has reputable customer service in that they’re responsive and solution minded.
Though many rings don’t need lapping these days, this can be an essential part of the scope mounting process if you’re having issues. When you already have scope mounting gear, you won’t want to pay a lot for a lapping kit. The Monstrum Scope Ring Alignment and Lapping Kit keeps the cost down and provides exactly what you need – no more and no less.
FAQ's
In general, a gunsmith is a professional and is an appropriate means to getting a scope mounted to a rifle. However, there are some adjustments that must be fine-tuned for you and requires your involvement in the mounting process. Doing it yourself can save money, but you will need a few tools.
Everyone must start somewhere. Mistakes will be made. However, trial and error will help you to become more proficient and confident in mounting your own scopes. Be sure to do your due diligence in safety and proper scope mounting before attempting. It would be awful if you forgot about setting for eye relief!
Using Loctite or any similar substance to mount a riflescope is a personal decision. Many do not encourage using Loctite as it can be extremely difficult to remove the screws after, and because it can encourage over-torquing the screws which causes other more serious problems.
However, some screws are poorly machined and threaded and Loctite might help to save them. I’d recommend getting new screws, but they can be costly or very inconvenient to get. With different strengths of Loctite, you can find a compromise that works for your setup – just please don’t use the permanent stuff.
In total, mounting a scope isn’t difficult. With the right tools, bits, solid setup, a tidy workspace, and some patience, it's a rewarding experience. It gets easier with more practice. Since mounting a scope is a series of processes, having the appropriate tools can streamline the overall process.
To learn how to mount a scope, we have instructions here!
The recommended torque specs for scope mounts are usually provided by the manufacturer as different mounts require different torque specs. However, the general rule of thumb is approximately 25-30 in-lbs on the base screws and 15-18 in-lbs on the ring screws.
It’s important to torque to spec for the best performance, but I also recommend taking into consideration the riflescope itself. Some lighter weight, thinner tubes could do with less, and some mount base screws are too weak to handle high torque specs. There is some balancing work to do to prevent damaging the scope and getting inconsistent results from improperly installed mounts.
Though there is an argument of whether to lap scope rings, there are benefits that can be had. If you’re having an extraordinarily hard time with zero retention, the scope moving during recoil, or there seems to be gaps between the scope and mount, the rings may need to be lapped.
Most scope mounts are well-made and there’s little need to lap them. However, the lapping process is there for those times when it’s needed.
For more on how to lap scope rings, read our how-to guide here.
DIY: Get a Kit, Mount Your Scope!
A gunsmith is an excellent option if you don’t have the know-how or the tools to mount a scope. However, there are adjustments during the scope process that can only be set by the user. Doing it yourself will provide an intimate insight to the relationship between you, the scope, and the rifle.
Plus, mounting your own scope is fun because it’s rewarding! Still, I highly recommend doing your best to understand the process before attempting it. There’s a series of things to do while mounting a scope and a list of tools you might need. A scope mounting kit will help with that and is what I consider a must-have riflescope accessory.
Further Reading
