Drilling/tapping for scope

JohnPL · September 19, 2001, 03:04 PM

I consider myself pretty handy with tools, but I do know my limitations. Drilling and tapping for a scope mount seems pretty staightforward and basic, except that if you don't get the base lined up perfectly with the barrel, I would think that you may never get the point of impact to coincide with the reticle. My question: How do you drill and tap a receiver?

Rottweiler · September 19, 2001, 03:35 PM

Using a jig to align the holes seems to keep me from pulling my hair out. Brownells has 'em, I think Midway carries them in their new gunsmithing catalog too.

James K · September 19, 2001, 10:29 PM

It is possible to do it without a jig, but only a very good machinist should attempt it. If you don't want to spring for a $150 jig for one job, take the gun to a gunsmith.

I am not going to disparage anyone's capability, but I have seen a lot of rifles ruined by people trying to drill and tap without the proper equipment. It does not take much error to be off so far a rifle cannot be sighted in. The holes are usually off enough that a new hole cannot be drilled without running out into the old one. This means that the stray hole has to be plugged or welded up and a new hole (or holes) drilled.

In other words, a DIY job may end up being a lot more trouble than it is worth and cost more than a professional job would ever cost.

Jim

September 19, 2001, 03:04 PM	#1
JohnPL Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2001 Posts: 105	Drilling/tapping for scope I consider myself pretty handy with tools, but I do know my limitations. Drilling and tapping for a scope mount seems pretty staightforward and basic, except that if you don't get the base lined up perfectly with the barrel, I would think that you may never get the point of impact to coincide with the reticle. My question: How do you drill and tap a receiver?

September 19, 2001, 03:35 PM	#2
Rottweiler Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2001 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 391	Using a jig to align the holes seems to keep me from pulling my hair out. Brownells has 'em, I think Midway carries them in their new gunsmithing catalog too. __________________ Texas - envied by lesser states since 1845

September 19, 2001, 10:29 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	It is possible to do it without a jig, but only a very good machinist should attempt it. If you don't want to spring for a $150 jig for one job, take the gun to a gunsmith. I am not going to disparage anyone's capability, but I have seen a lot of rifles ruined by people trying to drill and tap without the proper equipment. It does not take much error to be off so far a rifle cannot be sighted in. The holes are usually off enough that a new hole cannot be drilled without running out into the old one. This means that the stray hole has to be plugged or welded up and a new hole (or holes) drilled. In other words, a DIY job may end up being a lot more trouble than it is worth and cost more than a professional job would ever cost. Jim