How To Mount Scope on AR50

If there was a rifle designed to allow for the simple addition of a scope mounting system, it would have to be the current flat-top AR-50.

What is the reason behind this? Because this weapon employs a common feature, either the original WWI Picatinny rail or a newer derivation of this design, the Weaver rail. When taking on the chore of mounting glass lenses on this rifle, decreases the workload by 75%.

With the introduction of the platform rifle design, as well as several other scope base systems added onto more traditional rifles with wood stocks and normal barrel actions, tacking on a sight without the assistance of a smith has become relatively straightforward.

If a local gunsmith is still available, you can pay for a one-time scope mount service. But, for the expense of the gear, even if you’re not a one-time rifleman, knowing how to mount your sight systems will be worthwhile.

Your Required Tools

First and foremost, consider purchasing a solid set of screwdrivers as well as other screw-bit sorts of attachments. I would recommend Wheeler tools as marketed on Amazon as a useful starting point in a product search.

Modern rifle receivers all employ Weaver-style rails and tiny block mounts, so the individual mounting his or her new sight merely has to know which base to purchase to match the pre-drilled screw openings on the receiver ring and back of the receiver.

If this seems simple, it is! These sight receiver base makers recognized the shooter’s precise requirements for his or her scopes on a certain weapon.

Mount for Cantilever Scopes

While the Weaver-style rail anchor accepts a variety of single screw clamp bases, the ideal base solution I propose is the cantilever one-piece foundation and mount system. This is a system that cannot be implemented wrong.

The cantilever is made out of a single-piece base and ring. There is no separation, and no more screws are required. The only screws that are utilized are those on the rings properly.

The screw claw installation into the Weaver notched rail of the AR receiver provides a solid fit for the scope and appropriate distance between the rings.

Make sure the reticle is in a place that makes the sighting appear natural and free of unnecessary distortion or tension.

It might be tough to choose bases and rings. Some system designs contain up to five or six different elements that must perfectly align and come together. Nice concept, but not much fun to put together.

Again, the Cantilever eliminates all of that labor and ensures that the structure is correct and straight every time. This happens because it can only go one way: appropriately.

Mounting Procedure for AR 50

Most gun shops, and even internet retailers, have all the information you need to purchase the proper mounting blocks or, in the event of a full rail mount arrangement, the right pre-drilled rail mount for your firearm.

Second, many guns now come with a set of bases already mounted. If these work for you, you’ve already completed half of the chore of installing a scope.

When not in use or requiring correction for special foundations (long-range MOA increased systems), always purchase pre-drilled Weaver short blocks, and after installing the mounts, pull out your Wheeler screwdriver set, locate the appropriate lock-tight bit (temporary type), and overtighten those simple but effective bases.

Only with the base in place, disassemble the chosen scope ring, utilizing only the bottom half for the initial step of attachment to your freshly installed bases. The Weaver claw technique is an extremely old but effective design.

Take your sight and mark exactly where you want it positioned based on the range in eye relief you’re looking for, with the claw mount locked down since the Weaver system has the compressive latch or nuts incorporated into the system.

Place the top half of the split rings onto the bottom half of the split rings and screw them down, but not tightly.

Allow enough space between the two pieces allowing you to spin the scope tube slightly to get an accurate level alignment of the crosshairs, or whichever other mechanism you’re using this for sub-tension display.

Look through to the scope and set the horizontal sight-line level after placing the weapon on a firm, level base. When everything is level, tighten the screw in the upper part of the ring set, and you’re ready to head to the range and zero your new sighting system.

When you purchase the scope, bases, and rings, you will receive papers with precise instructions. First and foremost, carefully read the directions.

Take your own time and stick to the instructions. Except for ultra-long-range mounting devices (one, two, or three miles), the method is as easy as field dirt in most circumstances. It’s similar to riding a bike. Once you’ve done it, you’re set for life.

While specific applications such as screw placement and machining for particular receiver fittings require the expertise of those who do it every day, you may be in control of the minor stuff with very little fundamental effort.

Weaver, anything with a Picatinny rail, American Tactical Recon, AR-Stoner, and Vortex systems, are all straightforward to operate with.

The majority of them are one-piece cantilever mounts that simply need to be locked down on a Weaver-style base rail and the half rings put onto the scope for final alignment.

Set the scope body into the bottom portion of the rings and screw down the upper receiver to quickly install and modify the scope. Tighten only enough to keep the scope in place. Do not tighten the screws so firmly that the scope can somehow be rotated. If you do this enough, you will be able to complete the work with just a keen eye.

For the amateur gunsmith, just align the crosshairs to a level spot by placing the rifle on a sturdy rest to keep it from sliding around. A bubble level may be used to assess your accuracy.

Now, while looking through the scope, choose a horizontal line downrange and align the horizontal crosshair with it.

When the rings are lined correctly, tighten the screws individually at a time by crossing over from one side to the other. Excessive tightening of the screws may result in a damaged thread. A broken thread is extremely difficult to repair.

The use of the proper screwdriver and bit system decreases the possibility of damaging the rifle, mount, or screw surface. Consider the base height when choosing a one-piece mount like this one or when mounting separate bases and rings. Scope bell housing and tube diameters vary greatly, with sizes ranging from 33mm to 50mm.

When screwed into position, the bell must clear the end of the rifle receiver or Weaver base system. Again, one-piece cantilever systems provide enough height, but nothing is ever guaranteed. Take note of what you’re purchasing and how it all fits together.

Now that you have your scope in place, it is time to “zero” the entire package. If you are missing any of the necessary equipment or tools to finish the mounting operation, browse Amazon for low-cost options.

What are the height rings for a 50mm scope on an AR?

A decent height for a 50mm riflescope with a 30mm tube length would be about 0.300 inches.

How high should an AR scope be mounted?

The general idea is to put your sight as low as feasible without interfering with other elements of your pistol. The majority of flat-top AR rifles feature a low comb or cheek rest. If you mount the scope too high, you’ll have to elevate your head off from the cheek rest, which is unpleasant.

On a AR 50, where should I put a scope?

Place the scope mount on the top of the receiver with the AR 15 level in the shooting rest.

Will medium-height rings be compatible with a 50mm scope?

This is due to the fact that the Weaver / Picatinny sight mounts/ scope rings are mounted on a Picatinny or Weaver rail. This raises the scope ring’s height, allowing a medium-height scope mount to be utilized when installing a riflescope with a 50mm objective lens.