Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Learn how to properly mount a scope on an AR-15 with this beginner-friendly Brownells Tech Tip. Caleb walks through the complete process of mounting and leveling an LPVO optic using a cantilever scope mount, including proper eye relief setup, torque specs, scope leveling techniques, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you just bought your first AR-15 or you're upgrading your rifle with a new optic, this guide covers everything you need to confidently install your scope the right way.
In this video, we cover why AR-15 rifles require cantilever mounts, how to avoid bridging the receiver and handguard, proper ring placement, how to level your optic correctly using an Arisaka scope leveling tool, and how to bore sight your rifle before heading to the range. Caleb also explains torque specifications, scope ring alignment, and how improper mounting can affect accuracy.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 AR-15 Setup and Front Sight Considerations
01:03 Choosing the Right Scope and Mount
01:59 Why Cantilever Mounts Matter
03:30 Scope Ring Sizes and Mount Compatibility
04:07 Setting Eye Relief
05:55 Securing the Rifle in a Vise
06:18 Mount Installation and Torque Specs
08:25 Installing the Scope in the Rings
10:02 Proper Ring Placement
10:57 Equalizing Ring Gaps
12:44 Why Scope Leveling Matters
13:46 Common Scope Leveling Mistakes
14:52 Using the Arisaka Scope Leveler
17:13 Tightening and Torquing Ring Screws
19:49 Final Scope Alignment Check
20:10 Bore Sighting an AR-15
21:45 Final Thoughts
Products Featured:
Sig Tango MSR 1-4x LPVO
AR-15 Cantilever Scope Mount
Fix It Sticks Torque Driver
Arisaka Scope Leveler
Brownells AR-15 Vise Block
Mounting a scope on an AR-15 the right way is critical for accuracy, reliability, and comfort behind the rifle. This video explains proper optic mounting techniques for LPVOs, red dots with magnifiers, and traditional rifle scopes on AR-platform rifles.
Learn how to properly mount a scope on an AR-15 with this beginner-friendly Brownells Tech Tip. Caleb walks through the complete process of mounting and leveling an LPVO optic using a cantilever scope mount, including proper eye relief setup, torque specs, scope leveling techniques, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you just bought your first AR-15 or you're upgrading your rifle with a new optic, this guide covers everything you need to confidently install your scope the right way.
In this video, we cover why AR-15 rifles require cantilever mounts, how to avoid bridging the receiver and handguard, proper ring placement, how to level your optic correctly using an Arisaka scope leveling tool, and how to bore sight your rifle before heading to the range. Caleb also explains torque specifications, scope ring alignment, and how improper mounting can affect accuracy.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 AR-15 Setup and Front Sight Considerations
01:03 Choosing the Right Scope and Mount
01:59 Why Cantilever Mounts Matter
03:30 Scope Ring Sizes and Mount Compatibility
04:07 Setting Eye Relief
05:55 Securing the Rifle in a Vise
06:18 Mount Installation and Torque Specs
08:25 Installing the Scope in the Rings
10:02 Proper Ring Placement
10:57 Equalizing Ring Gaps
12:44 Why Scope Leveling Matters
13:46 Common Scope Leveling Mistakes
14:52 Using the Arisaka Scope Leveler
17:13 Tightening and Torquing Ring Screws
19:49 Final Scope Alignment Check
20:10 Bore Sighting an AR-15
21:45 Final Thoughts
Products Featured:
Sig Tango MSR 1-4x LPVO
AR-15 Cantilever Scope Mount
Fix It Sticks Torque Driver
Arisaka Scope Leveler
Brownells AR-15 Vise Block
Mounting a scope on an AR-15 the right way is critical for accuracy, reliability, and comfort behind the rifle. This video explains proper optic mounting techniques for LPVOs, red dots with magnifiers, and traditional rifle scopes on AR-platform rifles.
