How do you align windage on the 1 piece bases?

[tpcollins]

In order to use some certain scope rings, I'll have to use the 1-piece base type with the front turn-in dovetail and rear double windage screws. Can these be aligned by eye or do you need the scope alignment bars/rods to do so? Thanks.

 

[PetahW]

I use a 15" long, 1" diameter (for 1" rings) steel rod/bar inserted in the front/rotary dovetail ring to turn align it with the (at first) centrally-located rear ring.

I use ring reducers on the same bar for larger rings.

The use of a scope in the front ring, to turn it, risks either springing the scope tube or one of the lens seals - IOW, don't do it.

Once the rings are aligned, I then install the scope, first ensuring that it's reticle is centered (AFAIK, most new scopes are), plumbing the reticle after sliding the scope back/forth for proper eye relief/sight picture.

A rough windage zero is usually first established using the rear ring adjustment(s), with the scope's internal adjustments left for completing final/fine adjustments.

 

[Malamute]

With some of the ring/base sets you have to use the scope to turn the front ring into place. I've never had trouble doing it. The Beuhler sets must be done this way, but there's a clamping scrw at the front, so it moves easily enough til clamped down tight. There's enough play in the ring with the top ring screw loosened that you can get the scope square also.

I've just roughly centered the rear ring by eye, then zero'ed with the scopes adjustments.

 

[James K]

PetahW is correct, it is not a good idea to use the scope to turn the front base. While some go easily, some don't and a bent scope really isn't much good.

Jim