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2/13/2015 9:28:18 AM EDT
Would there be any real problems switching a scope between 2 rifles? I can afford 1 nice scope, and have two rifle for long range shooting. First rifle is a RRA AR-15 in 223, second rifle is an Armalite AR-10 in 308. I was thinking of getting a LaRue QD mount and switching the scope between the rifles as needed.
2/13/2015 9:32:39 AM EDT
[#1]
It's not ideal but it's workable using the larue mount. Just make sure you have your zeros recorded
2/13/2015 10:25:12 AM EDT
[#2]
Depending on the rails this coud work out well or not so much with a LaRue mount.  If the rails are close enough to the same size one tension setting on the LaRue mount will work.  If they're off by too much you'd be better off with a Bobro mount.

I use one long range scope across a 2-3 rifles and it works pretty well if you record your zeros for each gun.
2/13/2015 10:40:16 AM EDT
[#3]
It's doable, but just because you can doesn't mean you should. You should really consider a dedicated optic (or irons) for each weapon system.  Go with something a bit cheaper to fill a capability gap until you can save up enough to get something you really want down the road.  Now if you're a recreational shooter who dust the guns off once a year to pop soda cans out at your cousin Cletus' backyard then disregard.
2/13/2015 11:35:27 AM EDT
[#4]
Both rifles are just for target shooting, hitting paper and steel out to 600 yards for the most part, and maybe some groundhog hunting. I would like to try the AR-10 out to 1000 yards. I try to shoot twice a month, 20 to 50 each time, each gun.

My alternate plan is 2 Leupold mrk AR md 1 6x18, with Mil-Dots.
2/13/2015 12:48:23 PM EDT
[#5]
You can sometimes make it work.  Zero the scope on the rifle and load you use primarily.  On rifle number two, you will have a different point of impact for many reasons, even if the rails were identical.  Barrel dynamics alone produce a different POI.  You will have to move the turrets, both elevation and windage at least some. perhaps a good bit.  Document the number of clicks and direction.  If your scope has excellent, repeatable turrets, this can work.  Otherwise, you are wasting your time.  I have a few rifles and scopes that can do this.  Most cannot. LaRue mounts will work.  Your major problems will be with your rails not being parallel exactly to the bore or each other.  Good accurate turret adjustments can frequently overcome the problems.

Given a choice, it might be best to step down to two separate scopes.  But if you've already bought the scope, give it a try.  Put a high premium on turret accuracy if buying with this use in mind.
2/13/2015 12:57:35 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
You can sometimes make it work.  Zero the scope on the rifle and load you use primarily.  On rifle number two, you will have a different point of impact for many reasons, even if the rails were identical.  Barrel dynamics alone produce a different POI.  You will have to move the turrets, both elevation and windage at least some. perhaps a good bit.  Document the number of clicks and direction.  If your scope has excellent, repeatable turrets, this can work.  Otherwise, you are wasting your time.  I have a few rifles and scopes that can do this.  Most cannot. LaRue mounts will work.  Your major problems will be with your rails not being parallel exactly to the bore or each other.  Good accurate turret adjustments can frequently overcome the problems.

Given a choice, it might be best to step down to two separate scopes.  But if you've already bought the scope, give it a try.  Put a high premium on turret accuracy if buying with this use in mind.
View Quote


I didn't purchase the scope yet, but was looking at the Leupold 4.5-14x50 Mark 4 ER/T.
2/13/2015 1:00:09 PM EDT
[#7]
I would not try it with Larue mounts.  I found that my Larue rings needed adjustment to swap between two different Larue rails. (One is the Larue 5/8" riser and the other is the Larue 700 scope base.)



Bobro is what I'm using for one of my scopes.  I'm setting it up for load development on all my rifles that use red dots or 1-6x scopes.  Bobro is self adjusting and removes the need to make an adjustment between the two rails that is likely to affect your zero.  I really wish Larue would update their mount design and create a self adjusting competitor.
2/13/2015 2:02:14 PM EDT
[#8]
I'd rather have one good scope and swap it between two rifles than two scopes half the cost.

I have a Leupold 3.5-10x in a Larue mount that I swap between rifles, it works just fine.  Takes only a second to adjust for the different zeros, just remember to do it.  Like others have said the Bobro may make it a little easier than the Larue. Mine is noticeably tighter on one rifle than the other two but I don't bother adjusting it, as long as it closes and is snug I think you should be fine.
2/17/2015 12:04:39 AM EDT
[#9]
Of course it will work.

Zero the dot on your primary rifle.

Then zero the dot in your secondary rifle and keep perfect record of the adjustments.

If it's in a quality mount (bobro, larue, adm) and properly torqued down it will work perfectly.

I did it for a while with a big 10x scope. I put a a red rubber band on the bell when it had been on my secondary rifle so I would remember which way to adjust it.


This is easy guys, no need to re invent the wheel.
2/17/2015 3:21:54 PM EDT
[#10]
Find bullets with close to the same ballistics.  Maybe a heavier 5.56 and a lighter grain .308.  Then give them a test and see what the outcome is.  Peace!
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