DIY Scope Mounting

I’ve always had my scopes mounted from the place of purchase…typically Cabelas or Gander back in the day. I’m purchasing my first long rang precision rifle (Its not actually a big dollar gun-more entry level) and a higher quality scope. I was going to have a gun smith mount it for me vs cabelas but got to thinking this may be fun to mount my self. I literally have nothing for this. I was looking at the Wheeler Engineering Scope mounting kit (Wheeler Engineering #: 540127)but would probably need a good vices as well.

Without breaking the bank, looking to spend around $100-150, is the wheeler kit a great option? What about a vice? Any other tools needed that is not including in the wheeler kit? How hard is it to lap your scope?

Thanks,
CC

A laser boresight is extremely handy. Gets you very close on target before you even fire a round.

I don’t mount scopes enough to bother with a dedicated vise. I use a cradle and some foam pipe insulation to “wedge” the rifle in there solidly. It works well enough for the 1-2 times a year I mount a scope.

Lapping is not difficult, just slow.

Grouse

Buy Talley mounts for whatever rifle you have. Takes all the guess work out of mounting. Leupold rings and others are severely out dated. If you want it to be long range gun tally’s even come with a 20moa cant in them to give you more room to dial long range

A bit primitive, but I use a lead sled as my cradle. As grouse mentioned, a few pieces of foam tubing and budgie cords holds it tight. I have multiple wheeler mounting kits and they work fine. Getting a baseline of your chamber level and matching everything to that baseline is key.
I’m a huge fan of the burris XTR mounts. Solid and rugged. Tally and others are very good as well. Some great options out there now if you need to elevate 10, 16, 20 or more MOA for dialing in 1000, 1200, 1500 meters