how to mount red dot sights??

[rod5591]

I want to mount my own. I have an M1A, a AR-15, a Rugers 22, a Henry .17 HMR, a couple of shotguns, Which would be best for a red-dot sight? and what sort of equipment will I need?

[swgunner]

The M1A or AR are both good candidates. Is the AR a flat-top or carry handle sight? If the AR is a flat-top just mount it to the frame.

For the M1A you can either get a receiver mount that bridges the charging handle or you can get an Ultimak mount that replaces the upper handguard with a railed interface.

Red dots aren't needed for shotguns outside of very specific circumstances (turkey and slug guns for hunting).

Which red dot is it? Eoechs come with their own mounts while Aimpoints require a mount.

[kc-griz]

The Henry .17HMR will require a cantilevered scope mount ordered from Henry then you'll have to have your barrel drilled and tapped by a gunsmith to accept it. The down side is that the stock has so much drop, you'll never achieve any form of cheek weld. Went down this road before... don't recommend it.

The M1a can be an expensive proposition to mount a scope to it. Mounts that actually work and not shoot loose are not cheap and the cheap ones just plain don't work. Again, you'll need to address raising the stock with a pad or kydex riser to achieve a solid cheek weld. The Ultimak mount is a solid rig and will likely mount your scope at the lowest height thereby possibly making it unnecessary for a stock pad/riser. It does mount the scope in a "scout" position so you'll have to get used to that. About the only issue I've heard with them is that with cheaper red-dots, the heat generated by the barrel can affect the electronics.

The AR platform is likely the easiest to mount a scope to especially if it is a flat top model with a picatinny rail. If not and it has the non-detachable carry handle, you'll need to address the added height and lack of cheek weld.

Ruger 10-22 is a piece of cake to mount a scope to. You'll need to mount a weaver style base plate to the top of the receiver using the factory screw holes then mount your scope to it with the appropriate mount or rings.