BKL Scope Mounts

BKL Scope Mounts FAQ

What height BKL scope rings do I need?

The correct BKL scope ring height depends on your scope tube diameter and objective lens size. For 1-inch scope tubes, BKL recommends medium-height mounts for objectives up to 44mm and high mounts for objectives 44mm and larger. For 30mm scope tubes, BKL recommends low mounts for objectives up to 55mm and medium mounts for objectives 55mm and larger.

Keep in mind that objective diameter is only part of the calculation. The shape of the scope, rifle receiver, and mounting system can also affect clearance. BJL Outdoors offers several BKL scope rings and mounts in different heights to help accommodate different scope and rifle combinations.

Will BKL scope rings fit my rifle's dovetail?

BKL scope mounts are designed for grooved receivers using either 11mm or 3/8-inch dovetails. BKL's clamping system is designed to accommodate both dimensions, making BKL rings a popular choice for many rimfire rifles and air rifles with grooved receivers.

Before ordering, verify the type and dimensions of the dovetail on your rifle. BKL also makes adapters and riser mounts for applications where a different mounting interface is needed.

What size BKL scope rings do I need for my scope?

Match the ring size to the outside diameter of the scope tube. BKL offers rings for both 1-inch and 30mm scope tubes. A 1-inch scope requires 1-inch rings, while a 30mm scope requires 30mm rings.

After determining the tube diameter, choose the appropriate ring height based on the objective diameter and the amount of clearance available on your rifle. BJL Outdoors carries both 1-inch and 30mm BKL scope rings.

Do BKL scope mounts need a recoil stop pin?

BKL scope mounts use a self-aligning clamping system rather than relying on a traditional recoil stop pin. The mounting legs clamp against the dovetail as the screws are tightened, allowing the mount to center itself on the receiver.

BKL specifically states that its mounts are designed to fit both 11mm and 3/8-inch dovetails and use the clamping system to secure the mount. For rifles that generate significant recoil, proper installation and adequate clamping force are especially important.

Will BKL mounts move under recoil without a stop pin?

BKL mounts are designed to hold their position through the clamping force of the mounting system rather than depending on a separate recoil stop pin. Proper installation is important, particularly on rifles that produce substantial or repeated recoil.

BKL also offers dovetail-to-Weaver and Picatinny adapter mounts. These can provide another mounting solution when a conventional dovetail scope ring setup is not appropriate. See BJL Outdoors' Picatinny rail and mounting options for additional mounting systems.

How do you install BKL scope mounts on a dovetail?

Slide the BKL mount onto the rifle's dovetail and tighten the clamp screws. If the mounting slot is too narrow to slide over the dovetail, BKL mounts can be widened using their spreader holes.

To widen the mount, remove the clamp screws and install them into the spreader holes. Tighten the screws gradually, using small increments, until the mounting slot is wide enough to slide over the dovetail. Once the mount is positioned, remove the screws from the spreader holes and return them to the normal clamping holes.

BKL's installation instructions should be followed for the specific mount being installed. BJL Outdoors also carries scope risers, adapters and other mounts for applications where a standard dovetail installation is not appropriate.

What torque should I use for BKL scope rings and mounts?

BKL recommends 35 inch-pounds of torque for the base screws that clamp the mount to the dovetail. The correct torque for other screws can vary by component, so follow the manufacturer's instructions for the particular BKL mount or ring set you are installing.

When tightening the scope rings, do not attempt to completely close the gap between the ring halves. BKL states that the ring should form a circular shape around the scope tube without a gap between the inside diameter of the ring and the outside of the scope tube. Over-tightening the ring screws can damage the scope tube.

What is the difference between BKL 257 and 263 scope rings?

The BKL-257 and BKL-263 are both 1-inch dovetail scope rings, but they use different ring configurations. The BKL-257 is a shorter, more compact ring design, while the BKL-263 uses a wider double-strap configuration.

The choice between them depends on the available mounting space and the type of scope and rifle combination being used. BJL Outdoors' BKL scope mount reference tables can be used to compare the dimensions and specifications of the available models.

What are BKL riser mounts used for?

BKL riser mounts raise the mounting position of a scope or other optic while retaining a dovetail mounting interface. A riser can be useful when additional clearance is needed between the scope and rifle, when a particular scope ring height is not sufficient, or when the position of the optic needs to be adjusted for a specific setup.

BKL makes several riser lengths and configurations. For example, the BKL-181-MB dovetail riser is a 0.6-inch-long set designed to fit BKL-257 or BKL-300 scope rings and adds 0.68 inches to the overall mounting height.

How much height does a BKL riser add?

The amount of additional height depends on the specific BKL riser. BKL's riser mounts generally add approximately 0.68 inches to the mounting height. Individual riser models differ in length and configuration, so check the specifications of the specific model before ordering.

For example, the BKL-181-MB adds 0.68 inches to overall height and is designed to work with BKL-257 and BKL-300 scope rings.

```