For over two years now I have never know the proper way to mount a scope in the rings. I have been very carefull with mounting all my scopes but on the other hand I new there was an order in which to tighten the screws on the rings. Just like tightening the lugs on a car wheel, there is a certain order to tighten the lugs.
Well today I found the article explaining the mounting proceedure to mount a scope in the rings of a mount.. I found this on Pyrmyds Airgun Tips and Tricks section. I have copied there directions here and will post there link to Airgun Tips and Tricks in the GTA Library.Step 4. Tighten the top caps to hold the scope. This is a step where care should be taken. There is no need to over-tighten the ring caps to hold the scope in place, but most people overdo this part.
Tighten each screw partially, then move to the next one and go around the pattern of screws many times, rather than tightening each screw all the way on the first try. You will put even tension on the caps and be less likely to dent the scope tube this way.
If there are two screws on the side of the ring, tighten only one, then tighten the one on the opposite corner of the other side of the cap (see graphic below). Leave the other two screws for the moment and tighten two screws on the other ring next. Then come back to mount one and tighten the two screws you left loose. Then back to the other ring and keep rotating until the scope is secure. It takes less tightening that most people think, so err on the side of too loose, rather than too tight.
(http://../../library/6-scope-screw-graphic.jpg)
Keep going around the pattern, tightening very little each time. I hold on to the small end of the Allen wrench to keep from over-tightening.
Some folks try to get the same amount of space between the caps on either side of the mounts, but I don't worry about it very much. Once the screws are tight the job is finished. Now the scope can be sighted-in.
Link to article: http://www.pyramydair.com/site/articles/scopes-part2/ (http://"http://www.pyramydair.com/site/articles/scopes-part2/)Gene