Lever Action Scope Mounts: Complete Installation and Selection Guide

Lever Action Scope Mounts: Complete Installation and Selection Guide

Posted by Ranger Point Team on Jan 16th 2026

What Is a Lever Action Scope Mount and How Do You Choose the Best One?

Lever action scope mounts allow classic rifles to run modern optics. They help  shooters expand to farther distances , improve accuracy, and keep aging eyes sharp without compromising the rifle’s integrity. A lever gun stays a lever gun, but the right optic gives you a level of control and clarity traditional irons simply cannot match.

If you are asking “What are the best lever action scope mounts?” or “What are the pro’s and con’s of adding modern bases and optics?” ?”, you are not alone! There are easy upgrades– both big and small that can be made without ruining the traditional feel of your rifle.  This guide removes the guesswork with an easy breakdown of mount types, compatibility rules, installation steps, and optimization advice. Whether you run a Henry, Marlin, or another platform, just know you can  finish with complete clarity and confidence.

RPP’s rails for Henry and Marlin rifle recommendations: 

Why Add a Scope to a Lever Action Rifle?

Why Should Modern Shooters Want To Add Optics To Their Lever Actions?

Better Accuracy

Even a simple 1-4x optic provides:

  • See farther, shoot farther!

  • Faster follow-up shots

  • Clearer target identification

Aging Eyes

Many longtime lever-action fans find iron sights increasingly harder to see. . A scope mount solves that without changing the rifle’s “bones.”.

Low-Light Advantages

Morning and evening hunts benefit significantly from quality glass.

Modern Flexibility

A mount gives you the option to switch:

  • Scope

  • Red dot

  • LPVO

Depending on your use case.

What Types of Lever Action Scope Mounts Exist?

Which Mount Types Work Best for Lever Guns?

1. Picatinny Scope Mounts (Recommended for Most Shooters)

The modern standard.

Benefits:

  • Maximum compatibility

  • Strongest lockup

  • Multiple slot positions for eye relief

  • Works with scopes, red dots, LPVOs

RPP Products:

2. Weaver Rail Mounts

Very similar to Picatinny but with narrower slots. Some older rifles ship with Weaver bases, but Picatinny offers better future-proofing.

3. See-Through Scope Mounts

Allows for  iron sight use while the scope is mounted.

Drawbacks:

  • Higher optic height

  • Poor cheek weld

  • Reduced stability

Not recommended for precision use.

4. Direct-Mount Scope Rings

Rings that mount directly to the receiver with two-piece bases.
 Works on some older rifles but generally:

  • Less stable

  • Harder to adjust eye relief

  • Limited compatibility

5. Drill and Tap Mounts

Used for rifle receivers without factory screw holes.

Pros:

  • Opens mounting on vintage rifles

Cons:

  • Permanent modification

  • Requires a gunsmith

Which Lever Action Scope Mount Should You Choose?

How Do You Select the Right Mount for Your Rifle?

1. Confirm Rifle Make and Model 

Every lever action family has dimensional differences :

  • Henry Big Boy vs. X Model

  • Marlin pre-Ruger vs. Ruger era

  • 1894 vs. 1895 vs. 336

RPP eliminates confusion by clearly listing supported models.

2. Pick the Mounting Standard

  • Want universal compatibility? Choose Picatinny.

  • Want classic looks? Choose low-profile bases.

3. Choose the Right Height

Your optic should sit as low to the rifle as possible;  avoid overly tall scope mounts unless you need see-through clearance.

4. Consider Your Optic Type

  • Red dots: short rails

  • LPVOs: long rails

  • Scopes: adjust for proper eye relief

How Do You Install a Lever Action Scope Mount?

What Are the Steps and Tools You Need?

Tools

  • Gunsmith screwdriver set

  • Torque wrench

  • Blue thread locker

  • Degreaser

  • Cleaning cloth

Step 1: Clear the Rifle

Unload entirely. Secure it in a vise.

Step 2: Remove Existing Plugs or Bases

Use proper driver tips to avoid stripping.

Step 3: Clean All Surfaces

Remove oil and debris from:

  • Receiver top

  • Screw holes

  • Rail bottom

Read More: Rifle Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

Step 4: Test Fit

Ensure:

  • Flush fit

  • No rocking

  • Screw holes align

Step 5: Apply Thread Locker

Only a drop. Prevents screw walkout.

Step 6: Run Screws Down Evenly

Start them all before applying the final torque.

Step 7: Torque to 15–25 in-lbs

Follow RPP guidance for your rifle.

Step 8: Mount Optic and Bore Sight

Set eye relief and preliminary zero.

Common Mistakes When Installing Scope Mounts

What Should You Avoid?

  • Overtightening screws

  • Mounting optic too far forward or backwards

  • Ignoring torque specs

How Do You Optimize Your Scope Setup?

What Fine-Tuning Improves Accuracy?

1. Ring Height

Lower is (usually) better unless you have a reason to run higher rings.

2. Perfect Eye Relief

Set at highest magnification.

3. Torque Check After First Range Trip

Everything settles during recoil.

4. Zeroing

Most lever guns zero best at:

  • 50 yards for red dots

  • 100 yards for scopes

Which RPP Products Work Best for Lever Action Scope Mounts?

Where Can You Find Quality Scope Mounts for Henry and Marlin Rifles?

RPP’s scope rails are engineered specifically for lever actions:

  • Perfect receiver fit

  • Hard anodized finish

  • Optimized slot spacing

  • Made in the USA

Shop the Rails:

Conclusion: What Is the Best Lever Action Scope Mount?

How Do You Build a Reliable, Accurate, Optics-Ready Lever Gun?

The best lever action scope mount is the one that fits perfectly, can withstand real-world use, , and works with your optic of choice. While many mounts exist, lever action shooters overwhelmingly prefer Picatinny rails for flexibility and durability.

RPP’s rails deliver:

  • Precision machining

  • Classic-friendly appearance

  • Tight receiver lockup

  • Multi-slot versatility

  • A made in Texas guarantee of quality

Whether you want faster shots, clearer glass, or help for aging eyes, your optics setup starts with a proper mount built to last.

Find the Right Mount for Your Lever Action Today

!