Pictured on the front page of New Hampshire Rifleman is a new image of my AR-15 with Leupold’s one-piece cantilever integral mounting system for scoped rifles such as my carbine with Picatinny rails. The model I am testing is the Mark 2 IMS for 30mm Scope bodies. It does the job and fast mounting! Great for tactical scenarios or just rapidly swapping over to other scopes or other aiming devices.
What makes this model so attractive is its easy attachment of the IMS system to the Picatinny rail. Just a few minutes and it is on and snug.
This is a great solution for an AR needing a long range scope such as my VX-6 . As you can see it is a beefy mount that can take punishment of an AR.
If I were shooting a magnum rifle I would likely use additional top ring screws to keep the scope in place during heavy recoil. See the upgraded Mark 4 IMS system below for 30mm.
Applying proper torque is critical and Leupold recommends the following maximums:
6-48 Base Screws – 22 in/lbs
8-40 Base Screws – 28 in/lbs
8-40 Ring Screws – 28 in/lbs
Ringmount Keeper Screws 45 in/lbs
The ring screws on mine are 8-40 and I did snug them with 28 in/lbs with my Wheeler fat torque wrench below.
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Back to the IMS mounting systems. If you want more IMS security for your scope the Mark 4 System base can be purchased. https://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/mounting-systems/integral-mounting-systems/mark-4-ims-integral-base/
and then you can purchase the Mark 4 IMS insert below.
It has been the practice of many shooters to place an indelible pen mark where the ring and scope mate. Over time you can verify with the mark that the scope did or did not move. I would do that here as part of my test which will last several weeks. Look for more feedback on the Mark 2 IMS system.
There are lots of scope mounting systems on the market but as I have said before, I trust Leupold products to deliver. You just have to choose the right product for your application.
Good Shooting!
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