Does anyone have experience using the Wheeler Engineering ring alignment and lapping kit?
Extensive
Because you asked.
In the past this topic or issue has been very polarizing both here and is on the street as well, Face to Face.
The primary thought / belief or opinion is, if one spends Large Money ( 100 plus to ,, 300 something ) on scope rings lapping is not necessary or required.
With the Wheeler or other rig alignment devices, they serve the purpose and ( for the most part ) work well.
I would at least encourage shooters to check alignment with the Pointed Rods.
While on the pointed rods, I cut mine to a FLAT as for me it is easier to catch minor misalignment~s when butting FLATs rather than Points.
One other thing I would encourage shooters to check is surface contact to scope tube using a fluid, of sorts.
One of the pics is of a barrel that I checked fit to an upper using "Lay Out Fluid."
The pattern of contact ( or not ) is self explanatory and clearly visible. FWIW, the upper in question ( not pictured ) was not cheap, nor was it $400.00. Continued, when I contacted the upper manufacture, I was told I am the only one that ( seems to ) have a problem. The Moral being I am a firm believer in checking your stuff to verify no matter the manufacture~s.
Hum, sill on lapping uppers, I would check Wheeler's upper lapping devices because some are not 100% acceptable.
Concerning Wheeler Upper Lapping Tools, I did call Wheeler ( part of The Visa Group ) and brought my concerns to their attention. I was told ( SADLY ) that they (Wheeler ) are aware of the of the issue.
I asked why they are still selling the Upper Lapping Devices, answer from the Wheeler Rep, "I don't Know."
Anyway, back to scope lapping,
In a few cases I've run across a few sets that didn't even line up properly and one set was out of wack just enough it was visually deceiving and another time an alignment issue was aggravated by a rail being out of spec.
So, from my perspective, it's at least worth it to check alignment.
To lap or not can be checked first with a fluid, mentioned above.
I've also attached a pic that shows somewhat moderately extreme situation in obtaining a good or better surface / contact area on ring~s. Again the area~s are visual and with "LOW Spots" ( if you are going to use rings in question ) I look for 75% contact area and will fill in LOW Spots with Slivers Hockey Tape.
Hope This Helps
"Safe Shooting"
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