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How to Make a Scope Mount for an M16

For over 40 years the M-16 rifle has been in service with the American military. The civilian version is the AR-15 rifle, which is similar to the M-16 but is only capable of semiautomatic fire. The M-16 has a carrying handle built into the frame of the weapon; it is located directly over the bolt. This carrying handle has a hole drilled into it for the specific purpose of mounting a Weaver-style rail mount. No special tools are required to attach a scope mount to an M-16.

Things You'll Need

Weaver-style rail mount for M-16/AR-15 rifle

Instructions

- 1
  Unscrew and remove the retention nut located on the bolt on the bottom of the rail mount. Position the mount so that the slanted grooves on the mount's sides line up with the angle of the carry handle.
- 2
  Place the mounting bolt through the hole located on top of the carry handle. The mount should seat naturally into the top slot of the carry handle. The surface of the mount should be parallel with the rifle's barrel.
- 3
  Place the retention nut back on the mount's bolt and tighten. M-16 rifles almost exclusively utilize Weaver-style scope mounts and rings.
- 4
  Attach your scope by loosening the mounting screws at the base of your Weaver-style scope rings, widening the mounting bracket, placing the rings on the mount, and tightening the mounting screws.

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