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I just don't lap.
I centre the reticle, sit the scope in the rings (not tight) and look at a target (20m) through the scope and bore.
When I see that the scope and bore are not aligned, I lap the bottom halves only with a 25mm bar and emery tape, left or right/down until alignment is gained.
The rings are usually no longer round, so I bed the scope into the bottom pieces aligned to the bore, using Devcon Alu. Ensure the rifle is clamped plumb. Press the tube well into the devcon, after final alignment is confirmed tape scope in place to stop roll while devcon is curing (top clamp is not needed). Clean up straight away with a pointed ice cream stick tool, follow the ring edge for a really neat job.
The top ring will still fit (check & bend if needed) as it is flexible and has clearance within the screw holes.
The scope will now have a perfect stress free fit.
Of course use a light coat of release agent and make 2 pine cradles & wedges to pop the scope tube from the devcon with the clamp screws loose. Clean the tube and ring bottoms free of release agent. Mount the scope and align the reticle plumb.This process is also important when using the std Tikka Alu rings as they are 26mm not 1in diameter, the bottom piece will noticeably wobble on a 1in scope tube.
