To lap or not to lap . . .

[Dobervol]

. . . that is the question. Got a new set of Warne tactical 30 mm rings (fixed, since reports of failure to return to zero w/their QD design are prevalent) to mount my new scope on my new flattop sniper/varminter gun, with the idea they'd be good enough a product to keep around later, and in the meantime would "home me over" until I could swing a Larue QD Tactical SPR mount.

The rings are steel, and are very well constructed, and the interior seems to be much smoother and more dehorned than any other mounts I've seen, apart from the Larue SPR and the equally expensive GG&G mount.

The Warne instructions do not recommend lapping, but also do not include a warning (sorry, couldn't resist) against lapping. My "research," as it is, is confusing. Some people believe in lapping for every optic, no matter what, while others want a slight amount of roughness (not enough to mar the tube of the optic, but enough to hold it firmly if the mount is torqued properly to about 25in/lbs) to grip it.

So for you "glass junkies," a question--do you:

A.-Always lap every optic no matter what.

B.-Think it's overrated and rarely if ever do it.

C.-"It depends".

Please let me know WHY you do what you do, too. I don't have much experience with scopes, and I don't want to booger this up.

Thanks, guys.