My first time. I am trading out a Sig Whiskey 3 4-12x, with a Sig Whiskey 5 5-25x. Rail is in place, and I will be changing the rings from 1" rings to 30mm rings. Question: How important is the "lapping" process? I purchased the Sig Alpha 1 Aluminum hunting mounts, and a Wheeler scope mounting kit as well. That whole "lapping" process seems antiquated when rings/mounts weren't as highly engineered as they are today...But, I am no expert.

you'll be fine with no lapping

I have a lapping kit for scope rings and it's not that important. However, if you wish to do so and willing to pay for shipping, I'd be glad to send you the tools to lap it yourself if you'd like. I trust you'll return it but honestly I wouldn't miss it if i lost it.
FYI, a torque tool of some sort is much more important.

Agree

I agree with the guys above. However, the purpose in lapping is to make sure the rings get a good bite on the scope AND it will reduce your possibility for ring marks on your scope by eliminating the highs and lows.

Good luck. Not all but a lot of my rings I’ve went to using Burris Signature Zee, then I don’t have to lap.

Judd recomended the burris sig z-rings to me several years ago and i do like them.

I agree with others that lapping isnt a necesity especially when using a quality one piece base and rings.

Before i bought the z-rings i used some vortex tactical rings... they really needed to be lapped due to poor quality control. Also the mounting holes on this rifle(a savage) are not true to the action so if you were mounting on somethin like tally's, which are separate base/ring lapping may be a good idea. All in if you follow the torque settings it will eliminate a lot of rings marks even without lapping. If you strap on it like a gorilla your probably gonna have issues.

I do some times, it will show how much the rings are off, ya I know you get what you pay for, I usually pay around a $100. for a set, even those are subject to error

I use Burris Signature Z rings. Very good rings and concept. Look them up on You Tube.

Thanks everyone. I did the job yesterday, and I did NOT lap the rings. I used the Sig Aluminum rings and they were so well fitting and so easy to replace on the existing rail. I am all bore sighted and ready to go to the range and get zeroed in. Plus, the new Whiskey 5 scope is so bright and so clear. I feel like I did when I got pro gear golf clubs. Even if I'm not better, I sure feel like I'm better...more to come...

Just sighted in the new Sig Whiskey 5, and my first mounting job ever seems successful. 5 shots down range...

Later in the day, 2 out of 4 at steel 475 yds down range. Man, all that magnification is so good for these 61 year old eyes...Love this scope.