Help w/ stuck scope

B

brselman

New member
I have a 20 some odd year old Ruger 77/22 and I wanted to replace the scope. The scope rings, original equipment I think, screws (four for each ring) that hold the scope in place seem to be cemented in place, ie I cannot turn them at all. Do you have any helpful hints on how I can loosen them, or am I going to have to pitch the rings with the old scope when I replace it?:(
 
Heat the screws, using a soldering iron. Do one screw at a time, of course, and try to remove the screw while it's still hot.
 
Well, who knows what type of thread-lock may have been applied to the screws when they were originally installed? Someone could have used anything from Red locktite (strongest) to (heaven forbid) epoxy!!! I spose you should try a mild approach to getting them to loosen up i.e. soak overnight with a couple drops of penetrating fluid. For sure, use the correct sided screwdriver that fills the screw slot completely. After soaking over night, gently tap the screw head several times with a brass hmr or flathead punch (similiar to rapping on the edge of a jar lid that is extremely tight). If they still don't budge, then I'd take soldering gun and use the tip of the gun to heat up the screw. The heat may melt or soften up whatever was applied to the threads to keep them from loosing up. Good Luck.
 
Thanks

With your help, some very light machine oil, patience, and some elbow grease, I was finally able to loosen the screws and release the old scope. This is a great forum. :)
 
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