Keep scope in place

I've used Loktite and had to knock the ring halves off the scope with a hammer later. If you need better holding, I don't want to shoot your rifle.
 
Scorch, I use some of the best rings you can buy and they do need lapped. The problem is not per-se the ring. The problem is the rifle drilled for the base, the base, the base and ring alignment, and the ring. Add all of the minor imperfections up and they are quite significant. It is amazing how poor the contact is in most un-lapped systems.
 
I've read different opinions on the subject. My gunsmithing instructor has been doing this for ages. He doesn't believe in lapping himself, but he will gladly do it if the customer asks for it.

-TL
 
i sometimes get a do over job. A hunter brought me a nice rifle with a $2,000 scope. The gun would not zero. There was a very good reason for the failure to zero: The "experienced gunsmith" who mounted the scope bent the tube by installing the scope in unlapped rings.

Some Leupold scope rings and mounts are made in China. The quality of those made in China Leupold rings is on par with Simmons rings.
 
Lapping is for improving minute ring misalignment. Bending scope tube is gross misalignment, which should be fixed by proper ring installation, correct drilling and tapping, or even shimming.

That's the point of my instructor. If the rings are installed correctly, lapping is just icing on the cake. Most of the time it makes insignificant difference. To do the job right, instead of trying to correct the mistake afterwards, that's what he was trying to pound into our head.

Anyway, for just holding the scope in place, lapping is probably not needed. Correct ring size and proper torque on the screws should suffice. Rosin or other stuff will further help.


-TL
 
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Hold your scope in place

Use a small piece of very fine piece of emery cloth on the bottom of your rings. Place scope on top of the small piece and then install as you would normally. Will hold anything in place with no gunk or putty or other sticky stuff.
 
Tangolima, I am not sure how you lap rings. I do not even begin to lap until Until I have near perfect alignment. When I get finished lapping, I have perfect alignment and usually 90 to 100% contact. You can not take all the misalignment out without lapping.
 
Exactly. The ring alignment must be near perfect before lapping. Lapping is the difference between near perfect and perfect, and hence the improvement is insignificant for most applications.

-TL
 
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