Tightening scope rings.

T

the rifleer

New member
Ive done some research on how tight to tighten scope rings. I've read 15-20 INCH pounds several times. Is this correct? Thats only 1.66 foot pounds, which is hardy anything.
 
This is a post for the Smithy section but,,,,,, somehow I can't help myself.

Rifleer, some makers of rings and bases have different torque settings for rings And bases.
What you need is to find the directives that your mring company set's down.

They are all a little different.

Good luck and happy shooting dude!;)
 
You need to find the companies recommended torque! (use blue locktite) and don't "jones" on the small stuff, rifleer dude.;)

Here's what can happen,,, you can over torque and bust a screw and be in a world of smelly stuff, OR you can do what is RECOMMENDED and be super rifleer man, with the properly torqued ring screws and such!:)
Believe me, it's simple. Get it wrong,,,, and Pay the Smith!!!;)
 
Do not overtighten for sure, and do not use lok tight, worst mistake ever. I did it and then 2 years later wanted a new scope, All 4 heads broke off and I had to carefully grind the rings off. All went well and I just needed new rings but still a huge pain.
 
Whoa PA, I said Blue loctite, not the red, (which is hard to unfasten) and blue loctite is good no worries mate!!
 
It is documented ....

rifleer
Based on the Wheeler Fat-Wrench listing;

Ring screws, Aluminum; 10-15 inch-lbs.
Ring Screws; Steel; ..... 15-20 inch-lbs.

I usually stay on the low side for smaller calibers.

Be Safe !!!
 
15-25 inch pounds is the norm for the small mount screws. It well depend on material, diameter and thread pitch. Use blue loctite or Gun-Tite (same stuff). When you need to disassemble just heat the screw with the tip of a soldering gun.
 
I use rosin instead of locktite for scope ring screws. Just dip the screw in the rosin powder and run them in. It does stick to keep the screws from backing out, but doesn't glue them down like even blue can do sometimes.

Rosin's also useful to powder the inside of the rings to prevent scope slippage under recoil.

can get a big jar of the stuff (lifetime supply) at Brownells.
 
This is probably a silly question, but will the manual tell me how tight to torque the rings or do i have to call the manufactuer?
 
You may need to call. Often this information is not provided with the rings.
Especially with aluminum rings and bases- you need to be careful not to over-torque and strip the threads.

This can be a really fine line on high-recoil rifles. Not enough torque and the scope will slide forward in the rings...
 
I bought steel rings because i had some aluminum ones and the scope kept sliding forward. Basically i need to know how tight i can make it without damaging the scope.

This is going on a k31, so i got millet steel rings for a bushnell 3200 10x scope.
 
rifleer-
I typically install scopes with a drop of blue LocTite under the rings, and tighten the screws to about 20 inch-pounds. Lo scope slippage, no crushed scope tubes, no stripped screw heads. Happy all around!
 
I will admit i tried to use some nail polish, as i heard this works. It doesn't. So if i use 20 inch pounds and a drop of blue lock tight under the scope rings the scope shouldn't move?
 
Another "trick" is to use a small amount of the blue loctite on the inside of the rings to prevent slippage.
 
Another "trick" is to use a small amount of the blue loctite on the inside of the rings to prevent slippage.

EDIT: Sorry- I see that was already suggested...oops...
 
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