How do I tighten scope in the rings for tight fit but not crush the tube?

[AirPower]

One of the scopes I must have overtightened because it left some marks on the scope tube. I want to avoid doing that again, but also be tight enough not to have any movement.

Is there a way to make sure that I don't crush the tube, and still have a solid hold on the scope?

Does it matter what rings I use? I've seen some rings with some teflon tape on the inside. Does that help?

 

[Sitting Duck]

Burris Signature Z rings. Look 'em up at http://www.burrisoptics.com/

 

[Chukpike]

If the rings are made for the scope you would probably strip the bolts/screws before crushing the tube. If you want to know how tight to tighten, find the size of screw/bolt, then use a torque screwdriver to tighten to the torque setting for that bolt/screw.

I am not sure that Teflon tape would be the best to cushion between the ring and scope, but it would probably do the job and is waterproof.

The marks may come from scope being too lose and turning inside the ring, properly clamped I don't think you would get marks accept by movement of metal on metal.

 

[rcmodel]

Many rings are not really in alignment with each other on the gun.

One may be tilted forward, and the other O.K..
Or it might be tilted the other way.

Lapping the rings or reaming them is the only way I know to keep tube damage in check.

If they are in correct alignment, you can't tighten the screws tight enough to damage a tube.

http://www.larrywillis.com/mountingascope.html

rcmodel

 

[Jeff F]

+ 1 on lapping the rings.

I've also herd of sticking the scope to the rings with a drop or two of locktite but I have never needed to do that. I have always used locktite on my base mounting screws.

 

[HRT]

Teflon tape is a bad idea. It willjust let the scope slide under recoil with the teflon serving as a lubricant. Veify ring alignment, lap if necessary, break the sharp inside cornersof the rings and spritz with pine rosin. snug fasteners and go

 

[stolivar]

I have used electrical tape

just put it on the rings on both sides and trim. it keeps the scope from moving and it lets you move and adjust scope and not scratch the tube. Works every time.

I have been doing it this way for over 30 years.


steve

 

[Ben Shepherd]

I use burris signature series rings. They have inserts that work wonderfully. Nice tight mount, no marring the scope, no slipping.

 

[avan47]

I also use buris signature rings. They are a bit more expensive, but they are the only ones I will buy now. No more need to worry about missalligned rings or the scope slipping in the rings, or damage to the scope tube. And, the extra expense is offset by not having to lap them. There is a variaty of styles to work with many different kinds of bases, including weaver style bases. My preference is double dove tails. Burris also has offset inserts available to deal with allignment problems that cannot be corrected by the internal adjustments of the scope. I also use a torque wrench to tighten all scope mounting screws. (and all bedding screws)

 

[skinewmexico]

Another +1 for Signature Zee rings.