How tight for quick release scope mount? (AR15)

[Peakbagger46]

I am getting ready to shoot my AR with an American Defense Recon mount tomorrow. How tight do the quick release levers need to be? Do I need to crank them down so tight that I have to use a pry tool to take the mount off, or is adjusting it so firm finger pressure can open the levers enough?

 

[Coal Dragger]

What does the manual say?

I know mounts that use 1/2” nuts usually call for 65 in-lbs which gives over 1000lbs of clamping force on the rail.

 

[shoobe01]

Try the manual. It will likely be vague about the lever pressure but it is a hand tightened lever. Never use tools to close or pry open QD levers.

Here's A set of instructions for another ADM QD mount. Can't immediately find yours. There may be differences so check that if you have one:

1. Install the assembly onto the rail and move the lever to the locked position.
2. Check the tension to close. The correct amount of tension is the maximum amount you apply with one hand to move the lever to a closed position. How much tension you prefer is dependent on your own judgement and personal preference. Please remember, this system has a lot more surface contact than the competition, so you may not need to push the lever as hard to achieve the same result.
   
3. To adjust the tension, move the lever to the open position and push the lever towards the base. This will make the adjustment nut protrude on the opposite side of the base. With the nut protruding, it may be turned to the right or the left to make the necessary adjustment. We recommend tightening one to two flats per time, then testing the tension. Since there are eight flats on the octagonal nut, this process may take a few tries to get it where you want it. You will need NO tools for this step.

The QD lever is a lever. It has mechanical advantage built in, so should be at most "a bit firm." Your finger shouldn't hurt when you lock or remove it. Over tightening the lever is much like over-tightening a screw: it will stretch the mechanism, risks breaking it.

You can double check that it worked if you wish by making sure the base doesn't move under recoil. Scribe a witness mark in pencil and check after a few rounds.

 

[3Crows]

The levers are intended to be worked by hand, those, I think cam over slightly? In any case, you should be able to work the levers by hand/fingers. Is your rail steel or aluminum? If you tighten such that the aluminum rail is deformed your zero will not be consistent. I do not have this specific set up but I have been using Warne and Leopold type quick release mounts for a long time and finger tight is all that is needed.

 

[Peakbagger46]

From the instruction manual:

“Check the tension to close. The correct amount of tension is the maximum amount you apply with one hand to move the lever to a closed position.“

If I close the levers as described above, a screw driver is needed (used as a pry bar) to open them.

It would be nice to be able to remove the mount and get back to irons without tools, but the instructions are a bit confusing. I don’t want to loose accuracy by having it set too loose.

Sorry if I’m being dense, I’m not new to rifles, just new to this type of mounting system.

 

[Peakbagger46]

The levers are intended to be worked by hand, those, I think cam over slightly? In any case, you should be able to work the levers by hand/fingers. Is your rail steel or aluminum? If you tighten such that the aluminum rail is deformed your zero will not be consistent. I do not have this specific set up but I have been using Warne and Leopold type quick release mounts for a long time and finger tight is all that is needed.

That’s a good point. I’ve run the Warne QD rings finger tight before and they worked fine.

 

[briansmithwins]

I set LaRue levers to where I can just close them one handed. I usually use a sling to grab the lever to open them when they are that tight.

BSW

 

[Steve S.]

I have that same mount on my WC Recon 6.8; the lever cam pressure (for me) is a function of feel. I would describe it as a little past snug - firm but nowhere near gorilla. My AR 15 is a low recoil machine so anything near gorilla with this mount is not necessary. This mount is well machined and fits the angle of my WC rib perfectly. Again, a little past snug has a solid and secure hold without disfiguring/ scratching any of the surface finish. Also once set correctly, very repeatable.

 

[Chuck R.]

I've got two ADM Recon mounts.

I use one hand for both opening closing and opening works for me (Snug +). I also push the mount FWD and against the solid side when mounting to be consistent. I pull mine off repeatedly for cleaning and to swap scopes, they have great return to zero.

 

[shoobe01]

Since some levers are, as described above, easier to close than open, I just take the time to adjust with that in mind, and wish the instructions were not written only for people who already know how this works!

Open it (the sling or a shop rag etc is about the best trick for "a tool" to open I'd use) then loosen the nut a lot.
Close it. Doesn't matter how tight to close during this entire process.
Check fit. If floppy on the rail, open and tighten a bit. Repeat carefully, until it's no longer wobbly on the rail.
Then, close and open, tightenting ONE click at a time, until the opening force is "firm" but not difficult to open.

Then, I usually pull it all off, lube it properly and scrupulously clean the rail (as I just cycled a new mechanism many times) and do one last check (maybe you were tightening onto a piece of dirt, now it's looser) then tighten and leave it there.

 

[herrwalther]

Hand tight. It eliminates the purpose of a quick disconnect mount if you have to find a tool to get it off.

 

[rayw1128]

I have never been required to crank them down so hard that I cannot take them off by hand.

 

[oprod1]

If you tighten them down so hard as to need mechanical advantage to loosen them, you are going to be steadying the threads, which will case failure. Or your going to beak off a lever.