Scope Mount for Beginners

[elephantrider]

I leveled the NF with a micrometer wedged under the turret cluster, and then mic'ed the ring-gaps as I tightened. Ring gaps are +- 0.002" from each other Left/Right, and I double-checked reticle level on my Badger "Dead Level". Seems the micrometer did as good a job as anything, wedged under there.

What do mean by "micrometer," are you talking about a leaf type feeler gauge?

A few thoughts: Loctite acts as a light lubricant. Reduce torque by 15% when using it. Stick to manufacturer torque recommendations of both the rings AND the optic. Try to buy products that have common ground, for example, if Bobro recommends 14-20 inch pounds, and Vortex recommends "no more than 18 inch pounds", then you're G2G. However, if you use a LaRue, and 30 inch-pounds is recommended, then you're going to have to choose who's spec to step outside of with your Vortex optic. That's 10 inch pounds out of spec, whichever one you choose, and if you split it, you're still 5+ inch pounds over or under...not a comfortable place to be, for me at least. (the answer per Vortex, FYI, is to tighten the bottom screws to around 22 and the top to 17-18).

Anyway, just my .02

You are sorta comparing apples and oranges with the torque values. Higher torque values on one set of rings screws do not necessarily translate to a higher clamping force on the scope tube compared to another set of rings with a lower torque value. Multiple factors determine the clamping force exerted on the scope, not just the torque values of the ring screws. I do not disagree that there can be a difference between a scope mfgs. acceptable, or recommended, clamping force and that exerted by a set of rings when torqued to the ring mfgs. value.

[WS6]

What do mean by "micrometer," are you talking about a leaf type feeler gauge?



You are sorta comparing apples and oranges with the torque values. Higher torque values on one set of rings screws do not necessarily translate to a higher clamping force on the scope tube compared to another set of rings with a lower torque value. Multiple factors determine the clamping force exerted on the scope, not just the torque values of the ring screws. I do not disagree that there can be a difference between a scope mfgs. acceptable, or recommended, clamping force and that exerted by a set of rings when torqued to the ring mfgs. value.

Micrometer, as in, I miced the gaps between ring cap and bottom of ring on each side. Feeler gauges work too.

Vortex has had issues with certain torque specs before. Their above was the solution.

[elephantrider]

Micrometer, as in, I miced the gaps between ring cap and bottom of ring on each side.

I was referring to the "micrometer," that you "wedged under the turret cluster?"

Vortex has had issues with certain torque specs before. Their above was the solution.

Vortex's response/solution to particular mount/rings clamping issues does not change physics.

[WS6]

I was referring to the "micrometer," that you "wedged under the turret cluster?"



Vortex's response/solution to particular mount/rings clamping issues does not change physics.

The rings in question, I believe, are what, 0.85" wide? The thread pitch is standard/typical. The screws are hardened stainless, threaded into hardened stainless. The torque values are not magically "less" than "one would expect" simply because the bottom screws are tightened first, and to the base. The top screws, if tightened to 30 inch pounds, exceed the force on the scope tube that Vortex is comfortable with, as 100% of the 30 inch-pounds of said screws is transferred to the tube. This is like the ARC rings. I remember one author testing them, thinking somehow physics did not apply, and crushing the snot out of his scope tube to the point that the optic was ruined, when trying to reach the spec'ed 50+ inch pounds.

Under the turret cluster, it was the "stalk" of a regular micrometer. I used it in lieu of any other long and slender non-bending straight edge.



It showed a massive deficiency in the precision of the Arisaka wedge method.

[elephantrider]

Thanks for the photo, I see what you did there.

[HKGuns]

3 surgeries 4 levels fused, plate 6 screws and wire hold my neck together.

Oh man, sorry about that....dang.