AusVarmint

So this is happening... its on a .243, has Leupold DD rings and bases. Scope is a Vortex Viper with 30mm main-tube.. I have checked all torques on rings and bases. I don't know what else to do except get a different set of rings and bases. I am looking at the Talley one piece mounts.

Any suggestions?

Edit: forgot to mention that this is a new scope/base/rings setup. Old setup didn't have this issue. They were weaver mounts, can't remember the brand of rings, but they were nothing special, and the scope was a tasco world class.

the rings could need lapping to get a proper grip on the scope mate, alternatively, you could try DNZ gamereaper mounts.

CHeers Jacko, where would I source a set of those from?

I'd agree with the lapping as first point of call. The DNZ haven't really failed me but are far from aesthetically pleasing in my view. Currently running them on my 204 and the only thing stopping me changing them is having to sight in again. As far as where, most major gunships I've been to stock them.

How would I go about lapping the rings?

Loosen the rings, place a dab of nail polish and re-tighten. It's often enough to hold the scope firm, others use a dab of gasket goo, sticky-tape ... etc...
Cheers...
Con

Greysa wrote:

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So this is happening... its on a .243, has Leupold DD rings and bases. Scope is a Vortex Viper with 30mm main-tube.. I have checked all torques on rings and bases. I don't know what else to do except get a different set of rings and bases. I am looking at the Talley one piece mounts.

Any suggestions?

Edit: forgot to mention that this is a new scope/base/rings setup. Old setup didn't have this issue. They were weaver mounts, can't remember the brand of rings, but they were nothing special, and the scope was a tasco world class.

just as a matter of interest how many inch lb of torque are you using

28 in/lbs. It seems a bit light but that is what Leupold recommend for 8-40 ring screws.

Lap the rings then use a small amount of Rosin they won't move then if their torqued correctly. Rosin is the stuff that violin players put on the strings of the bow so that they grip on the violin strings. It's fantastic stuff. I had been having similar problems on the 30-06 and my gunsmith put me onto this fix.

Dr G wrote:Lap the rings then use a small amount of Rosin they won't move then if their torqued correctly. Rosin is the stuff that violin players put on the strings of the bow so that they grip on the violin strings. It's fantastic stuff. I had been having similar problems on the 30-06 and my gunsmith put me onto this fix.

And once again, every day is a school day!

Thanks for that Doc, I'll add it to my list of useful hints.

So are there lapping kits available in Australia? I only seem to be able to find the Wheeler kit and the Sinclair kit, both of which I am having a hard time finding in Australia.

Greysa wrote:So are there lapping kits available in Australia? I only seem to be able to find the Wheeler kit and the Sinclair kit, both of which I am having a hard time finding in Australia.

Hinterland Shooting Supplies in QLD do the Possum Hollow kits.

Black electrical tape between the rings and scope, chuck the torque wrench, they are good for tightening nuts and bolts when you are doing engine rebuilds, just another gimmick when used with firearms.

Camel wrote:Black electrical tape between the rings and scope, chuck the torque wrench, they are good for tightening nuts and bolts when you are doing engine rebuilds, just another gimmick when used with firearms.

They do prevent over torquing though. Scope rings should never be too tight, my guide is using a hex key vertical and doing it up tight there but never using it horizontally as you can apply too much tension like that. I've never noticed a scope shift in the rings doing this.

Camel wrote:Black electrical tape between the rings and scope.

Not all the way around though. Just one side (upper or lower) is enough. The adhesive on the tape can act as a lubricant allowing slippage of the scope to still occur if its put all the way around. Placed on one side it helps the rings bite a bit more. People have also shimmed with paper! With all my current big-bores, never needed to lap, just tighten and where the rings/scope meet, I place a dab of nail-polish that wets both the ring and the scope and sneaks into the space between. Pink or fluro orange work for me.
Cheers...
Con