Scope base - how tight is too tight?

[mcoulter]

Check this out:



SOOO, my question is how tight should you go when mounting my scope base to a springer?  Typically I finger-tighten it and then put an allen wrench through one of the holes to make it a little tighter than what I can do by hand.  For reference this is on a RWS 34 + UTG drooper rail.

[Gertrude]

Not trying to be a wiseguy, obviously that was too tight.
 JMO here, but on rings that have a thumb screw / wingnut like that, I'd say finger tight is plenty.

 Finger tight meaning, once it makes contact and is snug, then maybe a 1/4 turn more, or just what "feels pretty tight" with your fingers. using a allen wrench like a "cheater bar" would be waaay too much.

[condor22]

 What brand scope rings? Looks like a defective clamp, are they under warranty. For an oz. of prevention, next time use a torque wrench and tighten to manufacturer's spec. 

 Would need to consult OEM customer service or web page for correct torque.

[Big Bore Bart]

  To my eyes it looks like the clamp was installed upside down.    Then when the screw was tightened the clamp bent and broke.

[HYspd]

nah the clamp's right side up..i have that exact set...it's not defective either, it's been over tightened..

I have seen that type of damage several times lately on a broad range of types and manufacturers

with one thing in common, they were all on springers....


being that is a weaver/picatinny style base it doesn't need to be very tight, the locking lug on the bottom of the clamp
that fits into the groove on the rail is supposed to positively locate the mount...providing the mount and the rail are the
same type, a medium firm hand tight is plenty...just so it doesn't shake off the gun..

weaver mounts with the smaller 3mm lug don't stay put all that well on the wider 5mm grooves of a Picatinny rail when
subjected to Springer Shock...

I know people will say you can "spread" the weavers bases by jamming the front one forward and the rear one backward until
they stop and then lock them in place...I've seen the reverse recommended, front mount pulled back and rear mount pushed
forward, too but neither has worked on a springer that i have personally seen.

the one thing I like about the weaver/picatinyy systems is that you can take the scope off and re-attach it and not lose zero..
I have had the scope off my BT65 3 or 4 times and haven't need to re sight it to shoot shotgun shells at 60 yards...

[Bullit]

Matt,   I use the same mounting system.  I don't do anything but ensure snug, with the allen key.  With the weaver mount, it'll stay put.  I do, personally, spread my rings for a front forward/rear rearward contact, in the slot.
Good to see you're eatin' your Wheaties!   

[mcoulter]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.  Yes, these were UTG mounts.  I'll stick with finger tight only from this point forward - hopefully they'll stay tight!

[HYspd]

if they are loosening up then blue Loctite will help..

I don't have all the ins and outs of it at the tip of my tongue, but tightening beyond certain point actually creates a condition
where the fasteners will not stay tight..something like the threads change shape which reduces their ability to lock against each other to hold torque...once up on a time i had the theory and application and consequence nailed down tight but those memories have long since gotten dusty...