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There are a lot of questions asked about scopes.
“How tight should the scopes be?”, is one of them.
We are here to answer that.
So, let’s get into it!
How do I know when the scope rings are tight enough?
You should never use a scope on yourself unless you’re an expert. If you’re not sure about your mounting skills, then you should probably leave this alone. Over tightening the rings could damage the scope or even break it.
What You Need to Know about Mounting a Scope?
A rifle scope is an optical instrument used to magnify and project images onto a target. Telescopic sights are often mounted on rifles and other long guns. Scopes are also commonly mounted on pistols, shotguns, and machine guns. Rifles with scopes are called “drilled and tap” because the barrel is threaded and the receiver is tapped (or bored) to accept a screw that holds the optic in place. Weaver-style rails are designed to allow for quick attachment of optics without tools. Picatinny rails are designed to be compatible with most optics.
Note: If you want to know a complete guide about scopes click HERE.
Selecting a Scope
The scope is an optical device used to increase the power of a rifle. A scope magnifies the target by using lenses. You can choose between fixed-power scopes and variable-magnification scopes. Fixed-power scopes are more expensive than variable-magnification ones.
A scope with an objective of around 30 mm (1 inch) is recommended for beginners. A larger objective than this could be uncomfortable to hold while aiming.
A 3-9×40 mm scope has a variable magnification range from 3x to 9x, and it has an object size of 40mm in diameter.
Selecting Bases and Rings
There are typically three components to a scope mounting system: bases, rings, and scopes themselves. Base pairs are used to mount the rings and scopes to the firearm. Scope bases are used to attach the scope to the ring. Rings are used to holding the scope onto the base. Scopes are used to viewing the target.
Scope bases should be securely attached to the rifle. A lever on the side of the base allows the rings to be removed. These quick-release rings and bases allow shooters to quickly swap out scopes.
Scope rings are used to attach scopes to guns. The most common type of scope ring is called Picatinny rails. These are made specifically for use with scopes. You’ll need to buy a specific scope if you want to mount a scope onto your gun.
Height refers to how high the ring holds the scope above the bore. Your choice will have a lot of impact on the overall size of the rifle. Scope rings usually come in low to extra-high choices, with the medium being the most common choice.
Note: If you want to gain information about What AOEG Scope Means click HERE.
Scope Ring Width
Scope ring widths refer to the diameter of the tube inside the scope. Most scopes have 1-inch tubes, so, these are the most common ring sizes. Some scopes, particularly expensive long-range scopes, have larger tubes than 1 inch. Make sure the rings you select fit the scope’s body tube diameter.
You should be able to mount your scope onto your rifle without using any tools. Most scope mounts come with a Torx or hex key, so you won’t need to use anything else.
Torx Wrenches
Torx wrenches are commonly-used tools that are used to tighten screws. You should always make sure that all of the screws are tight before using them. Having an extra wrench is a good idea, but having a torque wrench is even better.
Scope rings must be matched up correctly before attaching them to the scope. The lower part of the scope ring should go on the base first, followed by the upper part. Then, the scope is put in place and the top part of the ring is tightened onto the bottom part with screws.
Note: If you want to know Where is Swift Scopes Made? Click HERE.
Talley rings
Talley rings are used to mount scopes onto rifles. These rings are strong enough to secure the scope of the rifle while also allowing the scope to move up or down. The rings attach to the base of the scope by tightening them together. This allows the scope to be moved up or down without having to remove the rings or loosen them. There are many different types of scopes, but these are some of the most common ones.
Make sure your gun is empty and there is no ammo in the room. Pull the bolt back on a semi-automatic rifle to unlock the action. Put your rifle in a gun rest or vice specifically designed for firearms. Securely hold the firearm without rocking or twisting it while working on it.
Gun companies often ship rifles with plugs inserted into the scope base hole they drilled before sending the rifle to the retailer. These plugs must be removed with a screwdriver, usually a flat head. Base mounting screws, however, usually require Torx tools.
Metal parts on new bases and rings may need to be decreased. When you’ve finished that task, apply a thin layer of oil between the underside of bases to protect against corrosion. Apply even screw pressure while tightening down bases and rings, and use a wrench to tighten screws. Most scope rings and bases have a pressure range that tells you how tight they should go. In general, the scopes should be secure and the screw should be tight but not too tight that it is damaged or cannot be removed, one good tool I’ve used to get this right is Wheeler Engineering’s affordable FAT Wrench, which allows you to change the screw pressure in five-pound increments. No matter what tool you choose, never tighten a screw so tight that the tool you’re working with cuts into the hex head holes or screw slots and damages them.
A wooden dowel is used to align the scope rings over the receiver. This is done by inserting the dowel into the rings and pushing or pulling one end until the dowels are perfectly aligned over the receiver. If the rings are centered over the receiver, then the rifle should be fine.
Note: If you want to know What a Cantilever Scope Mount click HERE.
How Tight Should Scope Rings Be?
Don’t tighten your scope rings down too early!
Once you have the scope in general place, you’ll want to check its reticle to make sure it is properly aligned both vertical and horizontal over the bore before securing the top of the ring. You should take your gun out of the vice or rest (unloaded) and mount the gun on your shoulder and put your face on the stock in its natural position. Move your head slightly until you see the reticle. A scope that is correctly positioned allows you to raise your rifle and see clearly through it from edge to edge of your sight picture with no black surrounding the perimeter.
You may need to adjust the scope ring if you’re having trouble seeing the target. Moving the scope outwards or backward in its rings may help.
You should always check your scope alignment when using a rifle. When you do this, make sure that the crosshairs are aligned with the target. Also, make sure that the scope is level.
The scope should be tightened until it won’t move when you try to turn it. This means that the scope is well attached to the rifle.
Once you tighten down the scope, check if there is any looseness in the base screws. This could be causing problems when cycling the action.
Understanding Rifle Scope Rings and Bases
Scope bases and rings are two different parts of mounting a scope. Scope bases hold the scope onto the gun while scope rings attach the scope to the base. Both are important aspects of mounting a scope.
Rings are the attachments that hold the scope onto the gun. Bases are the mounts that hold the scope onto your rifle.
Bases – Not every firearm is designed to mount a scope to them. So, those firearms need a special attachment, commonly known as a base, to be attached to the firearm as a method to attach the scope rings to the gun.
Ring Configurations
Rings come in many different configurations. Some are one piece, some are two pieces, and some are three pieces. The actual design and configuration of rings/bases vary widely across the different ring manufacturers, but there are some common features. Rings come in different sizes (smaller or larger) and shapes (oval, round, square, etc.). Rings also come in different materials such as titanium, stainless steel, ceramic, gold, silver, platinum, etc. Rings are made out of different metals because they offer different benefits. For example, titanium offers better durability than aluminum, while stainless steel is more corrosion resistant than both. Gold and platinum are very popular choices among people who want something extra special.
Some gun manufacturers offer special proprietary systems that require special rings or mounts that are only available from that particular company. These proprietary systems may be difficult to use with other companies’ products.
What are the best scope rings?
There really are no best scope ring sets as best is strictly based upon one’s opinion. Honestly there are way too many factors to consider for anyone to determine a specific set of rings to be the “best’. These variables include: Rifle/Shotgun Model (As rings and/ or bases are very rifle or shot gun specific).
Quick detachable scope rings?
Quick detachable scope rings are great for moving scopes from one gun to another. But there are many factors that affect zeroing accuracy, such as barrel length and twist rate. So when you change guns or barrels, your zero may drift. And if you use a quick detachable system, you’ll need to recalibrate after every change.
How tight should scope rings be?
How much force should you use when tightening the screws? This question asks about the torque weight. Torque wrenches are used to tighten screws by turning them at a certain rate. You need to know what size screwdriver you’re using and how many pounds of pressure you want to apply.
Torque values are recommended by the manufacturer of the rings and bases you’re using. You should follow those instructions when installing your scope. For example, if you’re using a Vortex base, then you’ll want to use the recommended torque value of 20 inch pounds.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Lightweight rings are made out of steel.
- Fixed rings are made out of stainless steel.
- Screw locks are made out of aluminum.
- Quick releases are made out of plastic.
- Picatinny rings are made out of aluminum or stainless steel.
Conclusion
We hope that now you know how tight rings should be.
If you want to know more information about scopes click HERE.
