Installing Scope Bases/Mounts

heiko

heiko

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I'm in the process of installing a new scope on a new rifle and just wondering what you guys suggest using. They are Leupold bases and rings and should I just screw them on the gun or should I use some sort of locktite, etc on the screws before installing?
thanks
 
personaly any bases or rings i have installed have gotten the blue loctite treatment when installing but if yours doesnt rattle loose with recoil then you should be fine without it
 
Most mounting systems do not need loctite... what are you mounting the leupolds on, are they steel or aluminum?
Check the length of the base screws to see how much of the thread they contact in the reciever.
 
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Loctite - Red Vs Blue

exarmysig said:
What is the difference between the red and the blue loctite? I have seen it mentioned a few times not to use the red but never a why not to use it.
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If memory serves me - The blue is for screws you might want to remove at some point. The red is for screws you never want to remove. (Also, IIRC, the blue comes in a red tube and the red comes in a blue tube, which is kinda dumb...)

I don't have the products at hand - Can some back me up on this?

In any case, reading the words on the tube is somtimes helpful....

KFB
 
As above post - blue (ya- in red tube) if you want to remove screw.
Red (in blue tube) is more permanent - but can be removed by applying heat - in the case of a screw - small butane torch or such.
 
As far as I am concerned nothing should be used on the ring screws other than oil to lubricate them so they will tighten properly. Tight rings screws do not come loose on their own. After I lap the rings to ensure they have no sharp edges and are aligned closely, I place powdered rosin in the ring halves to aid in gripping the tube.

I recommend the blue ( service removeable ) Loctite on the base screws. Tighten and loosen each base screw separately to make sure the base tightens down and the screw does not bottom out before actually installing them with blue Loctite.

Red ( permanent ) Loctite has no place on ring or base screws.
 
If you pick good scope mounts, why would you ever remove them? I think integral mounts are the way to go, failing that, I've got red loctite all over, on the screws and the mount/action interface.
 
the blue loctite is called loctite 242 (removable strength) the red loctite is called loctite 262 (perminent strength), and it is a real pain in the a** even with heat to get base screws out that have 262(red) on them if you decide to replace the bases in the future, as guntech says stick with the blue stuff(242)
 
Splatter said:
If you pick good scope mounts, why would you ever remove them? I think integral mounts are the way to go, failing that, I've got red loctite all over, on the screws and the mount/action interface.
Click to expand...


You ask why would you ever want to remove them? ...

I would ask, "Why would you ever want to use permanent Loctite?" Properly installed bases and rings do not just work loose.

There is a saying, "#### happens" and when it happens to one of your scopes, you will cuss the fact you used permanent Loctite.
 
With the exception of a small dab of nail polish on the screw heads (so I can tell at a glance that nothing has moved), I agree that scope rings don't get any thread locker.

Do you think integral mounts are a bad idea?
 
Splatter said:
With the exception of a small dab of nail polish on the screw heads (so I can tell at a glance that nothing has moved), I agree that scope rings don't get any thread locker.
Click to expand...
This is a good idea, although I haven't applied it to any of my firearms yet. Alternately, if one were in a position where they have no nail polish and have no desire to walk into the cosmetics department at London Drugs and lie to the counter ladies that you're buying it for your girlfriend (although, cosmetics departments do tend to be populated by lots of females, many of which are quite attractive...), the REAL thing can be had for even cheaper :D Here's an example; Skygeek; organic products torque seal. They're available in many colors, as you can see, although I do recommend the hi-vis colors for easy inspection.

I've used blue loctite on sight/scope mounts with no ill effects. I like being sure that my sighting system isn't going to rattle loose, even in the most extenuating circumstances (ie; bouncing around in the back of a truck), and I like knowing that the damn thing is almost guaranteed to hold zero. If you don't like blue loctite, try the green (automotive) penetrating grade that also seals out moisture and is oil/fuel resistant. To each his own though, I suppose...
 
Thanks for all the help guys....one more thing to throw out there. I went to buy some blue loctite and was told they have been bought out by another company. The only product I could find (which I assume is the same and is the replacement product) is "Permatex threadlocker", blue, medium strength and it is removable. I guess this will do?
thanks again
 
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