Preventing Scope Ring Marks

[Mik123]

Hi Guys,

I bought a Bobro one piece mount for a sightron scope. I did quick fitting just to see how the scope sits on my AR and I noticed that there were some minor scope ring marks left on the scope. What can I do to prevent this in the future>

Thanks,

Mik

 

[r204]

lap the rings

 

[stubblejumper]

I generally lap the rings, and use a small file to debur the edges of the rings that will contact the scope.

 

[Mik123]

Thanks guys. What lapping tool do you use? Something like the one sold by Sinclair/Brownells?

 

[r204]

the ones I have I got from Plenty O Patches in Drayton Valley Alberta. Wheeler also makes a kit

 

[Rod B]

I use the Burris Signature rings with the polymer inserts, these do an excellent job of preventing ring marks.

 

[nomad 68]

I use the Sinclair 1" lapping bar kit.

 

[Hitzy]

I use TPS rings....no marks, no lapping required.

 

[silverfoxdj]

I use the Burris Signature rings with the polymer inserts, these do an excellent job of preventing ring marks.

+1 Love these rings have 3 sets now..

 

[Sinasta]

You shouldnt have to lap Bobro mounts. Are you using a torque wrench when mounting your scope?

 

[BadAsMo]

If you know any mold or die makers, I'm sure they could grab you a cut off piece of Thompson shaft.
They end up with pieces too short to use (for their purposes) but plenty long enough for this.

Just grind some grooves around it to hold the lapping compound.

Lapping rods are made from Thompson shaft - in case you didn't know.

 

[Mik123]

Hi All,

I didn't actually screw the top and bottom rings together I just tried put them on to see how they would fit with no screws. I looked at it again yesterday and the marks are very feint. You really need to look at them under a good light to see them. I emailed Andrew Bobro and he responded within an hour saying that the mount should leave any marks and that the rings shouldn't be lapped. Looking at the marks a second time I don't think it's that big of a deal. Maybe I overreacted I'll leave it as is for now.

Mik

 

[AP]

Hi All,

I didn't actually screw the top and bottom rings together I just tried put them on to see how they would fit with no screws. I looked at it again yesterday and the marks are very feint. You really need to look at them under a good light to see them. I emailed Andrew Bobro and he responded within an hour saying that the mount should leave any marks and that the rings shouldn't be lapped. Looking at the marks a second time I don't think it's that big of a deal. Maybe I overreacted I'll leave it as is for now.

Mik

these days good rings and bases shouldn't need lapping. Sometimes they dont align because of the location of the base mounting screws - but thats a different issue. And now with the availability of inexpensive Burris Signature rings .. I am aware of no need to lap rings. Use of a lapping bar can cause more problems than it cures.

 

[guntech]

In the many hundreds of scopes I have mounted I have found very few ring/base sets that do not require lapping, some a lot, some very little. Checking with a lapping bar quickly shows it... checking with a scope tube also quickly shows it but then the tube is permanently marked... You don't ruin rings by simply lapping them.

 

[kc34]

I also like the Burris Signature Zee rings with the inserts, they are great.

 

[AP]

In the many hundreds of scopes I have mounted I have found very few ring/base sets that do not require lapping, some a lot, some very little. Checking with a lapping bar quickly shows it... checking with a scope tube also quickly shows it but then the tube is permanently marked... You don't ruin rings by simply lapping them.

well I guess we will have to agree to disagree ... I agree with what Brobo said above. I have never lapped EAW and they all mount stress free. Same for the Burris Signature. If you have to lap them then there is something wrong with the way they are made (like the old weaver tip-off's)... or mounted.. or both.


(edited to add: but for real sxxts and giggles - it is always informative to mic' your scope tube in a few locations along its length!)

 

[Dmay]

In the many hundreds of scopes I have mounted I have found very few ring/base sets that do not require lapping, some a lot, some very little. Checking with a lapping bar quickly shows it... checking with a scope tube also quickly shows it but then the tube is permanently marked... You don't ruin rings by simply lapping them.

This. Exactly.

I don't see how any manufacturer can make individual rings that "don't require lapping". No matter how much precision is put into the making the rings perfectly true and matching to each other, it is unrealistic to assume they will all be going on rifles whose base/bases/receiver are as perfectly true as the rings may be.

 

[AP]

This. Exactly.

I don't see how any manufacturer can make individual rings that "don't require lapping". No matter how much precision is put into the making the rings perfectly true and matching to each other, it is unrealistic to assume they will all be going on rifles whose base/bases/receiver are as perfectly true as the rings may be.

so if I understand correctly - you are using a lapping bar to correct misaligned rings?