Torque on rings.

[Duanebg]

Hey I just bought a Parker Hale off the exchange and it came with Parker hale rings. How much torque should I use on the rings? I've read that it's different if its steel or aluminum ect. This will be my first time doing this and don't want to wreck the rings or the new leupold vx-3 I bought...

Thanks in advance

 

[9.3mauser]

I just screw them down until they're tight, no idea how much torque that takes. Don't get carried away if the rings are aluminum, you might strip the threads. You won't hurt the scope if the rings are properly designed.

 

[dozernomore]

I recently sent a vortex scope back under their lifetime warranty policy,,and they sent a replacement back with a lil note saying they beleived I had over tightened the scope rings causing damage to their scope.their reccommended scope torque parameters are 11-15 inch-pounds,I have since then bought a wheeler torque fat wrench and mount my scope per their rccommendations.

 

[guntech]

If you have a small 'L' shaped wrench and tighten the screws with a finger about an inch from the end I don't think you will over tighten them... 15 inch pounds...

 

[Rifleman44]

Torque is a difficult feel to describe in words.
I've sometimes shown people by saying "Gimme your finger", then pushing it the right amount.
Then I hand them the allen key because the length of the key is critical.

You've got a good start because you asked.
My first advise is 'Tighten the screws way too loose'.

Second is this:
Set the scope on the bottom half of the rings and place one top half.
Then gently tighten those screws until you can no longer rotate the scope.
I think you'll be surprised at how little torque keeps the tube from rotating.
Put the other top half on with the same light hand.

Check the screws every time you shoot for a while so you know they aren't backing out and you'll be good.

Bear in mind, none of this comes from firearms experience.

 

[eaglesnester]

Leupold recommends no more than 22inch lbs. get yurself a fat wrench. Torque specs varie from manufacture to manufacture. I have a set of Near mounts that call for 16inch lbs.

 

[guntech]

Torque is a difficult feel to describe in words.
I've sometimes shown people by saying "Gimme your finger", then pushing it the right amount.
Then I hand them the allen key because the length of the key is critical.

You've got a good start because you asked.
My first advise is 'Tighten the screws way too loose'.

Second is this:
Set the scope on the bottom half of the rings and place one top half.
Then gently tighten those screws until you can no longer rotate the scope.
I think you'll be surprised at how little torque keeps the tube from rotating.
Put the other top half on with the same light hand.

Check the screws every time you shoot for a while so you know they aren't backing out and you'll be good.

Bear in mind, none of this comes from firearms experience.

Quite possibly you have not experienced the recoil of a rifle... if you shot a rifle with a scope as loose as you describe, the chances of the scope moving forward in the rings would be great. Point of impact would not be consistent and eventually the scope would be damaged when the turret or rear of the scope sat in contact with a ring and the recoil continued.