Rings loosening up on scope.....

[dannybracy]

Hey guys, did some sighting in and testings w/ my LRPV and getting ready for my June PD hunt. Took 3 shots to sight the scope in. Then shot a .287 5 shot group with my pet load. Everything looking sweet.

Switched to my new backup Savage 12FV that i put in a Boyds thumbhole and sighted in that VX-III on it and got a .380 outta it and was very VERY pleased.

Then my finances dad grabbed my LRPV to try a group and it went center POI on the target sticker on the first shot then the next 4 shots were about 1 1/2" high and right above the first shot, all in a line. So then I shot another group and they were again about a 1 1/2" group all over mostly high and right. So first thing I checked was the rings and the screws. I tightened up some on each screw,more on some than others(each ring has two screws on each side of the ring--8 screws in all).

After I tightened up the screws the POI changed, which I assume is normal. The wind had picked up quite a bit by this time.....I am assuming 15-20+ gusts. That group was about 3/4" or so, but all in the same POI. I had to close up shop after that b/c it started to sprinkle and the wind was pretty bad. Inside the house, the screws seemed to be a little loose again.

So my question is, is this normal characteristics of loose screws? How many shots does it take to loosen screws this way? And what I am assuming the correct thing to do would be is use some LOCKTITE on my bases and ring screws to help them stay tight. Which color of LOCKTITE do I use. Thanks guys! -Dan

[acloco]

Yes, it can. Metal expands and contracts, whether aluminum or steel. You probably mounted the scope on the rifle in 68-72 F. Unless you are at my house, the wife believes it should be 80F...and then 62...and then 90.....and...oh never mind.

I prefer to use a drop of regular old Elmer's. Why ruin a set of rings when Elmer's can be your friend as well.

[hoegebear]

I use clear fingernail polish. It works as good as locktite, and is cheaper. I take a Q-tip, and acetone, and degrease the threads on the screws, and the holes, wait a few minutes, then apply the nail polish, and tighten. Jim

[futuretrades]

if you use loctite, use the blue. if you use the red you may never get them screws loose if you need to.
I never heard of using elmers glue for this purpose, but makes a lot of sense to me. remember, loctite is an acid, thus it corrodes the threads on the screws. not like battery acid, but you get the idea.

[dannybracy]

Been SUPER BUSY guys. Thanks for the replies! I think I will try the elmers, acloco any signs of the elmers rusting the threads of the screw or hole? I had planned on just using the Blue Loctite but not if it is going to rust things. I am pretty anal and that would really bother me. I am sure the finance has some clear polish also! Thanks again guys. -Dan

[acloco]

DB,
None that I have seen.

I think cockroaches, sharks, plastic bags, and elmer's glue will be the items still around in 500 years.

[dannybracy]

Haha! Thanks buddy. DB out. OVER.

[dannybracy]

Took off the scope/rings/bases and cleaned them all off w/ alcohol. While I was letting them dry, I took my Boyds stock off my backup rifle and sanded the barrel channel down to free float the barrel. Totally free floated now. Put everything back together w/ a touch of Elmers. I have not shot it yet but everything looks to be Very Tight and Secure! And one more question....... When I mounted the VX-L I made sure that an equal amount of space was on each side of the cresent of the scope around the barrel. When I went to take the scope off I noticed there was not equal amounts of space and the scope appeared to have twisted clockwise in the rings a little bit. Hopefully no more of that! Anyone ever experienced this? Really bothers me b/c I try to be so precise and careful and I just must have not gotten those rings tight enough. I was worried about stripping out the screws and I didn't want that to happen when the rings are $50-60 bucks! But like I said....everything is TIGHT NOW! Thanks again!!!! -Dan

[acloco]

DB - what brand/style of rings are these?

[dannybracy]

Acloco, I used Warne Maxima bases under 30mm Burris Sig. Zee Rings

[acloco]

Hmmm...

If this event occurs again, lightly/gently sand the parting line of each ring insert. Sometimes there is a nook or two of plastic left when these are seperated off of the trees during manufacturing.

[dannybracy]

Gotcha! Much thanks! -Dan

[Ryan S Albright]

I use rtv glue its rubbery it will always let you undue the screws and won't melt in the rain it works good against vibration.