SmallCaliberCentral

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Haha! Thanks buddy. DB out. OVER.

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

DB - what brand/style of rings are these?

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

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.

Gotcha! Much thanks! -Dan

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.