Scope rings slipping on bases

[ttfreestyle]

I had a scope ring slippage issue last Saturday, I am using single screw Davidson style rings and bases due to making weight. They were tight and didn't move til the third match of the 200 relay. I had been warned by a seasoned shooter to watch this with single screw rings so I caught it when my zero went away very fast. 2 piece bases on a rem 40x , does anyone make these with a stop to prevent this from happening again. Thanks

 

[Gundoktr]

Why not just put a roll pin through the ring into the base. or a screw if you worry about getting it apart.

 

[ttfreestyle]

Several possible solutions come to mind. First, make sure the rings and scope tube body are de-greased before you put them together. I used MEK (Methy-Ethyl Ketone), but Acetone or lacquer thinner or the like will do. Rinse the (disassembled) rings in the solvent. Wipe the scope body with a solvent dampened clean rag. Don't use lighter fluid or paint thinner as these can leave an oily film. Next choice - if you can afford the extra weight - is to put a 2-screw ring on the front. That'll add about 1 1/2 oz. You'll see this set-up on a lot of rifles. Third, use some sort of adhesive or glue. A drop of red Locktite on the bottom rings will fetch things up as will airplane glue, JB Weld, etc. Other possible solutions are: sticky labels, strips of doubled over fine sandpaper, so-called "double-stick tape" (carpet tape), or a paper shim of some sort. Hope this helps . . .

Chris Mitchell

I don't have the extra weight for two screw rings although I may have to go that route and remove a couple ounces somewhere else or go to a one piece base that gives me room to add a positive stop as it's not the scope slipping in the rings it's the rings slipping on the bases. Thanks for the replys.

 

[6MMsteve]

drill weight out the stock

 

[ttfreestyle]

Ok just found and ordered new bases designed with a stop on them to prevent this. Thanks for the replys

 

[Biggabe]

And if the scope would happen to move in the rings you could always put a little powdered rosin around the inside of the rings before you tighten them down. Scope will not slip and it doesn't leave marks.

 

[JRS]

Which slipped? The attachment to the bases, or the attachment on the scope?

 

[tripdad]

on my hunting rifles with one screw rings. l put thin layer of silicone cauk or glue, just put little on finger and wipe on ring, thin as paper on ring then tighten as normal wipe any resdue that squeeze out with acetone on rag. hurts nothing and wipes off when remove scope. never had it fail, be it not on comp rifle but have shoot 7-800 rounds in 300 wm like this no problem, stated out reloading with this rifle 22 years ago or so

 

[ttfreestyle]

It's the rings slipping on the base Not the scope slipping in the rings. Harrels makes a base with a positive stop to prevent this, got em on the way. Thanks

 

[JRS]

Perhaps they weren't tight enough?

 

[Gene Beggs]

I had a scope ring slippage issue last Saturday, I am using single screw Davidson style rings and bases due to making weight. They were tight and didn't move til the third match of the 200 relay. I had been warned by a seasoned shooter to watch this with single screw rings so I caught it when my zero went away very fast. 2 piece bases on a rem 40x , does anyone make these with a stop to prevent this from happening again. Thanks

In a small glass jar, place about a tablespoon of powdered rosin, available from Sinclair, and add acetone sufficiently to make a thin syrup. Using a Q-tip or small camel hair brush, paint the inside of the rings and dovetails where they make contact with the scope and bases. It will dry to the touch very quickly leaving a thin layer of rosin. Assemble everything and tighten the screws securely. Your scope and rings will never move.

If you get sloppy and a little rosin is visible with everything in place, it's easy and quick to remove with a Q-tip and acetone. I prefer the rosin 'syrup' method instead of rubber cement or other adhesives because if you should need to make a small adjustment in eye relief or reticle alignment at the range, it's easy to do because nothing is 'glued' in place. Works good, lasts a long time!

Gene Beggs

 

[ttfreestyle]

Perhaps they weren't tight enough?

Perhaps. I rechecked them before the match as I do every match. First time using these rings also. Harrels has addressed this issue with their positive stop bases so all is well. Thanks.

 

[JRS]

Perhaps. I rechecked them before the match as I do every match. First time using these rings also. Harrels has addressed this issue with their positive stop bases so all is well. Thanks.

You'll get it ironed-out. Mr. Gene Beggs is a great source for realistic and honest information. Relying on his recommendations will serve you well!

Edit: I always thought a lightly knurled finish on one of the two surfaces would be the answer, but don't know whether it would be feasible.

 

[ttfreestyle]

Thanks for all the replys and help guys, Bases and the rosin syrup together should do the trick.