Loose scope screws get me again. Argh!

[PigButtons]

For the last two days I've been working up a load for my encore rifle in 308 Winchester that I haven't shot in almost 2 years. I'd get two bullets through the same hole, So I had to try and repeat the test but find that the point of impact had changed. I hadn't seen this in so long that it escaped me what was happening until I saw the marks on the scope where it had slid backwards about half an inch. Then it was the Palm to forehead response thinking maybe I should just leave my Scopes loose so I encounter this problem more often and can recognize it easier.
Now that the scope is tight again I'll just start again tomorrow.

 

[PatMiles]

I call those my "flat forehead moments".

 

[lb-ft]

Purple Loctite is the ticket. It’s formulated for small screws in the inch pound range and is not permanently bonding.

I use it always on everything scope mounting.

 

[PigButtons]

Purple Loctite is the ticket. It’s formulated for small screws in the inch pound range and is not permanently bonding.

I use it always on everything scope mounting.

Thank you, and I will be doing that for sure. I just have to be able to remember to do it. But when I have to re-test all of those loads I'm sure it will come to me.

 

[std7mag]

The purple Loctite is #222, if that helps.
It's what i use & reccomend also.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Thank you, and I will be doing that for sure. I just have to be able to remember to do it. But when I have to re-test all of those loads I'm sure it will come to me.

Purple or blue Loctite as stated. But first clean all threads with alcohol. Then put a strip of masking tape in the bottom half of the ring. No more sliding.

 

[hoz53]

For the last two days I've been working up a load for my encore rifle in 308 Winchester that I haven't shot in almost 2 years. I'd get two bullets through the same hole, So I had to try and repeat the test but find that the point of impact had changed. I hadn't seen this in so long that it escaped me what was happening until I saw the marks on the scope where it had slid backwards about half an inch. Then it was the Palm to forehead response thinking maybe I should just leave my Scopes loose so I encounter this problem more often and can recognize it easier.
Now that the scope is tight again I'll just start again tomorrow.

you are not the only one. couple weeks ago i had my rifle all set up on the bench ready to go when i saw the scope move independently of the gun. I tapped it and sure enough the base was really loose. Got it home and one base screw was even missing. i wonder how it had been shooting so good. I really am gonna check this stuff more often

 

[lb-ft]

Personally I’d stay away from the blue Loctite on scope mounting and similar in the inch pound range. Years ago I used it until it made a couple permanent bonds. That’s when I researched and found the purple variety.

 

[slm9s]

I put rubber cement on the rings too

 

[NZ_Fclass]

When I get this guitar in tune, I'll weld it.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Personally I’d stay away from the blue Loctite on scope mounting and similar in the inch pound range. Years ago I used it until it made a couple permanent bonds. That’s when I researched and found the purple variety.

Blue does not make a permanent bond . If it is tight borrow the wife's hair dryer, but in several decades of use I have never had to do that. This is used only on the bases, rings should just be cleaned and properly torqued along with a strip of masking tape on the bottom ring. After 60 years of this method....it works.

 

[lb-ft]

I’ll have to try heat to loosen the rings I installed with blue. I’d sure like to return that rifle to iron sights. I may have just learned a new trick.

 

[Pjd5503]

Please provide details of using masking tape in the bottom ring... is this used instead of purple loctite? Placed inside the screw hole?????

 

[SSL]

Purple or blue Loctite as stated. But first clean all threads with alcohol. Then put a strip of masking tape in the bottom half of the ring. No more sliding.

I use old-style 'fabric' type of electrical tape. It is somewhat sticky on the outside surface and really grips scope bodies. It can be hard to find, but one roll will last the rest of your life. Most decent hardware stores carry it but you might have to ask.

 

[CharlieNC]

Were the rings loose, below where you previously set the torque? Or was the scope slipping inside rings which were properly torqued.

 

[wildcatter]

Blue does not make a permanent bond . If it is tight borrow the wife's hair dryer, but in several decades of use I have never had to do that. This is used only on the bases, rings should just be cleaned and properly torqued along with a strip of masking tape on the bottom ring. After 60 years of this method....it works.

I have not done this for years, the cure was go to Burris Premier rings, I have never had a scope slip, not even a 2x7 Burris handgun scope for several year on a 14" 460 S&W MGM Encore barrel.

But I have continued the blue loctite for decades, I use acetone instead of alcohol, maybe over kill but these methods have proven to work on far more violent firearm's than rifles, including a few FA in 454 as well as 475L. Holding a constant zero is important to me.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Wilvcatter, like you I have never had a scope slip. But, I hear guys talk about it pretty often. Years ago I bought a Burris pistol scope. Included in the box was a piece of white tape much like masking tape . Directions said put a piece in each bottom ring scope will not slip. Been doing it ever since with masking tape.Biggest mistake I have seen guys do is not first cleaning all the base holes in the action out with alcohol and checking to be sure base screws do not bottom out. Plus loose screws in both base and rings especially when installed by " professionals".