Minimizing scope ring marks?

[in2deep]

Is there a way to minimize scope rings left by Kelbly's/Harrell's type machined scope rings?
The bottom of one of the rings is especially hard on the scope (cosmetically) but I need to use them for my application for the offset and before mounting a March scope just wondered if there was a way to buff or polish them? or whatever even though they are polished already.

 

[fredhorace77]

i know this sounds elementary but have you lapped them?

 

[BoydAllen]

Just because the rings are precisely machined, does not mean that they are aligned with each other on the rifle. What you need to do is lap them, after the bases have been bedded, they are on the bases pretty much for good. After that, if you want to remove the scope, you should just take off the ring caps, leaving the rings on the rifle. Once you have lapped the rings, make sure to get all of the lapping grit out of the rings' surface. I use light oil and paper towels for this, and then something to remove the oil.

 

[gmorganal]

Take an appropriate length of surveyors tape, the orange or chartreuse kind, and cut it to fit inside the rings so that you can't see it with the scope and rings caps in place, tighten it down, and it won't move, and I have never had any marks on the scope when I have removed it from the rings. You probably will have to cut the width down a bit so it doesn't show.

 

[alf]

On some, I like to take all the sharp edges off with a fine file first, then lap:

These happen to be Talley lightweights that seem to be notorious for digging into the sides of the scope. Notice how the mating edges are rounded off.

 

[fredhorace77]

@ alf.. what type of finish is on your action and barrel...ive been thinking of doing something like this on my stainless steel lvsf...and do you like it and is it durrable?

 

[in2deep]

No I didn't lap them since I have been switching scopes around lately. The ring marks are not like it's being pinched in any one spot or leaving those straight line imprints often made where the 2 halves meet but more like slight overall discoloration (worse on the on half) and again these are pretty faint and just discoloration and not dented at all and probably normal for this type ring from all the used scopes I have seen before and after so I may be grasping.

Just thought there may be an easy fix.

When properly lapped will that usually eliminate any scope marks or is it more for function of scope/ring alignment?

Thanks.

 

[alf]

@ alf.. what type of finish is on your action and barrel...ive been thinking of doing something like this on my stainless steel lvsf...and do you like it and is it durrable?

Sorry to disappoint....it's not anything special.....

Redneck Ceracoat.......also know as Krylon.....




;D

 

[in2deep]

gmoragal,

I like to use the Burris Signature rings when I can so your idea of lining the rings with surveyors ribbon just may do the trick and is pretty simple to do plus it won't alter the rings if I want to change scopes and I will give it a try.

Like I say the ring marks are not around the edges like usually caused from high spots or sharp edges but more even around the full inner diameter of the rings where it would seem like it should be smooth (which they are) so maybe the tape trick will do it.

Thanks for your help guys like usual.

 

[25AI260]

quote:"Take an appropriate length of surveyors tape, the orange or chartreuse kind,"..

cut to size electrical tape sticky side down to ring.. works well too

Alf.. nice look on the finish

 

[JRS]

A thin layer of rubber cement

 

[NateHaler]

I've had good results with first mounting the ring bottoms relatively snugly to the base. Then, instead of the scope, I place a lapping bar across the ring bottoms, then the ring uppers, and tighten them to spec. Then, I finish torquing the ring bottoms to the base.

I figure that the bar -- which is perfectly straight and way stronger than a scope tube -- is forcing the ring bottoms and any alignment issues to be compensated for in the way they grab the base.

Then, I remove the ring upper halves, and replace the lapping bar with the scope, and replace the upper halves and torque accordingly.

OTOH, tape works good too. I've used electrical tape, because it doesn't show unless the scope is silver.

 

[dansig]

I have Aadmount rings and have switched them between rifles and put both my zeiss and nightforce in them. They do not leave ringmarks on the scope and do not need to be lapped.

 

[chino1969]

After lapping my rings I clean them thoroughly with CRC brake cleaning spray. I then take 1/2" wide masking tape and lay in the bottom saddle of the rings. I then take my lapping bar, place it in the saddle and tighten down the top halves to form the rings to the bar and seat the masking tape. Using an X-Acto knife, I trim excess tape by cutting along the radius of the lapping bar. Take the top rings off, lay the scope in the rings and put a pea size amount of RTV 'Ultra Blue' in the middle of each top ring. Torque down you rings and there will be no marks. The alternative is to use Burris Signature Series rings.

 

[in2deep]

Thanks for all the tips guys really appreciate it

 

[wvlongshot]

The white or pink thread seal tape that is used to seal fittings, water lines, gas lines and such, works very well also.

 

[ddkearney]

I've had good luck with the black electrical tape, as mentioned earlier. Don

 

[tunered]

I've had good results with first mounting the ring bottoms relatively snugly to the base. Then, instead of the scope, I place a lapping bar across the ring bottoms, then the ring uppers, and tighten them to spec. Then, I finish torquing the ring bottoms to the base.

I figure that the bar -- which is perfectly straight and way stronger than a scope tube -- is forcing the ring bottoms and any alignment issues to be compensated for in the way they grab the base.

Then, I remove the ring upper halves, and replace the lapping bar with the scope, and replace the upper halves and torque accordingly.

OTOH, tape works good too. I've used electrical tape, because it doesn't show unless the scope is silver.

Only way to fly, does first class job.

 

[GSPV]

If you have a 1" scope, get 30mm rings and use Brownell's delrin ring reducers.

I haven't tried this, but if you have a 30mm scope, you might try using these

http://www.eurooptic.com/desert-tactical-srs-scope-ring-reducers-34-30mm-set-of-4-halves.aspx

that reduce from 34mm to 30mm. Don't know what you'd do about the rings, through. The bigger rings that I see look like they'd be major league heavy.

 

[bowfisher]

Even after lapping you have to break the sharp edge down to prevent ring marks. A small piece of emery cloth will work, even a scotch-brite pad if that's all you have.