Sinclair speed screw ?

[janderson0]

In a recent post it was mentioned that the Sinclair speed screw may contain a bit of backlash that can be fixed.

I recently had a new barrel installed and I'm having problems with the first target shot, but it came to me that at about the same time I started using the Sinclair speed screw. Mine shows a lot of play up and down, and some side to side,inner most center post)

I can shim the post to fix the up/down, but short of having a new center post made are there any fixes for the side/side play?

I will also be shooting this weekend with the org screw to see if it makes a differance.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[fdshuster]

Jim: Yes, I'm one of the ones having difficulty with the speed screw. Started using it about 3 weeks ago, and a 6ppc and several 6BRs that were producing extreme accuracy suddenly started throwing an occassional wild shot. Also noticed an increase in vertical about the same time. Looking closely at the speed screw, which I should have done in the beginning), I'm seeing a lot of slop in the 'inner' threads, something that is not present with the original rear leg 'solid' screw, that includes the very important knurled, round lock nut. There is no movement with that set-up. Trying to add a lock nut would just create a 'fancy' version of the original screw. I've given up on it: another lesson learned, at a price. If anyone thinks it's a great idea, contact me & it will be sold, cheap.

 

[artbosco]

Have you contacted Sinclair and discussed the perceived problem with them first ??? I know a bunch of folks who use the Sinclair speed screw, including myself, and have never heard any complaints or had any of the problems you're describing. Give Sinclair a call.

 

[fdshuster]

Art: No, I did not contact Sinclair about the problems, very real. Using the original one piece rear screw, with the round, knurled lock nut, and shot a match today with the 6BR, and many 'test' firings with the 6ppc. No vertical and uncalled wild shots. I bought the speed screw, used, at a fair price, and would not expect Sinclair to offer any type of 'warranty'. Fine company with many high quality products that I use all the time: I don't see it as their fault and/or problem. Just an experience learned, and the offer to sell still stands to anyone who wants to give it a try-- maybe for them, it will work.

 

[Travelor]

After reading this thread, I change my rest with speed screw back to the original threaded rear elevation screw. My scores this weekend went UP and verticals STOPPED! Shot on second only 200-10X at 600 yards yesterday on the F-Class target.

Truth to the above posts? Don't know yet as I have not tried taking both rear elevation screws out to our range and shoot them in the same conditions. But this is next.

Interesting to say the least.

George

 

[fdshuster]

George: Thing I noticed about my speed screw was the great amount of slop in the inside, large dia thread. I could pick up the rear leg, grab the pointed tip with my fingers, and wiggle it around in all directions, including up and down. Also when adjusted about 2/3 of the way 'down', then adjusting further down, I would get a ratchiting movement, like turning a ratchet wrench. After firing each shot I'd have to keep adjusting the horizontal cross hair down, as it was always high after firing. With the 'solid' rear screw, fired some 5 shot groups today at 300 yds. with one of my 6BRs: they measure .605', .903', .995' with no vertical or uncalled wild shots. 5 shot groups at 300 with the speed screw were not even close to those. Others may be fine, and I have one with sloppy threads, but whatever, it's just not worth the aggravation, waste of $$$$ ammo, barrel life, etc.

 

[fdshuster]

Update to my last 'speed screw' posting: Talking to another competitor at a local BR G'Hog match this morning, who is using the Sinclair Speed Screw on his front rest, and with great success/ he usually wins! He is very happy with his, so I must have a defective or worn one. Will try again to correct the problem, but in the meantime, am not slamming Sinclair, and understand others are happy with theirs.

 

[sam3030]

Call Sinclair #260-493-1858 tell them you want it replaced. they will ask you to send back the old screw and then they will send you another. They should pay shipping! but probably won't! Billy G. is very tight. I have found Russ Haydon Shooters Supply to have better service AND prices.

 

[treeman]

if you were to always come up to your target, with the speed screw) that will eliminate any vertical variance. however side to side play is a different story!!

 

[tenring]

I wondered about the slop in my Sinclair speed screw for a long time. Now I am going to do something about it. There are better quality speed screws around, but they are hard to find. I have heard of Dunrud, but do not know how to contact them. Checked BR Central 'Rests and Bags', but sighter cams not listed. Does anyone have a contact address for Dunrud? Any other good sighter cams out there?

 

[sam3030]

call Russ Haydon @ Haydon's Shooters Supply. His #253-857-7557. He is probably coyote hunting this weekend so you will have to wait until Tuesday.

 

[BoydAllen]

Silly question.....Why do you need a speed screw in the first place? I find that I prefer the slower rate of the standard rear point adjustment when making a fine adjustment, and if I am in a hurry for a coarse adjustment, going from sighter to record, I just give the knob two quick twists and I am there. Also, I leave the jam nut slightly tightened to reduce slop, but not so much that it slows me down. Also, there has been extensive discussion of high first record shots on Benchrest Central,benchrest,com)with some agreement that it tends to be a bag problem. You might do a search there.