How Tight Should My Scope Mount Screws Be?

How tight should my scope mount screws be?

Answers Ask a Question My Beretta Customer Support Account

Advanced Search

Find the answer to your question How tight should my scope mount screws be? Answer ID 795 | Published 03/30/2010 01:30 PM | Updated 11/17/2011 12:27 PM

How tight do I need to tighten the base and ring screws on my Sako Optilock or Tikka ring mounts? We suggest when ever possible using a torque reading screw driver or torque wrench when installing scope mount bases and assembling scope mount rings. Reasonably priced and quality torque reading screw drivers are available from a number of sources. We suggest contacting Brownells, Inc. if you need to purchase one.

The Optilock scope ring cap screws should be torqued to 15-17 in/lbs, the Optilock base to scope ring stud screw and the base to dovetail clamp screw should be torqued to 45 in/lbs.

Tikka aluminum scope ring cap screws should be torqued to 12-14 in/lbs maximum.

If using screw-on bases with drilled and tapped Tikka and Sako A-7 rifles we recommend 10 to 12 in/lbs if you have 6 threads or less of engagement in the receiver thread and 15-17 in/lbs if you have more then 6 threads of engagement.

When installing screw-on bases that have 6 or less of screw thread engagement be vary judicious in the amount of torque you apply to set the screws. With this little thread engagement it is very easy to strip the screw thread from the action holes and this is not covered by the firearm warranty.

These are guide lines only. Common sense and a "feel for what you are doing" is still required. The head style, slot, Allen (hex), Torx and the "grade" (hardness/quality) of the screw will all create some degree of variation in how much torque can be applied to the screw without damaging the screw or stripping the threads.

Notes: a) Scope mount ring cap screws do not require the application of a thread locker i.e. Loc-Tite. The spring load of the scope ring cap around the scope tube will keep the screw tight.

b) We suggest a drop of Loc-Tite 222 or 242 grade thread locker be applied to screw-on type scope base screws. Immediately after installing your bases check and make sure that the thread locker has not seeped into the chamber or action of your firearm. If so clean the affected area and parts immediately with a good gun solvent.

c) Never torque a screw home dry. If not using a thread locker on screws, such as scope ring cap screws, apply a drop of oil to the underside of the head of the screw and the threads and than wipe "dry". There will be enough residual oil to allow the screw to seat home smoothly.

If you need replacement parts for your scope mounting system, please view this answer.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No

Answers others found helpful

Scope Mounting Systems for Sako & Tikka Rifles

http://berettausa.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/795/kw/Optilocks[8/13/2013 3:13:42 PM] How tight should my scope mount screws be?

Sako/Tikka Scope Rings and Mounts Replacement Parts What Optilock scope mount may be used on the I, III, and III WSM Sako Actions Screws to Mount Scope Bases on Tikka T3 Scope mounts for Model 500/502 Beretta rifle

Share Print Email this page Notify Me

Find Answers

Ask a Question Submit a question to our support team.

http://berettausa.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/795/kw/Optilocks[8/13/2013 3:13:42 PM]