Scopes vibrating loose

[oneshotonekill]

I went to the range the other day with a handful of handi barrels and a couple non H&R firearms.  After shooting a while my groups started to open up and string with 2 handi barrels (a 280 and a 30-30)  and a 20 ga ultra slug barrel.  A little inspection and I found my rings were coming loose on all 3 of the barrels that were shooting poorly.  Not very loose but I cloud feel a small amount of movement when rocking the scope forward/backward or side to side.  The 280 had burris Zee rings the 30-30 had weavers, and the slug barrel had simmons 4x4 rings.  This got me to thinking.  I've never had rings work loose like this on other firearms.  I wonder if the scope mount above the chamber attached directly to the barrel causes the scope and mounts to receive more vibration than other mounting systems.  This coupled with the high mounting height to clear the hammer make these rifles a real test for scopes.  I may have to resort to lok-tite on the rings.

[Johnboy1948]

Maybe you need to:

Degrease the screws and rings and weaver base first. If any of these items are painted or plastic use a degreaser that does not damage the parts. I use lighter fluid on a cotton rag for sensitive items. The lighter fluid is also excellent for removing tape residue from finished wood without affecting the finish. No smoking.

Keep the rings pushed forward on the weaver base (toward the gun muzzle) as you tighten the horizontal screw that fastens the ring to the weaver base. This keeps the horizontal screw (that sits crosswise in one of the slots of the weaver base) snug against the forward side of the cross-slot in the weaver base. Then, when the gun and weaver base kicks backward against the rings, the weaver base and rings move backward together without slippage.

Tighten the screws that hold the scope rings to the scope barrel in an alternating mode until all screws are tightened to the same degree. Tighten both rings in the same session.

John

[WNY_Whitetailer]

You might think of using a little loc-tite too...I've never had scopes come loose but I would not hesitate to use some if I did.

[Paul5388]

Sometimes loctite is a little severe.  I use clear fingernail polish to accomplish the task.  It keeps the screws from vibrating loose and yet it is easy enough to break loose if needed.

[Jim M]

I have a powdered rosin ( don't remember where I got it) that I've put on the rings for high recoil rifles.  Seemed to work on my .338.

[Fred M]

PRO-LOCK is what I use on the inside of the rings and the screws.

Pro Lock, Nut type, blue, medium strenght, Medium Viscosity, #51404.
This is an anaerobic compound.
Mad by FEL-PRO Inc. Skokie ILL 60076.

Clean all parts with alcohol. No trouble of getting things apart. Scopes will not slide in rings. Screws come out with a good fitting screw driver.

I used this stuff for years it works even on the hardest kickers. 2 oz will last forever.

Fred M.

[scruffy]

Another vote for blue loctite or fingernail polish.  Whichever is "handi".  :wink:

later,
scruffy