Scope Ring Issues

[Bowhunter57]

I've had some errant shots with my Ruger American, in 450 Bushmaster, here lately. After a couple of hunts, I took it back to the rifle range and rechecked it. Everything seemed to be okay. I've never had an issue with scope rings rattling loose, so I never checked them. I've never been real fond of the Vortex scope that I've had on it, but it was getting the job done, so I let it go. After a couple of times of going back to the range, I decided to just replace the scope with an upgrade and install new rings while I was at it.

After talking with a couple of gun shop owners, I decided to purchase a Wheeler Fat Wrench, for torquing down the screws on the scope, scope bases and picatinny rail. I added a small drop of Loc-tite to the thread too. The Vortex torque spec is 18 inch pounds. After it was installed and I was looking it over, I suppose I got lucky for as long as I did, considering there was no Loc-tite on the previous rings or bases and the previous rings had single screws on each ring...2 per ring. The 450 BM is a beast and I should've considered this before. This new set of rings are twice as heavy and have 6 screws, 3 per ring.

I just finished up reloading a full box of ammo, so I'll be heading back to the rifle range with this new setup and having a better feeling about it staying in place. Lesson learned.

 

["J"]

I put leupold scope rings on my .450. They’re thicker and seem to handle the recoil fine. Alcohol wiped everything and blue loctite screws.
Been a half dozen years and so far so good.

 

[triple_duece]

Seekins rings?

 

[Bowhunter57]

Seekins rings?

I'm not sure on the brand, but they sure are heavy duty. I had them stuffed in a gun storage tub with some other items. I went shuffling thru a couple of my gun storage tubs to see if I had anything that would work, without having to go buy something. I guess it pays to hold on to things, cause you never know when you might need it later.

 

[Jackalope]

It can for sure happen. Probably wont have this problem with the new rings but for others take a pencil and mark a line on the scope before and after the ring. Basically trace along the ring then go to the range, that'll let you know if the scope is sliding.

 

[Bowhunter57]

My faith in this rifle has been restored. The new heavy duty rings and new Vortex scope performed flawlessly, today.
First shot at 50 yards, was a little high and left. I made a correction of 10 clicks right and 5 clicks down and took a second shot.
The black section of this target is 6" in diameter.

First 2 shots at 100 yards were low. I made the correction of 6 clicks up and fired 3 shots.
The black section of this target is 12" and the center black square is 1".
I'd say it's ready for Deer Season. I'm really hoping for a shot at a coyote!