wvdeerhunter,

The simpliest way to answer your questions is, first, make sure you have the correct mounting bases and rings. Second, make sure the screws are tight, but do not over tighten the rings, because you may bend or damage the main tube. A lot of people like to put a dab of Loc-tite on each screw before tightening them. I personally do not use it, I don' t feel it is necessary. Also as long as you have them tighten to the manufacture specs, you should not have a problem with them coming loose or damaging your scope.

Good Luck!

Jon Jackoviak
The Optic Zone
www.theopticzone.com
[email protected]