How tight do I want the bolts for my scope rings?
 

As the title says how tight do I want the bolts in my scope rings holding the scope on? I've put scopes on myself before but have always had someone else helping and they usually checked. Are there any downsides to them being too tight if they don't break?

The reason I ask is on my 10/22 my scope has always been a little crooked. I finally got the urge to fix it so I loosened the bolts and turned the scope. When I put it back I had a fairly large allen wrench and I tightened it down until it was fairly tight feeling using a finger. The allen wrench is probably 3-4" long so as you can see it's not a small one. I'm worried I will have them either too tight or not tight enough. Should it be fine since it's feeling tight or can I have them too tight?

A shop originally mounted the scope and it's worked great for years. Been dropped a few times, rolled around in the truck, just been beat on and still shoots where it was originally set. I love this scope even though it's fairly cheap. I want it to hold up like this again and not have how I tightened the rings be the problem.

RE: How tight do I want the bolts for my scope rings?
 

25 to 30inch pounds with good mounts, over tighting can cause damage to scope tube

RE: How tight do I want the bolts for my scope rings?
 

I tighten mine until they feel "about right" meaning once they get to the point where they are sung I go just as little tighter. A little lock-tight won't hurt either.

RE: How tight do I want the bolts for my scope rings?
 

Loc tite is totally unecessary on scope rings.

RE: How tight do I want the bolts for my scope rings?
 

Blue lock-tite on bases may be o.k. I NEVER use it on the rings (especially with torx head screws...totally unnecessary).

RE: How tight do I want the bolts for my scope rings?
 

Some folks tighten them down like they really are bolts! But they are screws and they don't need to be over tightened. As was said, doing so WILL ruin your scope...

I just snug them up good, going back and forth tightening them evenly... If you feel like your reefing on them, or the screw driver is slipping, then your already too tight...

DM

RE: How tight do I want the bolts for my scope rings?
 

The last 2 scopes I mounted I did use a very small amount of blue Loctite on the ring screws. Why do you feel it is unnecessary to use it on the ring screws?What harm is done doing this?

RE: How tight do I want the bolts for my scope rings?
 

Most manufacturers reccomend 15 inch pounds of torque on ring screws. I have a set Badger Max 50's on my 50 BMG and that's all that's needed...of course there are 6 screws per ring;)

RE: How tight do I want the bolts for my scope rings?
 

True. But it won't HURT anything, either (if you use the right kind!)

RE: How tight do I want the bolts for my scope rings?
 

I suggested lock tight because it doesn't seem like he's planning on putting a different scope on the gun anytime soon.