torque for scope base and rings (kelbly)...

[scott mims]

I've done a search on here and google but want to post it here.
i just got a new scope and i bought a torque wrench screwdriver to make sure i tighten everything enough/not to much so i won't mess anything up.
Kelbly 30mm standard rings with a Valdada scope (they recommend not over 20inch/lbs torque for their scopes).
1) what about the scope bases to action torque?
2) what about the scope rings to base torque?
any other info for mounting it the PROPER way would help. I've mounted many scopes but just want to make sure I'm doing it right $1200 is ALOT of money to me

thanks for input
scott

 

[CMaier]

Clean screws and screw holes to remove lube.
Small amount of blue or less thread locking compound.

Keep the torque wrench straight/square with the fastener....tilting screws up
torque numbers easy on small fasteners. Try torquing in 2 or 3 steps.

Some torque numbers available by internet search.

 

[scott mims]

clean screws and screw holes to remove lube.
small about of blue or less thread locking compound.

should this locking compound be used on ALL screws (base screws, scope ring screws)

 

[virg]

My System

This is my system with over twenty years with Kelbley scope rings. Tighten all screws finger tight, then turn another one half turn. That's it. No need for locking dope.

Virg

 

[CMaier]

I would say for a competition or hunting gun...yes.
Why have something shoot loose at the wrong time?
One less worry when something goes wrong..it will not be a loose scope or mount.

clean screws and screw holes to remove lube.
small about of blue or less thread locking compound.

should this locking compound be used on ALL screws (base screws, scope ring screws)

 

[Joe McNeill]

Scott,
Are you going to use a combo ring set on your Valdada scope, a single screw and a double
screw ring set? I ordered a set from Harrell's and was wondering which to put in front as I
have seen it done both ways, either single in front or back. Any comments would be greatly
appreciated.
Regards,

Joe McNeill
SW Arkansas

 

[scott mims]

Joe.......

I'm going single rings front and back.

 

[jackie schmidt]

Scott, using Kelbly rings is a combination of following their directions and using common sense.

Their recommendation for torque is dead on, but they also caution against tightening the top to where the two halves touch on the outside edge.

The biggest concern is if you tighten them that amount, they will crack at the junction of the screw abutments and the ring.

This is one reason many shooters take the time to bed the rings, just like you do an action. If you have ever chucked a disassembled scope tube up, you learn that most are not truly straight. Many are not even round.

Also, if your dovetail is out of tolerance, you can alter the ID of the scope ring when you tighten it the clamping screws. I had a set of two piece bases that were a little loose, and it did just that. I cut shims (from feeler gage material), to place between the bases and the bottom of the ring to tighten them up.

Kelbly rings are about as fool proof as any made. Follow their directions, and you can't go wrong.

Another problem is the actual diameter of the tube. Here is a good example, being as 30mm translates to 1.181 inches. The first photo is the Valdada on my 30BR, the second is the 45x Leupold on my Rail Gun. There is .005 difference, with the Valdada being exactly 30mm.
http://benchrest.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17671&stc=1&d=1460559786
http://benchrest.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17673&stc=1&d=1460560220

 

[scott mims]

Scott, using Kelbly rings is a combination of following their directions and using common sense.
Kelbly rings are about as fool proof as any made. Follow their directions, and you can't go wrong.



Jackie that's what I'm trying to find is their directions/recommendations for their scope rings. Thanks everyone for your replies.

 

[jackie schmidt]

Scott, using Kelbly rings is a combination of following their directions and using common sense.
Kelbly rings are about as fool proof as any made. Follow their directions, and you can't go wrong.



Jackie that's what I'm trying to find is their directions/recommendations for their scope rings. Thanks everyone for your replies.[/QUOT

Scott, that is a good question. I don't think Kelbly even publishes a "step by step" procedure, hense my "common sense" remark.

If you are using two piece bases, bolt them on and make sure they are actually aligned. Many Factory Actions are notorious for having the holes drilled out of true alignment. A good straight edge is a way to check them.

If your bases are in alignment, then slide each Kelbly ring on and clamp it down. Then, with a straight edge, carefully check both sides and the bottom to see if the are straight. You can put a thin coat of Prussian Blue on the straight edge to see how the impression transfers.

If the rings are straight, then actually try the scope in the rings. It should fit close. Remember what I said about the dovetail mounts being a tad small, causing the rings to be too wide at the split. This is the time to find that out.

Assuming everything is fine, them put the caps on and do not tighten past that 20 inch pounds, insuring there is still about a 1/32 gap between the halves. I know that figure just from my own experience.

Kelly's rings are forgiving. They are quite thin, made of aluminum, and even if things are not quite perfect, things kinda all mate up as you tighten them. I know that sounds like heresy, but it's reality. "But that will bend the scope". Just how straight are the things to begin with. I know, because I have actually chucked the bodies of several brands up and checked them.

As you can see, there are a lot of variables here. If you are going to lie awake at night or eying about this, your only option is to bed the rings with an epoxy material. That is the only way to insure that the rings are 100 percent mated to that scope.

Here is a picture of a single screw ring I bedded when I had the March 50 on my LV

http://benchrest.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17674&stc=1&d=1460571760

 

[scott mims]

Thanks again jackie

 

[Dan H]

Scott, I have Harrells 4 screw offset rings on my Valdada, I put masking tape on the rings to keep them from marking the scope and torqued them down to 12-15lbs so far no movement.

Dan Honert