Doug
The Weaver T-36 features a erector tube that is mounted on the pivot end by a gimble joint, or as many say, a ball and socket joint. This female part of this joint is two piece, one part being in the body of the erector tube sleeve, and the other by a nut with a radius cut shoulder. The actual register surfaces of the joint are only about 1/16 inch wide.
These pices are very thin, made from aluminum. They have to be set up with zero clearance, but not so tight as to compromise the movement of the ball and socket joint.
The problem is that over a period of time, this joint will become compromised under recoil, the more recoil, probably the more compromised the joint will become. Keep in mind,we are talking about very small amounts of clearance, .001 would devestating to the accuracy of a Benchrest Rifle.
I have seen brand new Weavers out of the box that had a loose erector tube. I have also seen brand new ones where the person who asembled the unit forgot to tighten the joint properly and apply the locking compound.The locking compound is the only thing that keeps the nut from loosening.
But, I must say, the vast majority I ever took apart had nothing wrong at all.
The majority of the scopes manufactured in the far East share this similiar design. Shooters praise other brands, when in reality, they are all built pretty much the same. A gimble joint at one end, and springs holding the erector tube against the turret abutments on the other. In fact,the only scope that I have had apart that is different is the 36x Leupold. With it, the joint is formed by a shoulder machined into the scope body. The tension on this joint is held by a flat wave spring that is compressed by the nut that secures the reticle.
So, to answer your question, a Weaver T-36 will, in due time, suffer from the affects of recoil. How much?? I don't know. Granted, a 6PPC does not have that much, as compared to most Hunting Chamberings, but the number of firings is more.
Also,in 99 9 1/10 of the shooting public,this is of no consequence. But, in Benchrest, where the goal is sub .200 accuracy, it is one of the single biggest concerns that shooters have to be wary of.........jackie
