When was the last time you or someone else verified the torque specifications on your riflescope ring screws and cross bolts? I continue to see a lack of maintenance within the Police Sniper community regarding this important issue. A recent course held confirmed what I had believed. Twenty out of twenty-three police snipers had incorrect torque applied to either the ring screws, cross bolts or both. Only three riflescopes were correctly tightened to their rings and bases. Riflescopes slipping and turning in their rings are not uncommon but through education and the right equipment this can be lessened significantly. Let’s explore why this occurs.
History of your Riflescope
Who installed the riflescope on your rifle, or did you install it yourself? Perhaps it came from the manufacturer already set in the rings and base. Do you have an armorer for precision rifles that installed it? I often find that when you ask the end user these questions many have no idea. This is where the issue can be birthed. No knowledge of who, when and how it was conducted. No documentation of initial placement and certainly no preventative checks to ensure they don’t back off specifications.
Why is this important
Recoil and repeated shaking in vehicle storage & movement. Police sniper rifles do not sit idly in a room inside a pelican case. If they did then this article would not be written. The fact remains our profession is hard on equipment and even precision rifles at times. Riding in a storage box in the back of a Tahoe for countless miles every day can loosen up screws even if they have Loctite applied. Keep in mind that heat will degrade any type of glue products over time. Sure, how you store your precision rifle is important in the vehicle, but all you can do is hope to mitigate the endless vibrations. How many times have you set your rifle on a table with bipod legs extended only to have it fall over? You may have verified zero after that, but did you ever check the ring screws and cross bolts which connect the two major parts. Tightening screws to the recommended torque settings is essential when mounting a riflescope or making any adjustments. Over-tightening can damage the screws and create stresses on the riflescope that can negatively affect accuracy and, in severe cases, damage the riflescope itself. Under-tightening can leave riflescopes subject to recoil and movement which will also affect your rifle zero.
Proper Equipment
To perform proper torque checks of the ring screws, cross bolts and even quick detach bases you need two things. The manufacturers specifications for tightness on their riflescope body and the correct tools to apply this. I recommend Nightforce tool kits and Fix It Sticks.
Nightforce Riflescopes.
For Nightforce riflescopes they sell a tool kit that includes three torque limiters (25, 68 and 100 inch-lbs.), a 2-10 inch-lbs. driver, ratchet driver handle, square drive socket and four different ¼” drive bits (1/16”, 5/64”, T6 and T15) neatly packaged in a rugged, zippered case.
All Other Riflescopes (Vortex, Leupold, Schmidt & Bender, Khales)
The second manufacturer is Fix it Sticks. Their deluxe kit includes a 65 Inch Lbs. miniature torque limiter, 45 Inch Lbs. miniature torque limiter, 25 Inch Lbs. miniature torque limiter, 15 Inch Lbs. miniature torque limiter, T-Way T-Handle Wrench, 16 different bits, 1/2" Socket and 1/4" bit adapter set, all in a deluxe zippered pouch. Also include is an extended 3/16" Ball End Hex bit designed to reach the action screws of such Chassis systems as JAllen, Accuracy International, Remington 700, and Masterpiece Arms. Actions screw are often neglected until the issue is reflected downrange in point of impact shift.
Larue Tactical QD bases
Larue bases are some of the best for mounting riflescopes to your rifle, however many are unaware how tight or not to make them with the provided QD wrench. Larue Tactical advises that when the throw lever encounters resistance at a 45° back towards the base when securing you have correctly applied enough torque on the adjustment screw. Periodic checks should be conducted as with traditional set bases.
How often should I check
A good rule of thumb is to perform checks with every sniper qualification. Typically, police snipers qualify 4-6X’s yearly. Always perform the checks at the range so that zero verification can be conducted before you head out. It is also a good idea check your actions screws securing the rifle to the chassis if this applies also. Document the checks in your data book so if the rifle is given to the someone else, a history exists of preventative checks.
Closing Thoughts
Often, in our sniper community, when a police sniper who is a good shooter struggles with precision rifle accuracy, we immediately think it’s an end user issue. That may be the case sometimes, but we should first look to the rifle system itself and examine every part that could be consequential to point of impact shift before creating undue stress upon our teammates. Education is key for snipers, sniper team leaders and supervisors. Every SWAT team should have certified armorers for the weapons they employ so that proper and regularly scheduled maintenance is conducted and adhered to for optimal performance at the range and in the field.
