Alright, I'm sure I'm gonna get flamed for being a boot here, but my search of the site didn't yield much help. After EVERYONE beat it home that I had to have Badger Ordnance rings, I broke down and bought a set. Whew, impressive. Got'em rigged up on my big ol' .338 and took it out to zero the NXS. Zeroing went fine, I'm a happy camper. This week I went out to do some drills, and decided to take the Lapua out for precision work. I fired 3 3-round groups, and as I came back from checking the last group and began to get settled down behind my rifle, I noticed to my horror that the scope had slid 2 inches forward! Scrape marks all down the sides of the tube (didn't gouge though, thank God, so the integrity of the optic is still good) and the fact that when I broke it down to reset the bottom part of the rings were still gripping like a cat on a telephone pole has made me think that the rings are still good. So, did I just not tighten them enoughh originally, are the Badger rings no good with big boomers like the .338 Lapua, or what?
Rifle Scopes Badger Ring Issues
- Thread starter Gunslinger9416
- Start date
Re: Badger Ring Issues
How much did you torque them down to?
I am sure that if Badger rings can hold onto scopes with a 50BMG, it can hold your scope with a measly 338LM.
How much did you torque them down to?
I am sure that if Badger rings can hold onto scopes with a 50BMG, it can hold your scope with a measly 338LM.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
i once owned a barrett with a swaro on it that was glued to the rings....
while you may not wish to go to those extremes ...savvy the small cut up portions of a thin surgical glove layed in the ring bottom when you re-mount the scope.....
.....no charge
i once owned a barrett with a swaro on it that was glued to the rings....
while you may not wish to go to those extremes ...savvy the small cut up portions of a thin surgical glove layed in the ring bottom when you re-mount the scope.....
.....no charge
Re: Badger Ring Issues
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunslinger9416</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alright, I'm sure I'm gonna get flamed for being a boot here, but my search of the site didn't yield much help. After EVERYONE beat it home that I had to have Badger Ordnance rings, I broke down and bought a set. Whew, impressive. Got'em rigged up on my big ol' .338 and took it out to zero the NXS. Zeroing went fine, I'm a happy camper. This week I went out to do some drills, and decided to take the Lapua out for precision work. I fired 3 3-round groups, and as I came back from checking the last group and began to get settled down behind my rifle, I noticed to my horror that the scope had slid 2 inches forward! Scrape marks all down the sides of the tube (didn't gouge though, thank God, so the integrity of the optic is still good) and the fact that when I broke it down to reset the bottom part of the rings were still gripping like a cat on a telephone pole has made me think that the rings are still good. So, did I just not tighten them enoughh originally, are the Badger rings no good with big boomers like the .338 Lapua, or what? </div></div>
Believe they call for 15-20 inch pounds. Which is slightly more than finger tight...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunslinger9416</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alright, I'm sure I'm gonna get flamed for being a boot here, but my search of the site didn't yield much help. After EVERYONE beat it home that I had to have Badger Ordnance rings, I broke down and bought a set. Whew, impressive. Got'em rigged up on my big ol' .338 and took it out to zero the NXS. Zeroing went fine, I'm a happy camper. This week I went out to do some drills, and decided to take the Lapua out for precision work. I fired 3 3-round groups, and as I came back from checking the last group and began to get settled down behind my rifle, I noticed to my horror that the scope had slid 2 inches forward! Scrape marks all down the sides of the tube (didn't gouge though, thank God, so the integrity of the optic is still good) and the fact that when I broke it down to reset the bottom part of the rings were still gripping like a cat on a telephone pole has made me think that the rings are still good. So, did I just not tighten them enoughh originally, are the Badger rings no good with big boomers like the .338 Lapua, or what? </div></div>
Believe they call for 15-20 inch pounds. Which is slightly more than finger tight...
Re: Badger Ring Issues
Mic the scope's tube in several locations to make sure it is the correct diameter. This will help eliminate one possibility at least.
Mic the scope's tube in several locations to make sure it is the correct diameter. This will help eliminate one possibility at least.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
Bacarrat- I know, right?
Boltripper- I'm sans surgical gloves right now, so I went ahead and remounted, heading out tomorrow anyways to put in some work, you know proper work, but if it tries this again, I'm heading straight to the local pharmacy. And if it works, I'll blast every thread that you're a genius.
netranger6- You are correct sir, that's what I had them at, actually just a tad tighter, so I don't know....
Bacarrat- I know, right?
Boltripper- I'm sans surgical gloves right now, so I went ahead and remounted, heading out tomorrow anyways to put in some work, you know proper work, but if it tries this again, I'm heading straight to the local pharmacy. And if it works, I'll blast every thread that you're a genius.
netranger6- You are correct sir, that's what I had them at, actually just a tad tighter, so I don't know....
Re: Badger Ring Issues
What did you torque them to and what torque wrench did you use?
Like SWFA said, check the scope tube diameter. If it is true, and you used a quality torque wrench to the specs, call BO and I'm sure you'll have a new pair straight away.
What did you torque them to and what torque wrench did you use?
Like SWFA said, check the scope tube diameter. If it is true, and you used a quality torque wrench to the specs, call BO and I'm sure you'll have a new pair straight away.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
You might wanna try the Badger Max 50 rings - these are alot wider than the standard rings & they have 6 screws per ring.
You might wanna try the Badger Max 50 rings - these are alot wider than the standard rings & they have 6 screws per ring.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
Gunslinger,
You can also go down to your local hardware emporium and buy a can of Liquid Electrical Tape. A thin coat on both halfs of your rings, means no slipping.
Gunslinger,
You can also go down to your local hardware emporium and buy a can of Liquid Electrical Tape. A thin coat on both halfs of your rings, means no slipping.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
Gunslinger, on my bigger rifles I very lightly coat the ring bearing surfaces with black automotive rtv silicone(available at any napa auto parts stores). You should have a very small bead of silicone ooze out around the scope tube as you torque the rings.
I have had great success with the silicone , and the clean up is real easy if you take off the scope.
Gunslinger, on my bigger rifles I very lightly coat the ring bearing surfaces with black automotive rtv silicone(available at any napa auto parts stores). You should have a very small bead of silicone ooze out around the scope tube as you torque the rings.
I have had great success with the silicone , and the clean up is real easy if you take off the scope.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
Update:
So, I reset the scope, following Badger Ordnance's instructions to the letter (well, I didn't use a torque wrench to know the exact pressure but it gives steps on how to do it without that) and took it out. Barely got off 10 shots and it was sliding again. Called Badger, got the blow off (Clearly it's MY fault). I know a lot of you guys use their products, but I'm regretting this choice personally. The cheap Warne's that came with my scope worked better, and considering how much money these things cost, I think I could have gotten a little more concern than, "You're not tightening it enough, send them back to whoever you got them from for a refund."
Update:
So, I reset the scope, following Badger Ordnance's instructions to the letter (well, I didn't use a torque wrench to know the exact pressure but it gives steps on how to do it without that) and took it out. Barely got off 10 shots and it was sliding again. Called Badger, got the blow off (Clearly it's MY fault). I know a lot of you guys use their products, but I'm regretting this choice personally. The cheap Warne's that came with my scope worked better, and considering how much money these things cost, I think I could have gotten a little more concern than, "You're not tightening it enough, send them back to whoever you got them from for a refund."
Re: Badger Ring Issues
I'm sorry to hear about your problems, Gunslinger. Would you like a free trial with pair of my rings? I guarantee they will solve your problem--no glue, powder, rubber, tape or any of that crap required.
If you don't like them for any reason, just send them back. If you do, just send me a check.
I'm sorry to hear about your problems, Gunslinger. Would you like a free trial with pair of my rings? I guarantee they will solve your problem--no glue, powder, rubber, tape or any of that crap required.
If you don't like them for any reason, just send them back. If you do, just send me a check.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunslinger9416</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Update:
So, I reset the scope, following Badger Ordnance's instructions to the letter (well, I didn't use a torque wrench to know the exact pressure but it gives steps on how to do it without that) and took it out. Barely got off 10 shots and it was sliding again. Called Badger, got the blow off (Clearly it's MY fault). I know a lot of you guys use their products, but I'm regretting this choice personally. The cheap Warne's that came with my scope worked better, and considering how much money these things cost, I think I could have gotten a little more concern than, "You're not tightening it enough, send them back to whoever you got them from for a refund." </div></div>
To be fair to Badger you didn't use a torque wrench so you are merely guessing that they were torqued down properly.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunslinger9416</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Update:
So, I reset the scope, following Badger Ordnance's instructions to the letter (well, I didn't use a torque wrench to know the exact pressure but it gives steps on how to do it without that) and took it out. Barely got off 10 shots and it was sliding again. Called Badger, got the blow off (Clearly it's MY fault). I know a lot of you guys use their products, but I'm regretting this choice personally. The cheap Warne's that came with my scope worked better, and considering how much money these things cost, I think I could have gotten a little more concern than, "You're not tightening it enough, send them back to whoever you got them from for a refund." </div></div>
To be fair to Badger you didn't use a torque wrench so you are merely guessing that they were torqued down properly.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
I've had Badgers and still do on multiple rifles, including a big .338.
Never had an issue with them . make sure there is no oil inside the ring when you torque them.
Its possible you got a bum set but that would be the exception rather than the rule.
41
I've had Badgers and still do on multiple rifles, including a big .338.
Never had an issue with them . make sure there is no oil inside the ring when you torque them.
Its possible you got a bum set but that would be the exception rather than the rule.
41
Re: Badger Ring Issues
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jon A</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm sorry to hear about your problems, Gunslinger. Would you like a free trial with pair of my rings? I guarantee they will solve your problem--no glue, powder, rubber, tape or any of that crap required.
If you don't like them for any reason, just send them back. If you do, just send me a check.
</div></div>
I'll take a "trial" set, 34mm 6 screw, at 1 inch. Danke!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jon A</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm sorry to hear about your problems, Gunslinger. Would you like a free trial with pair of my rings? I guarantee they will solve your problem--no glue, powder, rubber, tape or any of that crap required.
If you don't like them for any reason, just send them back. If you do, just send me a check.
</div></div>
I'll take a "trial" set, 34mm 6 screw, at 1 inch. Danke!
Re: Badger Ring Issues
Marty builds good stuff, so dont let one purchase sour you. Most likely the scope is not sitting down in the ring bottoms. This will cause a false torque on the ring caps. Its not the first time, guys call all the time with other rings and after they do this they usually call back and say thanks for saving some money..
Try this and go shoot it again:
Loosen the side nuts, set scope in bottom halves (or lapping bar if you have one) and tighten caps. Then tighten the bottoms onto the rail. Remove scope and check and see how well it fits into the ring bottoms. Rings are two separate items and when you tighten them you are twisting a fastener. Its easy to twist a single ring on the rail and not know it, especially if you are using a endwrench and not a t-handle. By doing the above they stay aligned with each other.
Marty builds good stuff, so dont let one purchase sour you. Most likely the scope is not sitting down in the ring bottoms. This will cause a false torque on the ring caps. Its not the first time, guys call all the time with other rings and after they do this they usually call back and say thanks for saving some money..
Try this and go shoot it again:
Loosen the side nuts, set scope in bottom halves (or lapping bar if you have one) and tighten caps. Then tighten the bottoms onto the rail. Remove scope and check and see how well it fits into the ring bottoms. Rings are two separate items and when you tighten them you are twisting a fastener. Its easy to twist a single ring on the rail and not know it, especially if you are using a endwrench and not a t-handle. By doing the above they stay aligned with each other.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Zanshin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
To be fair to Badger you didn't use a torque wrench so you are merely guessing that they were torqued down properly. </div></div>
+1 get a torque wrench
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Zanshin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
To be fair to Badger you didn't use a torque wrench so you are merely guessing that they were torqued down properly. </div></div>
+1 get a torque wrench
Re: Badger Ring Issues
Zanshin, pyplynr: Hey, if they said in their instructions "You must have a torque wrench and set it at X and Y exactly!" I would have been in the truck in a heartbeat. I just spent $160 on these things, for a weapon that's running me close to $6000, you think I want to do this wrong? Badger's instructions clearly state, "holding the short end of the T-15 wrench tighten about as tight as you can get it (holding the short
end of the T-15 wrench!) make sure the gaps on both sides of the rings are equal." That's what I did. And I'm really not trying to play the blame game here, if you read my original post, I asked if I screwed up, or did I get the wrong rings. I'm pissed off because when I called, being polite and explained my issue and asked how to proceed, repairs, return, what? I got the blow off. That's all.
Jon A: Wow. Just wow. That is an extremely kind and generous offer sir. And how have I never heard of these before??? These rings look outstanding! However, I've already sent the Badgers back for a refund, exchanging for some ammo to replace all that I expended trying to resolve this issue, and picked up a set of Warne Tacticals. Let me try them out, see how they do, and if they're not cutting it I would be most happy to try your's out.
heatseekins: That's very interesting. I've already sent the Badgers back, but I'll try that with my Warnes. Thank you for the info sir.
Zanshin, pyplynr: Hey, if they said in their instructions "You must have a torque wrench and set it at X and Y exactly!" I would have been in the truck in a heartbeat. I just spent $160 on these things, for a weapon that's running me close to $6000, you think I want to do this wrong? Badger's instructions clearly state, "holding the short end of the T-15 wrench tighten about as tight as you can get it (holding the short
end of the T-15 wrench!) make sure the gaps on both sides of the rings are equal." That's what I did. And I'm really not trying to play the blame game here, if you read my original post, I asked if I screwed up, or did I get the wrong rings. I'm pissed off because when I called, being polite and explained my issue and asked how to proceed, repairs, return, what? I got the blow off. That's all.
Jon A: Wow. Just wow. That is an extremely kind and generous offer sir. And how have I never heard of these before??? These rings look outstanding! However, I've already sent the Badgers back for a refund, exchanging for some ammo to replace all that I expended trying to resolve this issue, and picked up a set of Warne Tacticals. Let me try them out, see how they do, and if they're not cutting it I would be most happy to try your's out.
heatseekins: That's very interesting. I've already sent the Badgers back, but I'll try that with my Warnes. Thank you for the info sir.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
Not to take anything away from John's gesture. You truly should have a torque wrench (Borka, Brownells, etc). As you pointed out in your post you have $6000 in your current rig.
The way you keep a precision tactical rig "precise" is to take the guesswork out of adjustment. Ring have a torque, action will have a torque, bottom line is you NEED a torque wrench.
Not to take anything away from John's gesture. You truly should have a torque wrench (Borka, Brownells, etc). As you pointed out in your post you have $6000 in your current rig.
The way you keep a precision tactical rig "precise" is to take the guesswork out of adjustment. Ring have a torque, action will have a torque, bottom line is you NEED a torque wrench.
Re: Badger Ring Issues
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: heatseekins</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Marty builds good stuff, so dont let one purchase sour you. Most likely the scope is not sitting down in the ring bottoms. This will cause a false torque on the ring caps. Its not the first time, guys call all the time with other rings and after they do this they usually call back and say thanks for saving some money..
Try this and go shoot it again:
Loosen the side nuts, set scope in bottom halves (or lapping bar if you have one) and tighten caps. Then tighten the bottoms onto the rail. Remove scope and check and see how well it fits into the ring bottoms. Rings are two separate items and when you tighten them you are twisting a fastener. Its easy to twist a single ring on the rail and not know it, especially if you are using a endwrench and not a t-handle. By doing the above they stay aligned with each other. </div></div>
Glen, Classy per usual....Good tip!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: heatseekins</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Marty builds good stuff, so dont let one purchase sour you. Most likely the scope is not sitting down in the ring bottoms. This will cause a false torque on the ring caps. Its not the first time, guys call all the time with other rings and after they do this they usually call back and say thanks for saving some money..
Try this and go shoot it again:
Loosen the side nuts, set scope in bottom halves (or lapping bar if you have one) and tighten caps. Then tighten the bottoms onto the rail. Remove scope and check and see how well it fits into the ring bottoms. Rings are two separate items and when you tighten them you are twisting a fastener. Its easy to twist a single ring on the rail and not know it, especially if you are using a endwrench and not a t-handle. By doing the above they stay aligned with each other. </div></div>
Glen, Classy per usual....Good tip!
Re: Badger Ring Issues
Alright, final chapter to the saga.
Got a set of Warne Tacticals, which were my original choice until I got talked into the Badgers. Mounted'em free hand, then checked with the torque wrench to see how I did. The Warne's require 25 in-lbs, well above the Badgers 12 in-lbs, and I was short of 25, but not by that much. Took it out, fired 5 rounds, testing ring tightness after every shot. No movement. After that, it took 2 3-shot groups to get zeroed. Still no movement. Learned a lot from the experience, I did mess up not having a torque wrench, but I still believe my Badger's weren't cutting it. I want it clear though: I AM NOT BASHING BADGER. Everyone has a bad product now and then, not a big deal. My beef came with being treated dismissively when I called looking for help. Personally, I like how the Warne's mount better anyways, and they are WAY lighter than the Badgers.
Thank you to all who offered me good pieces of advice, especially SWFA, Jon A, and heatseekins.
Alright, final chapter to the saga.
Got a set of Warne Tacticals, which were my original choice until I got talked into the Badgers. Mounted'em free hand, then checked with the torque wrench to see how I did. The Warne's require 25 in-lbs, well above the Badgers 12 in-lbs, and I was short of 25, but not by that much. Took it out, fired 5 rounds, testing ring tightness after every shot. No movement. After that, it took 2 3-shot groups to get zeroed. Still no movement. Learned a lot from the experience, I did mess up not having a torque wrench, but I still believe my Badger's weren't cutting it. I want it clear though: I AM NOT BASHING BADGER. Everyone has a bad product now and then, not a big deal. My beef came with being treated dismissively when I called looking for help. Personally, I like how the Warne's mount better anyways, and they are WAY lighter than the Badgers.
Thank you to all who offered me good pieces of advice, especially SWFA, Jon A, and heatseekins.
