Rifle Scopes Edit: Broken LP scope ring

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glockatory

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Minuteman
Mar 17, 2014
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Lake Havasu City, AZ
#1
Hey guys, it's been awhile.

My old username used to be APK, I've been off the board for about 5-6yrs or so but hopefully am back. Couldn't find my old account, pretty sure it got lost in the swap to this new format but regardless, glad to be back!


Recently, trying to get back into shooting, I took my 3.5x15x50 NXS and remounted it to my .308 in order to send some rounds down range.

I don't own a torque wrench, but work with fasteners everyday so no big deal...tighten it up and go right? Wrong.

I apparently over-tightened them because after 7 rounds...my ring broke. I called NF but they said I'm SOL, which I expected but can't hurt to ask right?


I was curious, if anyone knows, if it's possible to buy just this piece that I broke, or if like NF told me...I'm totally screwed and have to save up for new rings.

NF said no go, have to buy new rings, but does anyone have any clever ideas on a less expensive way to go? I know there probably isn't one but, this puts me out of shooting for a bit so I figured I'd ask. Hope you all are well, looks like things have changed quite a bit around here (for the better, looks awesome).

Snapped a few pictures for reference:



 
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#2
This is exactly what happens when you don't torque. Always torque everything on your rifle from base, rings to base, ring tops, stock. You can get a Harbor Freight 1/4" for $11.99 with a coupon. I bought 3, just to check them with my Borka, and their all within an inch lb or 2. It's really easy to over torque a 1/2" nut. I mount optics, and sight in guns all the time, and 75% of the scopes that are mounted, the ring tops are in access of 40" lbs, and 20-25 " lbs is plenty sufficient. NF should cover it though, ( at least Warne did on a set installed wrong) but get a torque wrench, you may find out playing with your stock torque will aid your accuracy. This is exactly why to run Seekins rings, or Vortex. But it will tell you in the instructions what the torque specs are.
 
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#3
Yes exactly right. I feel rather retarded for not putting much thought into it, but having been out of shooting for so long, it honestly didn't even cross my mind.

I already have a torque wrench on order now, but my problem remains on where to go from here. NF won't cover it (which I didn't expect as this was my fault), but I feel like maybe I can have a friend TIG this together or find someone who possibly has an extra set laying around etc.

Just looking for input or advice, basically a clever idea that will save me $150-200 bucks on a new set of rings lol.
 
#5
I hear ya, stuff happens esp when were in a hurry. I don't know what height you run, but I have a new set of PRI 30mm interm height and a new set of Talley Tactical in tall, I'd sale for what SWFA offered me in their exchange program. The PRI would be perfect for a 56mm obj on a bolt gun, and the Talley's would be perfect for an AR build. The Talley's run $165 and the PRI run around $100. I do have 2 sets of Seekins nib but I'm waiting on another build right now, so I'll hang on to them. Glad you got a TW on order. I had a guy set a scope up, and wanted me to sight it in and level x hairs, and he had cross threaded one of the ring qd knobs, and I called them, and they said "No prob" I'll send a new set out now" after I emailed him a pic.
 
#6
That's a good point Pat, maybe I really didn't over torque them (I don't feel I did but assumed I did...because they broke).

I didn't really think that...well like you said, shit breaks.

Guess I'll dismount the scope and shoot it on my 300BLK for the time being. I'm just lazy and didn't want to have to re-zero my .308 down the line. Plus it bugs me to have my favorite bolt gun naked...but you're right, shit breaks, might as well use what I have to keep shooting for the time being. After all the only way to get back into the swing of things...is pulling the trigger.

I'll save up for some new rings down the line. Thanks for the input guys, always appreciate having a forum to bounce ideas off of people. :)
 
#7
Hmm, just read your last post GHB. Maybe I should submit to them my pictures via email. I had only called on the phone but I guess I just don't like to seem like the guy trying to get something for nothing.

That gives me another idea, when the TW arrives I'm going to check the other side and see where it's at.

Again, thank you gentlemen very much, much appreciate the input.
 
#9
I could be wrong all of my NF rings seem to be peened on the end of the cross bolt. Maybe they couldn't sell you a replacement jaw because you removed the nut? If the end of that cross bolt nut is peened and you removed that nut, the rings may be trashed because the threads on the nut will be damaged and will not provide adaquate clamping force. Or for that matter, at least the cross bolt. I'm a former mechanic and had to deal with this sort of thing often. Have you talked to them about maybe pressing out the old cross bolt and replacing the whole mounting assembly? Can't really find the thread but I thought I remember someone talking about that in the passed. It may have been on another forum though...
 
#10
NF makes good gear, but they don't seem to stand behind it like other outfits. They don't offer any real help when things break.

I would purchase a set of Seekins rings. They stand behind their products with a lifetime warranty.

And before everyone jumps on me about it being the OP's fault, he said he must have overtighten them. That doesn't mean there wasn't some sort of metal fatigue or failure.
 
#12
I would call nightforce and ask them to send you a clamp foot they should have no problem with it. If they do I would find the email of the ceo and deal with him directly. There is no reason to buy a new set of rings for that simple problem.
I have assembled rings for a company known for rings and the cross bolt is peened after the nut is installed just so people don't lose the nut in the field. As long as the bolt has not moved in the ring then you can install a new foot and nut and then re peen the bolt and it will be fine.
 
#13
ajwcotton said:
I would call nightforce and ask them to send you a clamp foot they should have no problem with it. If they do I would find the email of the ceo and deal with him directly. There is no reason to buy a new set of rings for that simple problem.
I have assembled rings for a company known for rings and the cross bolt is peened after the nut is installed just so people don't lose the nut in the field. As long as the bolt has not moved in the ring then you can install a new foot and nut and then re peen the bolt and it will be fine.
Click to expand...

Like I said, they peen the cross bolts on them. If you pull the nut off to replace the clamp it will ruin the nut and it wont hold torque. There is someone on here that said they can fix it if you send it to them though. I looked again but I can't find the thread. I read it some time ago.
 
#14
ajwcotton said:
I would call nightforce and ask them to send you a clamp foot they should have no problem with it. If they do I would find the email of the ceo and deal with him directly. There is no reason to buy a new set of rings for that simple problem.
I have assembled rings for a company known for rings and the cross bolt is peened after the nut is installed just so people don't lose the nut in the field. As long as the bolt has not moved in the ring then you can install a new foot and nut and then re peen the bolt and it will be fine.
Click to expand...

+1
 
#15
And the audacity to break something and expect the manufacturer of the product to foot the repair bill is beyond me. I know some companies are willing to but to expect it from them? Further more to get mad when they don't? For God sake! What kind of entitlement culture are we presenting the members of this forum to be part of?
 
#16
badshot338 said:
And the audacity to break something and expect the manufacturer of the product to foot the repair bill is beyond me. I know some companies are willing to but to expect it from them? Further more to get mad when they don't? For God sake! What kind of entitlement culture are we presenting the members of this forum to be part of?
Click to expand...
Apparently you didn't see the part where the op said he would buy the part.
Also the place that I worked we would have sent the replacement parts(clamp foot and nut) to the customer for free regardless of if they messed it up or if it just happened to fail.
 
#17
Yes, and that's great of you to do. But to EXPECT that is not socially acceptable behavior. It's called business ethics. If you are a consumer, and are not aware of or cannot adhere to a level of quality control that the manufacturer of the product requires, you request to get it repaired and you foot the bill. A level of customer service that offers to repair it for you if you are willing to send it in is better than some guy just throwing a claw on an envelope and sending it to you.

These cross bolts are PEENED. It will ruin the nut to pull it all the way off. If they sent him a new claw/clamp, it will do him no good because when he tries to torque it down again the nut will likely strip. So naturally they wont send out parts that other parts would have had to have been ruined to replace. I work in manufacturing and we wouldn't either.
 
#18
Dang, missed a couple posts...

Been super busy so I apologize for the delayed response, but I'll get on later tonight to update this.

I'm hoping the post about expecting someone to fix something I broke post wasn't directed at me, I thought I clearly explained that I didn't expect them to do free work for my error but I did skim it so hopefully I read that wrong.

Problem is solved, have good info, will update later. Thanks to all for the input, greatly appreciate it. :)
 
#19
no and I should have been more clear.

The post was not directed toward you. Just recommendations or perceptions that if a customer breaks something or looses something that the company who manufactured it is responsible or "should" replace or repair it on their time and dime. Honestly, I feel it gives our forum a bad perception.
 
#20
badshot338 said:
no and I should have been more clear.

The post was not directed toward you. Just recommendations or perceptions that if a customer breaks something or looses something that the company who manufactured it is responsible or "should" replace or repair it on their time and dime. Honestly, I feel it gives our forum a bad perception.
Click to expand...
Usually if you over torqued, you would have to stripped the cross bolt before the foot broke in half like like that no? So the material quality in this example is in question here ( you got a lemon every once in a while doesn't matter who makes them). If the NF replace it for free or for a small charge, who do you think this guy gonna go to when he needs a new set of rings?
 
#21
badshot338 said:
no and I should have been more clear.

The post was not directed toward you. Just recommendations or perceptions that if a customer breaks something or looses something that the company who manufactured it is responsible or "should" replace or repair it on their time and dime. Honestly, I feel it gives our forum a bad perception.
Click to expand...

Ehh it all depends on what kind of company you are dealing with. I had some issues that I caused with CDI bottom metal and they replaced it with no questions asked. They didn't even bother trying to figure out whose fault it was, just took care of me. Vortex Optics has an awesome warranty and they will replace your optic if your dumb ass rides over it with a four wheeler (see their Facebook). They also replaced a set of rings for me when I stripped a screw head trying to take off some rings from a rifle I purchased off another member. I lost my sunshade for my Bushnell Elite and they replaced it free of cost and even covered shipping. My buddy ordered the wrong scope base for his gun (6-48 instead of 8-40) and he sent it to the smith who built his gun and they opened it up for him free of charge. I broke the de-capper on some mil-surplus brass for my Mosin and Lee sent me a whole new die when I sent it in to them. It was my fault, but they covered it.

So I guess what I am trying to say is that when you are dealing with a quality company there is some level of expectation for them to cover you. Yea not all problems are defects of the products but they know that if they fix it or help you out, you'll remain a loyal customer and maybe even spread the word to your buddy. Honestly kind of surprised me NF wasn't more willing to act right off the bat to help him out, they've been really helpful for me.
 
#22
badshot338 said:
And the audacity to break something and expect the manufacturer of the product to foot the repair bill is beyond me. I know some companies are willing to but to expect it from them? Further more to get mad when they don't? For God sake! What kind of entitlement culture are we presenting the members of this forum to be part of?
Click to expand...

How do you know it was he who broke the clamp? How do you know it wasn't an inclusion in the metal, or some other defect? While I wouldn't expect a replacement for free, I would expect the CS rep to give a shit that their product failed. Apparently NF couldn't be bothered. So to that I say FU, I'll shop with someone who stands behind their products. Standing behind them means for than free replacements, It means taking interest in any failures as well.

That said, if you own a business could you please let us know where it is? I would like to avoid it at any cost.

TC
 
#23
I Am Hero said:
Ehh it all depends on what kind of company you are dealing with. I had some issues that I caused with CDI bottom metal and they replaced it with no questions asked. They didn't even bother trying to figure out whose fault it was, just took care of me. Vortex Optics has an awesome warranty and they will replace your optic if your dumb ass rides over it with a four wheeler (see their Facebook). They also replaced a set of rings for me when I stripped a screw head trying to take off some rings from a rifle I purchased off another member. I lost my sunshade for my Bushnell Elite and they replaced it free of cost and even covered shipping. My buddy ordered the wrong scope base for his gun (6-48 instead of 8-40) and he sent it to the smith who built his gun and they opened it up for him free of charge. I broke the de-capper on some mil-surplus brass for my Mosin and Lee sent me a whole new die when I sent it in to them. It was my fault, but they covered it.

So I guess what I am trying to say is that when you are dealing with a quality company there is some level of expectation for them to cover you. Yea not all problems are defects of the products but they know that if they fix it or help you out, you'll remain a loyal customer and maybe even spread the word to your buddy. Honestly kind of surprised me NF wasn't more willing to act right off the bat to help him out, they've been really helpful for me.
Click to expand...

That's fair. And I have had the same experience with companies. In fact NF has sent me things at no cost. Albeit small things but they have taken care of me. But if I called and told them that I had the issue that the OP had, and they couldn't send me one, I would be understanding. I guess I'm just every manufacturers dream consumer.
 
#24
The_Count said:
How do you know it was he who broke the clamp? How do you know it wasn't an inclusion in the metal, or some other defect? While I wouldn't expect a replacement for free, I would expect the CS rep to give a shit that their product failed. Apparently NF couldn't be bothered. So to that I say FU, I'll shop with someone who stands behind their products. Standing behind them means for than free replacements, It means taking interest in any failures as well.

That said, if you own a business could you please let us know where it is? I would like to avoid it at any cost.

TC
Click to expand...

You don't really have to worry about doing business with me. I/we deal pith manufacturers and test and make parts for them. We do little to no business with the end user. And I would take care of this custom the best I was able to. But I would bite back a little if called and told that it was expected of me to do so. Perks of running your own business...
 
#25
#27
badshot338 said:
And one more thing... OP, are you sure those are even Nightforce rings?

They look a little like Leupold rings to me. Here's a link for reference:
Leupold Mark 4 Picatinny-Style Rings Matte

Here is a link to Nightforce rings for reference. They look like steel rings to me so here is a pic of Nightforce steel rings.
Nightforce 0.885in Low Steel Ring Set for 30mm Scopes A117

Sorry about not taking pictures and posting them properly. Don't really have time to dick with it.
Click to expand...

Good eye!!
 
#28
Sorry for the delay guys.

Been super busy with work.


The gentleman helping me at NF has been extremely helpful. At first they first told me I was kind of out of luck (politely), I honestly expected it as I assumed it was my fault. I do not expect any manufacturer to replace anything that I caused to fail, ever.

He then called me back after going to talk to the guys in the machine shop and they offered to take care of them and fix them for basically nothing ($25).

I did not mean nor intend to imply in ANY way that I am anything but satisfied with NF products, I have literally thrown this rifle 15ft.+ (seriously...almost sat on a rattlesnake, scared the fuck out of me) and the scope and mount didn't even know it.


But now I see...I have probably made a grave error in assuming they were NF rings. :(

I was basing this off my memory from when I built the rifle (2006-7) and haven't shot much since due cost etc. I cannot believe I overlooked this. :(


I will contact Scott @ NF in the morning, I definitely screwed this up. I think badshot and 458 are right, those must be Mk4 rings.

Man, I sure feel like an idiot. :/


I sure appreciate everyone's help. For not having been on the board for a long time, the contributions and imput from you guys definitely remind me of why I used to frequent this forum.
 
#29
glockatory,

I challenge you to find someone who hasn't done the same thing at some level. If someone says they haven't, their dirty liars... Dirty dirty liars! You shouldn't feel like an idiot and anyone that responds derogatorily to you is just a peckerhead that shouldn't be taken seriously.

I have heard of them doing that for those who have over torqued or broken their bases before, that is why I was surprised that it seemed like they weren't willing to. I am glad they were willing to assist in some way.

As for what the rifle has been through, frankly that seems like a heck of a testament to your Leupold rings. That kind of a throw is hard on a weapon system (as we all know) so kudos to them for making a product that stood up to that kind of abuse!

Thinking about it, I actually over torqued a set of Lupy rings years ago and broke the claw in the same way and from what I remember, they actually sent me a replacement as they don't peen those cross bolts like NF does and it was a simple replacement. I would give them a call and see if they can help.
 
#30
Thanks boss, appreciate that. :)

Yea I'll never forget when I threw that thing, 4k flying through the air and I didn't even care...I wanted AWAY from that rattler! lol But yea, this rifle has been through more than I could expect as a recreational shooter and I'm quite glad I spent the money where I did. Bought once, cried exactly once.


Good news to share also! I called Scott at NF, he was really cool with it, we both laughed and he said he'd have the shipping guys kick it back when they saw it. Proceeded to call Leupold about the 'keeper' as they call it, they're sending me a new set out already. :)

Crisis averted! And I know for my next rifle (I reallllly want to put together a cheap .223 so I can get in more trigger time to get back to working on fundamentals etc), that if I buy from one of the good guys, they'll all stand behind their stuff.

Now I can get back to testing the accuracy change with different suppressor mounts on for my suppressor, which is why I was at the range in the first place. :)

Thank you all again.
 
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