Rifle Scopes Follow scope or rings suggested torque specs?

jda2631

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Nov 10, 2009
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I have a Razor AMG and going to use ARC M10 rings. Vortex says do not go over 18 in/lbs torque on the rings. ARC says use 55 in/lbs on the scope ring screw and the base screw, which is really high compared to other rings. I assume because of the single screw open top design? Will the M10's hold with an 18 in/lb torque?
 
That seems really high for the tube. Personally I’d follow the 55 on the base and 18 on the scope. I’d also contact vortex and get their take on it. I’m sure it’s not going to be the first time they’ve been asked.

Last thing you want to do is crush the tube. FWIW I have an AMG and never had any issues with slipping at around 18in/lbs but I’m using vortex/seekins rings.
 
The 18 in/lbs is for top split rings. The ARC rings grab the scope differently. Call Vortex to make sure but you should be fine going by ARC specs.
 
ARC are a different animal. I have used them on many scopes torqed to the proper spec's designed for these rings (55 inch #'s). No marks, no tracking issues and no tube distortion of the image whatsoever. I have used these on my scopes ranging from $200-$3,000 with a perfect execution of a scope ring design.
 
I asked vortex directly before posting here and they said do not go over 18 in/lb to make sure you dont harm the scope. I was just curious since the M10's are a different design than most on the market.
 
I would guess 18 inch #'s will not hold the scope in place during recoil. If Vortex will cover the replacement of the scope because of cosmetic damage then follow their statement they told you. Or you can listen to the SH members that have used the ARC's.
 
No, they will not hold with 18 in/lb been there done that (at least with 308 recoil). Use ARC's specs or a number close to it. I use 45-50 in/lb, no marks or any problems on multiple scopes.
 
I chose 55 inch #'s after I called ARC and asked if 60-65 inch #'s is doable. 55 was the number I settled with because the scope ring base screws and action screws ended up finalizing at 55. Keep it simple with one value set for all during my check in the field.
 
No, they will not hold with 18 in/lb been there done that (at least with 308 recoil). Use ARC's specs or a number close to it. I use 45-50 in/lb, no marks or any problems on multiple scopes.

I concur.

I called Vortex when I got my Razor and ARC rings.

They hadn't heard of them before but after some discussion it was recommended to go around 40 in/lbs unless I was using a hard recoiling magnum.

I did that and on my AIAT in 308 I have had no issues in 720rds now.
 
@jda2631

What did you end up torquing your Razor HD AMG to?

I'm in the exact same boat as you: A Razor HD AMG scope with M10 30mm rings. I understand the one screw=more torque, and that the ARC rings use a more circumference-type pressure rather than a top-down pressure.

But I ran into another concern. ARC says there should be a 0.04" gap in between ring clamps when fully torqued. I went up to 18 in-lbs and stopped because the gap was already down to 0.34". This caused me to hesitate because I wasn't seeing what ARC themselves said I would see, and I'm worried that AMGs may have thinner walls than HD IIs (I don't know this, just worried).

I have already written both Vortex and ARC but it's the weekend and I don't expect to get a response until next week.
 
@jda2631

What did you end up torquing your Razor HD AMG to?

I'm in the exact same boat as you: A Razor HD AMG scope with M10 30mm rings. I understand the one screw=more torque, and that the ARC rings use a more circumference-type pressure rather than a top-down pressure.

But I ran into another concern. ARC says there should be a 0.04" gap in between ring clamps when fully torqued. I went up to 18 in-lbs and stopped because the gap was already down to 0.34". This caused me to hesitate because I wasn't seeing what ARC themselves said I would see, and I'm worried that AMGs may have thinner walls than HD IIs (I don't know this, just worried).

I have already written both Vortex and ARC but it's the weekend and I don't expect to get a response until next week.
I would double check your numbers. 0.34 and 0.04 has a big difference.
 
@jda2631

What did you end up torquing your Razor HD AMG to?

I'm in the exact same boat as you: A Razor HD AMG scope with M10 30mm rings. I understand the one screw=more torque, and that the ARC rings use a more circumference-type pressure rather than a top-down pressure.

But I ran into another concern. ARC says there should be a 0.04" gap in between ring clamps when fully torqued. I went up to 18 in-lbs and stopped because the gap was already down to 0.34". This caused me to hesitate because I wasn't seeing what ARC themselves said I would see, and I'm worried that AMGs may have thinner walls than HD IIs (I don't know this, just worried).

I have already written both Vortex and ARC but it's the weekend and I don't expect to get a response until next week.

As LeftyJason said, 0.34" is a huge gap compared to 0.04". I've installed my AMG, gen II and PST II into ARC M10s at 55 in/lbs as instructed with no issues.
 
Thank you. I also just got a response from Vortex customer service. The rep wrote:

"... these are the one ring that is an exception to our torque specs as it doesn't impinge the scope tube when you torque them down. So you can yes, follow the torque specs of those ARC rings!"

Way to go Vortex customer service.

(p.s. Sorry for the bolded text earlier; that was literally my first post on this site)