Rifle Scopes Help Getting Rings Off

[DamnYuppie]

It appears that the gunsmith who put my scope on didn't quite get it aligned correctly. To add insult to injury the screws in the rings are so tight I have not be able to get them off. I have yet to really crank on them as I am afraid of striping the screws. Does anyone have some suggestions on things I could try to loosen the screws?

For what it is worth the rings are for a Badger Ordnance medium high rings.

I would prefer to try and do this myself, yet I may, sadly, have to take it back to the gunsmith and have him undo this mess.

<span style="font-style: italic">Edit: Added info about the rings.</span>

 

[Sgt.Henry]

Re: Help Getting Rings Off

got a torch?

 

[prplhaz72]

Re: Help Getting Rings Off

He probably used lock tite. You could use a torch to warm up the locktite a bit if he did. That would make them much easier

 

[DamnYuppie]

Re: Help Getting Rings Off

I do have a torch. How long should I heat up the rings?

 

[KNIGHT11B4]

Re: Help Getting Rings Off

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DamnYuppie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do have a torch. How long should I heat up the rings? </div></div>

Not long, try a little at a time. You are just trying to heat up the substance that is locking in the rings. Heat it for a few seconds then try to remove the screws. If they still wont budge add a few more seconds of heat and try again.

 

[stmcelroy]

Re: Help Getting Rings Off

You could also use a soldering iron. Just put the tip on the screw head for 10-15 seconds.

 

[CleanMoostang]

Re: Help Getting Rings Off

Agree with above, soldering iron would do the job. More handles in the cookie jar could help this time also. Have someone hold the soldering iron against the screw and as they remove you jump in at the same time and start turning.

Ive always been told that screws for rings do need to be much tighter than what you consider "hand tightening". I done mine myself and have had no problems. I just put in the hex do a few tight twists.

My local smith canted my scope when mounting, didnt even try to level from what I could do. Thats why I for now on will do all my own work.

 

[DamnYuppie]

Re: Help Getting Rings Off

I also have a soldering iron, I will give that a try first, if it doesn't work I will upgrade to the blow torch.

 

[flyrodder]

Re: Help Getting Rings Off

+1 on on heat.
On a (hopefully) related note, a torque wrench in inch-pounds is pretty handy. I recently bought one from Brownells (http://www.brownells.com/1/1/38162-multi...-brownells.html) and found that my guess at 15 in-lb and 45 in-lb for scope mounts and action screws, respectively, was WAY off. I didn't strip anything, but I'm not sure I'd be able to remove some of those screws now.

 

[KTDLS7]

Re: Help Getting Rings Off

A good soldering iron shoud do the trick. EXTREME caution when even considering using a torch near your scope! +1 on more hands. Use a cleaning/shooting rest, or have someone hold very steady.

You will need someting more than a "micro" (15w) pencil iron - Badger rings are are a heck of a heat sink. Then, be quick with your torx to loosen.

As flyrodder said, get/borrow a torque wrench. Check out the Borka set here on the Hide. Also, go to Badger Ordnance site and download their instructions. The only place Locktite should be used is on the base-to-action fasteners.

Kevin