Gunsmithing Lapped scope rings marking scope tube

[mveto]

I just recently lapped a set of Burris XTR scope rings and now am getting marks on my scope tube from the bare aluminum on the rings.(Is this normal?) I cleaned the rings of all lapping compund and tightened the rings to 20 inch pounds. I ended up removing them because I needed to move the scope a bit and now have marks on the scope tube from the bare aluminum. Most of it wipes off but there are a few marks on the scope tube. What are some recommendations to remove the marks and to prevent this from happening again. They are burris XTR rings and a Vortex Viper PST scope. Thanks

Sorry no pics right now since I'm stuck at work.

 

[stangfish]

Re: Lapped scope rings marking scope tube

I carefully use some old worn or fine scotchbrite with some warm soapy water and lightly touch up the inside of the rings with a circular motion. The hard lapping compound gets imbedded in the soft aluminum.

 

[lead ƒarmer]

Re: Lapped scope rings marking scope tube

I have had this happen too. I think its from bare metal contact so I try not to move my scope around.

 

[mveto]

Re: Lapped scope rings marking scope tube

So after doing a bunch more reading on this subject I think I have come up with a pretty simple solution to this.

Yes the bare aluminum will mark the scope tube, do to the properties of bare aluminum (kinda acts like sand paper - Aluminum Oxide). So I decided to use Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black this turned the bare aluminum back to a black color and coated the bare aluminum however this is know to rub off on metal to metal contact.

So another step as others have suggested on several threads all over the internet is to apply a thin coat of Rubber Cement to the inner parts of the lower and upper rings. This will form a very thin gasket layer and should prevent the scope tube from being mared by the bare aluminum. Also the rubber cement is very easy to remove and will not be permament like bedding the rings.

Other people suggest rubber from innertubes, cutting the fingers off latex gloves or even using electrical tape on the ring halves. BUt I like the concept of the rubber cement.

Hopefully this will eliminate the maring on the scope tube...