Is there a torque spec when tightening an optic?

[Caveman]

Blue loctite (not Red!!) on all optics mount screws that should not be moving. As was said above I clean the screws and threads in advance to get any oils off before applying the blue loctite. And check with mount manufacturer for torque spec if it’s a quality mount. It could vary between clean dry threads, loctite on the threads or oil on the threads. Those 3 will usually have different torque specs on a quality mount. For a cheap mount like the bushnell trs25 on my mkIII I usually clean the threads and use blue loctite and just hand tighten. Don’t strip it.

 

[1776]

Torque specs are based on the size and grade of the fastener. Google: scope ring fastener torque specs
Rifle Screw Torque Settings Guidelines

Cheap scope + Cheap mount = JB Weld on the threads, no torque required
Remove with pipe wrench!

 

[mac1911]

Loctite I only use blue on scope bases. If i use loctite anywhere else on a gun its this stuff
https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-555339-Purple-Strength-6-milliliter/dp/B0002KKTT0

Also careful on tightening with oil or loctite on the screws.
In general 25inlb is max(less with loctite) on steel screws/bases/rings.
Less for aluminium,
My dads way was best describe as index finger and thumb tight. For large slotted mount screws use a quarter between tip of thumb and index or grip the 90 of a allen key. Thats plenty tight.

 

[frenchman]

I would like to remind you of one of Stonewall Jackson's most famous quotes:
"He who uses cheap red dots and mounts, won't hit shit at the range."
Or was that from Williiam Wallace? I forget.

 

[FalArAk]

I would like to remind you of one of Stonewall Jackson's most famous quotes:
"He who uses cheap red dots and mounts, won't hit shit at the range."
Or was that from Williiam Wallace? I forget.

No,that was MLK right before he parachuted into Canada during the Civil War.

 

[jasons]

Depends on the mount / rings used. My Spuhr mounts (excellent mounts btw) call for 45 inch pounds and are rock solid. Other companies call for more or less. You have to RTFM.

 

[CatSnoutSoup]

I likely will never buy another tube of Henkel’s runny Loctite thread locker.

This gel in a pump bottle from Vibra-Tite is the whip and made in the USA by ND Industries of Clawson MI...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UMONPC/

:emoji_tiger: