Reference Guide - Proper Scope Ring Torque Specification

In order to maximize accuracy & hold zero for a riflescope, setting the proper torque values on scope rings and bases are paramount.

Getting an affordable torque wrench like the Wheeler FAT wrench is the first step to help you to mount stuff correctly.

For this reason alone, we have created this list of proper scope ring torque specs reference guide based on brands and models to help you get more accurate.

Lists Of Scope Ring Torque Specs

How many inch pounds do you apply to scope rings? Some have maximum torque range from 20 - 25 in-lb mostly for scope rings and 30 to 65 in-lb for scope mounts.

Here is a comprehensive list of scope ring torque reference you can follow:

Leupold Scope Ring Torque Specs

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE	TORQUE (In-Lb)
LEUPOLD	34mm / base screws 6-48	20-22
LEUPOLD	34mm / base screws 8-40	28
LEUPOLD	30mm / base screws 6-48	22
LEUPOLD	30mm / base screws 8-40	28

Burris Scope Ring Torque

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE	TORQUE (In-Lb)
Eliminator	34mm / base screws 6-48	60
Rimfire & Airgun	34mm / base screws 8-40	20
Singature / Zee Base	30mm & 1"	30
Tikka T3	30mm & 1"	30
XTR Signature Rings	30mm, 34mm & 1"	40 - 70
Xtreme Tactical Rings	30mm, 34mm & 1"	40 - 70
AR-P.E.P.R. Tactical Ring Crossbolt	30mm / base screws 8-40	65

Badger Ordnance

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE	TORQUE (In-Lb)
BADGER ORDNANCE	30mm, 34mm T15 Torx	15 - 18 Each
BADGER RING BASE	Keeper Nut 1/2"	65 Each

Seekins

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE / SCREWS	TORQUE (In-Lb)
Seekins Ring Clamp	30mm, 34mm / T25	50 - 55
Seekins Ring Clamp	1" / T25	50 - 55
Seekins Ring Cap	1" T20	20
Seekins Scope Base	T15	15

Warne

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE / SCREWS	TORQUE (In-Lb)
614M Tactical	30mm, 34mm / T15	50 - 55
614M Tactical Base	1/2" Hex Nut	65
721 Rimfire Ring	1", 30mm / T15	25
721 Rimfire Base	T15	25
314L QD	30mm / T15	25
314L Rings	30mm / T15	25

Sig Sauer

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE / SCREWS	TORQUE (In-Lb)
ALPHA2, Mount	1/2" Nut	65
ALPHA2 RING	30mm, 34mm / T15	25
ALPHA3 Mount	1/2" Nut	65
ALPHA3 RING	30mm, 34mm / T15	25
ALPHA1 HUNTING RING	30mm, 34mm, 1" / T15	25
ALPHA1 HUNTING CLAMP	T15	25
ALPHA1 Tactical CLAMP	1/2" Nut	65
ALPHA1 Tactical Ring	30mm, 34mm / T15	25

Giessele

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE / SCREWS	TORQUE (In-Lb)
GEISSELE SUPER PRECISION	30mm, 34mm	15 - 18
GEISSELE BASE	1/2" Nut	65 - 70

Larue Tactical

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE / SCREWS	TORQUE (In-Lb)
LT104 - LT745	30mm, 34mm, 35mm, 1" / T15	30
QD Locking Nut	10-32 Hex Nut	35

Vortex Scope Rings & Base Torque Specs

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE / SCREWS	TORQUE (In-Lb)
VORTEX PRECISION RING	30mm, 34mm, 1"	15-18
VORTEX RING BASE	Grade 8 Fasteners	45 - 50
VORTEX PRO RING	30mm, 1" / T25	18
VORTEX PRO BASE		30
VORTEX HUNTER RING		15
VORTEX HUNTER BASE		25 - 30
VORTEX SPORT CANTILEVER	30mm	25 - 30
VORTEX QR CANTILEVER	30mm	25 - 30

Weaver

Click here to see Weaver's official torque spec table for all of their products

Spurs

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE / SCREWS	TORQUE (In-Lb)
ACCURACY INTERNATIONAL	30mm, 34mm / T20	15 - 25
MOUNT BASE	T20 fasterner	45
SCP RING	30mm, 34mm / T20 fasterner	25
QDP RING	30mm, 34mm, 35mm, 36mm & 40mm / T20 fasterner	25
SR SEPARATE RINGS	30mm, 34mm / T20 fasterner	25

American Defense

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE / SCREWS	TORQUE (In-Lb)
RECON TITANIUM MOUNTS	30mm, 34mm	20 - 25
AIMPOINT BROWE MOUNT	30mm / 9/64" Allen	20 - 25
STEEL SCOPE RINGS	30mm	20 - 25

Midwest Industries

SCOPE RING	RING SIZE / SCREWS	TORQUE (In-Lb)
QD MOUNT	30mm / 8-32 cap screws	20 - 30 (Scope Specific)
NON-QD	30mm / 9/64" Allen	20 - 25
STEEL SCOPE RINGS	30mm, 1"	20 - 25

Check Out: Best 30mm Scope Rings For The Money

Importance Of Proper Torque Value

By having the proper torque value on the scope rings will hold the scope tight and keeping it from slipping due to recoil.

In addition, the proper torque will ensure the scope tube doesn't get damaged, and retain zero.

Whether you're using High or Low Power Variable optics this is very important.

There are two common torque values:

Inch-Pound
Foot-Pound

Inch-Pound is the unit of measurement used for scope mounting. The Foot-Pound value is used for something a little more heavy duty such as car wheels bolts and structural installations.

High-quality fastener and screws can exert an adequate amount of bolt stress either static or dynamic, in order to hold parts in place. Most high-quality rifle scope rings are well made, so there is nothing to worry about.

What's Scope Lapping And Why It's Important

Images Referenced From Warne

Scope lapping is a layman's term is used to describe proper alignment check between the scope rings. Even if you have a super expensive riflescope, you still need to do this part correctly.

It's the process of taking 2 or more surfaces and applying abrasive compound between them, and create friction between the parts. Most scope rings have a rough interior surface that is uneven and it can scratch the finish on a fine scope upon heavy recoil.

Lapping can also help smoothen the inside of the rings, and create even surface contact when the scope is mounted.

It's a very important and valid practice to improve the performance of scope mounts.

If you want to invest in a scope lapping toolset that also includes the lapping compound, Wheeler Engineering has one of the best and you can get them here on Amazon.

Vertical Lapping VS. Horizontal Lapping

Images Referenced From Warne

Horizontal split is common with windage adjustable scope rings because they tend to be off-center from the base, which leads to misalignment due to the loss in surface contact. The lapping help to bring back alignment.

Vertical split generally creates a slim side profile around the scope and it has to flex around the tube slightly to tighten.

For more information please check out this post that Warne has on their site here.

Should Scope Rings Have A Slight Gap ?

Every time when you fit the ring mount together, there will be a slight gap. The gap must stay even from both sides. Overtightening in attempt to close the gap will damage the scope.

What Are the Best Torque Wrench For Scope Mounting?

For gunsmithing type of work, the Wheeler FAT torque wrench is the best for getting the job done.

Check out more here

Is Loctite Required On Scope Ring Screws?

Warning: Do Not Use Red Loctite

Blue Loctite is recommended when securing the scope ring, but it's not a must.

If you purchased a high-quality scope mount then it should come with tight tolerance mounting screws.

As long as you torque them correctly, Locktite is not required.

How Does Mounting Screw Size Affect Torque Setting Value

A high-quality scope mount always comes with high-quality mounting screws. Remember not to over torque the screws, it may cause ring clamp damage to the scope body.

Torx screws are far more popular because they let you torque it without the bit slipping or damage the screw slot. T-15, T-20 TORX sizes are most common for firearm accessories.

If you need some high quality TORX screws you can get some here on Amazon.

Sale

Pachmayr Master Gunsmith Torx-Style Ring and Base Screw Kit

How To Avoid Over Torquing Screws On Scope Rings

Different screws have different screw torque limits. Please make sure your scope is placed on a steady platform while being mounted.

Be patient and go slow, and double check the torque setting value on the screw to prevent any damage to the scope body and scope rings.

Wrap Up On Scope Ring Torque Specs

Mounting scope with the proper torque value is important for a rifle setup. It requires you to pay attention to details and respect the science behind it.

Proper scope mount will ensure your rifle scope maintain zero, and it prevents scope clamp damage. Torque the screws using accurate torque wrench is important to reach maximum performance.

Everyone in the precision shooting community should spend time researching this instead of just hand tight. I hope you find this reference helpful when mounting your scope.

Read More: Best 34mm Scope Rings