scope base on American? Merged threads

[boomer92266]

I just bought a new Ruger American 308, I have a question on the one piece scope base mounted on it. Do ya'll take it off and use blue loctite and the reinstall it? I called Ruger earlier and was told that they torque them down to specs and I could remove them and use loctite but they said they have never heard of a problem of them coming loose. I will say that I will need some different torx wrenches if I do have to. Because I tried a torx screwdriver and they won't budge. I believe I may be good leaving as factory but thought I would ask. Thanks for any help.

 

[unionprez]

Have 4 Ruger Americans, never did anything with the scope mounts and have had no issues. They all shoot lights out when you get them sighted in.

 

[Mobuck]

Most fasteners like that are 'machine torqued' (probably to like 75% of shear strength) so most attempts at removal will fail. Better to leave them alone as the threads have been tweaked into "a unique pairing" of hole and fastener.

 

[boomer92266]

I have a set of Weaver Quad loc medium rings, do ya'll think those will be tall enough when mounting a Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 scope? I have a chance to get the scope at a great price and don't want to order rings if I don't have to as I am really on a tight budget. Thanks for any help.

 

[Mobuck]

The medium rings 'should' give you enough clearance but I can't guarantee this since I don't have a Ruger American to measure.

 

[boomer92266]

The medium rings 'should' give you enough clearance but I can't guarantee this since I don't have a Ruger American to measure.

They fit and my Bushnell Banner scope obj. is 3/8 or more from the barrel, however for my eye relief and hold, I hope I don't have another problem. The scope as it goes back toward the scope base, the scope is real close to the base. It doesn't touch but is closer than a credit card, I can slide one of those Ruger cards that come with a new gun between it but when folded it will touch. Do I need to change my eye spot and move the scope farther forward? The only other answer would be high rings unless as long as there is a space I am ok. Thanks for any help.

 

[Mobuck]

There's a lot going on with this question. I sold/mounted/adjusted rifle scopes as a dealer for 30 years and as a user for 50 years so I'll try to help.
First and primary importance is aligning the center of the scope with YOUR EYE when the rifle is shouldered as you would in use. Everything else is secondary and subject to adjustment. You need to maintain a solid cheek weld(the contact between rifle stock and shooter's cheek)--not uncomfortable but firm enough to keep your eye in the same position behind the scope each and every time your shoulder the rifle. This includes front/back, up/down, side/side.
If this fit/alignment is met with the current ring set, you're good. Doesn't make any diff if the space between scope bell and mount or barrel is the thickness of a credit card or 1/4"--just space.
If you feel you may not have your eye centered in the scope, I can give you the full scoop on how to determine this. Feel free to post or PM me if you desire.

 

[boomer92266]

There's a lot going on with this question. I sold/mounted/adjusted rifle scopes as a dealer for 30 years and as a user for 50 years so I'll try to help.
First and primary importance is aligning the center of the scope with YOUR EYE when the rifle is shouldered as you would in use. Everything else is secondary and subject to adjustment. You need to maintain a solid cheek weld(the contact between rifle stock and shooter's cheek)--not uncomfortable but firm enough to keep your eye in the same position behind the scope each and every time your shoulder the rifle. This includes front/back, up/down, side/side.
If this fit/alignment is met with the current ring set, you're good. Doesn't make any diff if the space between scope bell and mount or barrel is the thickness of a credit card or 1/4"--just space.
If you feel you may not have your eye centered in the scope, I can give you the full scoop on how to determine this. Feel free to post or PM me if you desire.

Thank you, as I mount the gun everything seems good and my eye aligns perfect with scope.

 

[boomer92266]

Well I went and shot the gun today, after I got it zero'd in, I shot a 3 shot group that could be covered with a penny. Everything still tight and good. Thanks

 

[boomer92266]

Most fasteners like that are 'machine torqued' (probably to like 75% of shear strength) so most attempts at removal will fail. Better to leave them alone as the threads have been tweaked into "a unique pairing" of hole and fastener.

Well I went and shot the gun today, after I got it zero'd in, I shot a 3 shot group that could be covered with a penny. Everything still tight and good. Thanks

 

[Mobuck]

"Well I went and shot the gun today, after I got it zero'd in, I shot a 3 shot group that could be covered with a penny. Everything still tight and good. Thanks"
At what distance?
A little more advice: practice mounting the rifle with your eyes closed and then open eyes. If you have everything correct, your eye should be fairly well aligned with the center of the scope. If you have to do a lot of head bobbing, it's not right.

 

[boomer92266]

"Well I went and shot the gun today, after I got it zero'd in, I shot a 3 shot group that could be covered with a penny. Everything still tight and good. Thanks"
At what distance?
A little more advice: practice mounting the rifle with your eyes closed and then open eyes. If you have everything correct, your eye should be fairly well aligned with the center of the scope. If you have to do a lot of head bobbing, it's not right.

100 yds, this has got to be the most accurate centerfire rifle I have ever owned. the three shots almost went in the same hole, the last two cut into my first shot hole. After posting this my wife told me to check a dime and there isn't much to see when a dime is put over the shots. thanks

 

[Mobuck]

That should be good enough for most any purpose.

 

[wwb]

I'm with Mobuck on this one.... if you have a 40mm objective that clears the barrel by 3/8", you need to have a really high comb for that to be correct. As stated, close your eyes, mount the gun properly,and then open your eyes. I'll give you dollars to doughnuts you're looking at the bottom edge of the scope rather than through the center.

I tried putting a 3-9X40 on my M77 .30-06, and with a sliver of daylight between the scope and barrel, it was too high. Went back to a 2-7X32.