Weaver aluminum rings ugh

Dano4734 · July 16, 2018, 03:12 PM

It’s just my opinion but every time I use them I tighten them to the base and yup they break off and I am not really torquing on them just want them tight. I only used them on my 45-70 because I had them laying around. Just ordered some warne rings never again weaver for me

Dano4734 · July 16, 2018, 03:14 PM

Did it on two sets on two different rifles oh well

Art Eatman · July 16, 2018, 07:28 PM

Weaver brand, or Weaver style?

Dano4734 · July 16, 2018, 07:52 PM

Actually the brand

Mobuck · July 16, 2018, 09:27 PM

That seems odd. In 50 years of mounting scopes(often using Weaver brand rings), I've never "I tighten them to the base and yup they break off " experienced this.

rc · July 16, 2018, 11:00 PM

I like the aluminum 4X4 style. They can keep the mettle hook cap type and stick them someplace dark.

**44 AMP** · July 17, 2018, 12:28 AM

Having a drawer or so full of Weaver steel rings, I never even knew they made aluminum ones.
NEVER had any issues with STEEL rings.

jmr40 · July 17, 2018, 05:38 AM

The top straps are steel. I've never seen any Weavers that didn't have the bottom half of the ring made from aluminum. Never had any break either. You may not think they are too tight, but they are. And if you are getting the rings too tight, you are damaging the scope. Not just denting the tube, but the internals.

The older style with screws on one side were hard to get the scope mounted vertically. It will rotate as the screws are tightened. You have to start with the scope slightly canted one way so it will be straight after you finish. Sort of a trial and error process until you get it right.

They aren't the most aesthetically pleasing, but they do work. And I actually like the newer 4X4 rings.

eastbank · July 17, 2018, 07:29 AM

I have a 2.5x leupold mounted on my light pump 12 ga 3" magnum on a top mounted rail and have three 4x4 rings holding the scope and had no problems at all with the scope shifting in fireing many magnum shell.

Dano4734 · July 17, 2018, 08:18 PM

Sounds like operator error on my part.they are the older style and I appreciate the heads up jmr. I am going with the warne as that is the base I am using

Art Eatman · July 17, 2018, 08:21 PM

I was wondering, because I've been using Weaver stuff since before most TFL members were born. Probably on over a dozen rifles, through the years. Zero problems of any sort.

Dano4734 · July 17, 2018, 08:25 PM

And I am talking about the ring base where it tightens onto the mount not the top on the scope

Art Eatman · July 18, 2018, 07:01 PM

The slotted knurled knob? I've always used a 25-cent coin. Always worked great.

Dano4734 · July 19, 2018, 11:00 AM

Yes I will take your suggestion I used a large screwdriver

tango1niner · July 19, 2018, 11:30 AM

I too have been using Weaver rings and bases for 50 yrs and have never had that happen. Most times I use a quarter to tighten and an occasional big screw driver when I didn't have two nickels to rub together... You been workin' out???

Drm50 · July 19, 2018, 01:00 PM

I have had Weaver rings on dozens of rifles and shotguns for over 50 yrs. I have
a couple dozen pair in cabinet. Have guns bought new in 60s that have original
Weavers still on them. I have never broke the big screw to base. I have broke
the heads off a couple ring screws, but I have broke them on Leupold & RF too.
Weaver used to be top dog. I buy Leupold now but see nothing wrong with
Weavers.

Art Eatman · July 19, 2018, 01:05 PM

In general about scope screws: I tighten until snug. I then really pay attention as I carefully tighten further. There comes a point where resistance notably increases: STOP!

I've yet to have anything come loose, and I have never used any sort of stickum.

Pahoo · July 19, 2018, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Weaver brand, or Weaver style?

I don't have a huge problem with the brand but do with some of their older styles. In fact, most of the time, with some exception, they are my Go-To ring. ….

Quote:

The older style with screws on one side were hard to get the scope mounted vertically. It will rotate as the screws are tightened. You have to start with the scope slightly canted one way so it will be straight after you finish.

Oh yes and these I do not care for even though I have a lot of left-overs. As far as the fastener you are to referring to, I have never had this problem. I use some large bronze washers and old brass keys. Wheeler torque wrench had a setting for these …..

Be Safe !!!

DukeConnor · July 19, 2018, 07:32 PM

I recomend a wheeler fat wrench. Can be found for under 50 bucks.

stagpanther · July 19, 2018, 07:40 PM

All of the weaver AR mounts I've bought have aluminum cross-bolts which, if you line the plate which cinches onto the rail not perfectly straight will easily strip the threads of the bolt so that the nut spins uselessly and you will never get a tight fit. I totally agree with the OP it's an inherent design flaw bound to fail if you don't treat it like a Faberge egg. If anyone knows where I can find steel replacement ones--I'd love to know.

CarJunkieLS1 · July 22, 2018, 04:03 PM

I really really like Weaver Tactical rings on my AR's I've used at least 6 or 7 sets and they've all been great. You tighten them up to specs and they won't move. That's the only Weavers I have experience with all the other rings I use are DNZ huntmasters. They are IMO the best made for the price.

Road_Clam · July 24, 2018, 06:32 AM

1/4" torque wrench and a 5/16 hex socket to utilize any type of driver bit. No more guessing torque values. I also use SAE specs for given screw thread pitches if I can't find mfg specs. All of my scope and mount issues have since been gone. I like the Warne Fixed rings, steel, and not super expensive. Equal torqueing is important on this configuration of rings.

https://warnescopemounts.com/product...m-matte-rings/

Picher · July 24, 2018, 09:00 AM

I've probably installed scopes on a couple of hundred rifles in my business and hobby and never broke a scope or a base screw. That said, after buying a Fatboy torque screwdriver set and saw the recommended torque settings, I use them every time. They're very accurate, consistent, and scopes don't slip at the recommended settings.

I use the Fatboy for stock screws as well and am able to be so consistent that rifles usually don't lose zero when taking them apart and reassembling them. I always check-fire them before hunting, however.

JP

Dano4734 · July 25, 2018, 04:08 PM

Well after trying out several different rings the warne quick release is absolutely superb. I put two boxes of buffalo bore though my gun took off the scope shot with the iron put the scope back on and still dead nuts on amazing the hold

Dano4734 · July 25, 2018, 04:09 PM

I now will only use warne for this old man. Expensive but worth it. The other thing is if my scope got messed up in the bush i have the iron right there with no tools. By the way as I am an old geezer, even with the recoil eraser my neck and shoulder does know I was blasting a lot off the 45/70. Ouch

July 16, 2018, 03:12 PM	#1
Dano4734 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2014 Posts: 730	Weaver aluminum rings ugh It’s just my opinion but every time I use them I tighten them to the base and yup they break off and I am not really torquing on them just want them tight. I only used them on my 45-70 because I had them laying around. Just ordered some warne rings never again weaver for me

July 17, 2018, 12:28 AM	#7
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,833	Having a drawer or so full of Weaver steel rings, I never even knew they made aluminum ones. NEVER had any issues with STEEL rings. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

July 17, 2018, 05:38 AM	#8
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	The top straps are steel. I've never seen any Weavers that didn't have the bottom half of the ring made from aluminum. Never had any break either. You may not think they are too tight, but they are. And if you are getting the rings too tight, you are damaging the scope. Not just denting the tube, but the internals. The older style with screws on one side were hard to get the scope mounted vertically. It will rotate as the screws are tightened. You have to start with the scope slightly canted one way so it will be straight after you finish. Sort of a trial and error process until you get it right. They aren't the most aesthetically pleasing, but they do work. And I actually like the newer 4X4 rings. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

July 19, 2018, 07:40 PM	#20
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,787	All of the weaver AR mounts I've bought have aluminum cross-bolts which, if you line the plate which cinches onto the rail not perfectly straight will easily strip the threads of the bolt so that the nut spins uselessly and you will never get a tight fit. I totally agree with the OP it's an inherent design flaw bound to fail if you don't treat it like a Faberge egg. If anyone knows where I can find steel replacement ones--I'd love to know. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

July 24, 2018, 06:32 AM	#22
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	1/4" torque wrench and a 5/16 hex socket to utilize any type of driver bit. No more guessing torque values. I also use SAE specs for given screw thread pitches if I can't find mfg specs. All of my scope and mount issues have since been gone. I like the Warne Fixed rings, steel, and not super expensive. Equal torqueing is important on this configuration of rings. https://warnescopemounts.com/product...m-matte-rings/ __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid" Last edited by Road_Clam; July 25, 2018 at 08:10 PM.

July 16, 2018, 03:14 PM	#2
Dano4734 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2014 Posts: 730	Did it on two sets on two different rifles oh well

July 16, 2018, 07:28 PM	#3
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Weaver brand, or Weaver style?

July 16, 2018, 07:52 PM	#4
Dano4734 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2014 Posts: 730	Actually the brand

July 16, 2018, 09:27 PM	#5
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	That seems odd. In 50 years of mounting scopes(often using Weaver brand rings), I've never "I tighten them to the base and yup they break off " experienced this.

July 16, 2018, 11:00 PM	#6
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,767	I like the aluminum 4X4 style. They can keep the mettle hook cap type and stick them someplace dark.

July 17, 2018, 07:29 AM	#9
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	I have a 2.5x leupold mounted on my light pump 12 ga 3" magnum on a top mounted rail and have three 4x4 rings holding the scope and had no problems at all with the scope shifting in fireing many magnum shell.

July 17, 2018, 08:18 PM	#10
Dano4734 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2014 Posts: 730	Sounds like operator error on my part.they are the older style and I appreciate the heads up jmr. I am going with the warne as that is the base I am using

July 17, 2018, 08:21 PM	#11
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I was wondering, because I've been using Weaver stuff since before most TFL members were born. Probably on over a dozen rifles, through the years. Zero problems of any sort.

July 17, 2018, 08:25 PM	#12
Dano4734 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2014 Posts: 730	And I am talking about the ring base where it tightens onto the mount not the top on the scope

July 18, 2018, 07:01 PM	#13
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	The slotted knurled knob? I've always used a 25-cent coin. Always worked great.

July 19, 2018, 11:00 AM	#14
Dano4734 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2014 Posts: 730	Yes I will take your suggestion I used a large screwdriver

July 19, 2018, 11:30 AM	#15
tango1niner Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: NY Posts: 317	I too have been using Weaver rings and bases for 50 yrs and have never had that happen. Most times I use a quarter to tighten and an occasional big screw driver when I didn't have two nickels to rub together... You been workin' out???

July 19, 2018, 01:00 PM	#16
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,380	I have had Weaver rings on dozens of rifles and shotguns for over 50 yrs. I have a couple dozen pair in cabinet. Have guns bought new in 60s that have original Weavers still on them. I have never broke the big screw to base. I have broke the heads off a couple ring screws, but I have broke them on Leupold & RF too. Weaver used to be top dog. I buy Leupold now but see nothing wrong with Weavers.

July 19, 2018, 01:05 PM	#17
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	In general about scope screws: I tighten until snug. I then really pay attention as I carefully tighten further. There comes a point where resistance notably increases: STOP! I've yet to have anything come loose, and I have never used any sort of stickum.

July 19, 2018, 07:32 PM	#19
DukeConnor Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2016 Posts: 224	I recomend a wheeler fat wrench. Can be found for under 50 bucks.

July 22, 2018, 04:03 PM	#21
CarJunkieLS1 Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2013 Posts: 686	I really really like Weaver Tactical rings on my AR's I've used at least 6 or 7 sets and they've all been great. You tighten them up to specs and they won't move. That's the only Weavers I have experience with all the other rings I use are DNZ huntmasters. They are IMO the best made for the price.

July 24, 2018, 09:00 AM	#23
Picher Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 3,694	I've probably installed scopes on a couple of hundred rifles in my business and hobby and never broke a scope or a base screw. That said, after buying a Fatboy torque screwdriver set and saw the recommended torque settings, I use them every time. They're very accurate, consistent, and scopes don't slip at the recommended settings. I use the Fatboy for stock screws as well and am able to be so consistent that rifles usually don't lose zero when taking them apart and reassembling them. I always check-fire them before hunting, however. JP

July 25, 2018, 04:08 PM	#24
Dano4734 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2014 Posts: 730	Well after trying out several different rings the warne quick release is absolutely superb. I put two boxes of buffalo bore though my gun took off the scope shot with the iron put the scope back on and still dead nuts on amazing the hold

July 25, 2018, 04:09 PM	#25
Dano4734 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2014 Posts: 730	I now will only use warne for this old man. Expensive but worth it. The other thing is if my scope got messed up in the bush i have the iron right there with no tools. By the way as I am an old geezer, even with the recoil eraser my neck and shoulder does know I was blasting a lot off the 45/70. Ouch Last edited by Dano4734; July 25, 2018 at 04:15 PM.