Telescope Bracket Clamping Screws loosening

[mcnuttwa]

Recently did a rather lengthy shoot in Texas using a No4 T and the recently available .303 Greek ammunition and found that the clamping screws became 'loose' after five to ten rounds of shooting.

I was wondering if this was normal for the weapon- haven't seen any mention of it in the usual references.

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

Never heard of it in service. You've got to do them tight and then the double coil spring washers do their bit

[mcnuttwa]

Never heard of it in service. You've got to do them tight and then the double coil spring washers do their bit

Is it possible, then, that the coil springs have lost their 'spring' and are no longer functioning properly? I wonder if this is a result of a scope being mounted to a rifle for an extended period of time- as a magazine spring will lose its 'spring' over time if left loaded for an extended period of time.

[vintage hunter]

as a magazine spring will lose its 'spring' over time if left loaded for an extended period of time.

If a spring is made right from good material it will loose very little, if any, tension by being compressed for extended periods. Working a spring or exposing it to certain chemicals is what causes eventual fatigue and failure. Have had no problems with any of mine shooting loose to date. As Peter says, they have to be done up tight, but only finger tight. No channel locks, vise grips or pipe wrenches allowed.

[Surpmil]

Matching rifle and bracket? If not, it is possible that the bearing surfaces are not properly aligned, and when subjected to that kind of violent shock and movement things tend to come lose in most mechanisms.

[RobD]

This happened to a friend of mine. He replaced the screws, which had worn down and become a bit loose, and it was fine thereafter. Not sure who carries replacement screws, these ones came from Fultons. I expect Roger Payne has a stock?

[Roger Payne]

Thanks Rob. I don't sell them as I don't get them made to supply commercially - at least only for my own mounts - but I do have a few spares if the OP decides this is the problem & that he would like a set. I also have plenty of the spring washers, although being modern mine are plated, which needs removing to give the authentic look.

ATB

[Peter Laidler]

Brian at BDL has some originals as I recall.......... Or I have a box of a zillion originals and thackray double coils!