What do you do with the Sportsmatch mounts oily mess?

[JAMz]

Hey folks,

Recently I've tried three different sets of Sportsmatch mounts, on my new springer. These were two piece high and medium mounts and a one piece adjustable. The common denominator has been the base and rings screws and holes are dripping with oil. I've used regular house hold 70% alcohol to clean the holes and screws but somehow I keep finding loose screws. I also found that the scope is creeping inside the rings. Usually when I find the groups shift I re-check and have either rings or base loose screws.

What do you use for removing any oil residues? I will clean everything again and use some blue loctite for the base screws and the ring screws as well. Your advise and knowledge is appreciated. Cheers!

 

[bandg]

You answered your own question-blue loctite if needed. The only thing for cleaning in addition to alcohol that I know of is acetone. I have many sets of Sportsmatch rings and have not had the issue you note so I haven't had to actually deal with it.

 

[wethy]

maybe spray them out with brake cleaner?

 

[bdzjlz]

I have several sets in use and have never encountered these conditions either. Weird and good luck.

 

[Deerstalker]

Have you tried 18" pounds for ring screws & 30" pounds for base screws? I also use blue Loctite on ALL screws.

 

[Mr.H]

Some of those citrus solvents work pretty well, and not as harsh on the skin as lacquer thinner, acetone or denatured alcohol. Remember to rinse with water and dry. Yeah, if these rings are going on a springer, blue loctite is your friend.

 

[dan_house]

wash them in hot water with a grease cutter. Dry with hair dryer. Blue loctite as mentioned.

 

[r1lover]

All but one of my guns are springers and most wear Sportsmatch mounts, either one or two piece. I use alcohol on rag to clean screws and the inside of the rings then cut and put a strip of masking tape that just about covers the ring surface inside each ring half. My scopes never slip and my rings don't leave marks on my scopes. I may have used locktite a few times on ring screws but I can't remember when!

 

[GeneT]

I boil any extra greasy parts I get. Fully disassemble, and then suspend in boiling water (or use a double-boiler, but don't let parts rest on the bottom of a single pot). I have a 'fry basket' that I use for small parts. Let 'em sit for a minute, then remove. The latent heat will evaporate the water and you have a clean, dry part. Tiny screws and things should be dropped on a paper towel. Then you can oil, wax, or leave dry depending on item and climate. Reassemble. I rarely use loctite - if you have quality fasteners and torque them to spec, it's completely unnecessary on airguns or firearms.

GsT

 

[bandg]

"Completely unnecessary" isn't accurate, IMO. Often unnecessary maybe. Often necessary certainly, especially on springers.

 

[wijib]

@Deerstalker, Are you talking inch pounds?

 

[GeneT]

"Completely unnecessary" isn't accurate, IMO. Often unnecessary maybe. Often necessary certainly, especially on springers.

I think you missed the qualifier: "if you have quality fasteners and torque them to spec,..." - in which case, I stand by *completely* unnecessary, even on springers.

GsT