Electrical tape in scope rings

[BrockStrader22]

I bought a cheap used scope to put on a .22, it came in with electrical tape wrapped around the scope under the rings. Never seen this before, guessing they bought 30mm rings for a 1” tube and filled it with electrical tape. I have plenty of rings and plan to switch them out but curious if that is a viable solution. Anyone ever try that? I’ve seen rings with a thin layer of anti friction tape in them that I assume isn’t an issue.

 

[Mgderf]

Common practice.
Notice I didn't say it was a good idea?
Then again, I didn't say it WASN'T a good idea.

Yes, it was likely an attempt to snug up a slightly loose scope.

 

[snapping turtle]

Back In the days when CNC machines and good mass produced rings were expensive and few and far between scope lapping (to reduce extra metal) and electrical tape (to add extra material) was common practice. I still have a 1 inch home made to lap rings and I don't remember having to use one since we were worried about the computer not turning the clock's when they reached 00.

 

[MrSmitty]

Bob Lee Swagger approved?.........

 

[Cameramonkey]

Ive found several cheap scopes that included rings setup with a strip of tape on each half of the rings.

 

[wcd]

Wonder if butyl would work as well?

 

[Ark]

Not a precision idea by any means but it wouldn't surprise me if you could get away with it on a .22.

I have also seen cheap rings with some kind of tape or filler strip inside. Must just be that 30mm/1" thing.

 

[Mongo59]

I have taken milk jugs and cut strips for scopes before. It works especially if you are elevating the bell of the optic above the barrel. I try to keep them as close as I can without hitting while firing.

These days with AR platforms people don't mind them being inches apart from the bore. On flat trajectory guns I want them as close as possible...

 

[russc2542]

One layer of tape for the right size rings is not uncommon.

Using tape to take up the slop for putting a 1" scope in 30mm rings is a terrible idea. Might work OK for a back yard plinker but throw any sort of accuracy/consistency is right out the window.

 

[Squid556]

I've mounted hundred of various optics working behind the counter. With recent new products of the last few years, I've only seen friction tape on highly inexpensive Chineseium rings.

If they are made right and torqued right, there's no need for the tape. The thought never crosses my mind. But yeah for a rimfire it would be okay id think.

But hey I admire someones drive to be resourceful.

If you want a set of proper sized rings, PM me and I'll send you some.

 

[jy951]

I thought it was done to prevent ring marks on the scope.

 

[Old Dog]

Shoe goo or JB weld will hold those lose rings just fine!

 

[snapping turtle]

I thought it was done to prevent ring marks on the scope.

I guess that would work. So would torquing the rings to the proper measurement on the box.

 

[Methane Herder]

McMaster Carr sells adhesive backed precision shim tape and shapes.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

MH