Mounting a scope on a Tikka 595

Hi Brit. I do measure scope tubes - I have some 26mm diameter scopes as well as 1" & I match my rings carefully. My scope was a 30mm Swarovski not 1". It was on the rifle when I bought it (fitted by a competent gunsmith) I only saw the problem when I removed the scope after a couple of years. I had checked the screws were nipped up a couple of times & don't think I was too brutal.
There may possibly have been larger than ideal gaps at the split but IMHO the problem definitely was the differential clamping load leading to stress concentration on the bottom part of the scope by the small base segment of the rings.
A 30mm tube is more likely to get crushed than a 1" one.
Whatever the reason Apel rings are not my preferred choice now! The design is just wrong. I don't like springing the top strap over the scope tube & I don't fancy damaging another scope! The only scope I'd use Apel with would be made of steel. It's a pity because the Apel rings are very high quality build.
All this is why I really like the Optilock / Burris Signature style of rings.

Ian

Hmmmm one of the things touted about 30mm tubes is that they are stronger.

As for Apel rings ...................... well all I can say is that they have not given me that sort of trouble. There is a set of EAWswings on th Medwell and the BSA CF2 7x57 has Apel Roll off's as does one of my Parker-Hales. One set is 30mm the others are normal inch rings.

Have you informed Apel of the problem with their design?
 
Hi Brit. I do measure scope tubes - I have some 26mm diameter scopes as well as 1" & I match my rings carefully. My scope was a 30mm Swarovski not 1". It was on the rifle when I bought it (fitted by a competent gunsmith) I only saw the problem when I removed the scope after a couple of years. I had checked the screws were nipped up a couple of times & don't think I was too brutal.
There may possibly have been larger than ideal gaps at the split but IMHO the problem definitely was the differential clamping load leading to stress concentration on the bottom part of the scope by the small base segment of the rings.
A 30mm tube is more likely to get crushed than a 1" one.
Whatever the reason Apel rings are not my preferred choice now! The design is just wrong. I don't like springing the top strap over the scope tube & I don't fancy damaging another scope! The only scope I'd use Apel with would be made of steel. It's a pity because the Apel rings are very high quality build.
All this is why I really like the Optilock / Burris Signature style of rings.

Ian

Have never 'marked' a scope with Apel rings. Nothing wrong with the design - just the way people fit them!
 
Brit

A large diameter tube is more resistant to bending & weaker to kinking/deformation than a smaller one - It is the latter that has given me the problem.
Having mounted many scopes in the past using various types of rings which split along the tube centreline I've never had a problem. I found this problem & it is clear that the pressure (load per unit area) is greater on the smaller area lower segment of the Apel rings. I applied the same level of tightening & later found the deformation - I don't know if I did the damage or not. At the time I couldn't find a torque setting for the Apel screws & used what tension I'd previously employed. Maybe the Swarovski scope had a weak tube. Who knows? All I'm saying is that there is an enhanced chance of damage when using Apel rings over a conventional centre split design.
Also No I haven't spoken to Apel because I didn't buy the rings new or fit them initially myself. I'd rather vote with my feet & fit other products that I have more confidence in.

Joe
Please tell us the proper way to fit them - Not being sarcastic - I just want to know & would value the education - I've never seen any detailed installation instructions for them.

Ian

p.s. Apologies to the OP for going off topic a bit.
 
Back
Top