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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Long Range Scopes and Other Optics
steel base and aluminum rings issues?
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<blockquote data-quote="lightwind" data-source="post: 529643" data-attributes="member: 30140"><p>Just to add to the issue, there is a potential problem when mounting steel rings to an aluminum base. Specifically, I have a SCAR-17s with an integral aluminum rail machined into the upper. I had steel Mark 4 rings from Leupold for my Mark 4 scope. I noticed that when I took it off there was a visible marking on the rail. I called Leupold and they emphasized that they HIGHLY recommend using aluminum rings on aluminum rails. They explained that going the other way was not a problem but, even following their torque recommendations there is a possibility of deforming the softer aluminum by using steel rings. So, I picked up an aluminum base with 20 moa from Aadland and the problem was solved (as well as my lack of elevation). I examined the rail with a 10x magnifying glass and it was clear where the steel rings had started to distort the aluminum base. I then called FN-USA to ask their opinion. They explained that the rails are hardened and they did not expect much damage from using the steel rings. When I explained that I could see changes in the edges of the rail they explained that the indexing is done against the raised section of the cuts and that should not change. I am not sure what is best for general use, but I figure that my $3000 SCAR is worth protecting as much as my scope. Since I don't want distortions or scope rings on my scope I also don't want dings on my rail. From now on I will follow Leupold's suggestion to use aluminum on aluminum and use anything you want on steel. So, mounting to a steel rail aluminum is fine. Mounting to an aluminum rail with steel will probably not affect performance but will affect the look of the rail. If you ever want to resell it, having it look good will have a lot to do with the resale price. I recommend aluminum on aluminum and anything you want on steel.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="lightwind, post: 529643, member: 30140"] Just to add to the issue, there is a potential problem when mounting steel rings to an aluminum base. Specifically, I have a SCAR-17s with an integral aluminum rail machined into the upper. I had steel Mark 4 rings from Leupold for my Mark 4 scope. I noticed that when I took it off there was a visible marking on the rail. I called Leupold and they emphasized that they HIGHLY recommend using aluminum rings on aluminum rails. They explained that going the other way was not a problem but, even following their torque recommendations there is a possibility of deforming the softer aluminum by using steel rings. So, I picked up an aluminum base with 20 moa from Aadland and the problem was solved (as well as my lack of elevation). I examined the rail with a 10x magnifying glass and it was clear where the steel rings had started to distort the aluminum base. I then called FN-USA to ask their opinion. They explained that the rails are hardened and they did not expect much damage from using the steel rings. When I explained that I could see changes in the edges of the rail they explained that the indexing is done against the raised section of the cuts and that should not change. I am not sure what is best for general use, but I figure that my $3000 SCAR is worth protecting as much as my scope. Since I don't want distortions or scope rings on my scope I also don't want dings on my rail. From now on I will follow Leupold's suggestion to use aluminum on aluminum and use anything you want on steel. So, mounting to a steel rail aluminum is fine. Mounting to an aluminum rail with steel will probably not affect performance but will affect the look of the rail. If you ever want to resell it, having it look good will have a lot to do with the resale price. I recommend aluminum on aluminum and anything you want on steel. [/QUOTE]
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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Long Range Scopes and Other Optics
steel base and aluminum rings issues?
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