Optilok Rings?

[MontanaRifleman]

I am having accuracy problems with my Sako 85 300 WSM. I've shot 2 differrent handloaded type bullets from it and 2 different factory loads as well. Groups range from about 1.5" - 4" @ a 100 yds. I have a 32 oz NF NSX 5 1/2 x 22 x 50 on it.

Someone in another forum who has a Sako 75 WM had the same proble and swithed to Warne rings and bases and his groups went from 4" to .5".

Any opinions on the Optilok system? Anyone else with similar experiences?

 

[MontanaRifleman]

Just got off the phone with Warne and they said not to buy their (Warne) Sako rings and bases. Sako has made some mods and they aren't releasing the info to Warne or anyone else.

 

[Delta Hunter]

Can't say that I've heard of Optilocks causing bad groups. I've owned 2 Sako 75s and never experienced it with either. Then again I've never run 32 oz scopes on mine and don't know anyone else who has either. I suppose a scope that size could cause a problem.

With that said, I quit using Optilocks a while back. I don't like the height and the ring screws are too soft. Of the other brands I've tried (I haven't tried Warne), I've been pleased with Talley and Conetrol. Of those two, Talley gets the nod.

 

[300WSMMAD]

Ive got 3 Tikkas and 2 Sakos all have Optiloks and are sweet as!
Never had any problems with them really but, I have found that on the bigger Magnums like 300WSM and my 375 H&H that the screws can do with a tweak once they get settled in, Ive only had to do this on NEW sets, once they been used they're fine.
Make sure that you tighten them evenly too, 1/4 turn then move to the diagonal screw 1/4 turn and so on, moving from the front to back rings, dont tighten back one up fully them move on to the front.
Share the love between the two

Hope this helps

Regards 300WSMAD

 

[co17]

I've had several Optilocks and really like 'em but the clamping force with the plastic inner rings is sometimes not enough for heavy scopes on hard kicking rifles.

The internal hexagons in the ring screws are a little over sized so it's impossible to apply enough torque with a standard Allen wrench without ruining the hexagon.
I have made my own Allen bit which is 0.002" oversized. This will insure a tight fit in the screw.
I use a torque wrench and tighten the screws to 16 inch-pounds which is about max. torque for an oiled 8.8 M3.5mm screw.
This is way tighter than you will ever get with an Allen wrench.

However, on my 338LM Sako TRG-S with a 6-24x56 scope this still wasn't enough so I had to drop the Optilocks on that rifle.
I use 3 Optilock rings on a Picatinny rail on my 50BMG. This works wery well.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

Thanks for the input guys, I may try tightening the screws with a torque wrench. I also contacted Tally to see if they made bases and rings for the 85, he siad he would have to research it and get back to me.

My plan at this point is to use it through the hunting season and return it for another if I cant get it fixed by then.

 

[Derek M.]

I've got them on my Sako M591 in 308 Win and love them. No problems so far.