Nightforce ATACR ring torque

[TechsanHunter]

Trying to learn from you all- not be controversial. Genuine question here. If Nightforce ATACR scopes are commonly said to be “bomb proof” why is it so critical to not over torque ring screws?

Edit* To provide clarity to my question… I built a custom hunting rifle last year and topped it with a S&B meta using a spuhr mount. I torqued the rings to the spuhr specs and it put too much force on the tube for the parallax knob to spin freely. I spoke so to S&B and they suggested a much lower torque setting - lower than their scope manual stated too. They also replaced the scope in case any damage was done! Very cool, S&B! I want to prevent that from happening again. I’m in another hunting rifle build and bought a Nightforce SHV for it with NF rings. SHV mainly to save weight relative to the ATACR. But, because I’m “gun shy” about trusting any published torque settings I’m wondering if I should just get the more durable ATACR. But, it would really only be to prevent tube damage from too much torque. Is the ATACR’s durability and “bomb proof(ness)” over the SHV any extra protection to too much torque?

 

[mthayr]

Do you want to strip them and ruin your rings?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Do you want to strip them and ruin your rings?

Or smash the tube? Torque specs are a real thing. Some things tolerate over Torque better than others but there's a limit for a mechanical reason.

 

[TechsanHunter]

Do you want to strip them and ruin your rings?

I don’t want to do anything other than learn. I think what you’re saying is that the torque specs are to prevent stripping the screws rather than preventing damage to a bomb proof Nightforce, correct?

 

[mthayr]

there's a limit for a mechanical reason.

 

[TechsanHunter]

Or smash the tube? Torque specs are a real thing. Some things tolerate over Torque better than others but there's a limit for a mechanical reason.

This is the root of my question. How can Nightforce scopes be nearly impossible to damage, but at the same time too much torque can crush the tube?

 

[WeiserBucks]

I don’t want to do anything other than learn. I think what you’re saying is that the torque specs are to prevent stripping the screws rather than preventing damage to a bomb proof Nightforce, correct?

NF scopes aren't bomb proof and neither is any other precision device. Use as intended and it'll be fine.

 

[WeiserBucks]

This is the root of my question. How can Nightforce scopes be nearly impossible to damage, but at the same time too much torque can crush the tube?

Have you ever torqued anything? Ever?

 

[TechsanHunter]

Have you ever torqued anything? Ever?

Yeah

 

[WeiserBucks]

Yeah

Dit it have a spec or was it 13 ugga duggas because it was bulletproof?

 

[TechsanHunter]

Dit it have a spec or was it 13 ugga duggas because it was bulletproof?

It had a spec, but it was not bulletproof. I’ve not torqued anything bulletproof, ever. I’m unfamiliar with the ugga duggas nomenclature. As your handle implies, my question is clearly below your brilliance and expertise. Please feel free to continue on your evening and remove my ignorant question from your life.

 

[rookieforever33]

Nightforce scopes are tough and have much thicker tube walls than other manufactures. Therefore they can handle more inch lbs on rings and are more likely to not be broken when droppes. However, when people say they are "bulletproof" it is slang for how tough they are. Like saying something is "tougher than sh*t, which is ususlly pretty soft. If you over torque or shoot one with a bullet you may not be happy with the results.

Edit to add. I just reread your post. These scopes will probably not survive a bomb blast.

 

[Rock’N Tacos]

It had a spec, but it was not bulletproof. I’ve not torqued anything bulletproof, ever. I’m unfamiliar with the ugga duggas nomenclature. As your handle implies, my question is clearly below your brilliance and expertise. Please feel free to continue on your evening and remove my ignorant question from your life.

Weiser is a city in Idaho lol.

 

[Rock’N Tacos]

Nightforce scopes are tough and have much thicker tube walls than other manufactures. Therefore they can handle more inch lbs on rings and are more likely to not be broken when droppes. However, when people say they are "bulletproof" it is slang for how tough they are. Like saying something is "tougher than sh*t, which is ususlly pretty soft. If you over torque or shoot one with a bullet you may not be happy with the results.

Edit to add. I just reread your post. These scopes will probably not survive a bomb blast.

And there is that NXS that literally got shot and kept working.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Weiser is a city in Idaho lol.

It's not a city, it's a town

 

[TechsanHunter]

Weiser is a city in Idaho lol.

Puns are fun.

 

[rookieforever33]

And there is that NXS that literally got shot and kept working.

Rings must not have been overtorqued.

 

[TechsanHunter]

Nightforce scopes are tough and have much thicker tube walls than other manufactures. Therefore they can handle more inch lbs on rings and are more likely to not be broken when droppes. However, when people say they are "bulletproof" it is slang for how tough they are. Like saying something is "tougher than sh*t, which is ususlly pretty soft. If you over torque or shoot one with a bullet you may not be happy with the results.

Edit to add. I just reread your post. These scopes will probably not survive a bomb blast.

That’s helpful- thanks.

 

[TechsanHunter]

Rings must not have been overtorqued.

Probably even held zero

 

[rookieforever33]

I definitely see what you mean about bombproof. Many on here act like Nightforce, Maven, and Trijicon are the only scopes qualified to take a single shot on a rifle. If you read the drop test thread it is pretty convincing. Since I got on here it made me more critical of my equipment. I did find myself adjusting my Leupolds on occasion, and that was mild use. I also had my vx3 ride in a truck cross country and dial to kill a cow elk at 348 yards. Since then my leupolds stay at home and my travel rifle wears a Nightforce SHV. Ialso upgraded my miu ting tactics and consistency. I trust all of them to do what I ask of them.