Screw size for Talley rings?

[EastHumboldt]

I’m swapping scopes between two rifles. The existing ring screws were loc-tited when the scopes were installed. I want to just use new screws rather than try to clean up the old ones. What size are the ring screws for Talley light weight alloy rings (Tikka). They kind of look like 6/32… but I’m thinking they might be 6/40. Anybody know for sure?

 

[Wapiti1]

If it's 32 threads per inch, count the threads in 1/4" of screw length and see if you get 8.

Jeremy

 

[EastHumboldt]

I like it. Good simple idea. Here’s my results.

The screws have 3/8” of thread. There’s 12 threads in 3/8”. 3/8”x 2.66667 = 1”.
12 threads x 2.667 = 32. A 6/40 screw would have 15 threads in 3/8” . The screws will thread easily into a 6/32 nut. So it really should be a 6/32 screw.

But…when I run a tap through the threaded hole in the ring, it doesn’t feel like I’m cleaning the thread. It feels like I’m cutting and I do get some metal shavings. Same when I run the screws into a 6/32 die. They go easily about 1/2 way through the die, and then the die starts cutting. Hmmmmm.

 

[Wapiti1]

It' not unusual for a new tap to cut a little when chasing threads. Tap tolerance differences, brand, and you are using a newer tap than they probably did.

If it walks like a 6-32, and acts like a 6-32, don't overthink it.

Jeremy

 

[EastHumboldt]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. Usually the smaller the problem, the more I overthink it.

I went ahead and re-used the old screws after tapping the holes and running the screws partway through a die. Just enough to clean some of the loctite off. Put the scope on and torqued everything to spec. I guess we’ll see how it holds up. Not an especially hard recoiling gun (30-06) so it should be fine.

 

[KHntr]

The best thread pitch for Talleys is holding them loosely between your finger tips, and then pitching them off into the brush across your yard with your eyes closed.

Then use a ring that won’t crack all on its own.

 

[EastHumboldt]

Khntr…..You dissin’ my rings! ??

Is this a known issue or are you that one guy whose rings cracked that one time?

 

[KHntr]

Google “Talley rings” and see how many hits you get that talk about failures.

I’ve had three sets personally break. Had a set break on a buddies rifle on a stone sheep hunt, he put it down on the ground and then took off his pack and I heard it break. Laying on the grass. Looked it over and it had snapped vertically.

Another buddy complained about his rifle losing zero over winter in his safe. Told him to yank the scope and inspect the rings. Low and behold, cracked….

If you really want a one piece aluminum, Leupold Backcountry are much stronger.

 

[SDHNTR]

First of all, the best solution is to chuck your Talleys in the garbage. But if you must, they do have great customer service. Just call and they will send you new screws.