I'm creating this thread for a couple of reasons; mainly as anecdotal experience using loctite vs oil on ring cap screws, but also a PSA reminder to check your gear for rust and corrosion from time to time (even if it "shouldn't" be there). As a bonus, a bit of praise for Hawkins Precision.
I have a set of Hawkins' UltraLight Tactical Scope Rings, holding a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42 on a T3x 7RM. I've had this set up for 2 years, and it's been solid with no issues holding zero; its brought home 2 elk in 2 years... great rings. After the conclusion of my 2024 hunting season I decided to do a full breakdown and clean of all components, and found my ring cap screws corroded and rusty. While this rifle has obviously been out in the elements, I have been lucky enough to not be rained or snowed on (that I remember)... though it has been through temps ranging from -6⁰ to 75⁰.
My mounting process for this scope and the handful of others I've done is an acetone rinse/wipe for all screws and threads, a small drop of blue loctite, and torque to manufacturer specs. This has not given me any issues with things coming loose or holding zero, but this is the first problem I've had with corrosion. I did contact Hawkins and they were quick to respond; they suspect I received a bad batch of screws that did not take the melanite process well, and are sending me new screws free of charge. I'll be talking to them again about their recommendation for mounting procedures.
TL;DR - if you use loctite over oil, check for corrosion from time to time. Also, Hawkins Precision makes good products and has prompt, effective customer service.
I have a set of Hawkins' UltraLight Tactical Scope Rings, holding a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42 on a T3x 7RM. I've had this set up for 2 years, and it's been solid with no issues holding zero; its brought home 2 elk in 2 years... great rings. After the conclusion of my 2024 hunting season I decided to do a full breakdown and clean of all components, and found my ring cap screws corroded and rusty. While this rifle has obviously been out in the elements, I have been lucky enough to not be rained or snowed on (that I remember)... though it has been through temps ranging from -6⁰ to 75⁰.
My mounting process for this scope and the handful of others I've done is an acetone rinse/wipe for all screws and threads, a small drop of blue loctite, and torque to manufacturer specs. This has not given me any issues with things coming loose or holding zero, but this is the first problem I've had with corrosion. I did contact Hawkins and they were quick to respond; they suspect I received a bad batch of screws that did not take the melanite process well, and are sending me new screws free of charge. I'll be talking to them again about their recommendation for mounting procedures.
TL;DR - if you use loctite over oil, check for corrosion from time to time. Also, Hawkins Precision makes good products and has prompt, effective customer service.
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