Torqueing-It May Not Be What You Think!

by
posted on March 10, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
diy2015_fs.jpg (1)

When it comes to tightening base or ring screws on your handgun’s scope mounts or the action screws on your rifle, you can save yourself a major headache and an expensive trip to the gunsmith by always thinking in terms of inch-pounds rather than foot-pounds. Most gun fasteners are rather small and fine-threaded-with No. 8, and even No. 6, screws being common on older sporting firearms’ sights and scope bases. Torque values in the neighborhood of 15 in.-lbs. for such screws and in the area of 50 in.-lbs. for larger fasteners such as action screws are reasonable, round figures to keep in mind. Optic and firearm manufacturers may have specific recommendations, so check with them when in doubt. Note again that those were figures in inch-pounds! If you were thinking about using the same torque wrench that you use to snug up your car wheels … STOP! Now, either get to a well-stocked hardware store or go online to order an appropriate torque wrench calibrated in inch-pounds and then, and only then, resume your work.

Latest

Chiappa 86 Wildlands AE TD 01
Chiappa 86 Wildlands AE TD 01

The Chiappa 86 Wildlands: A Modern Take On The Winchester 1886 Lever-Action

Chiappa has updated the nearly 150-year-old Winchester Model 1886 lever-action design with the 86 Wildlands Angle Ejection Takedown, giving it added versatility in the way of accessory-attachment points and optics-mounting.

Preview: White River Knife & Tool Ursus 45

The White River Knife & Tool Ursus 45 offers plenty of hand-filling area that is made all the more comfortable by way of well-shaped, replaceable burlap Micarta scales.

Gun Of The Week: Tisas PX-57 FO Raptor

Chambered for the unique 5.7x28 mm FN cartridge, the Tisas PX-57 FO Raptor is a polymer-frame handgun that provides a lot of capability in an affordable package.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 10, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Smith & Wesson Spec Series V M&P 9 Metal HD

This latest enhancement from Smith & Wesson proves that good things can come from heavier, steel-framed packages.

Old Glory Bank, NRA Partner To Provide Banking Benefits To Members

Old Glory Bank and the National Rifle Association (NRA) recently entered into a joint marketing relationship to provide banking benefits to members of the NRA Business Alliance and NRA-affiliated clubs and associations.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.