The screw had backed out maybe half a turn and by the time I noticed, the zero had already drifted. I tightened it, re-zeroed and lost an hour of the session. Now the torque wrench lives in the bag and everything gets checked before every range trip. Loose hardware is a maintenance problem that disguises itself as a performance problem and it'll cost you time if you're not on top of it. Is hardware checks part of your pre-range routine? If not, it should always be
Found a loose screw in my optic mount at the range
- Thread starter Topgun
- Start date
Might be time to use some Blue Thread Loctite (242) don't not use the Red that will permanently lock any screws and suggest using a firearms torque wrench and the specs your brand mounts recommend. (No lossening of sctews! if that is doen. Most are 20 For Rings and Bases and 30 for crossbolts (if weaver or picatinny style)
C10
C10
Good advice. I learned the hard way that loose screws can mimic bad ammo or bad shooting.
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2026
- Messages
- 13
Aside from the great advice of blue loctite and a torque driver, I index the heads of my optics screws using a silver permanent marker. That way you can see at a glance if the screw have loosened at all.
Regardless of what some youtubers say, blue Loc-Tite is you friend. Get it in the stick form and not the liquid if possible. Less potential mess. 
