Best optic for an AR?

October 17, 2026, 02:34 PM

chellim1

quote:
Assuming the rings are the right size for the scope tube, nothing more should be necessary to hold the scope firmly in place other than tightening the screws properly. With both Vortex scope and mount I cannot imagine a size mismatch.

They were purchased together as a combo set.

quote:
Manufacturer torque recommendations vary, typically from 15 to even 28 inch-pounds, but I usually use 15 in-lb.

All I've got to turn them is a small *star* screwdriver, no way to measure the torque.

Thanks.

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October 17, 2026, 02:49 PM

sigfreund

I asked Gemini AI how to estimate 15 inch-pounds of torque by feel, and this was the result (but research yourself). Before I asked it, I was going to recommend snug plus a quarter turn as an estimate, but I don’t make recommendations.

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Method 1: The "Fingertip-Only" Rule (Most Reliable)

Because 15 in-lbs requires very little force, you must eliminate your arm and wrist strength from the equation.

Insert your hex bit or Allen wrench into the screw.

Pinch the tool only with your thumb and index finger (like holding a pencil or dart), using a short hex key or a small screwdriver-style handle.

Turn the screw until it becomes fully snug (where the screw head firmly contacts the ring cap and resistance abruptly increases).

From that exact "snug" point, give it no more than 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn (45° to 90°).

The Rule: If you have to engage your wrist, forearm, or palm strength to keep turning, you have gone well past 15 in-lbs. Stop immediately.

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I understand not wanting tools that you would hardly ever use, but for me torque limiters changed my whole approach to gunsmithing. I actually dented the steel tube of a Weaver scope a long time ago, and now I consider the tools to be essential for convenience and peace of mind. No estimates or concerns: Just tighten to the recommended setting and move on.

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_{— Thomas Jefferson}

October 17, 2026, 03:01 PM

chellim1

Ok. Thanks.

October 17, 2026, 04:47 PM

darthfuster

I bought an inch pound torque driver. It was about twenty dollars. It breaks at the torque you set. I thought I would only use it once or twice but I’ve used it way more than I thought. It’s nice knowing that the optics are properly set and tuned. That way when I miss, I know it’s me.

October 17, 2026, 10:25 PM

iron chef

quote:
Originally posted by darthfuster:
I bought an inch pound torque driver... I thought I would only use it once or twice but I’ve used it way more than I thought.

A torque screwdriver is like a sight pusher. If you use it more than twice, then it pays for itself, if you're used to paying a gunsmith.

quote:
It’s nice knowing that the optics are properly set and tuned. That way when I miss, I know it’s me.

Also, when you need to remove & reinstall a sight (e.g., Trijicon RMRs that require removal to replace the battery), using a torque driver gets the optic very close to where it was before, reducing the amount of adjustment you have to do to re-zero.