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I need to purchase some new screws and inserts for a set of Sako Optilock rings. Does anyone know where I can find these??? Thanks in advance. "In case of a thunderstorm stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a 1 iron, not even God can hit a 1 iron"............Lee Trevino. | ||
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Beretta service...................DJ ....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!.................. | |||
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Good luck... That screw size/pitch rate is virtually exclusive to the OptiLok and nearly impossible to find anywhere other than customer service. A friend of mine needed some a while back and was quoted an outrageous rate for them -- something like $4 (or maybe $8?) each plus shipping. I told him he should have asked if that came with a rifle...  Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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I forgot to add: I've been mounting scopes for more than a quarter of a century, and the screws that come with the OptiLok system are among the softest I have ever seen. Be careful with them; otherwise, you'll run into problems. Even a few little tricks that I've employed over the years have little worth when it comes to this type of situation. Thus, they're basically a one-time use item. The mounting system itself is a sound one. The screws, on the other hand, are horrible. Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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Exactly, I'm changing scopes and that's why I need new ones. If the 4 bucks a screw is right that's 32 bucks. Ridiculous. "In case of a thunderstorm stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a 1 iron, not even God can hit a 1 iron"............Lee Trevino. | |||
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It is at least 4 and I think maybe even 6. I have heard of so many people having problems stripping these screws. Just got a Sako and the screws are what is making me think twice about the optilocks. May just go with Warne. | |||
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The screws in Sako scope rings are M3.5x0.6 thread. (3.5mm diameter, 0.6mm pitch) Quite close to 6x40, but NOT close enough to interchange. I recently bought some standard M3.5x0.6 high tensile steel, socket-head cap screws, from a local fastener supply house (local for me meaning in New Zealand) for the equivalent of US$0.50 each. They work fine in the old style Sako rings (the type preceding the 'Optilock', with screw claws on both sides) though the heads stick up a bit further than the original slotted cheese head screws do. (3.5mm head height for the cap screws, as opposed to 2.5mm for the originals) However, these cap screws will NOT work 'as-is' in Optilock rings. The heads of them are 5.5mm diameter, while the heads of the Sako Optilock factory screws are only 4.8mm diameter, so they simply will not fit into the counterbores in the ring flanges. However, cap screw heads could be reduced in diameter by one means or another. I don’t know where one could buy such screws in the US. McMaster- Carr ( http://www.mcmaster.com/ ) list M3.5x0.6 machine screws, but not socket head cap screws. Their cheese heads are also too large in head diameter for Optilock rings. Maybe there aren’t any simple solutions …. | |||
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Oh there is a simple solution it is called Ebay  Let someone else worry about the POSWorking on my ISIS strategy....FORE | |||
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Call there service tell them you bought the rings within the last six months and they are rusting they will send you new ones FREE just got all 8 of mine on Friday | |||
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Opti-Locs BLOW!!!! I loathe them. Yeah, I stripped out a couple heads. Even Leupold ring mounts for a Sako has torx head screws, for the love of Pete. Talleys and Conetrol are way better. cheaptrick.....out!! | |||
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You mean the screws not the rings right? | |||
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I've changed a scope in and out of the same optilock rings more than 6 times. It's amazing how much better things will work if you use properly fitted tools and use proper technique. Try using the Brownells bit that fits and gently tap it with a hammer before you start tightening.........................DJ ....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!.................. | |||
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djpaintles-I've changed no telling how many scopes over the years and am quite familiar with proper technique and proper tools, thank you. Check around with long-time 'smiths and see what their opinions are. Check with shops that sell these mounts (the ones that sell a decent volume) and see what the attempted return rate is. Whether or not you want to admit it or not, or whether you may have gotten a rare "good" set, the screws with the OptiLok system are horrendously soft. And apparently most people's experience mirrors this as judged by the posters here and on some other threads. So which technique are you actually using now, the Brownell's bit you recommended in this thread or the gentle tap with a hammer on the allen wrench, as you posted earlier??? Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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I thought about this awhile last nite and came to the conclusion that Sako is the only company the ONlY company that offers stainless steel screws for their scope rings and bases. How would another companies product fare with the same alloy? Probably not so great I would imagine. I have been able to use them more then once or twice myself so I haven't come across the softness issue. I do however not like how high the scope tube is mounted. Working on my ISIS strategy....FORE | |||
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You might want to give Accuflite a call. They are a big Sako distributor in PA. I have had good luck with their sales and service. 1-800-666-7256 Good luck. RCG | |||
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No sense calling Accuflite. They don't have them either. djpaintles: I called Brownell and was told they don't have bits for metric sockets. ????? | |||
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You know I have been thinking about having my gunsmith grind down the rings on these optilocks a commensurate amount so the scope sits lower and having him drill and retap the ring screws. It would be a small piece of change but you would have the best set of mounts on the market(for a Sako) that is. Working on my ISIS strategy....FORE | |||
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Geez I must be one lucky guy! All twelve of the sets of Optilocks I've got seem to have the usable sets of screws that nobody else gets! I've used the Optilocks on everything from 308's to 7 Ultra's (the one I can't settle on a scope for), 2 300 Ultra's, a 300 Weatherby, 375 H&H, 338 Lapua etc., with no scope slippage or scope damage that other types of rings can leave, they work very well though on a couple guns I'd like to try the extra lows. I don't mean to be rude and the screws are a little softer than usual, but the simple fact is if you are not able to use them you are not using either proper tools or technique. LJS, Sorry I'm not at home at the moment to give you the particular bit # I've been using. It came with the Complete set that I bought from brownells. I like the Brownells bits because they are slightly tapered the little tap with the hammer helps set the bit in well. I've also been able to get them on just fine using Bondus Metric Allen wrenches though I still like to tap them lightly to make sure they are set all the way to the bottom of the screw...........................DJ ....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!.................. | |||
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djpaintles-I never said they couldn't be used. I said they are horrendously soft. But perhaps if you put away your "proper tools" while at the keyboard, you'd be able to read the post "properly." Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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Like the wrench supplied with the mounts? I used every type of mount there is and have never had a problem with any other screws with the supplied wrench. Does it say on the instuctions for the optilocks that you should use some other type of tool? Call me crazy but when someone supplies a tool for a screw I would usually think that would be the one to use. Especially on mounts as expensive as optilocks. Mounts are great in my opinion, but the screws suck. There is a reason that they offered titanium screws as an option when I bought mine(not sure if they still do), and it isn't for weight savings. "In case of a thunderstorm stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a 1 iron, not even God can hit a 1 iron"............Lee Trevino. | |||
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No you said "Even a few little tricks that I've employed over the years have little worth when it comes to this type of situation. Thus, they're basically a one-time use item." or paraphrased - they are unusable after their 1st use, which is untrue I've reused multiple sets. You also said "That screw size/pitch rate is virtually exclusive to the OptiLok and nearly impossible to find anywhere other than customer service.", which again is complete BS they are a standard metric thread M3.5x0.6. So perhaps my reading comprehension is not nearly so faulty as either your memory or your general knowledge on this subject. Oh, the wrenches that come in the package will work if used properly. I prefer the longer Bondus wrenches because it is easier to apply more torque with a longer wrench..................DJ ....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!.................. | |||
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So if I go to a fastener supply store and buy a M3.5x0.6 metric screw it will work fine? "In case of a thunderstorm stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a 1 iron, not even God can hit a 1 iron"............Lee Trevino. | |||
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....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!.................. | |||
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Evidently it's not COMPLETE BS, as you can't go and buy them anywhere but from..........customer service. "In case of a thunderstorm stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a 1 iron, not even God can hit a 1 iron"............Lee Trevino. | |||
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dj-Gee, my local lumber yard doesn't have these. Does yours??? Could you give me a number so I could call them??? What about YOUR local gun shop? Do they stock these? I'd need that #, too. The only "BS" around here is emanating from your posts...and your one-man defense team hasn't made any believers. For the price this sytem commands, I expect better quality. The only other problem I have EVER encoutered with soft metal in ring screws was with Weaver back in the 70s or early 80s, and that problem was short-lived as Weaver apparently corrected it rather quickly. Perhaps another company could learn from this... Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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NeverFlinch, you need to read it again. THEY ARE A STANDARD METRIC SIZE! My local Ace Hardware carries metric screws and bolts. There are hundreds of vendors on the internet that sell metric bolts........................DJ ....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!.................. | |||
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Dang, you are stubborn: THE SCREW HEAD SIZE DOES NOT FIT. Plain and simple. Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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I will call Ace today, dj, and see if they have the correct PITCH as well. Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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Bobby, Again, if you will just use the ones that come with them you won't need to replace them in the first place. But obviously if you can't use a simple allen wrench you probably aren't competant enough with tools to reduce the head size of a screw to 4.8mm either. You probably need to go ahead and use a different likely inferior mounting system, or better yet let someone else do it for you.................DJ ....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!.................. | |||
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dj-WHY would I have to reduce them diameter if they are easily available and ready to use, as you suggest? If you have been doing this, are you replacing YOUR Sako screws??? Admit it: You CAN NOT get the PROPER-FITTING screws in local shops such as your beloved Ace hardware (of course you buy a lathe and go to work on them for a while). The majority rules here, dj. But you don't recognize that as you are "on another level" -- in your own mind, that is. Give it up. Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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Can't believe this thread is still going. DJ, God bless you Brother. I didn't have the results you had, sorry to say. Either has anybody else I know that's used them. But hey.....rock on. I like the system OK. The inserts are a nice feature for sure. The rings are strong and made specifically for the Sako, which is why DJ likes them I'm sure. But for the intial price, the screws and the overall height of the rings themselves, I will stick to Conetrols, Talleys, and Badger Ord. God bless.... cheaptrick.....out!! | |||
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by djpaintles
by Neverflinch
Originally posted by redrover copied by djpaintles
by Neverflinch
by djpaintles
by djpaintles
Am I missing something here? I thought my question was if I went to a store and bought them, if they would work fine? Evidently not. I guess i must not have the "proper tools" if I don't have a lathe in my garage. Evidently the rest of the world does. By the way according to Beretta customer service the inserts are 5.50 ea. and the screws are 4.50 ea. "In case of a thunderstorm stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a 1 iron, not even God can hit a 1 iron"............Lee Trevino. | |||
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I think this post jinxed me. I took one of my rifles out to wipe it this morning and noticed a screw was missing. When I looked close, it wasn't missing but at sometime had snapped off. Yikes!!! I called Brownell's and was told they did not have any demand for the item (Let's start e-mailing Brownell ASAP). I then called B Square and was told the same thing. Both places told me they have to buy 5000 of an individual size to stock it. I then called Talley and asked if they had anything for a Sako. They make a base system which fits on the dovetail and then uses their standard ring. I'm ordering a set tomorrow! I deal quite a bit with Accuflite here in Pittsburgh which is a very large Sako dealer. He asked me to call him if I find a source for the screws since he knows they are crap and can't get extras from Beretta/Sako himself. All this BS and they're drastically overpriced!  | |||
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Ain't it fun Argueing! Ok so here are a few Sakos:     You'll notice that they all have Optilock rings. What's more is that all of them with the exception of the 308 in middle of the top pic have had more than 1 scope changed in and out of the same rings. I haven't had to replace 1 screw yet. If I can change scopes in and out of as many of the same Optilock rings as I have you'll never convince me that anybody else can't do just the same. I'm not doing anything that special other than being a little careful and making sure that the bit or allen wrench is bottomed in the base of the screw since the screws are a little softer than most are used too . It just isn't Rocket Science if I can do it anybody else can too you just need to use a good wrench a be a little careful. That being said if someone is still having trouble I'll be glad to help them if we happen to be in the same area. I live in OKC but travel a bit. Let me know if I can help somehow. If I did need to replace a screw I would probably buy a few on the internet (maybe from New Zealand) and if the head was a little large I'd chuck it up in a power drill and grind the head down to 4.8mm with file. I haven't had to do this with Optilocks but since I don't have a lathe either I have used this method on some older Leupold Hex head screws and some on another brand of Scope bases. Some things are only as hard as you make them be. Good luck to all and remember: You can doooooo eeeetttt..................... .........DJ....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!.................. | |||
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So does that mean the Ace hardware screws will fit?   "In case of a thunderstorm stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a 1 iron, not even God can hit a 1 iron"............Lee Trevino. | |||
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They did fit the spots I needed on a CZ-550 after a little drill and file........ ......Don't remember if they were 2.5,3,3.5 or exactly which, just that I was surprised as heck that my local Ace had so many different Metric screws! YAMV (Your Ace May Vary). But you can bet your Ace it's worth a try. When I see a Metric hole to be plugged I think, "my what an Ace Hole", of course after this prolonged topic some of you think that when you read my posts......  ..... .........DJ....Remember that this is all supposed to be for fun!.................. | |||
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In many ways, this does indeed look like a good thread to let die, but ... 1) Is it the screws for the blued steel or the stainless steel Optilock rings that are alleged to be too soft? Or both? My only first-hand experience with Optilocks has been with the stainless jobs on my son's Tikka. That scope has been 'off' once and 'on' twice, and the screw sockets still seem to be quite OK. 2) Comment to SE. If you drill out and re-tap the screw holes in your Optilocks (I'd guess that you would have to go to 8 gauge, or 4mm, or 5/32in to get rid of the original thread) you will probably have a problem with the heads of whatever screws you try to use being way to large in diameter for the counterbores in the rings. Sure, you could turn the heads down in diameter, but if you use a socket head, there won't be very much of the head left! You could be better off staying with standard M3.5x0.6 screws and turning down the heads of these. 3) Comment to NF. You seem to be very concerned about being able to buy the screws you want at 'ACE', or at 'Joe Bloggs Hardware Shop' just along the street. Do you reckon they would have things like hardened 6x48, slotted, countersunk head screws, or hardened, 6x40 Torx drive cap screws (both of which you find often enough in scope bases, rings, etc) sitting on the shelf? 4) General sort of question: Is Asian-made machinery sold in the US (e.g. Toyota motor vehicles, Honda motor bikes, Hitachi power tools) held together with metric or 'inch' sized screws and bolts? | |||
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Actually if you try re-reading my posts with a little comprehension I first asked where to buy them. It was stated by one that they could be bought at a local hardware store, and stated by another that they would not work. I was just trying to claify if they would or wouldn't. As far as your question about the other types of screws.....in a word.....yes. I can can buy any size of torx screw made or just about any type of slotted head screw in any material you please at a local fastener supply store, but I can't buy screws to fit the optilocks. As far as "Joe Bloggs Hardware Shop" I have never heard of it, perhaps you can tell me their location or phone number and I will give them a call. Hope that clarifies it for you. "In case of a thunderstorm stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a 1 iron, not even God can hit a 1 iron"............Lee Trevino. | |||
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Never.........without a little argueing, it would get a little dull.  "In case of a thunderstorm stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a 1 iron, not even God can hit a 1 iron"............Lee Trevino. | |||
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Oh my - we are getting a bit touchy.
100 Main Street, Waikikamukau, was the last address I heard of for them - sorry I can't remember the phome number. :-) | |||
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