I have had two sets of claw mounts on rifles Ive owned and both have been different in tension.
The first set were relatively free of tension and removed easily. When putting the scope on it went home with a satisfying click. It was a very accurate rifle and the mounts obviously returned to zero.
The second set are much tighter.They require a quite strong push to install them home and a similar strong tug to remove them. But they too are accurate and return to zero.
The stiffness / tightness seems to be mainly in the front feet / claws.
A german gunsmith once told me that there should be a slight tension between the front and rear claws but this tension is more than that and in the base for the front claws.
I do know that some smiths here in Australia make the fitting tight to provide for wear. But German gunsmiths used to harden the feet
My quetion is : should I ease the tight fitting of the front feet? Or should I leave well alone and continue pushing and tugging?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks MIERS

Unless you happen to known a craftsman who's really familiar with claw mounts, I'd leave it alone if I were you. It works, doesn't it ?

If it isn't broke do not fix it.

Sounds like it was fitted pretty "snug" D Humbarger had it right...you'll be rewarded with all that tugging and pushing for positive reurn to zero years to come...just keep the sliding parts well oiled or greased to avoid any galling

They all wear over time. The key is to only remove the scope for travel or cleaning. 50 years from now your grandchildren will be amazed at how snug the claws are and how they still return to zero.

Thank you for all your replies. Im aware of your professional backgrounds and will follow your advice.
Although expensive I always choose claw mounts now because of their accurate return to zero.With that in mind Im trying to build a body of knowledge about them.
Thank you again , gentlemen.
Miers