Is it necessary to lap Leupold's Quick Release Weavere Style Rings?

Kentucky,

Particularly with quick release systems, you want to do everything possible to insure that the scope is returned to the exact same position time after time. So if reaming and lapping the rings of the QD system will help get you closer to that goal, then why not?

The reason rings are reamed and lapped in the first place is to assure uniform contact and unbinding support for the scope. This is just one more piece of the puzzle that should be addressed if top accuracy is your goal and should be equally applied to either fixed or QD styles.

Malm

Malm,
The reason I asked is it seems the Weaver system flexes to a custom fit for the tube as its tightened. Of course the lower part of the ring doesn't flex. I understand what you are saying though. And I think it took me 15 minutes to lap the last set of dual dovetails I mounted...

Kentucky,

Repeatable accuracy of the QD system relies on the correct orientation of the rings to that of the bore when tightened in place. The lower half or cradle should be solid and not flexible, and it is for this reason that I would ream them. It can't hurt.

Regards,

Malm

P.S. When I install rings, I use a reamer first. This gets things square and in alignment in short order, then if necessary, I will lap the rings just enough to remove any roughness that may be present. In general, lapping should never be used to remove metal it is used to improve a surface.

Malm

Kentucky, I see what you're getting at. As you lap these rings, you would lessen the tension that would lock the scope as you remove material. If these rings have a tension adjustment, then it should be no problem. Otherwise I'ld be leary of removing too muck material. Maybe lap them a little at a time with something holding the levers with light tension, but not clamped all the way down.

I just want to add an observation of mine... I find it best to hi-spot both to see where and how much you are contacting any scope before you start lapping. Not every SCOPE(not rings) is PERFECT and at times you maybe getting more contact with missmatching scope and rings without lapping. Also... be carefull you can change the horizontal and lat axis of your scope position if you are agressive or do not know what you are doing.