Torque for Leupold QR Base Lever

Bill DeHaan · Jan 10, 2020

I Am looking for help in finding a spec for how much torque to put on the Leupold QR base levers. A buddy swears finger right is enough, which leaves the levers rotated just past 12-o’clock. But the Engineer in me is doubtful, especially on a heavier recoiling rifle. I have been using a small wrench and gently pressing the lever to the horizontal position, parallel with the barrel.

jeffpg · Jan 10, 2020

Having spent a great deal of time tinkering with these over the years, I understand your concern. My experience tells me that perhaps both of you are right... I have had zero problems with the "finger tight" method, but I too have used a small wrench to tweak the lever just a little bit more. Either will be fine I believe, and your best indication is likely just a good sense of "feel" on what is tight enough. They are designed so that overtightening should be impossible, but a lot depends on your exact placement and alignment when setting these up.

I learned a lot about them when I chose to run one scope on several different rifles. It's not simply a matter of installing the bases on a bunch of rifles and being able to swap the scope that already has the rings installed... In order to make it work as it should, you have to use that scope/ring combo to position each set of bases on each individual rifle. Gtradually tighten the base screws as you constantly insert the scope & rings into them, making sure that as you tighten the bases you maintain the alignment between the bases and rings.

I hope this make sense. I know it works.
Jeff

Longwalker · Jan 10, 2020

I have these mounts on two rifles. I use a small wrench or leatherman pliers to tighten about halfway between finger tight and all the way over. About 10 o'clock on a clock face. Works well for me.

Wyatt Smith · Jan 10, 2020

I had a set and hated them. Talley QD rings and bases are great, if you switch you will like them better.

Shootist43 · Jan 10, 2020

I use Warne QD rings but they too only suggest "finger tight" on the levers. However on the Warne rings, once tight you can "lift" the lever and rotate it to any position you like. mine face forward on the front and rear on the back. IMHO the 9 & 3 o'clock positions negate the possibility of the levers being loosened by recoil. I have this setup on two 404 Jeffery(s) and three 375 H&H(s) with no problems to date.

jeffpg · Jan 10, 2020

Wyatt Smith said:
I had a set and hated them. Talley QD rings and bases are great, if you switch you will like them better.

I run some of these too and they are very good. I have probably used just about everything that's out there at one time or another, and I honestly haven't found anything that I can recollect that didn't work as advertised. I believe it's just a matter of spending the time to understand the individual system.

Wyatt Smith · Jan 10, 2020

jeffpg said:
I run some of these too and they are very good. I have probably used just about everything that's out there at one time or another, and I honestly haven't found anything that I can recollect that didn't work as advertised. I believe it's just a matter of spending the time to understand the individual system.

The leupolds work as they should I just didn’t like them.

curtism1234 · Jan 10, 2020

Imo, if you have to use a wrench to get it on then you are going to need a wrench to get them off. There is nothing quick about the detach when you have to go home to get your tool.

In my experience a very strong hand tighten is more than enough and you will probably still struggle to break the grip a year later.

Bill DeHaan · Jan 10, 2020

Great info, points and suggestions. If my memory is right, I think without straining I can "finger" tighten the levers to about 11 o-clock. The wrench didn't need significantly more torque, it just was easier in my finger tips. However, the above responses make me want to test how far I really can finger tighten the levers, leaving me the ability to pop the scope off without tools if needed while in the field/bush. Great observation!

BeeMaa · Jan 10, 2020

The length of the lever was engineered specifically to provide enough grip when tightened by hand.
This is what makes them quick detachable like @curtism1234 said.
Using a wrench to add to the torque will stress the threads of the fastener and you risk damaging the rings.
If your rings (regardless of brand) don't hold your scope to your base, contact the manufacturer for resolution.
It should work correctly as advertised without having to stress components.

Ray B · Jan 10, 2020

I have the Leupold QR and prefer it to the Talley. the Leupold operates on the lever filling in the dished out portion of the ring whereas the Talley is just a screw that is tightening a clamp mount. I'm in the process of dealing with Talley customer service regarding a defective screw and they haven't been particularly helpful. Unfortunately Leupold no longer makes bases with a .435" hole spacing for a M70 bridge or I'd skip the Talley.

Rob404 · Jan 10, 2020

I like the Leupold QR and have them on several rifles including my 375HH

Torque for Leupold QR Base Lever

Bill DeHaan

jeffpg

Longwalker

Wyatt Smith

Shootist43

jeffpg

Wyatt Smith

curtism1234

Bill DeHaan

BeeMaa

Ray B

Rob404

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