Thread: Anyone ever had scope rings slide/move on a dovetail/sako mounting system?

Originally Posted by imaca

@joelhenton
35 in-lbs/3.9Nm
Apparently Sako are a bit elusive in stating these setting but I found an old comment "from a guy who got this from Sako"
So do with it what you wish :-)

Same. I couldn't find anything from Sako.
There is a Sako Collectors web site which may have informal info.

I've used:
One piece mounts, threads lightly oiled and wiped dry.
Ring screws x8 T10 head 15 in.lb
Cross screws x2 T25 head 30 in.lb

I've used the same torques on a two piece Optilock setup which has 2.5mm and 4m hex heads

Not to say that these won't strip threads for someone else but they worked for me.
I think Leapers/UTG have recommended torques on their site for different screw diameters, so look at that for a ballpark number.

The Sako dovetail first appeared on their L46 (from 1946), really ahead of it's time as it offers a quick release system that does provide satisfactory return to zero for their orginal windage adjustable, thumbscrew scope mounts (only offered in 1 inch and 26mm diameter). Along with their adjustable peep sight.

As noted, scopes have moved on, only getting bigger and heavier at the top end, whilst Sako themselves seem to have moved away from this system (split picatinny on the S20, so you can't use a one piece mount, genius! )

If you find yourself needing to put a rail on a Sako, it's probably going to save you a lot of time and money by getting a rifle where rails of high quality (Sphur, EGW etc) are available and don't require being sent away to a gunsmith for drilling and tapping into the Sako Dovetail

The NEAR solution looks the best though.