Mounting an optic on a pistol - Beginner

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FunkySwerve

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Howdy, how ya'll doin?

This will be the first time I've mounted an optic on my pistol.

I have an HK VP9(optics ready) and I'm lookin to install a Holosun 507C-GR X2 and was wondering if there is a general or specific ft/lbs I should be tightening the mounting screws at?

Thank you ahead of time!
 
The included mounting screws are often soft and easy to strip, plus torque tools are usually inaccurate towards the lower end of their range and can torque harder than desired. Given that, I like to torque a little bit under spec while using a low strength thread locker for small fasteners (Loctite purple, Vibratite VC3).
 
As you found, usually 15-20 in lb range. Suggest blue loctite.
If using screws that came with the optic and the holes aren't blind, if it is direct mount make sure the screws don't like into anything important. If it uses plates make sure the screws don't protrude through the plate.

Eta: I was mistaken 15 or less check manual or search fastener size torque table.
 
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Beef15 said:
As you found, usually 15-20 in lb range. Suggest blue loctite.
If using screws that came with the optic and the holes aren't blind, if it is direct mount make sure the screws don't like into anything important. If it uses plates make sure the screws don't protrude through the plate.
Click to expand...
Some clarity on terms is needed for me if you please: "holes aren't blind", it uses plates and when you say "screws don't protrude through the plate" I'm guessin' that the screws should be a little recessed within the plate?
 
FunkySwerve said:
Some clarity on terms is needed for me if you please: "holes aren't blind", it uses plates and when you say "screws don't protrude through the plate" I'm guessin' that the screws should be a little recessed within the plate?
Click to expand...
Yep dry mount the optic to the plate off the slide and make sure the screws don't stick out the bottom at all, don't need to recess max thread engagement is a good thing. @Get Off My Lawn covered blind holes.
 
Beef15 said:
As you found, usually 15-20 in lb range. Suggest blue loctite.
If using screws that came with the optic and the holes aren't blind, if it is direct mount make sure the screws don't like into anything important. If it uses plates make sure the screws don't protrude through the plate.
Click to expand...
IMO this is too much.

I believe the 507c is in the 10-15 in/lb range, and I'm pretty sure 15 is too high. I don't recall specifically, but check the instruction manual.

DO NOT over torque.

I know for a fact that my CHWPS mounting plate is 10in/lb. Pretty sure the 507c was at 10in/lb as well.
 
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I have a wheeler torque wrench but what I’ve always done with these little pistol optics is hold the short end of the Allen wrench in my hand to limit torque and leverage and just snug them with a little thread locker.
 
Bigdave0924 said:
I have a wheeler torque wrench but what I’ve always done with these little pistol optics is hold the short end of the Allen wrench in my hand to limit torque and leverage and just snug them with a little thread locker.
Click to expand...
I've used the Wheeler on all of my dots. Has worked great except the one time I had it set too high. The margin of error is in a safe range I'd say.

Doing it by hand is probably fine too, but I love to hear that sweet, sweet, "cllllick."
 
I have 10 different pistols with optics and I have used a torque wrench to install them precisely zero times. Install the screws, go to it begins to get tight then I give it a quarter turn past tight. I have never had an issue.
 
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I have these as my favorite optic tools. 10 in/lb is for pistol optics and 18 in/lb is for scope rings.
store.fixitsticks.com

Small Torque Limiters | Fix It Sticks

Fix It Sticks' Small Torque Limiters prevent over-tightening of fasteners, accept any standard 1/4" bit, and fit into any standard 1/4" driver.
store.fixitsticks.com store.fixitsticks.com

I purchased through Amazon but the website has more info.
 
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Lucky63 said:
I have these as my favorite optic tools. 10 in/lb is for pistol optics and 18 in/lb is for scope rings.
store.fixitsticks.com

Small Torque Limiters | Fix It Sticks

Fix It Sticks' Small Torque Limiters prevent over-tightening of fasteners, accept any standard 1/4" bit, and fit into any standard 1/4" driver.
store.fixitsticks.com store.fixitsticks.com

I purchased through Amazon but the website has more info.
Click to expand...
These are nice, but the price adds up when you need the full range. I've had to use all different torque specs.
 
IrishCannon said:
These are nice, but the price adds up when you need the full range. I've had to use all different torque specs.
Click to expand...
I have a Wheeler FAT wrench too. It gets lots of use.

The Fix It Sticks are a little more precise and is why they get used for optics. It is NO fun to remove a small screw that gets stripped out.
 
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