Tips & Techniques: “Take Out The Slack” To Keep Accessories In Place

by
posted on May 8, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
take-up-the-slack.jpg

We all know that when a firearm recoils, it moves rearward. But what about accessories such as optics that are mounted on it? Unless firmly anchored, they will tend to migrate forward under recoil because they are essentially remaining stationary as the gun moves the opposite direction beneath them. That can cause damage to the accessory and/or hardware and change to the gun’s zero. So, when mounting accessories, press scope rings and other mounts fully forward in their slots before tightening the fastening hardware. That way, when the gun recoils, everything will move together solidly as one.

Latest

Building an AR-15 lower receiver
Building an AR-15 lower receiver

Review: Assembling an AR-15 Lower Receiver

Building a high-quality AR-15 starts with selecting appropriate components.

Suppressors Deregulated in South Dakota

In a move anticipating a further reduction of restrictions, South Dakota has removed the law requiring the Federal stamp.

The Pursuit Of Increased Muzzle Velocity Comes With A Price

The quest to make our firearms’ projectiles move downrange at ever higher velocities cuts across multiple shooting pursuits and predates anyone alive today.

Review: Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 Pistol

Springfield Armory just released its popular Hellcat double-stack, striker-fired pistol in .380 ACP, and it might be an ideal option for armed citizens looking for a soft-shooting handgun for concealed carry.

New for 2026: Langdon Tactical Technology Beretta Cheetah Pistol

Beretta's .32 ACP Cheetah gets the Langdon Tactical upgrade package.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 16, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.