According to SWFA, the six screw rings that go with the SS scopes, only need to be tightened down to finger tightness - seems easy enough, just checking to see what the experienced smiths recommend.. Thanks!

How tight is finger tight?

If you want accuracy then a torque spec and a torque wrench needs to be involved.

Exactly, that's my point and the reason that I initially called SWFA to verify. Seems to me that there should be an inch/lb value involved, right? Regardless, I've got the FAT wrench all ready to go from a prior build.

I would go with 15 in/lbs. You aren't going to damage aluminum threads with a steel screw with that torque unless they are tiny.

I have a book with torque specs for steel screws in steel, if that'll help. Can you tell me the screw OD of the threaded shaft?

Everyone's finger tight is different. Even your finger tight will be different on different days. As all have said use a torque wrench and get the spec's from Victor and pay heed to the use of lubricants on threads they will alter clamping force significantly between lubricated, dry, loctited, etc....

There are a LOT of different sources. Even some on the 'Net. I have in my tool box and here in my desk a copy of "Pocket Ref" by Thomas Glover. One I got from a tooling supplier and one I bought at Lowe's. It's about a 3 X 5 and maybe 3/4" thick, with a black cover. If you wear a uniform work shirt it will fit in the pocket. Hence the name.

There really are a lot of places to get torque specs. Even free on the 'Net. If available I can measure in in/lbs. ft/lbs. or Newton Meters. But unless it has a head on it that can corespond with the drive on a torque wrench, it doesn't matter. Thumb screws are a hard fit in 3/8" square drive.

Thanks, 15 in/lbs seems to be what I continually get told. Don't know why they (the manufacturer) would not specify this info. it's not like it's common knowledge, especially when different materials are often used for the rings, and the screws themselves.