So, you’ve picked up a Sightmark Wraith digital night vision or thermal riflescope, and you want to secure it to your rifle for your next coyote or pig hunt. But now comes the tricky part: the actual mounting. The Wraith is more straightforward than a traditional riflescope because there’s no need to mess with things like scope lapping or alignment, but there’s still the matter of torque specs to settle. Mounting a scope isn’t just about slapping it on and hoping for the best—especially with the Wraith series, which calls for a very specific torque setting: 25 inch-pounds. But what exactly is torque, why does it matter, and how do you get it just right? Let’s dive in.
What Is Torque, Anyway?
In plain English, torque is the measure of how much force is applied to rotate an object—think of it as the oomph behind your wrench when you’re tightening screws. Too little torque, and your scope might shift around with every shot. Too much, and you risk stripping the screws or even damaging your scope or rifle. You wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, right? The same idea applies here.
Why Torque Matters
Your scope needs to stay put when you fire your rifle. Proper torque ensures that the scope stays locked in place, no matter how much recoil your rifle kicks back. Consistent torque means consistent shooting. If your scope moves even a hair because of improper torque, your shots will wander all over the place, and that trophy buck will get away.
What Happens If You Get It Wrong?
Too Much Torque: This is like cranking down on a peanut with a vice—it’s not going to end well. Over-tightening the screws can damage your scope, crush the tube, warp your mount, or strip threads. With some other companies you might even void your scope’s warranty (but not with Sightmark. Read about our process here.)
Too Little Torque: Your scope won’t be secure, and every shot will knock it just a little bit loose. Your zero will wander, and your accuracy will tank. Plus, the constant shifting can wear out both your scope and the mount over time.
How to Get the Torque Just Right
To hit that magic number — 25 inch-pounds for your Wraith — you’ll need a torque wrench or a torque driver. Make sure it’s calibrated to measure in inch-pounds, not foot-pounds or Newton-meters.
Start by tightening each screw lightly to get your scope positioned correctly. Then, tighten each screw in small increments, alternating between screws to keep even pressure. Finally, use your torque wrench or driver to tighten each screw to exactly 25 inch-pounds.
Give each screw a final check to make sure they’re all at the correct torque setting. A torque wrench will usually ‘click’ when the desired torque is reached, but always double-check if you’re unsure.
After mounting, take a few shots to test your zero and ensure everything’s secure. Re-check the torque if you’re feeling cautious—better safe than sorry!
Getting the torque right on your Sightmark Wraith isn’t rocket science, but it does require a little precision. Stick to the 25 inch-pounds spec, use the right tools, and your scope will stay put, your shots will stay on target, and you’ll get the most out of your investment. No more worrying about scope drift or stripped screws—just solid, reliable performance, shot after shot. Happy shooting!
To shop the Wraith series of digital night vision riflescopes, click here.
To shop the Wraith series of thermal riflescopes, click here.