My instinct would have to be that the base is off-spec. I use nothing but Warne rings and have never had a problem with the rings themselves. Do you have another base to try these rings on?
I use Warne Maxima rings, both fixed and QR, on a variety of Weaver style bases and have never had anything like you're experiencing happen. I would try them on a random set of Weaver style bases and if they still don't work right, call Warne's customer service people.
Did you tighten them incrementally using an alternating X pattern? I have 2 sets of those rings, and once I had them aligned and the scope on, I used that method. I have experienced no looseness whatsoever.
forepaw
"Only accurate rifles (that are light enough to be carried by a middle-aged man in rough country) are interesting"
If you use the pointed tips toward each other, they may touch tip-to-tip, but you won't see if the individual centerline axes are co-linear. Having the large flat surfaces butted together makes this easy to visually diagnose. I actually learned this tip here on da 'Fire . . .
Did you tighten them incrementally using an alternating X pattern? I have 2 sets of those rings, and once I had them aligned and the scope on, I used that method. I have experienced no looseness whatsoever.
forepaw
No, I tightened them according to the instructions. I figured that would give the best results.
John 8:12 "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Warne says this is common with a lapping bar but shouldn't happen with a riflescope. The rifle scope tube is supposed to "flex" when you tighten the top screws whereas the lapping bar doesn't give any due to being solid steel.
They were helpful and are sending me another set of rings just to make sure there isn't a problem with the ones I've got.
Not sure how I feel about the rings flexing my Nightforce though....
John 8:12 "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."