Well lapping the rings was another recommendation from the Vortex rep.
So along with the Fat Wrench torque driver, I also ordered a set of lapping tools and used those also.
I went so far as to check all our other scope rings also, and found nothing.
All I can say is that ive been around hunting scopes since they started becoming popular in the early 50s.
Most people then were using cheap bases and rings like Weaver, and just tightened them down till they thought the screws would break if they went further, and on occaision one would break.
I think Bruce Baer summed it up well when I asked him his opinion.
He said its because many of the cheap freaking scopes today have tubes only slightly better than tinfoil.
In todays society, that's a totally unacceptable comment. lol