Ron, think it out well before altering the front claws! Some of the European makers create claw mounts with purposeful tension (in fact this has been an on-going criticism of claw mounts, as mentioned in Klupp's book, Der Drilling). I have heard that their goal was to see the rear ring rise up 1/4 inch as soon as the locking slide was pulled back. They seem to have wanted to err on the side of levered in tight vs. worrying about any tension introduced to the scope. Swing mounts, when properly adjusted, are thought to be more tension-free. Sounds like you are being precise! Steve