Scope Rings and the price range.

why.kyle · Nov 22, 2012

Can someone help me understand scope rings and how some are so cheap and some so expensive?
I have no problem buying quality first (buy once cry once) But I dont understand where the point of diminishing returns is. Ive seen how crappy 10buck scope rings can be.. but what about $40 vs $100 rings?

Haxby · Nov 22, 2012

For a hunting rifle, you can get
Talley Lightweights or
DNZ Gamereaper or
Warne Maximas or
Leupold Dual Dovetails
for $60 or less.

I don't know how a more expensive mounting system could do a better job of holding a scope in place.

helotaxi · Nov 22, 2012

I have a set of $100+ rings (that I got free) and and two different sets of $50 rings on 3 different target rifles. I see no difference on the targets and have continued to buy the less expensive rings.

Jaxondog · Nov 25, 2012

They must have picture's of Zombies on them

helotaxi · Nov 25, 2012

Nope, they have "tactical" or "precision" in the name.

why.kyle · Nov 25, 2012

Ive read that 4 screw rings vs 2 screw rings (that is screws per ring) are superior. Is this just another sales gimmick?

Haxby · Nov 25, 2012

The number of screws, by itself, don't mean a thing.
You can get good rings with 2, 4, or 6 screws. Maybe more.
You can get crappy rings with 2, 4, or 6 screws.

taliv · Nov 25, 2012

some rings are made better than others. the quality is generally found in how precisely concentric the rings are and in simple things like the type of screws.

for something like deer hunting, or blasting at the range, the only real challenge is that the rings hold the scope in place without letting it move.
for long range shooting where you twist the knobs a lot, it's also important for the rings to apply even pressure to the scope tube. otherwise, if the tube is distorted, the fine gear mechanism can bind and wear. some people recommend buying cheap rings and lapping them. others say you have to lap even expensive rings. i wouldn't do either.

i have had great luck with talley and seekins rings. my badger rings are ok so far but i only have 1000 rnds or so with them. i have had some leupold rings slip. i really dislike the style that is just a piece of sheet metal bent around the tube and screwed to the base. i also have a $500 spuhr mount which has some interesting features but i wouldn't buy another one or recommend it.

WardenWolf · Nov 26, 2012

Don't forget Leapers / UTG. Their rail hardware is always heavily overbuilt, their rings included, and always highly-rated. They'll do the job just as well as $80 rings, for under $20. I've got a set on my desk right now, waiting to install on my friend's rifle.

I put Warne rings on my Mauser. They're also a very good value, though more difficult to install because you have to attach the rings to the scope at the same time you're attaching them to the rail. Ultimately, though, it makes for a much more robust retention system.

helotaxi · Nov 27, 2012

WardenWolf said:
Don't forget Leapers / UTG. Their rail hardware is always heavily overbuilt, their rings included, and always highly-rated. They'll do the job just as well as $80 rings, for under $20. I've got a set on my desk right now, waiting to install on my friend's rifle.

On your desk as a paperweight is probably the best place for a UTG part. I'm not a gear snob by any means but I won't put that junk on anything more than the airsoft guns that they're made for. You certainly don't have to spend a lot for good scope rings but I do draw the line at "big boy" gun and optics companies.

cbmax · Nov 27, 2012

Here it is in a nutshell. Good rings are very concentric out of the box and will hold your scope with no slippage! Talley, Warne, Leupold, Badger should all suit your needs depending on your specific application. Are you benchrest shooting or are you just looking for a good set of rings for hunting? What scope are you using? Will you be re-zeroing your scope in the field or will it be set it and forget it? If the rings are just for hunting and you will not subject the rifle to very hard use or constant re-zeroing, something of known quality in a the mid price range should do fine!

CB

Scope Rings and the price range.

why.kyle

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Haxby

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helotaxi

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helotaxi

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why.kyle

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WardenWolf

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helotaxi

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cbmax

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