Scope ring mounting orientation

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3Crows

3Crows

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Perhaps there is no rule or rule of thumb but I was always told to mount rings such that the screw heads or hardware and/or the movable side (clamping side) was to the off side of the rifle. Is this the convention?

The reason I ask is I just bought a rifle with a factory installed optic and it has the screws/hardware and clamping side to the bolt side which to me is backwards?
 
I've always done mine with the screw head on the right side (which is the bolt side since I'm right handed). No particular reason why just the way I've always done it. I don't think I've ever heard of a particular reason you should do one or the other. However, most cantilever QD mounts come with them on the right side so there is that.
 
The orientation doesn’t matter IMO. I always install with the screw heads on the bolt side. I also have no idea why I do it that way.
 
I've never heard of a convention until now. In my early years I used to be partial to the Redfield style dovetail mounts which have a screw on both sides. Nowadays my gun vice is oriented so that the left side is facing me as I stand at the bench. So that is the side where the screws go.
 
I was not sure if there was a convention or right or not. Seems it is a preference decision. I put the quick release type mounts (Warne for example) such that the levers are to the off side to keep the bolt/action as clean as possible. Same with any mount that has protruding hardware goes to the offside or the movable clamp piece to the offside. I do not think it really matters, I was just asking to satisfy my curiosity, I am kind of OCD.
 
Generally you’ll want and you’ll see bolt heads and levers on the off-side, away from the port. More clearance for the port, sleeker appeal on the “show side,” and in the case of QD’s, holding the firearm with the firing hand, the support hand is free for removing the optic.
 
I tend to position the screw heads on the bolt side if that is an option, just because I tend to put the visual "clutter" on the same side of the gun. If I were using QD rings with levers instead of screws, I'd put them on the off side.

On some guns where the dovetail-mount rings have a dog that engages in a slot on the receiver to prevent movement due to recoil, the rings have to be oriented with the screw heads on the off side. I suppose that indicates that some manufacturers, at least, prefer them on the off side. For example, the CZ 527 and 550s are this way.

The 2nd gun below is a 527 with Leupold rings that can be positioned in either orientation. I have the screw heads on the bolt side.

The 3rd gun below is also a 527, but with CZ rings that require the screws-to-the-left orientation due to dog on the rings.

The 550 at the bottom of the photo also has CZ rings with the recoil dog requiring the orientation with the screws on the off side.

DlndMKE.jpg
 
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I always put them on the side opposite the bolt opening for the reasons Varminterror mentioned. Just looks cleaner in my opinion. No right or wrong way to do it, though I will say. Most rifle /scope combos I've bought have them on the bolt side, which I always change.

This is an interesting thread though. I've never thought about whether other people do it differently or why.
 
CptnAwesome said:
I always put them on the side opposite the bolt opening for the reasons Varminterror mentioned. Just looks cleaner in my opinion. No right or wrong way to do it, though I will say. Most rifle /scope combos I've bought have them on the bolt side, which I always change.

This is an interesting thread though. I've never thought about whether other people do it differently or why.
Click to expand...

Well, that is what got me thinking to ask if there was a convention even if often ignored or done differently. I bought a new Axis II XP with the scope factory premounted. Surprisingly it was torqued up and the ring bases were locked with blue thread locker. But, the movable clamp side and large, protruding nut were on the action side and my OCD could not get over it. I finally just had to remove the scope and while I had it off I installed a single piece Weaver rail and then of course flipped the mounts so the clamps and nuts were on the off side of the rifle (opposite the action).

I am coming to think there is not a right or wrong but there are decided preferences and it seems many do prefer to put the ugly stuff to the off side of the action.

Thanks gents. Oh, I like that welded job, he must have owned my Jeep before I got it, looks like some of his work. That is top hat stuff there!
 
I just fooled myself and bought the a set of Talley rings for my new Kimber 6.5 CM. These are pretty cool because they require no bases. And therefore they have no screws or bolts or other stuff exposed to either side. And they are super light and precise. Since the little rifle is very light and sleek, almost dainty feeling, I wanted to add as little weight as possible and keep the clean minimal look and the Talley rings were perfect.
 
Im right handed and carry in right hand at mid/balance point.

So ring screws have the heads on the right side.

Less to catch on clothing.

Not that if they did catch, itd be a big deal.
Minor annoyance at best.

But older and more cranky, yeah, right side
 
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