Scope ring inserts.

[emilianoksa]

I recently bought a pair of steel scope mounts that came with four very thin black plastic strips, which I assume are inserts.

These are not top of the line mounts, but they weren't cheap and seem serviceable. The brand name is Shilpa, the most popular brand (often the only one) in S.America. I'd never heard of them before I arrived here. There seems to be some Argentinian connection, though where they're made I can only guess.

Is it normal for steel mounts to come with inserts like this? I know the Burris Zee rings have them, but they are far more substantial then these, which look more like photographic negative than anything else.

I assume they're included to stop the mounts from scratching the scope. There were no instructions in the scope package.

Would you use them, or are they more trouble than they're worth?

 

[Maverick223]

Is it normal for steel mounts to come with inserts like this?

I wouldn't say that it is normal, but I have seen some rings, generally freebies of poor quality, that have a thin rubber or plastic film glued to the insides of the rings. They aren't worth a hoot...but they aren't steel either, I would give yours a shot (or two) and see how they hold up. Being made of steel I bet they will be just fine (not to say that you can't mess up steel).

I know the Burris Zee rings have them, but they are far more substantial then these, which look more like photographic negative than anything else.

I like the Burris Zee rings, but the replacement inserts (for cant) are too costly IMO, so I probably would not buy them again. That said, my set has held up well (but are currently on a fairly low recoil rifle, a 6mmRem.).

Would you use them, or are they more trouble than they're worth?

I think you are right, probably just there to prevent you from scratching the scope, and I would probably use them. They might not fully close on the scope without them (though I doubt the tolerances are that tight), but if they begin to slip, I would remove the inserts and try again.

 

[emilianoksa]

Thanks a lot.

 

[Maverick223]

Don't know how much help I really was, but you are very welcome.

 

[brettrow]

I love the burris zee rings and highly recommend them. Not only do they keep the rings from scratching the scope, but their purpose is so you can externally adjust the scope relative to the rifle, and then make slight and final adjustments to the internals of the scope.