Weaver Strap style scope rings? Are they hard on a scope?

[slowr1der]

I had a friend tell me that he didn't like the Weaver strap style rings because they were extremely hard on scopes. I never thought much of it because in all honesty I hate them too. However, I need some rings to mount a scope in and I have a set of these in a box that I took off of an old gun. Now that I'm needing a set of rings, I'm thinking of mounting these. The reason I didn't like them was that it's hard to get the crosshairs aligned since the scope tends to turn when you tighten them down, but I'm thinking this is better than spending $35 on a set of scope rings for a gun that doesn't see much use. Only a few times a year. This made me wonder though, are these hard on the scope? I don't want to ruin a $300 scope by running these things? Or is my friend full of it?

 

[jdh]

Only if you over tighten them.

 

[DM~]

They are my "prefered" rings to use. Why? Because thay are VERY strong and still light weight. Like was said, they just need to be installed "properly"!

DM

 

[slowr1der]

I remembered these rings being a pain to use, but I forgot just how bad they were. It literally took me an hour today to mount this scope. It would either pull the scope too much when tightening them down so that the crosshairs would be too far to the side the screws were on, or I'd set the scope too far over, and it wouldn't pull it far enough. I finally got it right after trying for an hour. At least I got it though, I hope I never have to remove these things. Do these leave horrible ring marks in most cases? I'm thinking they may, but I don't know. I almost went out and bought another set of the Burris Signature Zee rings that I normally use as this is a nice scope, but I really don't have any extra $35 to spend on rings if I didn't have to so I decided to use these for free since I had them laying around.

Overall, it wasn't too bad installing them just took some time to remember how to properly install these things. So since I keep hearing they are very strong, I hope they will hold up a well for years to come.

 

[helotaxi]

There are too many quality rings that are inexpensive to bother with them. They're a pain to install and getting it wrong has a high chance of ruining the scope. Perfect example of trying to save a few $ potentially costing you much more $$$.

 

[shinz]

I've used a few of them & have never had any hassles. I set the scope a few degress offset so that when I tighten them they come up straight, it took a bit of fiddling the first time but was easy after that. One thing is, if the scope isn't stringht after tightening, stop & loosen them off again & adjust the scope angle before retightening. Don't be tempted to try & get the final adjustment in angle by over tightening the ring screws, that can damage the scope. In my experience they hang on well enough not to need excessive tightening. They may not be the prettiest scope rings about but pretty is as pretty does & they are strong & reliable. That'll do for me.
Steve.

 

[Breakmyfootoff]

If you just tighten them in a random criss cross pattern 1/2 turn at a time on each screw, the scope wont turn while you're tightening it. Just like the tightening sequence for wheel lugs, head bolts, or anything else that needs even clamping force.

 

[jmr40]

They are as good as any other mounts and much less expensive. Not the best looking and not my 1st choice, but they only mess up the scope if the person installing them does not have a clue. That would give the same results with any scope mount system.

 

[rcmodel]

Must not be too hard on a scope.

I have had the same scope & Weaver rings on a 30-06 Springfield Sporter since I built it in 1962.

rc

 

[dewalt-2]

I have used/still use them. My secret to success in leveling is do one ring, then the cross tightening.

 

[BrocLuno]

The thing is they are steel and they were invented at a time when a lot of scope tubes were too. Put them on an aluminum scope tube and get a bit crazy tightening them and you can distort the scope real easy. They also have the issue of "snapping" them over the tube in the first place which will likely cause a ring mark? If you know where the scope will need to be for correct sight picture and cheek weld and you can install them there the first time - you are good to go. If you have to fiddle with them over and over, you could end up with a scratched scope tube.

Saying all that, they are still hell for strong and usually they don't let go for hell or high water. They've been plenty good enough for 50 years and they should for another 50. If you have a few extra dollars, I really like the Weaver 4x4 double strap rings. They are even better at gripping the tube and they are kinder on aluminum tubes