Getting your favorite girl that special ring(s) ...

[garandman]

Uuuhhh....no, not marraige... and by "girl" I mean "rifle" .... what's your thoughts on rings for scoped rifles?

Here's the way I've rationized (prolly wrongly)

On the one hand a $3,000 scope and $4,000 rifle kinda deserved a Spuhr quality set of rings.

On the other, even a $4,000 rifle / scope set up on a 22rf - 6mm probably doesn't need that.

I've gotten both steel and aluminum, and never had problems with either. Usually I buy stuff in the $120 -160 range.

Lately, with a 22 rf fettish, I've gotten these... with a built in level:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020969957

What do you recommend / how do you choose scope rings (other than by scope tube size and height) ??

 

[Dud]

Scope tubes are 99% aluminum and aluminum scope rails work just fine too so I don't see a need for steel rings.

When aluminum rings fail, it is usually the cap threads getting pulled out or the bottom of the screw seat pulling out of a top cap.

If you can find rings that have steel thread inserts and the screw seats are not too thin, they should be durable.

Also, look at the hardware that attaches the ring and how recoil energy is handled. I try to avoid tiny screws there and I look for a nice recoil lug.

Finally, ring reaming can solve a lot of minor fit and consistency issues but it's better to get a consistently machined pair that will put the scope centerline on the same plane as your barrel bore.

There are certainly some rings that are better than others but the minimum requirement for reliable use isn't too high.

I try to avoid gimmicks like levels because you are changing your eye's focus when you look at something as close as the rear ring.

 

[garandman]

\

I try to avoid gimmicks like levels because you are changing your eye's focus when you look at something as close as the rear ring.

Good stuff. Thanx.

Far as levels.... I check for level every 5 shots or so. Theoretically, at least, any cant in the rifle will open groups up at distance....the greater distance the more variance.

In 22rf competition (my current fettish) yer shooting both eyes open anyway, watching wind flags with the left eye and sighting with the right eye.

Other than yet another piece of data to consider.... what's the problem with "changing your eye's focus"?

 

[Dud]

I use a level, I just mount it as far down the tube as I can.

I'm approaching middle age and I can tell you my eyes don't like focusing up close any more. You are creating eye strain, moving your head off the scope, etc. It's just not a good place for that.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Uuuhhh....no, not marraige... and by "girl" I mean "rifle" .... what's your thoughts on rings for scoped rifles?

Here's the way I've rationized (prolly wrongly)

On the one hand a $3,000 scope and $4,000 rifle kinda deserved a Spuhr quality set of rings.

On the other, even a $4,000 rifle / scope set up on a 22rf - 6mm probably doesn't need that.

I've gotten both steel and aluminum, and never had problems with either. Usually I buy stuff in the $120 -160 range.

Lately, with a 22 rf fettish, I've gotten these... with a built in level:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020969957

What do you recommend / how do you choose scope rings (other than by scope tube size and height) ??

I like 'em

Spuhr makes two piece ring sets just like that (as well as uni-mounts), but anyone copying Spuhr is a good idea. Dont see the sense in spending money on Spuhr rings or mount for a 22 lr so I would say that was a good choice.

I'm sure the Wheeler rings will be nearly as good with some lapping and bedding.
Very strong design and does not obstruct view of turrets.
My favorite ring cap configuration design of all time

 

[Justin Credible]

I bought whatever cheap 11mm dovetail rings Champions Choice or Champions Shooters had for my Anschutz. To get to 100 yards I had to shim the rear by placing various layers of target paper and soda can shims between the ring and scope body until I got it where I wanted it. I was going to put a more permanent shim in it 10 years ago but never did. It is canted in the rings to match my position, not the the rifles position. It looks bad. It looks ugly. It has also set a couple of national records and won a national championship. It's held up fine on my 6BR shooting 600 yards. It's not worth overthinking these things! Of course if you like the way it looks or it gives you confidence, it is money well spent.

Justin

 

[bluestreakrem]

I'm a big fan of one piece mounts due to their rigidity and inherent alignment between the rings. I can't stand the thought of binding a high dollar scope tube even just a little. That can happen even with the best individual rings. Unfortunatley a one piece won't work for every application. But if I can get one with the correct elevation for the rifle and if it will mount to the rail space available, it will be a one piece mount for me. I like the QD type so I can remove the scope for cleaning, transport or if I want to swap optics between rifles for a particular situation or hunt. QD mounts from American Defense and LaRue have worked great for me and repeat POI. I'm sure the SPUHR mount is awesom but I don't want to drop the cash on it since the cheaper mounts have proven good for me.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I'm a big fan of one piece mounts due to their rigidity and inherent alignment between the rings. I can't stand the thought of binding a high dollar scope tube even just a little. That can happen even with the best individual rings. Unfortunatley a one piece won't work for every application. But if I can get one with the correct elevation for the rifle and if it will mount to the rail space available, it will be a one piece mount for me. I like the QD type so I can remove the scope for cleaning, transport or if I want to swap optics between rifles for a particular situation or hunt. QD mounts from American Defense and LaRue have worked great for me and repeat POI. I'm sure the SPUHR mount is awesom but I don't want to drop the cash on it since the cheaper mounts have proven good for me.

I agree. No 2 piece ring sets will offer perfect ring alignment without lapping. Nor the strength when compared to a one piece.

Spuhr Unimounts are expensive, but they are built like an absolute tank and the ring cap configuration is the best there is for maximizing visibility at all turrets on the scope. The picatinny rail clamping surface of the Spuhr runs the entire length of the mount as well. Even all the screws and heads on the mount are massive. Doesnt get any tougher than a Spuhr

However, I do use a few NightForce Xtreme Duty Magmounts and they also work very well, plus are about half the price of Spuhr. Nightforce one piece ring alignment is just as perfect as the Spuhr, they just aren't as beefy.

You wouldnt think it looking at the Spuhr and NF one piece mounts side by side, but surpisingly enough, the Spuhr only weighs about 1.5 oz. more than the NF Xtreme Duty one piece mounts.

Left to right:
1) Spuhr Unimount 34mm - 8.0 oz.
2) NF Xtreme Duty 34mm - 6.5 oz.
3) NF Xtreme Duty Ultralight 34mm - 6.3 oz.
(compact version, but doesnt save much weight)