Preventing Ring Marks

[ELR LVR]

I recently purchased a Winchester/Miroku in 6,5 creedmoor with a Talley base and rings (vertical split rings) to mount a Leupold 6.5-20x scope. What is the best way to prevent ring marks? I’ve heard everything from Elmer’s rubber cement, painters tape, scotch tape, etc. I understand that Burris ring’s are another option, but Talley rings have an excellent reputation. Thanks, Tom

binder paper/typing paper

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

Nobody uses a section of a finger cut from a nitrile glove?

I usually lap, and/or bed. No ring marks.

If it doesn't warrant bedding, I will use something like nitrile from a glove.

Zee rings are awesome.

 

[Dave Way]

 

[Bill Norris]

Main key to focus on is to use good quality rings for starters. Check all the edges of the ring openings for burrs and remove. After this loosely mount the ring bottoms on the rail. Trial lay the scope in the ring bottoms and feel for the rings biting the scope tube. If all clear slightly snug up ring to base screws and re-check for bite. At this point if there is bite on the tube you will most likely get ring marks on the tube if caps are installed and tightened. Go back and keep removing rough or sharp edges from the scope rings (bottom and top sections) til all is clear. Once clear, position scope in the rings at desired location and tighten screws per ring/scope specs. (this is different from one to another) Once this is done then go back and check the ring to base screws for spec/desired tightness.

 

[ELR LVR]

Main key to focus on is to use good quality rings for starters. Check all the edges of the ring openings for burrs and remove. After this loosely mount the ring bottoms on the rail. Trial lay the scope in the ring bottoms and feel for the rings biting the scope tube. If all clear slightly snug up ring to base screws and re-check for bite. At this point if there is bite on the tube you will most likely get ring marks on the tube if caps are installed and tightened. Go back and keep removing rough or sharp edges from the scope rings (bottom and top sections) til all is clear. Once clear, position scope in the rings at desired location and tighten screws per ring/scope specs. (this is different from one to another) Once this is done then go back and check the ring to base screws for spec/desired tightness.

Quality rings, after I started doing that, I have not needed to lap/bed and have not seen ring marks
a $3000 or higher scope deserves quality $200 or higher rings
(just in case people cringe at that price, that's your justification)
I would hazard a guess many ring marks are from over torquing also, which can also affect the scopes function in a detrimental manner internally

 

[Bill Norris]

Quality rings, after I started doing that, I have not needed to lap/bed and have not seen ring marks
a $3000 or higher scope deserves quality $200 or higher rings
(just in case people cringe at that price, that's your justification)
I would hazard a guess many ring marks are from over torquing also, which can also affect the scopes function in a detrimental manner internally

Agree 100 %

 

[L.Sherm]

The best rings in the world doesn't solve the mounting to the action being out.
Depending on application ill spend an hour and save myself 100.00.

 

[std7mag]

Quality rings, after I started doing that, I have not needed to lap/bed and have not seen ring marks
a $3000 or higher scope deserves quality $200 or higher rings
(just in case people cringe at that price, that's your justification)
I would hazard a guess many ring marks are from over torquing also, which can also affect the scopes function in a detrimental manner internally

Alas, my budget just can't wrap it's head around $200 for a set of rings.
Much less $3,000 for a scope!!

If you have it, by all means, more power to you!

Those of us without those means luckily can still find quality gear that works for us at a lesser price point.