Preventing Ring Marks

[Dr.J]

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

 

[danny]

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

Don't use a torque wrench, either.

Danny

 

[snowsnake]

I have had success using painters tape.

 

[demarpaint]

I've used electricians tape many years ago with good results and then made the switch to Burris rings.

 

[SSchnd]

Burris XTR rings, the inserts will not mar a scope tube. Work great. there is another thread on here about these exact rings . Actually if you search Burris rings there is a plethora of threads

 

[STOMP442]

If you don't want ring marks Burris signature rings or the newer XTR like stated above is the only way to go.

 

[Mblmotors]

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

Zeiss also has rings with plastic inserts if you want a little finer rings. Personally I use electrical tape on the inside of my BAT, March or Kelbly rings.
One more very high end way is to have Speedy relieve the rings of causing these marks by lapping and otherwise working on them to perfectly hug the scope so you don't get the marks or crush the tube. Then you will not need inserts or tape.

 

[Rick Richard]

I have never noticed “ring marks” when using quality rings from Nightforce or Hawkins and properly torqued into place.

 

[Mblmotors]

One more quick note. It is worse to under torque the rings on your Creedmoor. I have seen expensive scopes get very ugly marks as the scope moved under force of recoil against your shoulder and dragged itself in the rings.

 

[L.Sherm]

Bed the base then the rings.

 

[6MMsteve]

Put a chamfer on all edges that can touch the scope tube, where the rings split needs a heavy chamfer, that is where you get the most damage the edges compress the tube and cause the ditch a good chamfer will stop the compressed scope tube...most newer rings of quality have chamfer's all around if they don't do it yourself

 

[danny]

Put a chamfer on all edges that can touch the scope tube, where the rings split needs a heavy chamfer, that is where you get the most damage the edges compress the tube and cause the ditch a good chamfer will stop the compressed scope tube...most newer rings of quality have chamfer's all around if they don't do it yourself

I am a big believer of the of the chamfer. As you say, the edges where the ring splits are will be the number one area where you see or find ring marks.. Lapping and/or bedding the rings will eliminate larger deviations that can mark scopes. I know this is going to cause someone to instantly post "I use quality rings, it isn't needed". They are all imperfect to some degree and every person is free to make the choice to use the rings as is and scar their scope. Adding an insulator material, like tape between the scope tube and ring will help. That used to be or is standard with some ring manufacturers. These tings with plastic inserts, well, I won't use them because I don't want to see those things whether they work or not. I will never torque scope rings again and I have lots off torque wrenches. Torquing is meant to stretch screws slightly. Many rings are not substantial enough to resist the clamping force of the specified torque completely, so what will be happening is that you will be getting a torque response from the ring more than the screw. When that happens, the ring is going to start pinching inward at the split and put crimp marks on the tube like was just mentioned in the posting I replied to. What I know is that someone is going to read this comment, then immediately go looking for some rings, a scope and a rifle to mount it on with a torque wrench. Post a comment when you do it.

As an aside, one thing that irks me (one of many things) is most people selling used scopes. They pull the scope off, leave the rongs on and take the pictures just like that. What's under the rings???? I'm just not going to buy a used scope unless the rings are pulled off for the listing image.

Danny

 

[JEFFPPC]

Lap and don't use an torque wrench. Danny, don't come near my scopes or I'm going to find a big stick. Lol. We are a diverse group for sure.

 

[CRP003]

Use American rifle company rings and marks are gone

 

[danny]

Use American rifle company rings and marks are gone

I've never heard of them.

Danny

 

[std7mag]

I'm with @Rick Richard.

Quality rings properly torqued have left zero marks on any of the scopes that I have switched around on some of my rifles.

I've been using EGW and Vortex Viper rings for the most part.

 

[wkdickinson]

I’ve used Warne rings on at least a dozen rifles and have never had a ring mark.

 

[Shooter13]

I have never noticed “ring marks” when using quality rings from Nightforce or Hawkins and properly torqued into place.

**** This! Do torque your rings equally. Also, if you get "ring marks" do me a favor, use a little WD40 on a rag wipe several times then dry, do you still have ring marks? Probably not unless they weren't torqued properly or left loose and scooted back and forth. Find one of your scopes with "ring marks and use the WD40 and let me know what you find.
EDIT: I do use Area419 rings, also Harrells, NF and others with no problems.

 

[Liven The Dream]

I’ve used Warne rings on at least a dozen rifles and have never had a ring mark.

Me also..........

 

[hoz53]

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

i use the burris rings sig zee with the plastic inserts.. never had a scope move in them or get ring marks on them. and ive mounted some good size scopes in them.