Today I’m going to show you the best scope rings.
In fact:
I’ve hand-tested over 15 scope rings alone for this review.
The best part?
I’ve sorted the scope rings by use. So whether you’re on a budget or need the best AR scope mounts, you’ll find it here.
Let’s dive in!
Different Types of Scope Mounts
Looking for a scope mount but not sure what kind to get or how to install it?
I’ll help you decide, and give you the instruction necessary to mount your scope.
Weaver vs Picatinny vs Dovetail Mounts
We see these names all the time in the gun world, but what the heck do they mean?
Being a shooting enthusiast for years, I never gave much thought to the matter. I could install most of my rings on any of them interchangeably, and didn’t worry much about it, until I tried to install a spec Picatinny mount on a Weaver rail.
Here’s a basic breakdown without getting too complicated.
Dovetail Mounts
First, the dovetail mount.
This is by far the simplest type of mount, and you may come across it with rimfires more than other weapons.
In short:
Two grooves are milled into the frame or receiver of the weapon, and your scope mounts attach directly to this.
There are no grooves or indents to allow space for the tightening bolt to fit over. Luckily, most of the time the dovetails are cut in such a way that they shouldn’t really interfere, but this is also where they slip up, literally.
Heavy recoil can cause your rings to slide a bit forward along the dovetail, inching their way toward the end of it.
The little grooves cut into modern rails are there to prevent this.
Weaver and Picatinny Mounts
Weaver mounts and Picatinny rails look very similar.
They both have a flat top with slots cut across it and the edges are wider than the top and bottom, giving your mount something to bite into.
The biggest difference here is tolerance.
Weaver bases don’t follow a standardized format, and there are generally fewer slots cut into a rail of the same length. The slots also tend to be narrower than Picatinny slots.
What this means is that the bolt from a Picatinny base may not always fit into a Weaver style base, and Weaver rings won’t fill the slot on a Picatinny rail. You also have less choice in where to mount your optics due to less slots available.
In short, get Picatinny rails. But sometimes you can get away with using them interchangeably.
If you do put Weaver style mounts on a Picatinny rail, make sure they are as far forward in the slot as they will go when you tighten them down, so they don’t creep forward as we discussed with the dovetail mounts.
Specialty Mounts
Some mounts are just odd.
There are a few manufacturers out there who have created their own mounting systems that match special attachments for scopes. While the rings themselves are usually a standard size, the mounting system is anything but.
A classic example is the Leupold Dovetail mount.
These attachments are not based on any kind of rail system, but a fixed pivot that cannot ever slide. If you don’t intend to use any kind of quick release mount, these can be a great touch, and they are usually machined to fit certain rifles.
The downside is that they might not fit all scopes, and you may have to buy rings with a built-in offset, known as cantilever rings. You’ll also want a special wrench to mount these rings.
Speaking of mounting, if you want to remove your AR-15 front sight, read my guide on that.
Other base designs abound, but none are more popular than the almost universal Picatinny rail system. Some guns require a specialty mounting platform because the rifle doesn’t conform to a shape that easily accepts a scope rail, like SKS mounting systems.
Different Types of Attachments
Rings are what typically connects the scope to the mounting base, and there are many ways to do this.
Since nearly every gun has a different mounting setup, and every scope has its own dimensions, there are several varieties that solve different problems that might come up when trying to mount a scope to a rifle.
Dovetail Rings
If your weapon already has integral slots cut in it, then you can sometimes get away without installing a mounting base at all, and just buy rings that fit your dovetail grooves.
Generally, the grooves will be spaced either 9mm or 11mm apart, and it’s important to get the right rings, or a more flexible ring mount that fits both.
While you’ll save some money on rings and the lack of a new mounting base, this is not always the best option. On high power rifles the rings can move under recoil, and that’s a never a good thing. Even if there are locking tabs, these can break under even the modest kick of a .308.
On the other hand, if you are scoping a rimfire or a pellet gun, sometimes a set of dovetail rings is the perfect option. Easy, cheap, and effective.
Picatinny and Weaver Rings
Mostly, these are interchangeable, but there are always exceptions.
One absolute rule on this is not to try and mount Picatinny rings or other attachments onto a Weaver style rail if there are multiple screws in the same plate. The grooves in Picatinny rails are standardized, not so with Weaver bases.
Other than that, you can try, but in this case it’s best to get Weaver rings as they will always fit Picatinny rails.
Picatinny is the new gold standard when it comes to rings, so if you are installing a rail for the first time, go with what everyone is using, and you won’t be disappointed. After the military adopted this style for their M4 rifle rings, the rest of the world soon started using them.
Red Dot Attachments
One thing I love about red dots is that they come with their own mounting system, so you don’t generally need to go shopping for a mounting plate.
However, if you are putting a red dot on a pistol, there may be some other work involved.
Mounting plates can be installed on rails, in the dovetail that holds the rear sight on the pistol, or mated to a custom mount machined directly into the slide.
On a rifle, the standard again is that they attach to picatinny rails, though they do exist for other mounting styles. You can get air-rifle and rimfire red dots that will mount to your rifle’s dovetail.
Ring Height
Attachments give a lot of things to consider. There are different styles, but one of the most important considerations is the height.
The height is measured from the top of the scope base to the center of the ring. One reason this is so important is because scopes typically have a very large objective lens on the front, and you want rings that are tall enough to accommodate it.
The last thing you want is to finish installing the mount and rings, and then not be able to get the scope in because it’s touching the barrel.
As a general rule of thumb, the rings should be at least half as tall as your scope’s objective diameter. This is the last number on the scope description.
For instance a 1-3×40 would have a 40mm and require at a minimum 20mm tall rings. Much of this depends also on the rifle design and the thickness of the scope body.
There is an advantage, of course, to keeping your scope as low to the bore as possible. When you zero the rifle, the drop calculations will be affected with different scope heights. Close to the bore means that there will be less elevation change in the bullet at shorter ranges, or flatter shooting.
Ring Size
Another important consideration is the size of the scope rings.
Generally speaking, there are two that most scope bodies use:
One inch, and 30mm.
Many brands make both, so until you know what the scope tube size is, it’s best to hold off on buying rings.
While the solution is simple, I mention this here because too often it happens that shooters will buy expensive rings, only to find out that they aren’t the right size for the scope they want.
Murphy’s Law in full effect.
Specialty Rings
If you are going to be using a special mounting base, then you need to get rings that match it.
Leupold Dovetails are the most common outlier, but be sure that you are getting rings specifically made for any non-rail systems.
There are also a number of standard style rings that have different mounting designs.
Cantilevered rings are the most common. These include one ring and generally attach to the base with one bolt (sometimes two), but they are offset from their mount point.
If you have a short rail or limited mounting points, cantilevering can give you more options for scope fit and placement, by changing the distance between your rings or shifting the scope position forward or back.
There are also dual-ring attachments that contain two rings on the same base mount. One attachment, and you have everything you need to attach your scope.
The options go on and on, including integrated bubble levels, or even extra bits of rail mounted to the sides or tops of the rings themselves so that you can add other devices to the same mount point right beside your scope. One use of this might be a night vision scope with a separate IR source mounted to the side.
Quick Detach Attachments
And how could I talk about attachments without mentioning quick disconnects. These attachments have a lever at the bottom instead of a screw or bolt to lock them to the rail.
If you want to remove the scope after installing it on a Picatinny rail, you simply flick the levers and pull it off. How cool is that?
This option is so popular that it is quickly becoming a standard all its own.
The 8 Best Scope Rings
If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best scope rings:
- Aero Precision: Best Scope Mount for AR-15
- Vortex Optics Pro Series Riflescope Rings: Best 30mm Scope Rings
- Leupold Rifleman: Best for the Money
- Talley Lightweight: Best 1 Inch
- Warne 1” Matte PA Rings: Best Rings For Heavy Recoil
- Warne Quick Detach: Best Quick Release Mount
- Burris XTR Rings: Best for Picatinny Rail
- Seekins Precision: Best Scope Rings for Long Range Shooting
1. Aero Precision: Best Scope Mount for AR-15
The Aero Precision is the best scope mount you can get for the AR-15.
It’s not only great for high-end optics, but it’s also the lightest mount on the market.
But that’s not all. Here’s why I have the Aero Precision mounted on my AR-15 to this day…
Durability
The Aero Precision mount’s lean design does not define its strength.
In fact, a bulky mount doesn’t always mean a sturdy build.
It’s constructed of extruded aluminum with a hard-coat, black matte finish.
Plus, the edges are rounded and smoothed that compliments its design.
Which makes it a lean, mean mounting machine.
Eye Relief
The eye relief will mostly depend on your specifications when mounting it to your AR-15 scope.
But this mount also works for a variety of different heights and length for your eyes.
In fact, the only issue with the eye relief was with the installation of the mount itself.
When trying to adjust for eye relief, the included mount rings were not securely holding my scope in place.
Which means you should probably switch the rings out for something more reliable.
I highly recommend these 30mm LaRue rings to hold your scope in place while adjusting it for eye relief on this mount.
Installation
Now here’s the tricky part.
When it came to installing the scope mount, there were some issues.
Due to the integral ring’s pinch bolt style, this can cause the scope to rotate as you use a Torx tool to screw it on.
Which means the reticle can become unleveled. So torquing the mount became trial and error.
But one solution is to use a stack of gauge blocks to get a snug grip between the bottom of the scope and the mount.
And then torque the rings to keep the mount in place for a level scope.
If one thing could be improved on this mount, it would definitely be the installation.
But it’s up to everyone’s individual specifications to decide how tricky it is to properly install this mount.
So keep it in mind, but the other great qualities of this mount remain unmatched.
Who’s the Aero Precision for?
The Aero Precision scope mount is a great option if you’re looking for a lightweight and sturdy mount for your scope.
Plus, it’s a high-quality mount that’s also affordable for most budgets.
So whether you’re into hunting or target shooting at the range, the Aero Precision is a versatile mount any AR-15 scope.
2. Vortex Optics Pro Series Riflescope Rings: Best 30mm Scope Rings
I’m a big fan of using rings to mount my scopes, especially on tactical rifles.
They’re time-tested, rugged, and ultra-reliable.
When you first start using them, they take some getting used to.
If you can put your first pair of rings onto your rifle the first time perfectly, I applaud you.
After you get the hang of it though, you’ll never go back to one piece mounts again.
Vortex is one of the best gun accessory makers in the business.
They offer incredible quality, precision, and durability for a comparatively low price.
Plus their warranty is unbeatable.
So when they came out with their Pro Series Rings, I had to give them a shot.
Their extra high 30mm rifle rings are now my hands down favorite type of mount.
In my opinion, they’re basically one of the best AR scope mounts you’ll find.
Keep reading and I’ll tell you why you need to give the Vortex Optics Pro 30mm Rings a shot.
Durability
Vortex is a company known for putting out high quality and insanely durable products.
Their Pro Series rings are no exception to that claim.
Made from T6 aluminum, these things are solid.
They’re thick and attach securely to your rail or rifle with 4 T-25 Torx screws per ring.
Once these rings are on, they stay on.
They’re not going to get bent, or twisted, or knocked out of place no matter what you do to them.
It’s their job to stay put and keep your zero and that is exactly what they do.
In addition, they’re coated with an anodized finish that offers a ton of weather protection.
The best part is that even though each ring is made of a solid chunk of nearly indestructible metal, they’re still super lightweight.
That means you won’t have to worry about compensating for the weight of them like I’ve had to with some one-piece mounts.
I put these on my scout rifle and after over 500 rounds, my zero is still in place.
I’ve marched this setup through the brush, up and down hills, across streams, and climbed trees with it.
They’ve been banged against rocks, scraped through weeds and bushes, and submerged in water.
The rings have never budged so much as a centimeter.
I’m by no means gentle on my equipment and I couldn’t put a dent in them.
To me, that speaks for itself.
Eye Relief
Vortex offers low, medium, high, and extra-high rings to fit any standard 30mm scope.
That means depending on your scope and rifle, you can customize your eye relief for the perfect fit.
My advice is to generally get a bit higher than you think you’re going to need.
It’s a lot easier to lift your eye up a bit than it is to mash your cheek onto your rifle to see through your optic.
Plus, if you pick rings that are too short for your scope, you might have to mount them farther back, compromising your eye relief.
If you haven’t picked out a scope for your scout rifle yet, check out these muzzleloader scopes.
Installation
If you’ve never mounted a scope before, check out this page for mounting basics.
Although rings require a little more precision to mount than one-piece mounts do, they’re still fairly easy.
This is a great video from Vortex Optics showing you how to tighten their rings.
One of the best things about these rings is that they have the torque specifications engraved directly onto the rings.
So even if you take them off and switch them to another rifle, you’ll always know exactly how tight to tighten them.
They’ll easily attach to any Picatinny rail or Weaver mount you have as well.
Thanks to the torque specifications and everything that you need to mount the rings included, it took me less than 20 minutes to get them on and tightened.
They’re extremely user-friendly, and you shouldn’t be intimidated.
If you have any issues make sure to take advantage of Vortex’s great customer service.
Who’s the Vortex Optics Pro Series Riflescope Rings For?
If you’re looking for unbeatable quality and durability, then these are the ring mounts for you.
They’re perfect for long-range rifles, scout rifles, and thanks to their incredible durability they even work on air rifles.
If you’re in the market for a new air rifle scope, check out these scopes.
Plus, because they come in so many different heights, they’re perfect for larger scopes.
These rings are also an excellent choice for rifles with high recoil because they just don’t budge.
To review:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Anodized finish
- Made in the USA
- Made from T6 aluminum
- Torque setting engraved on rings
- Comes in a variety of models to fit your needs
Plus they’re covered by Vortex’s Lifetime VIP warranty.
No matter what happens to your rings, who you give them to, or when it happens, Vortex has you covered.
They’ll replace or repair them free of charge.
It doesn’t matter if it’s been a week or eighty years, when they say lifetime, they mean it.
If you haven’t made the switch to ring mounts for your rifles yet, I urge you to take a look at the Vortex Optics Pro Series yourself.
Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
3. Leupold Rifleman: Best for the Money
Every shooter knows that Leupold is a reputable brand that manufactures products with excellent workmanship.
This household name is well known to design high-quality yet affordable scopes, including a line of mounts called “rifleman rings.” For less than $25, the scope rings have more than 3,000 reviews all over the internet.
The good news: You don’t need to read through thousands, just this one.
Interested? Let’s dive in…
Durability
The Leupold Rifleman rings are sturdy and reliable.
The workmanship is excellent, the fit clean, the pieces arrived without marks or scratches.
Take note:
The rings are not made of steel.
Although they’re precision-machined from aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and lighter weight, it can still create challenges.
Read the directions before mounting. Do not overtighten the scope rings on the optic. If they loosen up, use a thread-locker to prevent the scope from moving when in use.
Design and Fit
The Leupold Rifleman rings are designed for a 1-inch tube scope, and the base will fit any Weaver/Picatinny rail.
Don’t forget:
Proper ring height is needed for clearance of the scope objective from the barrel.
The Rifleman rings come in different heights. I recommend high rings for 50mm objective lenses, medium rings for 40mm, and low rings for 32mm or less.
Once fitted into my AR-15 rifle’s grooves, the mounting screws disappeared, providing the maximum unobstructed viewing area beneath the scope.
Speaking of mounting…
Installation and Eye Relief
Proper installation is crucial.
The box comes with a hex key, set screws, and a straightforward guide.
In fact:
I have a Leupold VX-6HD LPVO mounted on my Benelli semi-auto .300 win mag using the Rifleman Rings.
It took me less than 10 minutes to set up.
The Rifleman Rings also allow any optic to be mounted forward far enough for proper eye relief.
The scope held zero after 250 rounds and never budged.
Final Verdict: Who’s the Leupold Rifleman Rings for?
Are they the best in the market? Most likely not.
But do they work? Absolutely!
You can spend $100 on Leupold’s better rings, but for $20, I’d say the Rifleman Rings are pretty decent.
Here’s why…
- Holds zero
- Budget-friendly
- Quick Installation
- Reliable construction
Plus, the rings come with Leupold’s lifetime warranty. You can get them replaced if they arrive at your door with defects.
All in all, Leupold Rifleman Scope Rings are trustworthy and quality scope mounts that won’t disappoint or break your bank.
If you’re on the search for the best AR scope mounts, check out my latest review!
4. Talley Lightweight: Best 1 Inch
Do you hunt dangerous game in unforgiving territory? Do you need a scope mounting system that can take a serious beating and hold zero?
If you want a bombproof mounting system, you should seriously consider the Talley Lightweight mounting system.
Durability
If you’ve been around firearms for a while, you’ll notice that the most tried and true way to mount a scope to a rifle is a two-piece mounting system. A set of rings that wrap around the scope. Then those rings attach to a base that is screwed into the rifle’s receiver.
The base and rings are separate pieces. Sometimes that joint where the base and rings come together can be a weak spot.
The joint can be shaken loose with recoil. Or I can damage that connection when I knock my scope scrambling up a rocky hillside searching for a better shot or cover.
Talley has eliminated that weak spot.
Their rings are machined directly to their base meaning this system screws right into my receiver. There’s no joint between the bottom ring and the attached base because it is all one solid piece of 7000 alloy.
This gives me more rigidity and greater stability than any other mounting system out there. My scope will hold zero only as well as its mountings. If the mountings shake loose with recoil, then I’ll have to resight my rifle.
Not so with a Talley Lightweight.
Because this mounting system is perfectly machined as a single piece, I can beat the ever-living-daylights out of my rifle and scope and those mounts will hold steady.
Even better, the rings are coated with Cerakote and will be resistant to scuffs, scrapes, and rust. This system will not only hold your scope steady-but it will look good doing it.
The Talley Lightweight is easily the best AR scope mounts you can find.
But, if mounting without a rail isn’t your thing, then these other mounting options might be more useful to you.
Eye Relief
While Talley recommends that the rings are best mounted directionally-I found that by turning them around I can better adjust the distance between my eye and my eyepiece to get the best eye relief distance for my optic.
Installation
The Talley Lightweight rings will install a little different than you may be used to. It doesn’t matter if you have a weaver or a picatinny mount on your rifle-you won’t be using it.
If you have a rail you will need to remove it.
These rings mount directly into your receiver. If you don’t have any holes to accept the mounting, you’ll need to have your receiver professionally drilled and tapped.
After I got my gun back from my gunsmith, screwing in the bottom portion of the mounting system-the base, if you will-was simple.
I didn’t want these screws to loosen over time, so I locked them down with Locktite Blue 242. I didn’t need much.
Once I attached the bases, I could set in my scope then the top rings. I used a level set to keep everything lined up
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and a torque wrench to make sure I didn’t over tighten.
Please note that while the alloy that these rings are made from is fantastically sturdy-you will strip the screws if you tighten them as much as you can. Do not over-tighten the screws! You’ll want to torque them between 17in/lbs to 20 in/lbs.
Who’s the Talley Lightweight for?
The Talley Lightweight rifle scope rings are for anyone who wants an extra-durable mounting setup. Don’t let their light 4 oz weight fool you. These rings are built tough and can withstand any abuse you can give them.
To recap Talley Lightweight’s top features:
- Easy to install
- Cerakote finish
- Single piece system
- Weigh in at only 4 oz
If you like these mounts, but still need a scope, check these durable optics out.
5. Warne 1” Matte PA Rings: Best Rings For Heavy Recoil
Warne is a company that I think deserves more attention.
Their products are incredibly durable, strong, and reliable.
They make some of the best permanent riflescope mounts that I’ve ever used.
Plus, their products are made entirely in the USA.
That being said, let me introduce you to the Warne 1” Matte PA rings.
They’re an insanely good value for the price, and you’d be hard-pressed to find scope rings of a higher quality.
Warne rings are rock solid, and once you’ve got them tightened down, they’re not going anywhere.
Neither is your zero.
Keep reading and I’ll tell you all you need to know about the Warne 1” rings.
Durability
It’s not often that I’m able to find a mount or set of rings that can really handle the kick of a heavy recoil rifle.
Standard mounts are fine for those fancy high-tech scopes because you’re usually not using them on anything with a kick.
Put one on a .17HMR and you’re in business.
Put one on a Ruger and there’s a good chance your rings and your scope are dust.
That’s where the Warne 1” rings come in.
These rings are ultra-durable.
They’re made of stainless steel and have been proven to be the strongest rings on the market.
In addition, they’re equipped with a no-slip positive recoil surface.
That means they’re built to withstand even the heaviest recoil.
It works by evenly distributing the force of the recoil across the entire setup.
That way no one part is bearing the brunt of the force, so it’s a lot easier on your equipment.
I’ve used these rings on shotguns, scout scopes, and ARs, and the rings have never budged.
This kind of quality and durability is insane for the low cost.
If you’re looking to go big game hunting, these are the rings you need.
If you just want to make sure nothing budges during your deer hunt, these are the rings you want.
Basically, these are fantastic all-around rings for whatever purpose you need.
Eye Relief
Your eye relief is really going to depend on your scope.
The great thing about using rings rather than one-piece mounts is that you have more control over where you place them.
Since they’re more versatile, you can adjust them for your perfect eye relief.
I’m personally a big fan of long eye relief scopes.
I like the wiggle room they offer and the ability to adjust my eye for the shot.
If that sounds like you, then these rings are perfect.
They work great with these long eye relief scopes.
Installation
I recommend buying the Warne Base to help mount your rings.
It makes it easier to mount than a Weaver or Picatinny rail, and since it’s Warne they were made for each other.
These rings aren’t hard to mount if you follow the included instructions.
Once they’re installed, you can set them and forget them.
Seriously. You’ll never need to adjust these rings ever again.
This is one of the best AR scope mounts you could ask for because of how user friendly it is.
The main difference between these rings and others is that they’re split vertically instead of horizontally.
Once you’ve wrapped your head around that, there’s nothing to the install.
Here’s a youtube video by Warne showing you the install process.
Who’s the Warne 1” Matte PA Rings For?
These rings are perfect for anyone who wants to mount their scope once and never wants to worry about it again.
It’s possible to take it off and move it to another rifle, but you’re better off just buying multiple sets of rings.
If you’re looking for a set of rings that’s gonna hold up to a high recoil rifle and perfectly distribute the weight, then these are for you.
Combined with the Warne base, these are perfect for any type of firearm.
They also work with most scopes, including these 1-8x scopes.
To review:
- Inexpensive
- High quality
- Super durable
- Made in the USA
- Hold perfect zero
- Set it and forget it design
- Stainless steel recoil control
- Perfect for guns with heavy recoil
They’re also covered by Warne’s lifetime warranty, and by lifetime they mean as long as someone has the product.
No matter how it breaks or when Warne will repair or replace it for free.
That’s a company that stands by their product, so you know they’ve gotta be good.
Check out the Warne 1” Matte PA Rings for yourself.
6. Warne Quick Detach: Best Quick Release Mount
If you’re after a mounting system that will let you run different scopes on the same gun, look no further than the Warne Quick Detach (QD) Ring set.
With a set of Warne QD Rngs on each scope, you can swap out optics in 10 seconds. Just throw the lever and pop your variable distance scope off. Slip your red dot in place and use the lever to lock it down tight. These rings will keep zero when you reattach your optic-no need to sight in your scope again.
Do you want to swap out a variable powered scope for a thermal scope or for a night vision scope? With this affordable set of rings, you can easily put them on all of your optics.
Durability
The Warne QD Rings are heavy-duty, American made rings are crafted out of stainless steel. Their electrostatic powder coating is pretty tough. These rings can take a beating.
I have them on my Weatherby 300 win mag. Despite my gun’s heavy recoil, they hold solid. I don’t have to tighten them.
I don’t treat my firearm or optics lightly. They get knocked, smacked, dragged through the dirt and submerged. I think my Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 might give out before these rings do.
Eye Relief
Warne QD Rings are designed to go on a weaver style mount. The adjustability for eye relief is limited to the length of my weaver rail.
These rings aren’t designed to forward mount a scope. Using these, expect to mount your scope within standard eye relief distances. Your eyepiece should be about 3 to 4 inches from your eye-depending on your scope’s specs.
Installation
Installing the Warn QD Ring set to my optics was super easy. They come with an allen key, all I needed was a torque wrench
and a gun vice.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Remove the screws from each ring. Notice that they aren’t the same length-you’ll want to make sure you put them back in the right spots.
- Put your scope inside the two halves and add the recoil key. Heads up: Ruger and CZ rings will not have a specific recoil key.
- Start all 4 screws, but only tighten the bottom ones to 25 in/lbs using your torque wrench.
- Attach your rings to the base and make sure the recoil keys are set into the slots and press each ring towards the muzzle to lock the recoil keys in.
- Then tighten the throw lever tight with your thumb and forefinger-there’s no need to over do it.
- Next you can adjust your eye relief and reticle.
- After you have your eye relief and reticle as you’d like tighten the top screws to 25in/lbs with your torque wrench.
- Once all of the screws are set, you can pull out your quick release lever and face it-or index it-the direction you’d like.
Once I had my optic on securely and zeroed, I can remove and replace my optic to my heart’s delight without having to sight it in again.
Who’s the Warne QD Ring Set for?
These rings are for anyone who wants to exchange multiple optics on the same rifle. The Warne QD Rings are very easy to remove and reattach. Just throw the lever, remove your scope, slip in the next one and lock it down.
The Warne QD Ring set:
- Holds Zero
- American made
- Easy installation
- Durably crafted from stainless steel
If you are looking for a great rimfire scope to use with these rings check out this list.
7. Burris XTR Rings: Best for Picatinny Rail
Burris is known for designing some of the most robust and reliable riflescope rings on the market.
I bought the XTR signature rings because I needed additional vertical adjustment for shooting at extended ranges. I considered buying a 20 MOA Picatinny rail, but they were expensive and difficult to find for custom actions.
Let me tell you this: the Burris XTR Rings solved my problem.
By the end of this review, you’ll know if these XTR signature rings are for you.
Let’s get started!
Durability and Fit
The Burris XTR Rings are lightweight yet rugged.
Although they’re not made of steel, the rings are precision-machined from aircraft-grade aluminum and come in an elegant finish.
The shims are designed to offset your scope’s minor misalignment or build a custom MOA base for long-range applications. You won’t need to buy additional bases to adjust MOA.
By choosing the right combo of inserts, you can easily adjust for unusual ring/mount/barrel alignments.
The inserts can also be aligned to provide additional elevation or windage if necessary.
Plus:
The XTR rings allow perfect alignment of the scope without adding stress on the tube, thanks to its nylon inserts.
The well-constructed rings hold the scopes securely without leaving a mark on them.
Nothing is more disheartening than to have your expensive scope marred up by scope rings.
The XTR Signature Rings come in stated heights of 1.0″ (medium), 1.25″ (high), and 1.5″ (extra high) for 1″ and 30mm diameters, and only 1″ and 1.5″ in 34mm.
Remember, proper ring height is key to a perfect cheek weld for the most comfortable fit and accurate shooting.
Installation and Eye Relief
The installation is very straightforward.
The Burris XTR Rings come in a waterproof storage container with a set of instructions.
It includes all the tools and parts needed to make 0-40 MOA of cant in the scope mount.
Each ring set includes:
- One set of the +/- 0 MOA concentric.
- One set each of the +/-5 MOA and +/-10 MOA.
- Two sets of the +/-20 MOA.
Take note!
These rings don’t come with two sets of 0 inserts, so if you don’t want to change your MOA angle, you need to carefully install the two sets of +/- 20 MOA to achieve 0 MOA.
I also found that the six screws on the ring clamps make it easier to tighten without changing the scope level compared to the four screws set up on the regular signature zee rings.
I used a laser bore sight to get them dialed in. I was just 2 inches off zero at 200 yards.
I mounted a Burris XTR II 8-40×50 FFP scope to a 6.5 Creedmoor with these rings. I shot about 100 rounds through the rifle and found no issues holding zero.
Final Verdict
I’ve been a Burris fan for over five years and have several sets installed on my rifles.
What can I say?
The Burris XTR rings are one of the best AR scope mounts I own.
Here’s why:
- Holds zero
- Easy to install
- Good price point
- High-quality construction
Regardless if used for hunting, tactical, or target shooting, the Burris XTR Rings are an excellent choice.
If you’re on the hunt for the best handgun scopes, I’ve got the perfect list for you!
8. Seekins Precision: Best Scope Rings for Long Range Shooting
Seekins Precision scope rings are an ideal mount for long range shooters.
With a solid mount that you can count on, making those precision shots becomes a whole lot easier.
Seekins Precision provides that support and gives you the opportunity to concentrate on your shooting.
Want to hear more? Keep reading…
Durability
These scope rings were built like a tank.
They are made from 7075-T6 aluminum and precision machined for a high quality, sturdy feel.
Seekins Precision are a tad on the bulky side, but they don’t get in the way and they’re incredibly durable. The solid build allows them to handle the recoil from any caliber, including the heavy hitting 45-70, which I use for big game hunting.
Plus, you won’t have to do any lapping, like I usually do with cheaper rings.
They are also specifically made for the picatinny rail, so they’re one of the best AR scope mounts.
Installation
Since these were made for the picatinny rail, installing them on one is a breeze.
If you’re using the Seekins rail, the cross bolt fits right in the channel and there’s no movement at all. I’ve noticed movement there in other rings, which is why I love the Seekins precision so much.
While they do come with a T25 key, I had to use a T25 torx screwdriver to get it on the way I wanted. But once set up, it was perfect.
And my scope slipped right in and fit nice and tight in the rings. I’ve even tried these rings on a SKS rail and they worked perfectly.
Eye Relief
The Seekins Precision scope rings come in multiple heights to give you the clearance you need for your weapon.
Because they secure to a picatinny rail, you can position them to give you the best eye relief.
The firm, solid fit keeps your scope in place, so you never lose your zero.
At this point, I’ve shot over 200 rounds using these and haven’t had to readjust a thing.
Who’s the Seekins Precision Scope Rings for?
Seekins Precision scope rings are perfect for long range shooters that need to know they have a solid mount.
They are:
- Easy to install
- Strong and sturdy
- High quality aluminum
- Solid, with no movement
If you’re looking for the best quality scope rings on the market, try the Seekins Precision scope rings. You won’t be sorry.
How to Properly Mount a Rifle Scope
There are a lot of how-to’s out there on this subject, and some are better than others.
I realize that not everyone has a machine shop, and some of these steps are a bit of overkill for a rimfire plinker that won’t be used for competition or even to take game.
With that in mind, I’ll go through each step of the process for a professional scope job, but take it with a grain of salt. Depending on your gun, mounting, and scope, not all of these steps will be necessary.
If you are interested in a professional mounting kit, this video might interest you, and it’s a great how-to resource as well:
How to Attach the Scope Mount
The first step is to get your rail on the weapon. Obviously, if you are using an existing dovetail that is cut into your receiver, you can skip ahead.
Most rifles have some tiny screws in the top of the receiver that can be removed with a small flathead or phillips screwdriver. The threaded holes left behind are what the mount will attach to.
If there are no holes, then you may have to drill and tap the receiver, or some other machining may be necessary. A trip to the gunsmith is usually in order, as those who have a machining skillset and the right tools will know what to do. But here is a little more information:
Usually, the mount is placed on the receiver and the screw hole centers are marked with a punch. Holes are drilled in the receiver, and then a tap is used to thread them to the proper size and pitch.
Once you have the mounting holes located or drilled, it’s a simple matter of placing the mounting rail over the exposed holes, and then attaching it with the included screws, which are typically torx screws. 30 inch pounds is the usual torque recommendation.
To make life easy, ensure that your rail is made for your weapon platform, and you should have very few issues. Manufacturers make rails machined perfectly for just about any rifle out there.
How to Attach the Lower Half of the Scope Rings
I like to make sure everything is going to fit well before I start screwing it all together. I start by separating the rings and only attach the half with the lug on it to my rails. Just snug them up finger-tight for now.
Then I lay the scope across the open platform. If I have the wrong size rings, then it won’t fit right. Consider that check number one. The rings should hug the scope, but it should drop in easily. Check that the spacing between the rings is not interfering with the scope.
While you are at it, you may also want to check the eye relief to ensure that you are happy with the scope location, and also that the primary optic isn’t touching the barrel. There should be a little air gap between the two.
Optional: On Picatinny rails in particular, you can try to adjust the spacing where the front ring rests comfortably against the body of the scope (the bulge in the middle where the elevation and windage knobs are). Having that change in diameter butted up against the front ring will eliminate any possibility of the scope creeping forward later on.
Once you are happy with the placement, snug up the lower rings to the recommended torque from the ring manufacturer.
Lapping the Scope Rings
If you have a lapping rod, this is an additional step that will ensure that the scope is held snugly by the rings with minimal chance of the tube distorting over time.
First, lapping compound is applied to the insides of the rings. Mark both of the rings with a pencil or grease pen on top, so you will know which is the front and the back, and which side faces the muzzle. Once you start, you want to stay with the exact same configuration.
The lapping rod is secured into the rings just like a scope would be, but the rings are only tightened enough to hold it in place. It should still be able to slide freely.
Work the rod forward and back a couple dozen times, and then check the rings by taking everything back apart and examining the wear patterns.
Repeat this process until you’ve removed at least 75% of the surface finish.
How to Swab the Rings
You want to remove any residual oils or foreign matter.
I prefer rubbing alcohol and a rag, but there are several options out there.
Clean the rings thoroughly to remove grit, grime, lapping compound, oils, cosmoline, or anything else that will wipe off. A spray cleaner of some kind with a little straw attached to the head can be used to get inside the screw holes as well.
Clean everything, and then dry everything. To be extra safe, go over the whole setup with a can of compressed air when you are finished to dry out any leftover solvent.
How to Check the Level
Lay the scope onto the bottom rings, then cover with the top rings and start threading in the screws until the scope is held securely, but it can still twist and move if you turn it. Not tight enough to scratch the paint, but not so loose that it will move on its own.
Check that the gaps on either side of the rings are the same as well.
Once all of the screws are finger tight, secure the rifle in a vice and place a level bubble on any flat along the top of the receiver or barrel.
Both the rifle and the turret top should be perfectly level. This ensures that both will match, and that will give you a leveled finish.
Now start tightening the screws. Just a little snug at first, and if there are more than two per ring you will want to criss cross when tightening. A simple star pattern, such as forward-left, rear-right, rear-left, forward-right. Kinda like tightening lug nuts on a car wheel.
Once everything is nice and snug, apply the final tightening with a torque driver using the same pattern.
How to Sight In Your Rifle
With a new scope, it’s good to ensure that the scope is as close as it can be before actually putting a shot down range. There are generally two ways to do this.
At the range, set a short target at twenty or thirty yards and zero there first. When you are hitting the paper close to center, you can reach out to 100 yards and re-zero.
If you know the intermediate point of impact for your rifle caliber, you can set your short target at that range, and it should be pretty dang close when you reach out to a longer range.
A bore sight tool is another option. This is a little laser that chambers just like a bullet, and will put a dot on the target for you to align to.
But be aware:
You will still need to shoot some groups to get everything dialed in, but it should get you on the paper at 100 yards.
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my best scope ringsguide.
Now I want to turn it over to you:
Which scope ring will you pick for your firearm?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.
