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Outdoor Optics Scopes

Top 6 Best Scope Rings to Buy in 2024

Quality scope rings give you the confidence that if something is wrong with your rifle, the rings are the last things to worry about. For instance, you will be sure that your zero won’t shift much if you end up dropping your rifle from your hands somehow.

In fact, scope mounts have way more importance than many beginners think of. You may spend a lot on your rifle and the scope but you won’t get any value from them if you end up with subpar rings.

Check out our shortlisted scope rings and see which ones seem to be the most viable option for your budget and shooting requirements.

Best Scope Rings (2023 Review Updated)

AccuShot Picatinny/Weaver Medium Profile

AccuShot Picatinny/Weaver Medium Profile

When it came to choosing our Top Pick, we looked at each product as a whole and the AccuShot Picatinny/Weaver Medium Profile came number one. We loved how easy these scope rings were to install – they have easy-to-use hex screws and retention features as well as a fill-length lock plate. Not only were they easy to fit, but they really felt secure.

In terms of specifications, these are manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum and are anodized with a black matte finish. The ring diameter is 1 inch and the ring width is 21 mm. The scopes outer diameter is 53 mm and there are 4 screws per ring. They can be used with all Weaver and Picatinny rails and are a two-piece installment.

We liked how these rings looked and felt, especially since these were the cheapest rings in our list. They are excellent value for the money.

Pros

  • These are a great products for their cost
  • They are durable
  • They are well made

Cons

  • There is no QD

Our Verdict

For those who are beginners or who perhaps want to try out a medium mount for the first time, these are the best bet for you. They are well-constructed, look great and great value for money.

This was an easy product to put in our number one slot. The online reviews backed up everything we thought ourselves when we tried this product: the rings are well made, easy to install, and low in cost. This is a really versatile product that lots of rifle owners would benefit from.

Vortex Optics Hunter Riflescope Rings

Vortex Optics Hunter Riflescope Rings

If you’re looking for something durable and suitable to general hunting setups, the Vortex Optex Hunter Riflescope Rings are a good choice. They can mount to either a Weaver or Picatinny-type rail and have 2 screw hunter rings, which we found super easy to fit and install.

The pair is constructed out of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, so, expect them to be tough without weighing much. In terms of height, these rings make the center of the scope tube 31 mm or 1.22 inches higher than the base.

We installed these rings on a Picatinny rail base and it was a great fit with just over ¼” between the top of the barrel and the bottom of the scope. We loved how easy the QD design allowed for simple installation and removal.

What’s more, these best hunting scope rings come with Torx hardware which makes it really easy to tighten them – much easier than other ones we tried with hex and slotted head hardware. You get a 90-degree Torx tool in the package, which is great!

Pros

  • A great design
  • Easy to fit and remove
  • Has QD

Cons

  • More expensive than our Top Pick (and therefore less value for money), however, is still a well-priced product.

Our Verdict

These rings worked really well for us that we tried these with three different rifles of different makes without any complications or issues. They are simple but they do what they are supposed to do.

If you need best precision scope rings for a hunting rifle, they are a great buy. Vortex is a great brand manufacturing top-notch scopes and will often help you out if you break a product. These rings come highly recommended.

Vortex Optics Tactical 30mm Riflescope Rings

Vortex Optics Tactical 30mm Riflescope Rings

If you are searching for a tactical ring for your rifle to mount your red-dot optics or magnifiers, opt for this 6-screw ring with a diameter of 30mm. This will hold any other 30mm rifle accessories that you might want to mount. It will fit your scopes comfortably at any height, just make sure you do the lapping properly and fit it while mounting a scope.

This well-made tactical ring had its six screws torqued down and machined accurately. Vortex has done a good job in building a rock-solid ring within a low price point.

The positions at which this ring puts the riflescope’s center from base is 37mm (1.46″). Vortex Optics hits the right spot by ensuring quality at every price point while offering a user-friendly warranty policy. We hope this one will not fail you with its performance.

Pros

  • Rock-solid build
  • Keeps the precision of the scope intact
  • Backed by a sound warranty policy

Cons

  • Many complained about the poor delivery package

Our Verdict

Todays, riflescope market is littered with a wide range of low-quality rings because the manufacturers are only ensuring high-end features and durability for their expensive models. As a result, the average users suffer greatly when their scope rings break in the middle of shooting.

Vortex Optics Precision Matched Riflescope Rings

Vortex Optics Precision Matched Riflescope Rings

What is so great about these rings is that they are precision matched. This means they are kept as a pair through the whole manufacturing process, making them perfect as a pair and we certainly confirmed that in our testing.

They are manufactured using certified billet aluminum with a tolerance that is extremely tight (0.0005 inches) using a CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) mill. There is a long process to making these rings and they are finished off with a Type III hard-coat anodized.

We couldn’t fault these rings at all. Their precision was second to none and you could tell that you were buying an excellent product that was well designed and manufactured to perfection.

These rings are positioned on the center of the riflescope tube at 19.3 mm (0.76 inches) from the base. They are mountable on any Weaver or Picatinny-style rail. They come as a set of two and have a hex wrench included in the package.

In terms of torque, the base clamp screws are 45 to 50-inch pounds while the ring screws are 15 to 18-inch pounds. We found them really simple to install.

Pros

  • Excellently manufactured
  • Excellent quality product

Cons

  • Expensive

Our Verdict

If you want high-end scope rings and money is no object, this would be the one to go for. You simply cannot beat these rings for their precision. Obviously, these models are not going to be accessible for a lot of rifle users due to their cost, however, those who can afford them will not be disappointed at all. We loved these rings and wish they weren’t as expensive so that more people could appreciate them!

UTG 1″/2PCs Med Pro LE Grade Picatinny QD Rings

UTG 1"/2PCs Med Pro LE Grade Picatinny QD Rings

What we loved about these scope rings was how user-friendly they were for long range rifles. Even beginners will find using these pretty straight forward. They have a Quick Detachment feature and are fully adjustable, meaning that they can fit on any Picatinny and Weaver rails.

This is a 4-screw “tiger” ring that is a medium profile ring. They are made from an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and are, therefore, strong and light. They are anodized and have a black matte finish that looks great. What’s more, on the internal surface of the rings, they have a protective tape that is made from high-quality synthetic material.

These rings have been well received by law enforcement personnel and field experts who work in extreme conditions. So you can be sure they are really a worthy product for optimum performance in the range or in the wild.

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • The scope screws are well threaded and won’t strip
  • The adjustment screw is on the opposite side to the tension lever, which makes it easy to adjust
  • A good weight for its price

Cons

  • Slightly heavier than aluminum rings (due to the alloy)
  • The tension lever makes for a larger profile

Our Verdict

For something that is robust and easy to use, you can’t go wrong with these best long range scope rings. They are the best value rifle accessories with easy installation and adjustment features.

Whether you’re a beginner or just wanting to use these between different rifles, these are great options, especially if you don’t mind a slightly heavier set of rings.

Warne 1″ Matte PA Rings

Warne 1" Matte PA Rings

These Warne rings were really solid and fit very well. We loved how strong they were and how durable they seemed. To attach them securely, they use a Torx socket clamp and have a square recoil key that ensures there is a maximum bearing surface.

We found that the hold was really secure and didn’t slip with recoil. Unlike the scope rings in this guide so far, these are manufactured from stainless steel, which makes them really durable and robust but slightly heavier than our first three products.

These fit Warne bases (as they are Warne rings) but also fit Weaver cross slot bases and mil-spec Picatinny-style rails and bases. This wasn’t placed any higher in our top product list owing to the fact that is is the second most expensive product.

Pros

  • The rings are really solid and rigid
  • The alignment key is a nice feature

Cons

  • The side mount screws meant that set up and alignment was more difficult

Our Verdict

All in all, there’s no doubt these are the best scope rings for heavy recoil. The stainless steel is nice in that you know it is durable and won’t break. The alignment key is great too but since they were not really the best budget scope rings, we couldn’t place them on top. If money isn’t limited, they’re really good.

Scope Rings vs Scope Base

Scope Ring vs. Scope Base

The choices you make with regards to rifles will determine which scope mounting you have. Your rifle will have a scope base that scope rings are usually attached to. There are some rifles that don’t need a base because they have pre-drilled mounts for their own manufactured rings.

There are different types of bases for different scope types. The vast majority of scope bases have lengths of mounting rail. There are different rail types available but you’ll mostly see Dovetail, Weaver, Universal, and Picatinny. Both rings and scope bases are manufactured with different heights.

In general, scopes are best when they are as close to the bore as is possible but a large lens requires a scope height that will not be impeded by the barrel. There are scope bases and rings combined together into a single item which is called a scope mount.

Types of Riflescope Rings & Mounts

1. Weaver Style Rings

The most common mounting system for a scope is a Weaver-style ring. They have a flat base that is 7/8” wide with crosswise recoil slot cuts. These are great for swapping between guns as the scope can be removed without the mount without major loss of zero. Weaver bases are either one or two pieces and are mostly made from aluminum or steel. The two mounting system parts fit together snugly in order to stop heavy recoil.

2. Picatinny / 1913 rings

Feature-wise, these are similar to weaver-style mounts. One large difference though is that they are wider at the picketing base slot. These are compatible, however, with weaver bases, in general. Picatinny has standard specifications set by the U.S. Navy.

3. Leupold Style Bases

If you want something that is trouble-free and reliable, Leupold has the best scope mounts too offer. Though they are more difficult to detach than Weavers because the top section of the rings needs to be separated for removal, they offer the sturdiness of steel.

In terms of difference, Leupold’s design incorporates press-fit rings. This means that the foremost ring has a rectangular piece of metal that protrudes underneath and slots neatly into place. It is tightened by turning the ring.

4. Dovetail .22 rings and Bases

Dovetail rings have a wedge cut into the bottom that fits into a groover receiver on the gun. This groove means that there is a secure connection between the scope and the rifle. With Dovetail rings, you can rotate the scope through 90 degrees.

Some guns are drilled and tapped to be able to accommodate Weaver-style bases. You should use the larger bases if your gun can accommodate them as there is a greater area that your rings can attach to.

Best Scope Ring Buying Guide

1. Adjustability

You need to consider how adjustable your scope rings are. The design of your scope mount should allow for your ring to be adjusted so that you can truly customize your fit.

2. Use

If you are intending to use rings on a single rifle then having a fixed scope mount would be a wise decision as it will be easy to secure. On the other hand, the detachable type would work fine if you want to swap firearms.

3. Height

You need to mount the scope as low as possible while avoiding touching the rifle barrel. This is because your adjustments (and shots, therefore) will be much more accurate.

You should measure scope height accurately to get an insight into the lens since the height of your scope and rings will be determined by the size of the objective lens.

In general, low mounts are used with objective lenses of 40 mm or less, medium mounts are used with lenses of between 42 and 45 mm and high mounts are used with lenses bigger than 50mm.

4. Split type

There are two split types of scope rings: vertical and horizontal. The horizontal ones install easily while the vertical ones are made in a way that each half is connected to the other half at the scope’s base. This makes it more durable but also more difficult to install.

5. Scope Tube Size

Most scopes come as 30 mm or 1-inch options. You need to make sure you have the right scope rings for your scope as if they are too small, they may crush or dent your scope tube.

If too big, they won’t hold your scope correctly and your shots won’t be accurate.

6. Profile & See Through

It is vital that your scope does not come into contact with the lens or the rifle. Scope rings are available in many profiles (heights). A large 50 mm objective lens scope will require rings that put space between the rifle and the scope bells. With smaller diameters, an ultra low-profile ring will give you more accurate and consistent shots.

For those using high-power magnification scopes that could happen upon game or deer at close range, a see-through feature is a great option for the best picatinny scope rings out there.

7. Number of pieces

Most scope rings come as two mountable rings for a single base or a two-piece individual set. A two-piece set is slightly more flexible in terms of ring placement while a one piece is slightly more durable. It mostly comes down to personal preference.

8. Versatility

A versatile scope ring is one that can be swapped quickly between guns without you having to re-zero it.

9. Material & Durability

There are more scope rings manufactured from steel than aluminum because steel rings can be molded or machined. Steel rings are also more durable in case the rifle is dropped.

Aluminum rings are formed from a single piece of metal, which means the rings are pretty much identical. Aluminum also makes for the best lightweight scope rings.

10. Mounting Specifications

If you want to detach your rings quickly like you would on a modern-style rifle, rings should be mounted on a Weaver or Picatinny rail.

The way in which a rifle scope mounts is just as important as the scope itself since you need to be able to secure it accurately for precise shooting.

11. QD system

QD stands for Quick Detachable systems. It means that you can attach or detach your scope really easily, allowing for a modular rifle experience.

Pretty much all modern rifles are already equipped with a quick-release system. Sometimes there is a drilled base, other times there is a groove.

FAQs

1. Are scope rings really that important?

Ans. Yes, they are because they connect the scope to your rifle. If you get low quality rings, you won’t have a properly aligned scope and the probability of optimum precision and accuracy in your shots will run out of the window.

2. What torque should scope rings be?

Ans. Each scope is manufactured differently. Torque is really important because if it’s too loose, you won’t be firing accurate shots and if it’s too tight the ring will break.

The ideal range is between 15 and 18 inch-pounds. This is pretty standard to be safe but each brand will have its own specifications. For example, Nilon scopes are usually around 20 to 25 inch-pounds while Seekins are around 50 to 55 inch-pounds.

3. How are scope rings used?

Ans. You attach scope rings on upside of the rifle on the Picatinny rail. This space is used to mount lots of attachments including traditional sights, laser sights and sniper scopes. Fitting scope rings is quite simple as they will fix to the rail and will be screwed into place often with side clamps.

If two separate scope rings are being used, you need to ensure you fit them at the correct distance. There are benefits to having separated scope rings – you can choose how far apart they are and can, therefore, use them for different sights and scopes. A dual ring, on the other hand, is less likely to become unscrewed or misaligned.

4. At what distance should I mount my scope?

Ans. This is up to you. Some people will feel more comfortable with the scope being further back and others will want it further forward. It’s important not to feel too much pressure on the arm when pulling the stock back. Also, be wary of kickback – a scope knocking into your eye is no fun!

5. How many inches/pounds do I need to tighten a scope ring?

Ans. If you’re using a new rifle or ring, aim for around 15 inch-pounds. Avoid going above 18-inch points as it might crack your rings. If you notice gaps appearing, you might need to try overlapping them. This is called farm handing.

6. How much will a scope ring cost me?

Ans. If your scope set you back let’s say $200, you might have to pay around $50 for scope rings and mounts on average.

7. Do I have to lap my scope rings?

Ans. It is not a necessity to get lap scope rings but they do give the best results. When scope rings are lapped, it means you will be helping with the vertical alignment – there is very little effect on horizontal alignment. With brand new mounts, you probably won’t even need to do this. It’s a good idea to see what the alignment is like before making the decision to lap the scope rings.

8. What are cantilever scope mounts?

Ans. A cantilever mount is designed to extend the distance between the rifle’s receiver and the optic for a more comfortable and ergonomic shooting position. Usually, it attaches to the rifle’s Picatinny or Weaver rail, and the optic is mounted on the cantilever portion of the mount, which extends forward beyond the receiver of the rifle.

About the author

Dan Goldsmith

Hi, this is Dan. We all know firearms are dangerous, but only when one doesn’t know how to use and care for them. I have 30+ years of experience with different types of guns and for the last 10 years, I have taught numerous people how to hold and shoot a gun while staying safe and keeping the surroundings unharmed.

My neighbors are some of my biggest admirers who enjoy talking to me about their guns, firearms safety and maintenance.

Whenever I am able to catch a moment of free time, you will find me enjoying my family or heading to the range on my motorcycle. I have enjoyed shooting sports ever since my dad introduced them to me as a child.

I like to think of myself as an outdoorsman who lives his life to the fullest. I hope you will benefit from my efforts to create valuable resources on this website. Happy reading!

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