If you’re looking for the best rifle scope rings and bases for connecting your scope and rifle, you’ve come to the right place. Many beginners tend to get lost in this topic and end up complaining about not being able to come across the right rings and bases for them.
To prevent this issue from happening to you, in the complete reviews of the top products, accompanied by a buying guide, we present all details related to the rings and bases that you should be aware of before making the purchase. Picking the right rings and bases is important because it affects the stability and overall efficiency of the rifle and the scope. Therefore, the established connection should be tough and not fall apart easily. Not to mention that they should be able to withstand different weather conditions and other dangers imposed by the surroundings while at the same time maintaining a reasonable weight that won’t damage the comfortability.
Yes, this may sound complicated, but don’t worry as we’ll help you understand what these products are made of, how to mount the scope with their help as well as dive deeper into some questions other users frequently ask. So, let’s begin!
10 Best Rifle Scope Rings and Bases – Reviews
As much as these may appear simple to come by and use, in practice the situation isn’t like that. This is due to the fact that there are many of them to choose from. To make things more complicated, they incorporate multiple features and have variable durability. Therefore, to make sure potential buyers don’t make a mistake, these are some of the best models out there this year.
Ruger 90410 4B/5B Ring Set
- Weight: 0.2 pounds
- Origin: United States
- Dimensions: 15x12x2 centimeters
- Supported objective of scope: 42 millimeters
What’s specific about this set of rings is that it’s relatively versatile. Moreover, it can be utilized on more types of rifle scopes and on different occasions, including sports.
They’re black, which enables them to blend in the rifle without being too noticeable. Connected to this, they have a blue finish that contributes to their appearance. And they can fit even the older models of rifles as the rear mount is made to be taller when compared to the front one.
However, users complain that the quality control isn’t on a very high level because they sometimes got products without blue finish on the flat parts.
Talley 700-721-722-725-40X Scope Mount
- Origin: United States
- Supported objective of scope: 40 millimeters
- Alloy series: 7000
- Sizes: 1 inch (low, medium, high) and 30 millimeters (low, medium, high)
This is one of the most durable models on the list. This is clear at first glance when users see their sturdy design that comprises of one piece. Unlike some other rings out there, these are lightweight while at the same time managing to offer strength and quality. Moreover, they are made of steel and can resist every magnum caliber. Not to mention that due to the low weight, the risk of the connection coming lose or not being able to align is minimized.
Also, those that prefer to try a color other than black will find pleasure in the fact that it offers a choice between blue and black. However, as a downside, users report the lack of hardware for mounting when they received the product.
AccuShot Picatinny/Weaver Medium Profile 2-piece 1-inch Rings
- Level: medium
- Diameter of the ring: 1 inch
- Width of the ring: maximum of 21 millimeter
- Number of screws needed for every ring: 4
- Supported diameter of scope: 53 millimeters
These are rings that consist of two pieces for an easier and more stable mount. Related to this, they incorporate hex screws with a long locking plate and retention options to ensure users can simply install it and it will remain fixed for many shots.
They are made to fit all Picatinny and Weaver rails, ensuring wide usage in different conditions. Aside from this, the finish is matte black and the whole rings are made of durable aluminum alloy that’s part of the aircraft and improves the precision.
Still, people complain about certain things like the tape inside the rings causing troubles during the installation.
Daniel Defense Ddi 30mm Optics Mount
- Color of the finish: black
- Diameter: 30 millimeters
- Weight: 0.294 kilograms
- Dimensions: 8x8x21 centimeters
This Daniel Defense optic mount has some high-quality features to look out for. For starters, it has a black finish, which improves its appearance and efficiency. This is accompanied by a relatively low weight despite the materials.
Thanks to it, the overall weight of the rifle doesn’t increase, allowing shooters to continue utilizing it comfortably. Also, it has a long rail for a more secure and easy mount. Although some people tend to complain about difficulties following the specifications, in general, users manage to set the screws in accordance with those.
Vortex Optics Pro Extended Viper Cantilever Riflescopes Mounts
- Sizes: 1 inch, 30 millimeters, and 34 millimeters
- Weight: 0.268 kilograms
- Color: black
It’s not in vain that this product is predominantly made for hunting. It’s one of the premium models that possess extended cantilever mounts. These are known to come in various sizes for finding the right fit faster.
As for mounting the scope properly, they are made with the needed height and forward placement. Yet the weight is acceptable, considering the options the product provides.
It should be mentioned that it stays on zero even after you take it off and then put it back on. However, a reported downside is the price being too high for some users. Also, they apparently experienced troubles with securing the mount tightly so that nothing comes loose.
Vortex Optics Hunter Riflescope Rings
- Color: black
- Height: 0.63 – 1.22 inches for 1-inch type and 0.75 – 1.22 inches for 30-millimeter type
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
- Shipping weight: around 2.4 ounces
As some of the most popular rifle scope rings currently on the market, they can be mounted to both Picatinny and Weaver types. As such, they’re great for all hunting tasks and can deliver very solid results.
The rings can match thirty-millimeter tubes as well as one-inch ones. Both of these come in three sizes – low, medium and high. Also, each package consists of two rifle scope rings.
What’s more, durability is their strong asset. The material is aircraft-style aluminum that guarantees sturdiness and strength.
On the other hand, some customers thought that the tightening-down method can be made more user-friendly. Also, some believe that the stability can be improved as there are two screws for every clamp on the scope body.
Burris Optics P.E.P.R. Rifle Scope Mount
- Style: 2 styles – Standard Attach and Quick Release
- Size: 30 millimeters, 1 inch and 34 millimeters
- Weight: 6.9 – 8.7 ounces
- Color: black
This model represents a solution for both a mounting system and flattop platforms. It’s made in a way to accommodate Picatinny ring tops as well as smooth ones. Further, a forward position of the riflescope by two inches in enabled due to it. That’s why it has plenty of eye relief capabilities and enables users to enjoy a wide field of view.
Whether it’s hunters, competitive shooters, enthusiasts, officers and more, this mount is versatile and deal with the tasks and needs that the above-mentioned professions may have. It’s known for its durability, too, even in harsh external and weather conditions.
It’s worth noting that a few customers had issues with lapping as the tops weren’t suitable for a good lap.
Aero Precision Ultralight 1″ Standard Scope Mount
- Torque size: 15 in-lbs
- Color: anodized black
- Material: 6061 T6 extruded aluminum
- Shipping weight: around 2.1 ounces
Evidently, the manufacturer went for durability and resistance to external conditions. That’s why this rifle scope mount is made of high-end aluminum that at the same looks good on the mount. Yet, the mount is considered to be among the lightest ones currently available for buying.
This is a standard profile of a scope mount. Also, it supports Picatinny rails and works with a Weaver type. What’s more, together with the purchase, you’ll get, of course, the mount, together with Torx screws.
Still, some buyers weren’t satisfied with the instructions, which they considered too vague. Some also mentioned the camming effect of the rings as a slight minus.
Weaver Thumbnut Spr 30Mm Mount
- Color: anodized black
- Sizes: 1 inch and 30 millimeters
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
- Shipping weight: around 8.8 ounces
The company’s SPR mounts (or Special Purpose Rifle mounts) are predominantly made for AR-styled rifles. That’s why it’s deemed to be a great hunting mount.
Beginning with the outer appearance, its sleek and elegant design packs plenty of strength. That’s due to the aircraft-style aluminum. The mount has a black matte finish that easily blends in with the rifle and the scope. Moreover, the rings have four holes for a better and tighter grip. The mount sports a cross-lock base that helps in that direction, too. Even though we’re talking about aluminum, the bulk is significantly minimized when compared with similar models.
With that being said, the mount supports a forward cantilever and an adequate height to fit a wide array of scopes and rifles. It has thumb-nut bolts, too.
Something that should be improved is the weight as the mount is slightly heavier than the ones in its range.
UTG ACCU-SYNC 30mm Integral Picatinny Rings
- Saddle height: 22 millimeters
- Color: anodized black
- Offset distance: 37 millimeters
- Material: aircraft-grade aluminum
- Length of base: 33 millimeters
These Picatinny rifle scope rings come together with perfectly fitting Picatinny rails. To enable a safe zero hold, they use Torx screws and square-shaped recoil stops. What’s more, the edges and corners of the rings are radiused. That is done to stop any scratches, tearing, and other damages from ruining them. Also, thanks to that, users can adjust and get to the scope’s windage and turrets for height easily.
Having said that, the rings’ lightening cuts decrease the overall weight, yet they maintain the same level of durability. While we’re speaking of durability, the rings are made of high-end, quality aluminum.
A couple of buyers weren’t entirely fans of the fit as well as the fact that they had issues with a Weaver-style rail.
Buying Guide for Buyers
Scope rings and bases are very versatile and in many types. However, industry players have identified the main four types, which you’ll most frequently encounter on the market right now.
The first one is the Picatinny style. The overall design is considered to be one of the most eye-pleasing of them all. This type of mount is quite similar to the Weaver type, which we’ll talk about in a few minutes. Further, that’s why it’s usual for Picatinny mounts to be compatible with Weaver bases. However, there’ still a difference. The Picatinny slot base is wider.
Let’s move onto Dovetail rifle scope rings and bases. One of their highlight features is that this mount enables the scope’s rotation of even ninety degrees. On the bottom of each ring, there is a wedge cut. With that being said, it can connect with the groove that’s placed on top of the rifle. To ensure a tight grip of these rings, their claws can be attached to the groove.
Furthermore, the most popular type of rifle scope rings and bases is the Weaver style. What’s interesting in this type is it enables the user to detach the scope without having to detach the mount from the rifle, too. Additionally, this type utilizes a flat base that’s 7/8 inches wide. As we previously mentioned, it’s similar to the Picatinny type. Because of all of this, users can effortlessly go from one rifle to the other.
Unlike the Weaver type, the Leupold type isn’t easy to remove from the gun’s barrel. On the other hand, these bases are deemed to be some of the most quality, reliable, and easy-to-use alternatives. That’s partly possible since the material it’s made of includes a durable, tough, yet elegant steel.
Modifiability
How easy it is for you to modify and adjust the rifle scope rings and bases is a very important feature to consider when shopping for some. Moreover, scopes come in various sizes as do rifles, so the rings should be adjustable to accommodate them. This enables additional personalization on the user’s part as the rings and bases can be tailored according to their needs. In return, if they aren’t very adjustable, you may end up buying rings and bases for each and every rifle instead of some that can be used on many models.
Mounting Height
Everybody knows that the scope goes above the rifle. But few understand that when the former is mounted on the latter they shouldn’t touch. This is needed to make both the rifle and the scope fully operational. And that is possible thanks to the mounting height.
The rings’ height is largely determined by the size of the objective lens of the scope. The bigger that is – the higher the rifle scope rings should be.
Durability
One thing you should always pay attention to is how long-lasting the rings and bases are. When you pay for something, you want it to last as long as possible. Rings and bases aren’t different at all.
The most vital factor that influences the durability is the material they’re made of. Of course, others can influence this, too, like the brand that produced them, the amount of usage, and more.
Many experts consider steel to be the most durable in the best rifle scope, even more than aluminum. Still, if they’re made of either one of these two materials, they’re most likely very durable.
Fixed vs. Detachable Mount
Depending on how you’ll use them, a fixed or a detachable mount can do the job most suitably. For one, if you don’t plan on swapping or using multiple rifles, then a fixed mounting system is the type to go for.
On the other hand, you want to use the same mounting system on different rifles, then a detachable mount sounds like a good idea, which can be figured out by the name itself. That’s why they are more versatile. A ring is versatile when it can be detached from one rifle and attached to another without having to re-zero it again.
Remember that rings and bases are there to serve your present needs, so make sure you get the type that will satisfy them.
Cost
Rifle scope rings can be found at multiple prices. There is no universal one for all rings. That’s why you should guide yourself based on what you are looking for in a scope ring as well as your budget.
Many scope rings have fancy and complex features that you may currently not need. You may stay away from those. On the contrary, strive to find the scope rings that have all the necessary features you need for a minimal price. Also, don’t compensate for the features just to pay less.
Types of Splits
When it comes to split types, scope rings have two. One is horizontal, whereas the other one is vertical. The former is known for its easier installation and attachment. That isn’t exactly the case with the latter. The vertical split type is specific in the way that every half connects with the other at the scope’s base. While it may be harder to put it on, it’s more long-lasting than the other.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I need rifle scope rings and bases?
Answer: There are numerous benefits to an effective mounting system of rings and bases. For starters, you won’t get optimal results and quality performance from the scope and the gun if the two aren’t connected in the right way. Then, rings and bases help in achieving accurate and consistent shots and steady the rifle. Having said that, with them, the rifle stays in place and doesn’t twitch. Finally, they aim to diminish the amount of re-zeroing of the scope.
Do I need to lap my scope rings?
Answer: When you’re dealing with some types of rings, lapping is advised to achieve the results you want. With lapping, the surface contact amount between the tube of the scope and the actual rings. Further, the scope rings are accurately aligned because of this procedure.
How much space should I let between the scope and the rifle’s barrel?
Answer: While this isn’t set in stone and can vary from one model to the next, some experts recommend 0.1 inches as a minimum distance between them. Of course, if this distance isn’t enough to separate them, then try taller rings or leave out the cap.
Final words
After all of this, it’s become apparent that when looking for the best rifle scope rings and bases, one should be mindful of many details. In this guide and reviews, we hope we assisted you with recognizing which products are worthy of your attention.
Now we would like to hear it from you. Do you have experience regarding rings and bases? Or are you new in this and try to end up getting the right product? Talk to us here.
