Rifle Scopes Is there a measurable/appreciable difference between scope ring brands

[Tonmarchelli]

Looking to buy a decent set of scope rings for the rifle. one question i have is im wondering if there is a difference in quality/performance/accuracy between a $60 set of burris extreme tactical rings and $120-$150 (prices estimated) Badger, NF, USO, Leupold, Vortex rings? is it branding or is there something in the manufacturing process that make them technically better rings at holding the scope in the same place shot after shot?

FYI: scope is vortex PST 6-24x50 and rifle is R700 with USO base in AICS.

Thanks. just soaking in all the information I can.

 

[Shooter45]

It's the same as firearms in my opinion, some are just made to higher standards but you are paying for a name as well. I run Badgers on some and Seekins on most. I've had very good luck with Seekins that are cheaper than Badger but to the same quality for my precision rigs. Some rings are far more off than others and require lapping. Seekins, Badger, and LaRue have been the best for me.

 

[hk dave]

Are the burris extreme tactical matched sets with tolerances exacting enough not to require lapping?

If so... then there is no real difference. If not... then there is an appreciable difference.

The heaviest recoiling round I generally shoot is 308 with a brake... and while I know it's not a big recoil round, I don't tighten any of my Seekins/Spuhr/GDI/Bobro rings past 15lbs. Never had a problem.

 

[ClearwaterKen]

From the opinion of a guy who works on optics on a daily basis, rings to the scope are the track tires to a Formula 1 car. Don't buy just due to the cost, as the damage from lesser rings can really hurt the scope. We see on a daily basis scopes with heavy mounting rings that actually changes the outside diameter of the scope. if you have a scope with side focus parallax, this can create massive problems as many times when lesser rings are attached and they exert un-equal pressure on the tube body,and the cam that moves your focus lens back inside the tube becomes binded up causing POI, blurry image and poor accuracy. If the correct torq is applied and you use well made rings, you should not have ring marks nor should you require lapping. I use Seekins rings and to this day, I have not had a failure from .22 use all the way up to 50 cal use. I would personally recommend passing on the mass production rings and look at the smaller but high quality production products such as but not limited to:

Seekins
Badger
AP
DTA
as well as a few others.

Hope this helps,
Ken

 

[Papa Zero Three]

To the OP, you've received some good info so far and all I will add is a recommendation of rings that I have found fall into the quality product worth considering realm. The Griffin Armament e-tac rings Griffin E-tac rings are high quality but won't break the bank.

 

[Climate17]

For my .02 I've never bought a set of rings that I didn't lap. If it holds tight it's probably good to go. Don't let some idiot mount your scope though. I cringe every time I see some gun store counter commando wrenching down on some poor dopes brand new scope.

 

[ToddKS]

I have Seekins rings on my .308 but have Burris XTR rings on one of my .223 AR's. I just removed my Vortex Viper from the XTR's to install a Nightforce I just purchased and there were no ring marks on the Viper after over 1000 rounds on the rifle. The rifle shot multiple groups under 1/2 MOA at 100yds during some recent load testing so I would have to say the XTR's performed quite well. I did not lap the rings but I did properly torque all of the screws using a torque wrench.

I also have no complaints about my Seekins rings and would recommend those as well but given the performance of the XTR's on my AR I have no reason to replace them.

 

[beretta_man11]

i have had several sets of the XTR and the weaver 6 hole tactical rings. I do not recommend these rings for a heavy recoil or abused rifle. My rings did slip after being torqued to spec. i did not lap them nor did i loctite, so that could be part of my issue.
i have since tried to change everything out to seekins and AADLAND lugged rings.

 

[Chiller]

For my .02 I've never bought a set of rings that I didn't lap. If it holds tight it's probably good to go. Don't let some idiot mount your scope though. I cringe every time I see some gun store counter commando wrenching down on some poor dopes brand new scope.

I cringe when I read this.

Badger, Seekins, etc. If you are lapping them.....something else is wrong.

 

[fireEMT5]

Don't over look Jon Aadland's rings either. If you want tough and over built, look no further. AADMOUNT Triple Lug Rings I have 2 sets of these and while the other brands recommended are fine products, I'll go with Aadland rings every time. You can buy through his web site or save a few bucks by going through SWFA. Just make sure you call SWFA and make sure they have them in stock before you order.