• New Contest Starting Now! This Target Haunts Me

    Tell us about the one that got away, the flier that ruined your group, the zero that drifted, the shot you still see when you close your eyes. Winner will receive a free scope!

    Join contest

Rifle Scopes Looking for a set of light hunting rings

EchoDeltaSierra

Slightly above average
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 1, 2013
578
351
Minnesota
Hey all,

I’ve started a rifle build for a buddy who got a WY elk tag and I’m looking for a set a scope rings. This will be a build similar to my R-700 in 300 WinMag except on a sever diet; lighter rifle build, really light scope, etc. It’s a R-700 long-action, with a 30mm tube and 44mm objective scope.

I’ve been eyeing the Luepold Backcountry Scope Mounts which are a direct attach to the top of the action, but not shipping for another 6-8 weeks. I run BO rails and more substantial mounts on all my rifles. Is there something anyone would recommend for a solid yet minimal and light ring/mount set?

Thanks in advance.
-Eric-
 
Nightforce Ultra Light rings or Burris Z rings. Add a Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 is about as light as it will get if you want that much magnification.

I also have two Swaro Z3s 3-10x42s, those are as light as you will find in a hunting rifle and work great for 99% of the huning most people will ever do.

I have the BRX and the BRH reticles. Get the BRH, the BRX is very thin and can be really hard to see in early morning or late evening situations.
 
I have both the Talley integral base ring mounts and the Nightforce ultralights. If you prefer a picatinny base and rings combo then the NF ultralights are great, they are very light rings. Otherwise the Talleys work well. Although I cannot speak to the security of the Talleys because I have them on a 243.

My vote for a lightweight 300 wm would be to go with the pic base and NF rings
 
Every rifle I own (except my 10/22s) wear Seekins alloy 20MOA Picatinny rail (3oz for LA R700 type) and Seekins alloy rings (2.5-3.0oz each dependent on size/height). Total weight is 8-9oz.

But, scopes are secure, and, if needed, easily and quickly interchangeable in case of an issue in the field. Just a few clicks to rezero if you need to swap a scope from one rifle to another.

Plus, I have never needed to lap rings, or had a Seekins leave a ring mark on any scope when torqued correctly.

If you are looking to shave every single ounce possible, there are a few ways to do it an ounce or two at a time.
Flute bolt -1oz
Skeltonize bolt handle -1oz
Shave bolt knob/thread and install CF knob -2oz
Alloy bolt shroud -2oz
TI firing pin -.5oz
Flute barrel -3 to 10oz (dependent on flute size, depth, type, contour of barrel)
Stock swap -10 to 32oz (depending on what you have and what you go to) B&C Medalist or HS Precision w. aluminum bedding block to Manners EH series will save you 14-16oz right off the bat.
Barrel length reduction will save you a few oz per 1". But you lose velocity of 20-30fps per 1" too.
Scope choice can make huge differences. 18oz vs 48oz scopes.
2 sling studs vs. 3 -1oz
Sling choice -1 to 4oz
Alloy Bottom metal vs. Steel -4oz
BDL vs DBM -6oz
 
Last edited:
are the rings seriously where you're looking to cut weight?

not to be a dick but i'd think there are better places to cut weight than the main connection between POA and POI

Ha! The rings are just part of the equation. This is a lighter rifle, scope, sling, etc. I’m just sweating the final ounces now. This build will be probably 3-5 lbs less than the rifle I’m modeling it after. Also, we cannot forget mountain math: ounces = pounds = pain.

;-)
 
You must be at least 18 years of age to use this site
You confirm that you are at least 18 years of age by continuing to use the site.