Rifle Scopes Rings: Leupold Mk4 Vs. Badger Ordnance?

[vh20]

I need to order a new set of rings to go on a new Defiance action with an integrally-machined rail. I want to try something new this time, and have narrowed my choices down to the Leupold Mk4 and Badger Ordnance rings (both in steel). They seem to be almost identical in design from what I can tell. The Mk4s are almost 50.00 cheaper, which is great, but I'd gladly pay the difference for the best quality. Has anyone had experience with both types, to the extent of having formed a definite preference for any particular reason?
Thanks

 

[918v]

BO has very thick parkerizing to the point my Zeiss wouldn't fit. Had to lap them. No problems with MK4 rings.

 

[gimpy]

I have used both. If you can get Leupold for $50 less, go that route.

 

[dddoo7]

Leupolds don't give up anything to the badger rings. I have owned both and now only have mark 4's. In my opinion they are nicer cosmetically.

 

[vh20]

Wow, 3-for-3. I was kind of expecting the answers to go the opposite direction. Glad to hear the Mk4s are up to the task.
Thanks for the replies, guys.

Anyone else?

Thanks again.

 

[Arc Light]

I have never tried BO rings, but have 4 sets of Mark 4's (steel and Aluminum). The are great rings and have never given me any issues whatsoever. They are finished very well and high quality. I would not hesitate to get them and save the $50.

 

[jjrgr21]

for the $$ TPS are hard to beat.

 

[RRW]

Ditto on what the guys said regarding Mark4 rings. We have them our work rifles and are good to go.

 

[Aries64]

I need to order a new set of rings to go on a new Defiance action with an integrally-machined rail. I want to try something new this time, and have narrowed my choices down to the Leupold Mk4 and Badger Ordnance rings (both in steel). They seem to be almost identical in design from what I can tell. The Mk4s are almost 50.00 cheaper, which is great, but I'd gladly pay the difference for the best quality. Has anyone had experience with both types, to the extent of having formed a definite preference for any particular reason?
Thanks

They're actually quite different: Mark 4 rings have a 50/50 split ring design, while Badger ring tops are un-evenly-split. The edges on Mark 4 rings are softer (knocked-down a bit) while the edges on Badger rings are left sharp, Mark 4 rings are finished in a non-reflective blue but have a very slight sheen to then while Badger rings are finished in a heavy duty phosphate. Mark 4 rings also tend to be chunky in design and heavy compared to Badger rings in the same diameter and approximate ring height.

That said, as the others who posted before me have said, Mark 4 rings are GTG and I prefer their 50/50 ring split and softer edges over Badger rings. To me, the only downside is to Mark 4s' is that tend to be heavier than Badgers' of the same diameter and approximate ring height. Of course, that may or may not be of concern to you. At $50.00 less than Badgers' Mark 4s' are the obvious choice for me, but your mileage may vary. Hope this helps.


Keith