Rifle Scopes what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

[dvdt]

What causes ring marks on a scope ? How do you avoid it ?

I have limited experience with mounting scopes. I've probably only mounted 4. Most recently I used a set of Seekins 30mm rings on my Falcon 4-14 that lived on a .308. I sent many rounds down range and when I took the rings off and replaced the scope, there were not any marks.

So, when I see high dollar glass for sale here (USO, S&B, NF etc) and folks say it has very light ring marks or no ring marks I get curious ?

Is this over torque ?
Poor installation ?
Only happen on high recoil/big magnums ?
Damn luck?

I used a Wheeler torque wrench until I recently got my Borka. I torque'd to specs on Glen's site. I'm not complaining obviously, but just trying to make sure I can repeat my success next go around.

I searched and didn't see this anywhere or in the FAQ. Thanks!

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

Misaligned rings and/or bases is the most frequent cause, poor quality rings and bases can make it much easier to cause damage.

I don't always lap my rings, but I always use a lapping bar to ensure rings are aligned properly before they are torqued onto the scope base.

Kirk R

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

It could be a number of things.

Poor quality rings. Burrs. Incorrect torque. Misalignment, etc.

I pulled a Falcon Menace out of a set of Seekins Precision rings after 1000 rounds and there were no marks. I am betting that after 2K with my USO there won't be any marks either.

HOWEVER if there are I am not going to loose sleep over it.

 

[springer01]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
HOWEVER if there are I am not going to loose sleep over it. </div></div>

+1
I for one think ring marks are overrated.

 

[dvdt]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

I have a USO on order. I'm certainly not worried about that thing breaking on me because of rings. I saw the post where some guy had some knucklehead at a shop bend the F outta his USO tube with Badger rings. I know the guys at USO put it on their rifle and still shoot it. No worries there.

However, I like to take great care of my stuff and want to make sure I'm doing my part.

My concern was a few for sale ads that were using high dollar scopes and high dollar rings and still had these.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[SCOTTx88]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

Burris Signature Rings. No Marks.
My 5R

338Edge

 

[hesco]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

2nd that on the burris signature rings you can even get offset inserts to adjust of windage and elevation, the 30 mm rings come with 10 moa offsets, for a total of 20 moa with them rotated oppisite frot and back

 

[Hellbender]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

A flat base is critical, and this is NOT determined by the brand of base, but how well it mates to the receiver surface.

Bedding will flatten them out.

Then good quality ALUMINUM rings and you have it whipped.

 

[battson]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scottx88</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Burris Signature Rings. No Marks.
</div></div>Wise choice

 

[TorF]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

I just wish someone could make 34mm rings with polymer inserts. I use Burris Signature and Tikka/Sako Optilock rings on my rifles.

 

[JRose]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

Ring marks just mean that your scope is being held tight, like you'd want it to be...

 

[chipdog4]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the 30 mm rings come with 10 moa offsets, for a total of 20 moa with them rotated oppisite frot and back </div></div>

The rings come with + and -.010" inserts.
It depends on how far apart the rings are for elevation changes. Rings closer together = a larger change.

 

[Alpine 338]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

I saw someone at a gun shop once use liquid electrical tape, made by 3M. He said it oozes out except for the voids, helps hold the scope, and reduces ring marks. Easy to remove when the scope is removed. I personaly haven't tried it, but sounds like a good idea.

 

[Jackalope33B]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

+1 on the liquid electrical tape. My friend did it to his scope, and it works. Just a lil mess to clean up after you tighten it down. Also it acts like a loctite. The scope wont turn or move as easily.

 

[KillShot]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

I realize this thread hasn't been commented on since September but I'm glad I found it because a lot of questions I had about mounting my NXS have been answered.

Thanks, DVDT, for starting this topic.

 

[oubeta]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

I think people make too big of deal from ring marks when buying a scope.
Who cares if it has light ring marks on it.
I have a $2k scope with high quality rings on it and it left some faint marks.
I think it just means your scope is in there good and tight and you use you equipment.

 

[Extreme454]

Re: what causes / how to avoid ring marks on a scope?

I've mounted and dismounted a lot of scopes and I've never had ring marks.

I think its because I tighten my rings to the base simultaneously while tightening my ring clamps around the scope tube at the same time. Working back and forth between both ring clamps and both ring to base mounts, snugging each until tight/torqued. I believe this allows the rings to align correctly with the tube and helps prevent binding(marks). Its kind of a long process but worth it IMHO.