Rifle Scopes Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

[mtang45]

I'm looking for a quality set of 30mm rings to mount on a standard picatinny/weaver rail. Setting the Chinese stuff for $1.98 aside, who makes the best quality for the price. I've looked at Ken Farrell rings and consider them at or near the top of the heap but not sure I want to part with $165.

I've tried a few sets of the Weaver Tactical rings for about $36 a set and when lapping them have found huge variation in quality. I have pretty much given up on them for anything but mounting a $50 scope on a plinker.

 

[RHutch]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Seekins Precision.

 

[Rootshot]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

For budget rings, the Burris XTR line of mounts are a good deal for the money. The SWFA Super Sniper appear to be identical and are possibly from the same manufacturer in China. Rather than lapping, I epoxy-bed the ring lowers for a rock solid custom fit.

--Rootshot

 

[WRENCHHEAD]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Badger, or Seekins. Buy once cry once.

 

[beretta989]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Used mark 4 rings come across here for less than 90$ from time to time. You can allways use the rings on another project when you decide to do somthing else.

 

[taterxl]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

+1 for the Burris XTR rings if your on a budget.

Best rings for the money though would be Seekins in my opinion.

 

[Heltsley]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RHutch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Seekins Precision. </div></div>

+1

 

[libertyman777]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

TPS rings have served me well.

 

[mtang45]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Thanks for all the great suggestions folks. One more question; which is better aluminum or steel and why?

 

[bward]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Go with the Seekins.

 

[z71rat]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Seekins... no need to look elsewhere...

DK

 

[ToddKS]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Another vote for Seekins here.

As for aluminum vs. steel, that depends on the type of aluminum and the type of steel used.

Seekins are aluminum, but they are made out of 7075 aluminum which has twice the tensile strength of the 6061 (or possibly even lower grade) aluminum used by other companies. 7075 is stronger than many varieties of steel. It is commonly used in aircraft structures.

I am sure that Badger uses a high grade of steel, but the alloy is not listed, nor are the heat treat specs so I cannot say that one is stronger than the other.

Bottom line is you should be fine either way as long as you select a quality product.

 

[Kino]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I have ALOT of TPS rings on different rifles and they have served me well. They say that their alunimum alloy is stronger than the steel rings they make and lighter.

 

[johnsopa]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I'll throw in a contrarian approach...

I like Burris Signature rings with the nylon inserts. No ring marks and they have the ability to help you mechanical zero the scope and hit the zero you want.

Torqued properly, the scope won't move.

 

[IanWRX]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Seekins is DA BOMB

 

[vferguson3006]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Burris XTR rings, best bang for the buck hands down, from low to x-high. The last thing that's gonna break on your build from shooting it will be the rings.
The Burris XTR rings, and your scope will not move.

 

[mtang45]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Any concerns about expansion contraction rates between the two metals? I would imagine that extreme cold to extreme heat would have a greater affect on one over the other.

As far as the rings with the nylon inserts, sounds good to protect the scope from ring marks, but I would be even more concerned about temperature extremes with the nylon.

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

i like talley and nightforce, the warne maxima and leupold prw/qrw rings also work well

 

[fw707]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: z71rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Seekins... no need to look elsewhere...

DK </div></div>

The Seekins were my choice for my first 30 mm scope. They worked fine, so I've used them every time I've needed rings since then.

 

[Outdoorsman9]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Another vote for Seekins

 

[jay540firebird]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Seekins 30mm rings and 20moa bases on both my 700p .300 win mag & savage 10 .308 , outstanding quality and value. I also have Burris XTR rings on my M1A, no troubles with them holding zero, nice rings for the money. If you have the extra cash, Seekins rings all the way, tight on funds, get the Burris XTR rings. Jay.

 

[m1k3]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I've never had the Burris XTR rings but I think I may give them a try.

I started off with the Burris Signature rings and really liked those. While not "Tacticool" they hold the scope tighter than you think and leave no marks at all. Just getting the screws finger tight would keep the scope from turning or sliding. The nylon grips the scope tube pretty well. Think belt wrench.

I have had Warne vertical split rings, both QD and Permanment versions. The QD versions are nice and I still have some. The permanent versions I didn't like as much. Both were nice quality and steel but I liked the QD's better. Return to zero was pretty close too. Usually within 1MOA.

Had some IOR rings too. Heavy steel. Nicely machined and heavy duty. You can usually find them in stock and are a little cheaper than the high end steel ones.

Currently using Nightforce and Seekins rings. The Nightforce rings I bought used on ebay for around $80 if I remember right. Very clean, nicely machined, solid rings.

Seekins rings changed my mind on aluminum rings. These things are just about perfect. Great machining, clean lines, no marks, no huge bolt on the side. If you can't find them in stock, which is common, Seekins makes the Vortex Precision rings as well. They are the same thing with Vortex's logo on the top. Normally about $1 more than the base Seekins. They have enough heft that you won't worry about them being aluminum.

Rings that have sucked: Some cheap Weavers, Millet, and Leupold PRW. I thought the Leupolds would be better. They were steel but didn't line up correctly. Looked cheaply made after looking at Nightforce and Warne rings.

Wow, wrote a lot more than I was expecting. Well there's my quick ring review.

Mike

 

[m1k3]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Almost forgot, these are new but look awesome!

http://www.aadmount.com/TLRings/TLRings.html

I think I'll give them a try next.

Another Hide sponsor too.

Mike

 

[ldunnmobile]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

When you're seeking rings you should get Seekins.

 

[z71rat]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I have used several different types of rings made out of aluminum and steel. I have spent all kinds of funds searching for that perfect set of rings.

I had a set of Burris XTR's for a WHOLE DAY, and got rid of them. The rings weren't even dimensionally the same. The rings would throw the scope off to one side. Neither ring was centered when mounted on my Badger rail.

I then got some Badger rings, and they were matched dimensionally, and had my scope centered above the bore of the barrel. Things were MUCH better. I ended up having to sell them, and just by chance, I was able to get into the Seekins rings. Now, since I have used Seekins, these are the only rings that I will be using from now on. The quality, fit and finish are second to none!!

If I own the rifle, it will have Seekins on top!!

DK

 

[mbrittan]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I have used the Burris XTR rings on a couple of rifles with no complaints. Definitely good for the money. My latest build I tried Seekins base and rings for the lower base height, and narrower (4 screws instead of 6) rings. The Seekins are very good looking, quality machined parts. His low rings get my scopes down about as low as possible. I will be getting Seekins again when I need rings or a base.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

expansion rates are a non-problem in a boltgun, its not a motor.

Seekins re in my opinion the best going, and I also run TPS, IOR/VTac and USO. SWFA also offers some good more cost effective rings

Determine the exact height you need for the best fit, then pick the best ring that you can in that height.

Rings are an accessory the allow you to fit the rifle to you, adn to me that's more important than the name.

I will not use Burris XTR, Signature Zee or any of the obviously chinese cheapos.

 

[RBell24]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Badger or Seekins are my first choice. I've picked up others for a good deal and have used them (Mark 4, EGW, TPS, Burris) but if buying new, you can't go wrong with the first two aforementioned.

 

[3fingervic]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I'm a big fan of the Burris XTR's.

 

[scotharr]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I currently own Seekins, NF, Badger, Leupold, and TPS rings. They have all worked fantastic. The TPS rings are $75 and all the rest are more than double that. So, if "best value" is the question, then my vote goes to TPS.

 

[RobG]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I run Seekins and TPS. The TPS don't give up a ton compared to Seekins although the Seekins are superior in every way; fit, finish, beefiness (is that even a word), and size of fasteners. The TPS are far superior to the XTR's, which I have also run, for only slightly more money.

 

[slowr1der]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I'm a huge fan of the Burris Signature Zee rings. It's about all I buy nowadays. They seem to work great, and they don't leave any ring marks. Plus, if you need to shim the scope, you can just use their inserts which can get you closer to being zeroed with the scopes adjustments closer to the center. You also don't have to worry about lapping the rings, or the scope being out of alignment in the rings. I love these rings.

 

[taseal]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

for the price, I really don't think you can beat warne maxima rings...

maybe the XTR after that. but i'd go with warne. they actually don't reccomend lapping the rings either. and ALL screws are set to 25 in/sf (incase you decide to get them)

 

[mtang45]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Thanks for all the feedback. The tally at this point is....

Seekins - 18
Burris XTR - 6
Burris Sig - 3
Badger - 3
TPS - 5
Warne - 2
Tally - 1
NF - 2
AAD Mount - 1

So comments lead me to believe there is nothing better than Seekins but you pay for it. Badger is a decent high end ring, doen't quite match up to Seekins but the same price. Burris XTR is a decent low cost ring but quality can vary. TPS seems to be a good middle, top end ring with quality that approches Seekins but significantly less in price.

Doe this pretty much sum it up?

 

[NTK]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Seekins are great rings for the buck.

 

[Graham]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Best quality for the price means best value: Nightforce or Badger. Aluminum or steel in a quality ring like that doesn't matter.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johnsopa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like Burris Signature rings with the nylon inserts. No ring marks and they have the ability to help you mechanical zero the scope and hit the zero you want. Torqued properly, the scope won't move. </div></div>Properly mounted rings don't leave ring marks. As to how nylon inserts help you to zero the scope: They don't.

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

None of the above.

You will not find a better set of rings than those made by this company.

www.americanrifle.com

The owner is a Hide member also.

 

[Graham]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EventHorizon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">None of the above. You will not find a better set of rings than those made by this company.</div></div>The OP was asking for the best value. I'm not sure that a $200 set of rings that incorporate new design features beat $140 Badgers for less money.

 

[hk dave]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I like Seekins for the money... especially the 6/4 combo.

 

[NTK]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like Seekins for the money... especially the 6/4 combo. </div></div>

The 6/4 combo is nice I should of gone that route on my second set.

 

[Michael Riley]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m1k3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Almost forgot, these are new but look awesome!

http://www.aadmount.com/TLRings/TLRings.html

I think I'll give them a try next.

Another Hide sponsor too.

Mike </div></div>

I just ordered a set of these for my new SS 5-20. Can't wait to get them and try them out! I emailed Jon some questions about them and he was very helpful and thoroughly answered all of my questions. Can't wait to get it all together so I can post some pics in the SS thread Seekins was the other brand I was debating on. I'm sure you can't go wrong with either.

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EventHorizon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">None of the above. You will not find a better set of rings than those made by this company.</div></div>The OP was asking for the best value. I'm not sure that a $200 set of rings that incorporate new design features beat $140 Badgers for less money. </div></div>

Well it depends on how you look at it really.

If he values repeatable return to zero without having to waste ammo to test zero then that's value.

If he values the fact that these rings won't cause damage to the functionality or finish of his scope and so he doesn't lose value because of ring marks or damage his scope then that's value.

If he wants the lightest rings for the level of grip that delivers the above then that's value as well.

If Badgers were $50 I'd still not use them as price alone is not really the true arbiter of value.

 

[Killer Spade 13]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

I, myself, find that I'm in the same conumdrum.

Are the Blackhawk tactical rings and base, at $100 for the setup, as stable as the Leupold Mk-4 which cost an additional $170?

Any and all input and response is appreciated.

OH!!! Apologize for the hijack, by the way.

 

[m1k3]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Those ARC rings are building a nice following too.

If they were a little lower (price wise), I'd probably try a set. I love the out of the box thinking and design. Kinda like the SPUR rings. But for now, you are still paying for the idea as well as the product. I think for now, there are products that do pretty damn well at nearly half the cost.

Mike

 

[RobG]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Those aadmount rings are super beefy. The half moa return to zero claim isn't that impressive. I have pulled my Seekins mounted scope a few times, replaced and re-torqued, and have alway been either the same zero or less than 1/4 moa.

The ARC rings are interesting. Is there any issue with the scope twisting when tightening it down due to the design?

 

[VKC]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

Badger, seekins, near, nightforce, etc. I'll throw in making sure your screws are tightened to the correct tension and applying Loctite.

 

[Graham]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

No Red Loctite.

 

[bohem]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RobG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Those aadmount rings are super beefy. The half moa return to zero claim isn't that impressive. I have pulled my Seekins mounted scope a few times, replaced and re-torqued, and have alway been either the same zero or less than 1/4 moa.

The ARC rings are interesting. Is there any issue with the scope twisting when tightening it down due to the design? </div></div>

The Gen 2 designs do sometimes, it depends on how the scope tube is sized. I have 2 Vortex Razors that are on the "big side" and they both roll, as well as 1 of my NF scopes is "big" and it does too. The scopes that are nominal or a touch small in the tube don't roll. ARC's owner sent me a set from the first run of the new generation when I ordered the latest set.

I just finished the range testing of the new design, the issue is solved. I have a review on them coming in the next couple of days.

The RTZ on the ARC rings is nothing short of excellent in my opinion. The rifle that I used for the test is a mid 0.2's to low 0.3's rifle. The rings RTZ within the repeatability limits of the rifle.

 

[kentactic]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

seekins.... deffinatly...

 

[kentactic]

Re: Which Rings are the best bang for the buck

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Badger, seekins, near, nightforce, etc. I'll throw in making sure your screws are tightened to the correct tension and applying Loctite. </div></div>

seekins said no need to loctite there rings...just the base to the action screws... not sure if they say DONT loctite there rings...but they do say its not required.