There are quite a few types of scope rings. The difference?
- type of mounting [whether you mount it directly to dovetail of the rifle, or to a standardized base - picatinny, blaser, etc],
- diameter of the scope rings [corresponds to maintube diameter of your scope],
- height of the scope rings [this depends foremostly on the diameter of the objective of your scope], and lastly
- type of the scope rings.
We will get through the steps one by one.
Step 1: Type of mounting
This is a first question you need to answer: what type of scope rings mounting will you use.
Most popular solution is to
1. get a picatinny base (unless your rifle is equipped with with picatinny base already from factory), and then
2. get a scope rings that works with picatinny base.
Another way is also to look for scope rings that attach directly to the dovetail of your rifle. Such exist, but because of the wide range of dovetail mounting standards, you will have very limited range of products to choose from.
That makes separates the range of scope rings into two categories:
- scope rings with picatinny base, and
- scope rings with dovetail base.
Below we take a look at both of them.
Scope rings with picatinny base
This is the most common solution to scope mounting.
The main positive of this type of scope rings is that it is universal, and thus there are many types of compatible scope rings. Thus you can choose from simple ones with fixation screw, from enhanced ones with QD mounting system that you can detach easily with hand, or even scope rings that have offset base for red dot.
Another positive is that you can use the same scope rings with riflescope on many rifles. And if you get picatinny scope rings with the QD mounting, you can do so even extremely easily and fast. Simply detach from one rifle and attach to another rifle. As long as you have picatinny base on both of your rifles, the rings will be compatible.
The main negative is that you have to get the picatinny base in order to make these work. Many rifles have picatinny base from factory. But many do not, and then you have to first search for compatible scope base (picatinny rail).
Scope rings with dovetail base
The benefit of the dovetail type scope mounting is that you do not have to spend extra money on scope base [picatinny rail], and you can install the scope rings directly to the dovetail.
The negative is that you will have very limited amount of compatible scope rings [because there are too many dovetail base standards]. And another negative to consider is that you will not be able to use these rings on ony other rifle, except it has the very same dovetail base.
Conclusion
First of all: decide whether you will use the dovetail base or the picatinny base. Based on that you can move further.
Step 2: Diameter of the scope rings
Second thing you need to get right is the diameter of the scope rings.
This depends on the diameter of the main tube of your scope. If the diameter of the maintube of the scope is 1 inch [25.4mm], then you need to be looking for scope rings with 1 inch diameter. And the same goes with other dimensions.
There are three most common diameters of scope rings:
This parametr you choose simply by finding out what is the diameter of the maintube of your scope. It shall be part of the description of each scope.
Step 3: Height of the scope rings
The height of mounting rings is primarily determined by the objective lens diameter + some extra space for the lens cover - that usually adds extra 2mm.
Typically, there are three heights of mounting rings: low, medium, and high.
As a shooter, your goal is to position the scope in such a way that the gap between the objective lens and the rifle barrel is minimal.
Limitations of height
So, how do you approach this?
- If your scope has a small objective lens diameter, i.e., between 20 and 40mm, low mounting rings will suffice.
- If your scope has a medium objective lens diameter, i.e., between 40 and 45mm, you’ll need medium-height mounting rings.
- And if your scope has a large objective lens diameter, i.e., between 45 and 56mm, you’ll need high mounting rings.
Step 4: Type of the scope rings
This final step is purely up to your preferences: how and where you are going to use the rifle.
There are few types of scope rings to consider:
One piece scope rings
Very popular because they are very easy to remove from your rifle & install back.
Two piece scope rings
Little bit more complicated to install as you have to go through installation of the rings separately. Fixation of the rings to the base is usually solved with screws or levers.
QD or QR scope rings
QD stands for quick detach, QR stands for quick release, but both mean the same. These scope rings are very easy and quick to detach from the base.
Often you can find these with tactical levers, that allow you to release the rings even with gloves on your hands.
These can be installed and removed from your rifle very easily in all conditions, without any special tools needed.
Classic rings with screws
To install these you need to have a screw driver and maybe some extra tools.
These are not to be installed or removed from your weapon on the field.
