If you intend on using a scope with your rifle, then you are going to need scope rings. Not every scope comes with scope rings included, so you might be faced with the hard decision of choosing your own scope rings. In this article, I am going to try and make things a little bit easier for you, by comparing a few of the best 30mm scope rings. In my opinion, your best option is the Vortex Optics Tactical Rings!
If you are looking for different-sized rings, do not despair — most of these rings also come in 1-inch versions and in other different sizes.
Ready? Then let’s compare some scope rings.
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Excellent Option
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Pros:
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- Best Bang for Buck
- Black Matte Finish
- High-Quality Construction
- Durable
- Easy-to-install
- Great-for-Rugers
- Lightweight
- Extremely Versatile
- Attach-additional-accessories
Best Scope Rings for Picatinny Rail Rifles
Here is our list of the best scope rings that are compatible with Picatinny rails.
- Vortex Optics Tactical 30mm Riflescope Rings
- Leupold Ruger Riflescope Rings
- Burris 30mm Scope Rings
- Warnex 30mm Matte PA Rings
- Weaver 30mm Six Hole Tactical Low Scope Rings
- Monstrum Slim Profile Series Offset Scope Mount
1) Vortex Optics Tactical 30mm Riflescope Rings
Most people already know that Vortex makes some of the best deer hunting scopes on the market today. They also make great scope rings. 30mm riflescope rings do not have to be expensive. I know, I know, things can quickly get way out of budget if you start focusing on fancy extra features and high-quality materials. However, if you are strictly looking for a cheap way to bolt your scope to your rifle, then the Vortex Optics Tactical rings are excellent for the job.
These rings will fit any standard picatinny rail and easily allow you to mount optics with 30mm tubes. While it is unfortunate that they only work on picatinny bases, I don’t think we’re really allowed to complain at this price point.
The Vortex Optics Tactical are made from T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and have a black matte finish. They do not have any type of special coating, which again can be expected due to the price.
The rings hold your scope down securely with six screws on each ring. However, these rings can be difficult to tighten properly, so be sure to go the extra mile when fastening your scope to your rifle — any wobbles will hinder your accuracy.
Budget-wise, these are some of the best 30mm scope rings available. They are inexpensive and do their job properly — just don’t expect any fancy stuff, like a quick-detach system or extra slots for additional optics. If you’re operating on a budget, Vortex may be the best 30mm scope mount on the market. And if you have a slightly bigger scope, check out the top 34mm Scope Rings that I’ve tested.
Will these rings work on a weave rail?
No. The Vortex Optics Tactical 30mm rings will only fit picatinny rails. However, they are considered to be one of the best scope rings for picatinny rail.
Are these sold as a set or as individual rings?
These rings are sold individually. You will need to buy two rings.
Are these the same rings that Vortex includes with the Strikefire 2?
No. Although they are similar, the rings on the Strikefire 2 are taller than these ones. These rings will also fit the Strikefire 2, but the scope will be positioned at a lower height.
What type of screws does the Vortex Optics Tactical use?
The screws on the Vortex Optics Tactical are 8×40 Torx-head screws. You will need a T15 Torx driver.
- Best Bang for Buck
- Black Matte Finish
- High-Quality Construction
2) Leupold Ruger Riflescope Rings
Leupold makes some of the best scope bases and scope rings on the market. Most scope rings are made from T6 aluminum. Aluminum is an inexpensive material that offers some lightweight durability. Steel is more dense and more robust — and that’s why Leupold chose it as the material for the Ruger riflescope mount rings.
These rings are definitely rugged. The steel-machined rings have some weight to them, which can be seen as a negative, but they are also more durable than the competition. It is up to you to decide whether you prefer a lighter set of rings, or a more durable one. From my point of view, steel scope rings are great — especially if you don’t like being extra careful when out in the field.
These are extremely reliable rings with very tight tolerances. They are easy to set up and will offer you a seamless experience when mounting your scope.
The Leupold RM Ruger riflemount holds your scope via two Torx-head screws on each ring. The screws are easy to tighten, but you can overtighten them if you are not careful. Remember, if overtightening the screws, once the scope is mounted, can damage your scope.
If you have a Ruger rifle, these are one of the best scope mounts and are easy to recommend. If not, then they are probably not for you. If you are looking for something else, try shopping for the best quick release scope mount that I recently tested.
Are these rings available in a matte version?
Sadly, these rings are only available with a gloss finish. Leupold does sell matte-finished rings, but not this particular model.
Are these rings sold individually or as a set?
The Leupold RM Ruger ringmount is sold as a set. You will not need to buy two of these for a single scope.
3) Burris 30mm Scope Rings
Burris[1]https://www.burrisoptics.com/ doesn’t always hit their shots. Sometimes they make average products, sometimes they make cheap stuff that doesn’t quite cut it. That’s not the case with their 450 bushmaster scope & it is not the case with their Burris Xtreme Tactical rings. These rings are great for tactical operators that need to attach additional accessories to their scopes.
The optional picatinny rail on top is probably the best feature of these rings — if not for that, this would be a good set of rings, but nothing exactly special. The Burris 30mm Xtreme Tactical rings are made from a milled T6 aluminum block and coated with a matte finish — pretty much the same as every other scope ring.
However, it is possible to attach a picatinny rail on top of the rings. This gives users the possibility of attaching additional accessories to their rifles, even if there isn’t any space left on their rifle’s rail.
Besides that, these lightweight rings are durable (they are meant for tactical operators, after all) and can handle the recoil from heavy-powered rifles without any problems.
These tactical rings hold your scope securely with a total of six screws on each ring, ensuring everything stays in its place even in the more stressful moments. So if you just bought one of the best budget long range scope, consider giving these rings a try.
While these scope rings might be overkill for some, they are indicated for users who want the possibility of adding additional optics and accessories to their rifles. If that is your case, then the Burris 30mm Xtreme Tactical might just be the best 30mm scope mount for you!
Do these Burris rings include the picatinny mount?
No. Burris only includes the rings. You will need to buy the picatinny rail mount separately.
Do these rings come in pairs?
Yes. This item is a set of two scope rings.
Will these rings work on a revolver?
Assuming the revolver has a picatinny rail, then the rings will work perfectly — assuming there is enough space for them and for your chosen scope.
What’s the recommended torque for mounting the scope on the rails?
The standard recommended torque is 15 to 18 in lbs. on the screws that clamp around the scope. For the screws on the base, 30 in lbs. is adequate.
Anything over 15 or 18 in lbs. on the scope can damage the scope.
- Lightweight
- Extremely Versatile
- Attach-additional-accessories
4) Warnex 30mm Matte PA Rings
Like we have seen with the Leupold rings, steel rings are stronger and sturdier than their aluminum counterparts. So, when Warne sets out to build strong, durable mounting rings, they evidently choose steel to do it.
The result is a set of hefty rings that scream durability — but that does not mean that they are heavy. As a matter of fact, even despite being made of steel, these rings are relatively lightweight.
Both rings on this set have extremely high tolerances and will provide a steady base for even the largest-caliber weapons. Recoil has virtually no impact on your zero with the Warner Maxima Ruger rings. This makes Warnex one of the best scope mounts in my opinion compared to the competition.
Unlike most rings, these rings clamp together sideways, instead of splitting into top and bottom parts. They are held together by four Torx-head screws, and, while I cannot attest to the superiority of this sideways clamp over the regular one, they hold everything together extremely well. So if you just bought one of the Best Scope for 308 AR, consider trying these scope rings.
If you shoot high-caliber weapons and need scope rings then these rings are probably the right buy for you.
Can these rings be used with a 50bmg?
Yes. These rings will hold zero just fine when used with high-caliber weapons.
Are both rings included?
Yes. Warne sells the entire ring set and not individual rings.
5) Weaver 30mm Six Hole Tactical Low Scope Rings
Remember when I said that steel was more durable than aluminum? Well, even though that’s not an opinion, Weaver does not really care. The Weaver 30mm Tactical rings are made from aluminum, but they are still as durable as some of their steel competition.
These rings are made from T6 aircraft-grade aluminum (what a surprise) and have a matte black finish (who would’ve thought?). However, Weaver builds a dense set of tactical rings and does not spare a penny on the screws.
The Weaver tactical rings have six points of contact on each ring, which provide extra scope security[2]https://www.weaveroptics.com/. The Torx-head screws are tight and will hold your scope even in the most grueling scenarios. In my opinion, this makes them one of the best scope mounts.
Even after high-intensity real world situations, in which you might fall and drop your rifle, the Weaver tactical rings will still hold your scope’s zero — and remain pristine (after you clean them, at least) while doing so.
These rings will fit both picatinny and weaver rails, meaning they are adequate for most rifles. While this particular model has a low profile, Weaver also makes it in medium and high profiles, so you can choose whichever better fits your scope and your rifle.
If you are worried about getting extremely durable riflescope rings, do not think twice. The Weaver Tactical rings are probably the right choice for you. And if you’re curious about what are scope rings, be sure to read our post to learn more!
Will these rings fit weaver bases?
Yes. These rings will fit both picatinny and weaver bases.
How high are these rings?
These rings have a saddle height of .250 inches.
6) Monstrum Slim Profile Series Offset Scope Mount
Most riflescope rings do not include the mounting base. Some don’t even include both rings in the same package. Monstrum, however, goes above and beyond the competition — not only they include both rings, but they also include the mounting base with their customized design.
The Monstrum Slim Profile series has, as the name indicates, a slim profile. Both the rings and the base are milled from 6061 aluminum, giving them great durability and a weight of only 5 ounces (in total).
The mount will fit any standard picatinny rail and adds extra rigidity to the rings, given that this is all a single piece of equipment.
The mount and the scope rings have a slight offset that provides extra eye relief — the scope rings have a 2-inch forward extension, which also makes the shooting position a bit more comfortable.
In a market where every manufacturer seems to cut corners somewhere, Monstrum leaves its mark, providing plenty of equipment for a very affordable price. If you are looking for an all in one scope ring, then the Monstrum Slim Profile Series might just be right up your alley.
Can you fit a 50mm scope on these rings?
Whether your 50mm scope fits on these rings or not will depend on the tube size. Since these are 30mm scope rings, the tube cannot be bigger than 30mm.
This might seem to imply that a 50mm scope will not fit, however when you refer to a 50mm scope you are referring to the lens it uses (in this case a 50mm lens). The tube diameter is generally smaller in diameter than the lens element. In many cases, a 50mm lens has a 30mm (or smaller) tube, which will perfectly fit in these rings.
How is the finish on these rings?
These rings have a satin finish. The rings are not glossy, but there is some shine to them — they are not matte black.
How high is the saddle on these rings?
From the bottom to the center of the rings there is a 1.5-inch distance.
Best 30mm Scopes Rings Buyer’s Guide
How to choose scope rings for a 30mm scopes
The most important thing when choosing scope rings for a 30mm scope is choosing rings that will fit both your rifle and your scope. No two scopes are the same — they have different diameters and different sizes — and not every rifle has the same type of rail.
So, first and foremost, before you decide on anything else, make sure that you are purchasing rings that will fit your equipment.
Once you know that you have to make a compatible purchase, you can start to focus on the type of rings that you need. As with every ring measure, there are widely different types of rings out there. Quick-detach scope mounts, cantilevers, etc.
If you are someone who uses several scopes on the same rifle, it might be worth spending the extra money and going for a quick-detach mount. These types of scope mounts cost more but will make your life easier in the long-term — you won’t have to re-zero your scope whenever you install it on your rifle.
Alternatively, you can be interested in a set of rings that holds your scope in its place and doesn’t do anything else. This doesn’t mean that you are looking for cheap rings, as simple rings can still be expensive if they are of very high quality.
At the end of the day, you will need to decide what type of 30mm scope ring is best for you. There are no easy or absolute answers.
What is the difference between 30mm and 1 inch scope rings?
These two types of rings have different sizes. 30mm is equal to 1.18 inches, so, while not too different, there is enough of a difference to cause hardware compatibility issues[3]https://eecs.wsu.edu/~bakken/SavageRifleAd/.
In case of doubt, measure your equipment.
Is lapping scope rings worth it?
Yes, lapping scope mounts is worth it if you want to get the best performance out of your equipment. Lapping ensures that the rings are completely level with each other, which provides a more consistent and accurate point of contact between the scope and the rifle. This results in better optics and improved accuracy.
If you’re serious about marksmanship, lapping scope rings is an essential step in ensuring that your rifle is performing at its best. While it may take a bit of time and effort, the improved performance is worth it for most shooters.
How tight should a scope ring be?
Scope rings should be tightened to between 35-45 inch pounds. This will ensure that your scope is secure and will not become loose over time. One thing to keep in mind is that if you tighten your scope rings too much, it can actually damage the scope and cause it to malfunction. Conversely, if they are not tightened enough, then your scope may become loose and shift out of place, which can ruin your shot.
Is it OK to shim a scope?
Shimming a scope is generally not recommended, as it can bend the tube and cause optical problems. This holds true on bolt action rifles & modern rifles as well! However, if you must do it, proceed with caution and be very careful. Use only thin pieces of shim stock (no more than .002″ thickness) and insert them as close to the center of the tube as possible. If you have to shim more than one side, make sure that the shims are equal in height. Just remember, when it comes to measuring scope height, shims play an important part. Do not over-tighten the screws or you could damage your scope.
Types of Scope Mounts
The two most popular options are one-piece mounts and two-piece scope rings.
- One-Piece Mount: A single unit that attaches to your rifle and holds your scope in place. This provides a rock-solid, dependable base for your optics.
- Two-Piece Scope Mount: Consist of two separate rings that fasten around the scope, then attach to the rifle. This style of mounting is typically preferred by hunters and shooters who like the flexibility to adjust the placement of their scope to achieve the best eye relief.
Generally speaking, both options have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for your shooting style. Find what works for your AR15 or alternate rifle setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best scope rings to use?
What is the advantage of a 30mm scope tube?
Do scope rings affect accuracy?
Conclusion
Choosing the best 30mm scope ring for your use case is not an easy task. Luckily, scope rings are not very expensive, and you have some margin to try out new things without breaking the bank.
If you feel that one particular ring is not right for you, do not be afraid of trying a new brand — although they are quite similar in their function, no two rings are the same.
If you are looking for a good set of rings that is also cheap, then the Vortex Optics Tactical gets my vote. These rings are budget-conscious but get the job done particularly well.
If you are looking for an all-in-one solution, then you cannot go wrong with the Monstrum Slim Profile Series. The Monstrum rings come with an included base and provide additional eye relief, making them a great choice for many users.
Which 30mm scope ring do you think is the best? Let us know below.
References
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