Which rings? Which scope?

[luke s]

Gunnutz,

Can someone educate me on what constitutes good rings for mounting optics?

Is there such a thing as bad rings? Are some simply better built and stronger then others?

I need something that is quality, yet doesnt break the bank. They have to mount on weaver/picatinny rails and will likely get moved around with the scope for several rifles in the future. Maybe something quick detachable would be nice.

So far I am looking at:
-Millet "angle loc" (there is a windage adjust one made of nickel, and standard aluminum type)

-Burris Zee rings (standard and QD)

-Leupold "rifleman" standard rings


What about something like a QD base with integral rings, are those any good?

========================

2nd question is about scopes:

I need something that is versatile. So far it will go on my sks, but in the future maybe go on my AR, lever action or bolt gun (maybe even shotgun). Shooting will be 100 yards but if I can I would like to get up to 200-300 yards down the line.

So far I am considering a redfield revolution 3-9x or 4-12x but have also been hearing about Bushnell elite 3200/4200 and burris fullfield II, or even vortex crossfire.

What is the max distance you can shoot with 9x magnification? 12x?

Another thing is can all scopes handle spring recoil (2 directions) vs single direction recoil from a bolt gun?

I am trying to keep the scope $200 or so, but dont want to go super cheaper like NcStar.

Any opinions or insight is appreciated.

 

[Tomochan]

regarding rings I and many others like TPS ( reasonable price and good quality ). I have used the Angle Loc but they are not my favorite.

Regarding a scope - for the purposes you describe it may be hard to beat the Elite 3200 10x

 

[Crashman]

Rings...Vortex Tactical or HS Quick Release rings, both are great quality at a reasonable price.

Scope...Vortex Diamondback 2-7X35 for your $200 budget.

This would make a nice setup for your intended purposes and yes it can handle the recoil of spring operated air guns.

 

[stubblejumper]

You can't make me use Millet angle lock , or Leupold Rifleman rings. The Burris Zee rings are decent rings, but I prefer Leupold steel rings, or Talley. The Elite 3200, and 4200 scopes are quite decent for the price, but at $467.77, at Dante's, the Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 is a great buy.

 

[luke s]

I went with leupold QRW steel rings. These look and feel really solid.

Now for scopes, again is there a scope that will not last with a semi auto (spring) action? This is beside the .22 designed scopes/cheap quality scopes

 

[stubblejumper]

Now for scopes, again is there a scope that will not last with a semi auto (spring) action? This is beside the .22 designed scopes/cheap quality scopes

Sringer air rifles are known to be very hard on some scopes, but I am not aware of that being the case with rimfire or centerfire semi auto rifles.

 

[stefK]

For the $ the Redfield Revolution is the best value out there right now as far as my taste goes
Built by Leupold in North America, excellent glass and you never have to search for the reticle, EVER!
P&D has the best pricing on Redfield I have seen out of anyone.

 

[cody c]

SKS's dont have a lot of kick to them, though Im not sure what kind of mount you can get for your SKS, I have some sort of side mount, I dont know if there is something that uses a picatinny or weaver rail, that might be the biggest factor to work around.

I do like the vortex tacticals, they are very solid but pricey, and also like the talley's which I own a set of at the moment, and would like to try out the game reapers one day.

 

[Cameron SS]

Good rings are rings that grip the scope tight enough to manage the recoil without letting the scope slip, mount firmly to the rail, and don't damage your scope.

Have you looked into lapping your scope rings. Its recommended even for expensive rings.

As for scopes, I find I've never been disappointed by spending a little more to get more. When ever I cheap out, I usually end up spending more money in the long run upgrading it to something better anyways. No offense but $200 is a bit low considering the use and versatility you are hoping for.

I'm not sure that Spring recoil posses any added stress to the scope when compared to bolt gun recoil. The spring itself usually cuts down on the 1st recoil compared to the bolt gun , while the 2nd recoil (Return motion) should be even less.

Do you plan on using this scope on a hunting gun ever, or just straight up target shooting? Have you given much thought to what type of cross hair pattern you want?

I've shot a 9 powered scope out to 1000 yards without much difficulty, but it was a very, very clear Leupold. That said the target was rather small, and the scope was probably underpowered, that said, a $200 isn't likely going to be that clear at long range. Out to 300 meters however, you would likely be fine with any of the options you've listed.

 

[luke s]

^^^ this is very informative.

the leupold QRW rings are very tight to the scope, and mount firmly to my rail.
never knew about lapping, and just researched it. I think it would be a must for distances around 1000 yards but a bit less so for the distances I will shoot at.

I picked up a redfield revolution 3-9x40 with just a normal crosshair (4 plex, I think it is called).

While I agree spending more than $200 would get a better scope, for the application it will be used, the $180 I paid for the redfield is more than enough scope. Hell the sks was $200, and the mount, rings and scope total around $300, I think I overspent already. Even if I put it on a lever or bolt in the future, I think this scope will serve me well.

Never been hunting, but hopefully one day I will get into it, right now purely for target shooting.

I took the sks out with the scope to sight in at 80 yards. Got decent results but the range does not have the best benches for shooting so I was wobbly.
I will try it at 100, 200, and 300 yards this weekend at base Borden in prone, to better evaluate the scope.