12 Best Scope Rings and Bases for Your Rifle [Buying Guide]

So you got a rifle, and you got your scope.

The only thing left to do is find the right scope rings so you can use the two together — easy, right?

Except, you know it’s easier said than done.

There are tons of mounting systems out there that cater to different needs and wants.

I’ve compiled a list of the best scope rings and bases depending on what kind of scope you’re using.

Best 1-Inch Rings

Vortex Optics Hunter Riflescope Rings

Check Best Price

Best Overall

Vortex Optics Pro Series Riflescope Rings

Check Best Price

Most Versatile

Weaver Tactical Rings

Check Best Price

12 Best Scope Rings and Bases (30mm, 34mm, 1-inch, for Long-Range Shooting)

1. Vortex Optics Pro Series Riflescope Rings

BEST OVERALL

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

Vortex Optics rings are a well-known name for gun users. Let me warn you now: you’re going to see this name pop up A LOT on this list.

These rings are affordable and come in all sorts of heights, from low, medium, and high.

If you’re pressed about it being affordable, you’ll be surprised to hear that these Vortex Optics rings are made from 6061-T6 aluminum, which makes them incredibly durable.

Once they’re on your rifle, you can bet your kidney that these scope rings will not be bent, twisted, or disfigured in any way, even after taking them out to hunt.

Installing these rings won’t be a challenge since they use Torx screws.

Aside from that, they even have the torque specifications engraved on them, so you always know how much to tighten them.

I think these rings are wonderful for different modern rifles, like long-range rifles, scout rifles, modern sporting rifles, and even air rifles!

You can even use larger scopes on these bad boys due to the various heights they offer.

2. Vortex Optics Hunter Riflescope Rings

BEST 1-INCH RINGS

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

If you’re looking for the best scope rings with a one-inch option, then I recommend the Vortex Optics Hunter rifle scope rings.

These rings are usually used with hunting rifles since they’re made for hunting.

These one-inch rings are made from aircraft-grade aluminum.

With the kind of material they’re using, you’re not going to be looking over your rings after every shot to take to see if they’re banged up.

You only need two bolts to set these one-inch scope rings up on either a Weaver or Picatinny rail scope mounting system, and you’re good to go.

If you opt to use the high rings version of these rings, you can use your iron sight with them if available.

The only thing you need to be mindful of is that Vortex does NOT recommend using these rings with high recoil guns.

However, like all other Vortex products, this one is backed by Vortex’s lifetime warranty.

3. Weaver Tactical Rings

MOST VERSATILE

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Amazon «

If you’re looking for the best scope rings that will get the job done at any height, then the Weaver Tactical rings are your best friends.

These rings are designed to be durable but without sacrificing weight reduction by being built from aluminum.

That way, you can get the best of both worlds with these scope rings.

As the name suggests, Weaver rings are meant to be attached on Weaver bases.

Aside from a Weaver rail, you can also mount these on any universal rail system like a Picatinny rail with a single large bolt.

However, I did bump into a slight issue: Ring height.

You may have to do some trial and error before finding the perfect ring height to use with your scope.

4. Vortex Optics Precision Matched Rings

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

Need a pair of good rings that will offer you the best precision when you use your scope, red dots, and other accessories on your rifle?

Well, these Vortex rings are made to ensure perfect alignment!

The Precision Matched ring pairs are manufactured and shipped out together, so you can really say that the rings are a PERFECT MATCH.

The Vortex Optics Precision Matched rings have been precision machined from billets of high-grade aluminum.

You can use these precision machined rings on a Picatinny rail using hex-shaped bolts.

I was also glad to find that these Precision Matched rings are sold with an included hex wrench.

That way, you won’t have to go out of your way to buy one if you don’t own one.

5. Nikon S-Series 1″ Steel Scope Rings

BUYING OPTIONS:
» DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER «

So you need one-inch scope rings for your rifle.

Well, Nikon’s got them, and they do not fail you in any way.

These scope rings are made of steel, so you can bring these rings for a rough time and still keep them in GOOD SHAPE.

A steel recoil key is snugly embedded in the rail groove to reduce shock when you fire your rifle.

That way, you won’t have to keep adjusting your scope height or rings after taking a shot.

The rings are vertically split, which offers better accuracy when you insert your scope tube in them so you don’t have to lap them.

One thing I like about these scope rings is that they can fit in most mounting rail systems like the Picatinny rail, the Weaver base, and even the Warne rail.

6. Remington 700 Integralx Mounts

BUYING OPTIONS:
» DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER «

If you own a Remington 700, then I’ve got good news: These rings are literally made for your rifle.

These 40mm medium height rings are the best scope rings for Remington’s flagship rifle since it’s already drilled and tapped.

That means you don’t need to buy a base, rail, or any other mounting solution.

These medium rings are made from Steel-based Z2 alloy, which is said to be 50% stronger than aluminum.

These rings feature a horizontally-split design which makes things easier when mounting your scope on your rifle.

7. Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm Mount

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

The Aero Precision Ultralight mount is a godsend to people who want lightweight mounts that don’t cut down on the quality they offer.

This Aero Precision mount is made from extruded aluminum with a hard-coat finish to add to its durability.

If you’re worried about the eye relief you might be getting from this mount there’s nothing to worry about!

You can adjust the height and length of the mount from your eyes to get the perfect view.

The only possible downside I can see with the Aero Precision Ultralight mount is that you might want to change the rings it comes with to keep your scope securely in place.

8. Leupold Rifleman Detachable Rings

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

In my experience, these rings are best used with a Weaver-style base, and Leupold knows it.

These low rings are best used for hunting deer or 22LR rifles that use Weaver-style rails.

The material used to make these rings is aircraft-grade aluminum so it’s practically rust-proof.

These rings are tough, but lightweight!

You’re not going to notice much of a difference with your rifle’s weight which is always a plus for me, especially during long days in the field.

9. Warne 1-Inch Quick Detach Rings

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Amazon «

Warne Quick Detach Rings are designed in such a way to be excellent for long-range shooting.

Not only are these Warne rings CONVENIENT since you can use multiple scopes with them, but they can also bear with tough situations due to their HIGH DURABILITY.

The Warne Quick Detach Rings are crafted with stainless steel and finished off with an electrostatic powder coating — they can take a rough beating from the elements and more!

There’s also a recoil key included with these Warne rings to resist the shock from firing your rifle.

I like these rings because they’re compatible with Weaver bases and Picatinny rails alike, so you can rest easy if you have either of the two.

If you buy these Warne mounts for your rifle, then the installation will be a relatively easy and bloodless process.

These Warne Quick Detach rings already include an Allen key, so you only need a torque wrench and a gun vice to install it along with the recoil key.

With that, you don’t need to go out of your way to buy an Allen key if you don’t have one.

10. Talley Lightweight Scope Rings

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Amazon «

Do you need LIGHTWEIGHT RINGS to use with your optics but can still take one hell of a beating when in use?

Well, I’ve got a great match for you: the Talley Lightweight scope rings!

The Talley Lightweight scope rings are light and surprisingly durable considering their weight of 4 oz.

But even with its weight, you can take shot after shot and still find these scope rings perfectly in place without a single dent.

That’s because these rings don’t need a mount to be used.

You’ll have to mount them directly on your receiver with mounting screws to eliminate the jostle that may loosen your rings out of place.

Aside from that, one ring is made from one piece of 7000-alloy just to strengthen its durability in tough times.

So if you’re looking to go hunting on rough terrain, then these have got your back covered.

11. Leupold Rifleman .22 RF Detachable See-Thru Rings

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Amazon «

These Leupold Rifleman .22 RF Detachable See-Thru rings are an economical alternative to steel rings.

Both the front ring and back ring are made from aircraft-grade aluminum. With that, you know you’re getting quality from Leupold even when it’s lightweight.

The cross-bolt design ensures that your rings will stay where you attached them and keep them secured.

You can fit these rings on any Weaver-style bases or any Rifleman scope bases. It’s also compatible with most rifles on the market.

12. Millett Tactical Detachable Aluminum Rings

BUYING OPTIONS:
» DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER «

If you need the best scope rings that can really take a beating, I’d say these Millett Tactical Detachable Aluminum rings are what you want.

The recoil resistance the six-cap clamping screw setup offers is robust. Because of this, you can use heavy recoil rifles without worrying about the state of your rings.

There’s also a stacked pin system that won’t come apart if you need to replace your scope with another scope or if you need to make adjustments to your optics.

You can also use these rings on Weaver bases and Picatinny rails.

This makes these rings a rock-solid option if you use an AR-15 for hunting.

How Are Scope Rings Used?

Scope rings are used to secure scopes into position on the rifle you’re using.

If they’re loose or aren’t secured properly, your scope will shift around.

Let me tell you, that’ll make things harder for you when you go out to shoot!

Some rings are attached directly to the rifle, but others need a rail or mount to be added to the rifle.

The Different Types of Scope Mounts and Rings

Design

One-Piece Mount

A one-piece mount is a popular type of mount due to its ease of use.

Unlike other scope mounts, there’s no need to align it yourself, which eliminates the need of dialing everything correctly.

However, I should warn you; these mounts tend to be heavier and may require a rail base to be used.

Scope Rings

Scope rings are older than one-piece mounts.

They are two rings that attach to the scope of your weapon. They’ve worked for ages and are still popular to this day.

Being two separate rings, they’re lighter than one-piece mounts and tend to be CHEAPER too.

Read my guide on the best scope mounts for your Ar-15 here!

Different Types of Attachments

1. Weaver Scope Mount

Weaver mounts can be one or two-piece rails that have slots across them with screw holes for mounting.

You can slot your scope rings on any of the numerous slots found on the flat top, which is useful if you want to be versatile on your scope placement.

The width of each slot is 0.180 inches.

However, when it comes to the spacing of each slot from each other, there is no uniformity or standardization for manufacturers to follow.

It is up to them to decide where the slots are placed.

Due to that particular design element with Weaver mounts, you cannot switch scopes as easily as you might want to.

I recommend checking whether your mount fits the rail or not before buying a Weaver-style rail.

This issue is rectified in the improved Picatinny rail design.

However, as similar as they are, you cannot use Picatinny mounts on a Weaver rail unless you use some sort of adapter.

2. Picatinny Scope Mount

While the Picatinny and Weaver scope mounts are similar, they are NOT INTERCHANGEABLE.

The Picatinny functions like the Weaver, but the slots on a Picatinny rail are consistent with other Picatinny rails.

The center-to-center width of each slot is 0.394 inches with a slot width of 0.206 inches.

Because of that, you can buy Picatinny rings from different manufacturers and know for sure that they will fit on any Picatinny rail you own.

You can also use Weaver accessories to fit Picatinny rails without too much of an issue.

The only catch I’ve found with the Picatinny rail is that it costs a bit higher than Weaver rails, and they typically weigh more.

3. Dovetail Scope Mount

Dovetail mounts aren’t as popular as the Picatinny or the Weaver, but they are well-known for being easy to use when changing optics.

All you have to do is slide the old scope out and slide the new one in.

Once the accessory is in position on one of your Dovetails optics mounts, it will lock into position.

You don’t have to worry about screwing anything on with the right pressure or the like!

Other dovetail rings mounts will only have a forward slot so you can adjust your rear ring and base to act as a rear sight.

The only slip-up that dovetail rings can commit is that it can literally slip up.

I’ve found that their design gives little to no recoil resistance, which may cause your scope to move back after you shoot.

4. Leupold STD Scope Mount

If you’re looking for mounts that will offer you a lot of versatility for your scope positioning, then the Leupold STD scope mount has got you covered 360°.

Or just a few degrees left and right.

The point is, since this mount consists of two rings, the first ring can swivel around so you can move the rear of your scope and act as a rear sight.

That way, you get to adjust your scope to your liking in different angles, and you won’t necessarily need iron sights for it to work.

5. Integral Mount

This is a type of one-piece mount where the rings and base are combined into one piece.

Due to its simplicity, you won’t have to fiddle a lot with this mounting system once you bolt it down on your rifle.

You’ll have to mount this directly on your hunting rifle, but not all rifles accept this kind of mounting system.

Many guns like the AR-15 cannot utilize integral mounts, so you might want to research if your rifle can accept this type of mount.

Because you won’t be able to swap optics easily if you use this kind of mount, I recommend using a particular scope with a certain rifle.

6. Offset Mount

If you’re using an AR rifle and want to use larger scopes, you might want to invest in using an offset mount.

This allows you to mount your optics further forward more than usual. That way, you can still use your scope and still get proper eye relief when using it.

Aside from that, you can also use traditional sights like red dots or iron sights on it since the extra space allows for it.

7. 20 MOA Scope Mount

If you’re shooting from a long distance, a 20 MOA scope mount is going to help you account for the drop-off in your bullet’s trajectory.

The 20 MOA mounting system does this by allowing you to adjust your scope vertically so you can cant your scope towards the barrel.

8. Quick Detach Mount

As the name suggests, a Quick Detach scope base makes things easy when you need to detach and switch your scope for another one.

A Quick Detach mount makes it possible to use different rifle sights with your rifle so you can be as versatile as you want to be when out hunting.

So if you’re looking for versatility when it comes to utilizing different sniper scopes, this is the best scope mount I can recommend.

Why Use Scope Rings Instead of a One-Piece Scope Mount?

Although one-piece scope mounts are way more convenient than scope rings, the latter offers VERSATILITY that one-piece mounts can’t.

For example, if you’re shooting from a distance, you can adjust your rings so that they’re canted or attached at a slanted angle.

One-piece mounts can’t do that.

Aside from the versatility it offers, ring mounts are LIGHTER, making them easier to carry around rather than one-piece mounts.

They’re also CHEAPER, so they’re pretty useful to get especially if you’re on a bit of a budget.

When it comes to bolt action rifles, I prefer scope rings because one-piece mounts can get in the way of the bolt coming up and going down.

In comparison, rings won’t get in the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we have gone through all the types of rings and bases, it’s time to go through some leftover questions you might have.

1. How Do I Attach My Scope Mount?

Unless you own a dovetail mount, then you’ll need to get your rail on your weapon.

Most rifles have screws on top of their receiver so you can mount your rail there.

If there aren’t any screws on the receiver, you’ll have to drill the holes yourself.

Of course, (and I recommend this if you’re a complete novice) you can just take your weapon to the gunsmith to get it done there.

After that, you’ll have to screw your mount on, and you can attach your rings as well.

2. How Do I Attach My Scope Rings?

Before attaching your scope ring onto your weapon, be sure that your scope can fit through your rings.

Here are the things you should keep in mind:

• The rings should hug your scope, but they shouldn’t be too tight that they can’t drop in easily.
• Check that you’re getting the proper eye relief from your scope position.
• Be sure that the primary optic isn’t touching the barrel of your rifle as well.

Once you’ve gone over that, you can screw the rings onto your rifle directly or on your mount.

Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s recommended torque.

3. What Is the Proper Torque for Scope Rings?

When you’re installing your rings, you’ll need to ensure that the screws that secure your mount to your rifle are properly fastened.

The optimum torque you need for scope rings would be around 17-25 inch-pounds.

If you have a base mount, then you’ll need to tighten it to 15-25 inch-pounds.

If you overtighten your screws, you risk breaking heads or stripping threads.

Some manufacturers may indicate how tight your screws will be, so I advise you to check the manual before fitting your rings on your rifle.

4. How Do I Check If My Scope Is Level?

1. Place the scope on the bottom rings, then cover it with the top rings. Start threading them slowly until they secure the scope.
2. Be sure that the scope can still twist and turn if you move it without damaging it or the paint.
3. Once the screws are on tightly, secure the rifle in a vice and place a level bubble on any flat top along the top of the receiver or barrel.
4. The rifle and turret top should both be perfectly leveled. With that, you’ll know that your scope and rifle are leveled.
5. After that, you can apply the final tightening with your torque driver.

5. How Do I Lap Scope Rings?

You might want to lap your scope rings and improve vertical alignment if you want to protect your scope tube from damage and extra stress.

You’ll need a lapping rod for this.

1. Apply lapping compound inside your rings. Mark which rings are the front and the back so you don’t lose track of them.
2. Secure your lapping rod inside the rings. Be sure to secure the lapping rod so that it’s secured but can still slide in and out.
3. Work the lapping rod back and forth and regularly check the wear patterns.
4. Repeat this until you’ve removed 75% of the surface finish.

6. How Do I Swab the Rings?

I recommend cleaning your rings to remove residual oils or any foreign matter.

You can do this with a rag and rubbing alcohol, but you can also do other ways to do this.

The important thing is that you clean the rings thoroughly of grit, grime, lapping compounds, and anything else.

You can get a spray with a straw attached to the head to clean the screw holes as well.

Once you’re done cleaning everything, dry everything with a dry rag or leave it out to air-dry.

7. How Far Back Should a Scope Be Mounted?

When mounting your scope on your rifle, you’ll need to know how far the scope is away from your eyes to get eye relief.

Eye relief refers to the distance your eye needs for you to get the full image produced by your scope.

This will all depend on you and what you’ll do when using your rifle, but the eye being around 3-4 inches behind the eyepiece is comfortable for most people.

8. What Scope Ring Height Do I Need?

You’ll need to calculate the scope ring height you need, but it’s simple math and nothing like rocket science.

1. You first need to measure the diameter of your objective lens, then add about 3mm to account for the thickness of your scope.
2. When you get the calculated number, just subtract half of that number to the initial calculated number, and the result will be the most optimal scope ring height you can use with your objective lens.

If you’re still not keen on doing the math, you can just make sure that the scope is not touching the barrel of your rifle.

9. Which Is the Best Scope Ring Material?

There are two primary materials used in making scope rings: Aluminum and steel.

Both materials have pros and cons, so I’ll let you decide which one’s the best material for scope rings.

Aluminum

Aluminum is lighter compared to steel, making it a better type of material if you’ll be switching locations a lot when you head out to shoot.

Scope rings made from aluminum also tend to be cheaper.

But that’s because they’re less durable and more susceptible to breaking the more you use them.

Steel

If you’re looking for durable scope rings to bring with you when you go hunting, then you’ll definitely want steel scope rings.

However, you’ll need to shell out more money for them. Durability doesn’t come cheap, you know.

Another thing to note is that if you don’t want to be handling heavy material, steel is heavier than aluminum, which may weigh you down in the long run.

You’ll be the one who determines which kind of material will suit you better after testing several different rings out.

You’ll have to account for what kind of place you’ll be hunting in, and if you’re the type to be extra meticulous with their gear or drag them through all sorts of terrain without care.

10. What Ring Size Do I Need to Use?

Before buying rings for your rifle, you need to know the diameter of the scope you’ll be using.

All you have to do is check the scope tube size measurements and buy the same measurement of the scope with your rings.

So while you can use a one-inch scope in 30mm rings, the fit would be terrible and may throw your accuracy off.

11. How Do I Sight In My Rifle?

Bullets don’t travel in a straight line, so you’ll need to sight in your rifle to get the best accuracy.

Be sure to get your scope installed properly before sighting your rifle and look and see if you see a clear picture when you look into it.

1. You’ll need to get down to a level position so your hunting rifle is in a stable position.
2. After that, you can start shooting your target, which should be about 20 or 30 yards away from you.
3. Once you can hit close to the bullseye, keep moving the target further away from you until you reach 100 yards. You should be able to re-zero at that point.
4. If you can’t re-zero, keep making adjustments until you can shoot your target close to the bullseye.

If you’re interested in buying short-distance scopes, such as rimfire scopes, check out this buying guide!

12. Can You Use Mounts on Handguns?

While using mounts on handguns aren’t common, that’s not to say it’s completely off the table.

Let’s make it clear — you cannot use rifle mounts on handguns. At all.

Handguns have their own mounting systems that utilize the handgun’s frame.

Slide Mounted Pistol

Pistol slide optic mounts are sleek and lightweight.

If you put a red dot on top of the pistol, it won’t be bulky and will still allow you to use your pistol for CONCEALED CARRY.

The lightweight factor comes in since you’ll be removing your pistol’s optic plate and replacing it with a red dot there instead.

However, because of the position where you may put your optics, your red dot may suffer from rough treatment.

You might find yourself replacing your red dots more often than you’d like!

Aside from that, you’ll be adding weight to your slide, which may lead to jams. You can rectify this by getting a lighter red dot sight.

Frame Mounted Pistol

A frame-mounted pistol is attached to the frame of your handgun through screws or a rail.

I find that these mounts are easier on red dots since they can’t be whipped around, unlike slide mounts.

You’ll also have an easier time tracking the red dot since it won’t be moving each time your slide moves.

Because of the added weight on the frame, you’ll get less recoil and get faster follow-up shots.

However, you won’t be able to use your pistol for concealed carry since the frame will be too bulky.

If you really want to use a holster with your pistol, you might have to get a custom-made one.

Our Winner Picks

For a quick summary, here’s a recap of the best rings we recommend:

Best Overall: Vortex Optics Pro Series Riflescope Rings

The Vortex Optics Pro Series rifle scope rings are our top choice for best scope rings on this list.

This is a rock-solid option considering the versatility it offers with all the height options it comes in.

Aside from that, these rings are affordable yet still offer high-quality performance due to the sturdy aluminum material its made of.

Installation won’t be an issue either with the Torx screws it uses.

Best 1-Inch Rings: Vortex Optics Hunter Riflescope Rings

The Vortex Optics Hunter rifle scope rings are exactly what you want if you want 1-inch rings that are both highly durable and lightweight.

These are the best scope rings you can get that are worth their price.

While I can’t recommend using them with heavy recoil guns, you can still rest easy since these rings are backed up by Vortex Optics’s lifetime warranty.

Most Versatile: Weaver Tactical Rings

If you’re hard-pressed to buy the best scope rings at a reasonable price, then the Weaver Tactical Rings have got you covered.

These rings are made of aluminum to keep things light but are still made to be durable.

You can install these on a Weaver base or any universal rail system with just a single bolt.

Final Words

All the options and types of rings might have confused you, but I hope you were able to find the best scope ring for your riflescope.

All there’s left to do is mount, secure, and start shooting.

Enjoy the range!

FINAL TIP: If you’re looking for a good-quality scope, we have a list of the best scopes under $300 to help you out!