Travis Olander 03.07.23
A high quality set of rings is simply as necessary because the optic they’re holding – lest you wind up with poor accuracy and wasted rounds. With the ever-increasing reputation of monolithic mounts (one-piece), are good ol’ two-piece rings price it? What’s the purpose of going with monolithic mounts or particular person scope rings? Let’s examine the professionals and cons of each to see which choice is perhaps greatest for you the following time it’s essential to mount a riflescope.
Individual, Two-Piece Scope Rings
The “OGs” of the optic world are two-piece, singular scope rings which have been round so long as the fashionable glass optic itself. The idea is straightforward sufficient: every ring mounts unbiased of the opposite atop your rifle or shotgun receiver. In most instances, one ring is positioned in entrance of the ejection port and one is mounted behind it simply above the charging deal with or bolt.
Monolithic Mounts (One-Piece)
Single-piece, or monolithic mounts have change into the brand new norm for many scope installations. Unlike unbiased scope rings, monolithic mounts and their rings are bodily linked through one mounting plate. Functionally, monolithic mounts do the identical factor as particular person scope rings: present two factors of attachment to safe your optic to your rifle’s or shotgun’s receiver.
Individual Scope Rings vs. Monolithic Mounts – What’s The Difference?
Both sorts of scope mounting options present their very own benefits and disadvantages.
Monolithic Mounts – Pros
- Easy Install – Chances are, your rifle’s outfitted with a Picatinny rail. If so, monolithic mounts are in all probability going to make set up – and repeat uninstallations, if wanted – simpler and faster than coping with unbiased scope rings. Some monolithic mounts even include quick-release levers permitting you to swap between your optic and irons with none instruments.
- Scope Alignment – Most monolithic mounts are machined nicely sufficient out of the field to offer ample alignment of your optic when put in. That’s as a result of monolithic mounts and their rings are listed and minimize to form on a single CNC machine on the producer.
- Improved Durability – Since they’re machined from a single piece of aluminum, monolithic mounts are stiffer and stronger general than particular person scope rings.
- More Room on Rails – Compared to unbiased rings, monolithic scope mounts usually take up much less house on Picatinny rails. It’s often simpler to mount a bigger, variable-power optic on an AR-type higher receiver whereas preserving room for flip-up sights and different rail-mounted equipment.
Monolithic Mounts – Cons
- Size and Weight – Although they take up much less rail house, monolithic mounts are nonetheless bodily bigger and sometimes heavier than scope rings. They is probably not perfect in the event you’re making an attempt to maintain measurement and bulk down on, say, a light-weight looking rifle or small tactical rifle.
- Cost – Monolithic mounts are likely to value a bit greater than scope rings and retail costs on some quick-release mounts can rapidly climb to $150 or extra – particularly in the event you’re buying high-end manufacturers.
Individual Scope Rings – Pros
- Mounting Options – Scope rings present extra mounting choices in comparison with monolithic mounts, that are, by and enormous, solely suitable with Picatinny rails. Rings are nonetheless made with Dovetail and Weaver mounting attachments which can be crucial for older-model bolt weapons.
- Cost-Effective – Scope rings are usually inexpensive than scope mounts, making them a greater resolution for shooters who’re on a price range.
- Lightweight – Some scope rings use much less aluminum than monolithic mounts, in order that they weigh a good bit much less and so they’re bodily smaller, too. That makes them the higher selection for light-weight builds, smaller receivers, and looking rifles.
- Easy to Replace – If you ever drop or ding your rifle, or strip out some screws, it’s a easy factor to switch a person ring, however damaging a monolithic mount means your complete meeting must be changed. If you’re throwing a scope on a beat-em-up rifle that you simply plan to make use of and abuse, rings is perhaps the higher selection.
- Classic Look – For some shooters, the traditional, minimalist look of scope rings could be preferable to the extra fashionable look of a scope mount.
Individual Scope Rings – Cons
- Strength & Durability – By sticking with particular person rings, you’re dropping some general sturdiness in comparison with scope mounts.
- Out-of-the-Box Alignment – Individual rings are extra susceptible to affected by alignment points. In extreme instances, making an attempt to mount your optic in rings that aren’t aligned as soon as put in may lead to harm to your tube or lenses. If you’re utilizing rings, it’s all the time a good suggestion to confirm their alignment with some alignment rods earlier than putting in your scope. You might must have your rings lapped and honed to repair the problem.
- Rail Placement – Since rings don’t use a single rail attachment – and since they’re often spaced additional aside in your scope’s tube, in comparison with a monolithic mount – they have a tendency to take up extra space in your receiver. That leaves much less room for issues like flip-up sights.
- Uninstall/Re-Install – Scope rings can’t be eliminated and reinstalled as simply as monolithic mounts. Even in the event you do uninstall and re-install your rings, they in all probability received’t re-index and maintain a zero as reliably as a mount.
Check out Riton 3’s Tactix Combo for a sick scope and mount
Mounts and respectable optics don’t need to value an arm and a leg. We just lately reviewed Riton’s new Tactix 3 sequence optic: a candy little LPVO, AR-type optic that comes with its personal quick-release mono mount. Bright glass, a BDC reticle, and handy throw levers make it an incredible on-and-off setup for any tactical rifle.
