Scope rings secure your optic to the rifle. The first choice is the base type: rings that clamp to a Picatinny rail, or rings that clamp to a factory dovetail (e.g., 11 mm on many CZ rimfires).
Pick your base type
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Picatinny rings: widest selection, easy fore/aft placement, and QD (quick-detach) options for fast optic swaps or transport. For these you need to have a Picatinny rail on your rifle.
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Dovetail rings: clamp directly to the receiver’s dovetail; clean, low profile on rifles that don’t have a rail.
Tube size & height
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Tube diameters: 1" (25.4 mm), 30 mm, 34 mm (and larger on some precision scopes). Match ring size to your scope tube.
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Heights: choose low/medium/high to clear the objective bell and lens caps while keeping a comfortable cheek weld. Verify bolt-handle and barrel clearance.
Material & features
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Aluminum: light, corrosion-resistant; ideal for hunting and rimfire setups.
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Steel: maximum rigidity and thread strength; favored for heavy optics and hard use.
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Details that matter: recoil lugs/cross-bolts that seat fully in a Picatinny slot, robust cap screws, anti-cant bubble options, and QD levers (Picatinny).
Installation basics
- Degrease mating surfaces/screws; apply Loctite threadlocker where recommended.
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Torque to the manufacturer spec for base and cap screws, tightening caps evenly to avoid scope tube distortion.
- Level the reticle and witness-mark screws; recheck after the first range session.
Tip: If your rifle has a dovetail but you want Picatinny rings/QD flexibility, add a model-specific Picatinny rail and then use Picatinny rings.
