Rings, mounts and sunshades
Rings
Two-piece rings mount independently, so you control spacing, eye relief and height, and they sit lower and lighter than a one-piece mount. Athlon lists the measured height of each ring, from 0.868 inch for the Precision 30 mm low to 1.519 inches for the 34 mm MSR rings.
Mounts
A one-piece mount holds the scope as a single unit. The cantilever mounts carry it forward for eye relief behind the charging handle of an AR-pattern rifle, the Precision Pro center mounts suit bolt actions, and the 20 MOA versions add elevation for long range.
Sunshades
A sunshade threads onto the objective bell and blocks the low-angle light that causes glare and lost contrast. Athlon's come in 44, 50 and 56 mm, and each lists the Athlon lines it fits.
Getting the fit right
Start from the scope. Match the ring or mount diameter to the tube, 1 inch, 30 mm or 34 mm; choose the lowest ring height that clears the objective bell; and buy a sunshade by objective size and scope line, since it has to match the thread as well as the diameter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rings or a one-piece mount?
Rings for most bolt-action rifles, where they sit low and let you set the spacing. A cantilever mount for AR-pattern rifles, which need the scope higher and farther forward.
What ring height do I need?
The lowest that clears your objective bell. As a rough guide, low for 24 to 32 mm objectives, low to medium for 40 to 44 mm, medium for 50 mm and medium to high for 56 mm.
Do I need a sunshade?
Not always. It earns its place in low sun and over snow, and on a compact, low-power scope it mostly adds length.
For each part in depth, browse our scope rings, scope mounts and scope sunshades.