How to choose scope rings
Tube diameter
The ring diameter must match the scope's main tube exactly: 1-inch, 30 mm or 34 mm. There is no room for error here.
Ring height
Pick the lowest height that clears the objective bell. Rail height plus ring height, minus the objective bell's radius, gives the clearance. As a rough guide, 24 to 32 mm objectives take low rings, 40 to 44 mm low to medium, 50 mm medium and 56 mm medium to high. There is no industry standard for what low, medium and high mean, so compare the measured heights, which Athlon lists for each ring.
AR-platform rifles
AR-15 and AR-10 rifles need taller rings than bolt-actions, or a cantilever mount with built-in height.
Rings or a one-piece mount?
Two-piece rings are the traditional choice: each mounts independently, so you control spacing, eye relief and height, and they are lighter, sit lower and fit Picatinny, Weaver and other bases. A one-piece cantilever mount avoids bridging two pieces and sets the scope forward for proper eye relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size rings do I need?
Match the ring diameter to your scope's tube, then choose the height that clears your objective bell with the scope as low as possible.
Do you carry 1-inch rings?
Yes: the Armor, Precision and Precision Tac lines each have a 1-inch medium ring, at 0.9 inch. The rest are 30 mm and 34 mm rings in low, medium and MSR heights.
Do I need a 20 MOA base?
Only if you regularly dial for very long range or your scope has limited elevation travel, under about 60 MOA. For typical hunting distances a standard base is fine.
For the scopes these fit, browse our riflescopes.