When mounting Talley QR rings, do you screw in the bottom screws so that the ring halves touch? Or should there be a space between the two halves on the top and bottom?

i usually leave a space on the bottom. takes a bit of trial and error to get them just the way you like

I would call Talley and talk to them. (803) 854-5700. I just bought a set of their rings and bases and plan to talk with them before I mount them.