Will a 2 ring setup hold up in the long run? I have a 460 S&W Encore and I'm just wondering if this setup really needs 3 or more rings to hold the scope. Right now I have a T/C 2.5-7x scope in a pair of Burris Zee rings on a six screw Weaver style base. I'm just curious if I should add another ring, or two. I had a 45-70 Contender in a 2 ring mount and it never slipped, even under level 2 handloads with 400 and 500gr bullets.

I had a 2 ring setup on my 460 S&W Encore with a Bushnell Trophy scope. I could not keep the scope from slipping with recoil. The scope tube actually bent and became trash. I now have a 2X Leupold scope on mine which seems to be holding up even with the 2 ring setup but it's a lighter scope and probably of better quality.

I think T/C stands behind their scopes better than Bushnell does but I'd still recommend at least a 3 ring set up with that scope with one of the rings against the front part of the adjusting turret so the scope can't slip.

Yes, it depends on the scope. I ruined a Burris on a .44 but shoot a Tasco or Ultra dot on my .475 with 2 rings and have no problems at all. 2 rings are working fine on my 45-70 BFR too.
Some high dollar scopes have very soft tubes and that is where the problem is. I lapped the rings, degreased, applied rosin and tightened the rings on the Burris until it started to crimp into the tube. It still slipped and bent. I could not stop it from slipping and that is with a 10" SBH. I will never buy another Burris. I would buy a Tasco first. I have an old Leopold that has been on every handgun you can imagine and it is still going strong.
For a red dot, the Ultra Dot is king and can take any recoil. I wipe out the cheap ones.

Sounds like WV gets the "seconds" of FA and Burris products.

Yes, you should go ahead and install the third ring, if but for nothing more than extra support for your scope tube.

quote:

Sounds like WV gets the "seconds" of FA and Burris products.

Hitman, I am appalled!!!

Now; as pure conjecture, the problem may be with scope tube diameter differences. Burris rings come with friction paper; that may be because their scope tubes are a few thousandths smaller, to allow for the friction paper. Matching a Burris scope with rings from a different manufacturer may be inviting trouble.

My own very limited experience is that front and rear rings are sufficient; no need for the extra one (although Wiegand mounting systems do have a certain look to them)...

Actually Doubless, that's an intended and good natured poke at bfrshooter.

I'm accustomed to the three ring set-up from the SSK barrels and old Redfield mounts I've had for years and years. I have a .357 Herrett that slides scopes terribly, regardless of ring configuration. Guess I'm gonna have to back off on the powder a bit.

Taken with a chuckle! A lot depends on the scope weight too. I think the early Burris I had was much heavier then the new ones. I was using the Burris rings with the friction paper on the first gun, they slipped so I switched to different rings and they slipped too. Since they are for a twist in base, there is no way to use a third ring.
I switched to a Bushnel red dot and had to use an extension front ring. Recoil sheared the ring, I had to drill and tap it for a screw and silver solder it. It's working good now.

has anyone used T'SOB rings from http://www.sskindustries.com

I use a 2 ring set up with leupold base and rings on a 500 smith as well as on a 416 gnr, both in encores. The 416 is stout and never a problem with either setup.

I think the only gun I would worry about would be a TC in one of the larger calibers. They have MUCH more recoil then a revolver.
Have any of you seen the video going around where the guy shot a .60 cal TC and the gun left his hand with almost the same velocity as the bullet? Looked like concrete all over the range and I wonder if the gun and scope were destroyed.

Hitman and BFRshooter, I was joking as well... Hard to tell, though, since the printed word doesn't give us any way to put voice inflection into it.

And yes, I have seen the video... I shot a 10" Contender once in 45-70 with a 500-grain bullet after an IHMSA match. It was plenty. I have no idea what the .60 would feel like, but I am sure it is more than my grip could control...