I was loaned a scope ring lapping tool. started to lap a set of rings and was suprised. These were Burris Z rings. after about 5 minutes of lapping I removed the tool and was shocked at how little of the ring was making contact. If you have a super thumper and the scope is moving get a lapping tool and clean up the rings.
Rich

I got one from Sinclair and use on all my rings. Does't take long and I feel it makes a difference. Some use a boring tool and I don't know much about that.

I ream mine, but lapping is just as good. Just think how many people have damaged scopes because of the high spots on the inside of the rings

I understand the Burris Signature Z ring with inserts, eliminates the need for lapping. Anyone using these?
Greg

I love the rings with inserts. No ring marks, and no misalignment. As a side note, by ordering the different insert "offsets" you may adjust the scope to bbl clearance up or down or achieve a slight left to right offset by using different size ring combos.

Rich, aka Deadeyedick, I was using the Burris Signature rings there at Alliance and got the elevation I needed for the extreme distances by using the offest inserts instead of shimming the base.

Lapping is far better than nothing, but you will never get a completely round hole lapping.... close, but not quite.

If you think what the lapping shows is interesting, start taking some of the twist in rings and measuring the distance from the ring opening to the bottom of the ring where it butts against the base. In some brands you can find as much as .015" variation from ring to ring in the same box.

Extruded rings are much more consistent, but still should be trued up.

Reaming is a better way to go.

Get a 1" spriral reamer from one of the industrial supply houses. Clymer also sells a double ended reamer that should be good, but it is a bit pricey when you can get a commercial reamer for about half the price or less.

After reaming or lapping, clean the rings and stick adhesive paper labels in the rings to take up some of the material removed, provide a non slip surface, and protect the scope's finish.

Mike

[ 12-05-2002, 12:11: Message edited by: Mike Bellm ]

I have a Bellm rechambered 357 Max Contender bbl with a Double dovetail base and the Signature rings with inserts.

Terrific holding power for a 2 ring mount. (all I can really use on this tapered 10" bbl)

Also used the rings on a Handi-Rifle with the offset inserts to correct a windage problem.

Regards