For a number of years I was under the assumption that a three ring system would always be better than a two ring system, especially on heavy kickers. Now I think I have changed my mind on that since talking to some folks. From an all around stand point a two ring system like the Burris Signature (Interchangeable Inserts) is better than a three ring system if what I am understanding is correct.
One negative of the three ring system is that it almost always torques your scope. Maybe if you lapped all three rings it wouldn't be a problem.

Your thoughts/opinions on this?
Ernie

Ernie

I'm using two of the Burris Signature Series Zee rings to hold a big Nightforce on my 50 BMG rifle......This is my first time to use the Signature Series rings and I'm impressed, in fact, my 350 mag Competitor barrel will soom be wearing them! I did apply a light coat of rubber cement to the plastic ring inserts as added insurance against slippage.

Xphunter,

I am sure I have told you before that the only handgun mounting set up I use is using Burris Sig rings.

For my handcannons, there is only one set I use, the Burris Double Dovetail bases with matching Burris Sig rings, hands down the strongest, simplest, most cost effect set around and will handle any recoil imaginable with a handgun scope.

Never have to worry about strained scopes or marred scope tubes again. From what I have seen, when they are mounted correctly, they grip at least as securely as any three ring set up.

Gon Hunting,

I would be a bit nervous about using the Burris Sig rings on a 50 BMG, especially when using a very heavy scope such as the Nightforce. The Zee rings are a descent design for conventional recoil and scope weights but combine the stress of the 50 BMG with the extreme weight of the Nightforce and things could go very bad.

I am not saying they will not work, not even that they won't work for a long time, but with that much money sitting on your 50, why not spend $100 to get at least a set of Mk IV that are proven and will never fail with a heavy scope? Look how little metal is actually clamping that zee ring to the base. Its your call but I would never use a conventionally designed ring on one of my 50 BMG's.

If you read my article "Scoping the 50 BMG for under $1000" in the latest issue of VHP as well as Mr. McPhersons piece, they both talk about not skimping on rings and bases for good reason. If your not a member of the FCSA, you really should be.

Good Shooting!!!

50

50

I was hesitant about using the rings....until I talked to one of the Techs at Burris.....he assured me that 2 of the rings would work fine on the 50.....with the Nightforce.....

I'd be willing to bet that the actual force that the rings are subjected to is much higher on a handcannon than on my 50......

I like the new Weaver 4x4 rings and I put them on the scope with powered rosin top and bottom and haven�t had one slip yet even with my 15� 444 Marlin.

I have used nothing but the SSK TSOB mount with 3 and 4 rings on all my heavy handguns and there has never, ever, not once, been any trouble with this setup. One scope (a Burris) did fail on a FA .454 after 15 shots, but after ditching that scope and going back to Leupold there have been no more problems. That one failure was not due to the ring/base setup, but a problem with the scope. Over a thousand rounds through the Leupold proves there was nothing wrong with the mounting system.

[ 04-19-2003, 03:04: Message edited by: Big Bore ]

Hi Ernie,

I chose the 6 screw mount and 3 of the "el cheapo" extruded aluminum rings for the 444. Recoil and muzzle flip on this gun/barrel are pretty severe and the Leupold 4x has yet to move.



I plan on using a 4 scew base and 3 of those "high rent" rings on my OTT 414sm barrel.

GonHuntin,

I am not saying that the Burris rings are not stout rings, just the opposite in fact. But they are not and never will be designed to handle the special strains of the 50 BMG.

You say a handgun produced more stress on a scope then a 50 BMG does on a Nightforce scope, I would take your money on that bet. The handgun scopes are all very light, even the big Burris glass is very light compared to the extreme weight of the Nightforce scope.

This increased scope weight is what dramatically increases ring stress. Not to mention that I assume your 50 has a brake on it. The negative g forces created by a brake are seldom considered buy a shooter but they play a big part in not only scope failure but also ring and base failure.

Again, I agree that these rings are fully up to any handgun or conventional rifle recoil, I would go so far as to say that they are stronger then any 3 or even 4 ring mess I have seen. All they do is stress scopes and limit scope positioning with very little strength advantage.

I am not saying your wrong with the handguns, just that with $1200 sitting on your 50 why even take a chance with anything that isn't standard extreme duty equipment.

Good Shooting!!

Big Bore,

You must have gotten a bad Burris because they simply give nothing up to Leupold in the strength department, in fact Burris handgun scopes are the top of the list with those shooters who use the big hammers in handguns. Leu's are very good as well, but in the handgun world, Burris has the right stuff not only in scopes but also in rings and bases. J. D. Jones can keep his god aweful ugly SOB set up, two Burris Sig Double Dovetail rings in DD bases will handle any recoil anyone can handle, and for much less money and much cleaner looks.

Good Shooting!!!

50

I have used the Leupold STD bases and rings on 3 XP's for years with no problems whatsoever, BUT, in light to moderate recoiling chamberings: .223, 7BR and 7IHMSA.

I recently had a 7BR XP rebarreled to 308 Win. I have a Leupold 2.5 x 8 with target turrets ready to mount but I'm hesitant to used the "windage adjustable" type bases and rings on the 308. While not on par with some cartridges in the recoil department, this gun has only a slightly heavier than factory barrel taper and I'm planning on using 165's pushed to 2400 to 2500 so recoil will be pretty snappy.

The Burris signature rings look like the way to go in the ring department, but what about the base? Do you recommend the Burris LU (windage adj) type base for the XP or a Dual Dovetail setup? Does Burris make a DD base for the XP? I know Leupold makes a DD base for the XP but will the Burris Signature DD rings fit on the Leupold DD base? What about the Burris Signature Zee rings on a steel Leupold QR Weaver type base? Maybe you guys experience here can save me some time and money. I'm ready to get this new hammer going!

Thanks,

Steve