I stared in disbelief at the target, only 25 yards away and not a hole to be found. Just having fired a shot with a scoped firearm from a dead rest position I was understandably under the impression that there should be a hole in that thing somewhere. I investigated.
After deductive reasoning that would have rendered Sherlock green with envy I found that the firearm (which shall remain nameless) had been drilled and tapped off center. Even with the scope’s windage adjustment cranked as far as it would go to the side, impact was still off of my box at 25 yards. I was up the proverbial creek without a paddle (or optical sight, in this case). I found an old beer can in the dirt, used my Leatherman to cut and install an aluminum wedge between rail and ring, and had a temporary solution. But what I really needed was a set of Burris Signature series rings.
Burris’ Offerings
Burris Signature rings are available in both hunting (Signature) and tactical (XTR Signature) models. The awesome thing about them is that they are able to precisely compensate for misaligned bases, or, to set your scope up with built-in cant (the XTR’s are capable of 0 to 40 moa), for long-range shooting.
SPECS
- Available for all types of optics and bases
- Solid steel rings, ideal for hunting
- Pos-Align Inserts offer tremendous gripping power and durability and will not damage the scope finish
- Available in 1-in. and 30 mm sizes
- Works with standard, dovetail, double-dovetail, and Weaver-style bases
- Proven design has stood the test of time
- Covered by the Burris Forever Warranty™
Signature Rings
These durable rings are made from solid steel, are available in one-inch and 30mm sizes, and feature Pos-Align Inserts. The inserts are responsible for the magic that makes these rings awesome. By simply changing the orientation (right, left, top, bottom) you can accurately adjust for any misalignment. You can also add cant to your scope, rendering a tapered base unnecessary. Boasting double screws on each side, they are super durable (the inserts hold your scope with a grip like a gorilla, while not marring it in the least). If you are searching for versatile rings to grace your hunting rifle, I recommend a hard look at these.
The Signature rings are available for use with standard, dovetail, double dovetail, and Weaver-style bases. They come in medium, high, and extra-high models, with matte, gloss, and nickel finish available in certain iterations. Best of all, they are covered with Burris’s Forever Warranty. MSR of $54 and up.
XTR Signature Rings
Built for tactical applications the XTR rings are bulkier, boast three screws to a side, and are available in 1-inch, 30mm, and 34mm iterations. They feature dual steel cross-through connection clamps for precise, strong alignment on Picatinny bases. The rings themselves are built of aluminum to reduce weight. Don’t worry – they are rugged and well designed. As you see in the photos these are the rings I chose for a recent DIY Alaskan moose hunt (and no, this isn’t the rifle with the misaligned bases). They performed admirably.
Like the Signature rings, the XTR rings feature Pos-Align Inserts. This set comes in an awesome little lockable hard case with an array of inserts capable of correcting almost any misalignment. Or, you can add 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 40 MOA of tapered-base free scope cant. XTR rings are available in 1.00-inch, 1.25-inch, and 1.50-inch heights, boast Burris’s Forever Warranty, and range from $108 to $156.
For more information about Burris rings, click here.
These rings are all what they say they are but putting them on is NOT easy. There is a correct orientation from front to back and right to left, and there is nothing in the directions that say this. It took a gun smith over an hour of experimenting to figure it out. I had the front ring in the back and the mounting screws had to be on the right side but were on the left. I don’t know if there was some directions missing but they have to be placed in exactly the right orientation or they will be way off! The wrong way was off 3 feet to the right at first at 100 yards. All of this was with the zero correction in the front and -5 in back. Make sure you get all the directions.
Aram,
I’m a newbie to scopes and recently learned the hard way not to over-tighten rings on the tube. Fortunately, Vortex graciously sent me a new one.
What’s the best brand of torque screw/nut drivers? Best website to find them? I have all the usual gunsmith screw heads (torx, hex, etc.) I really just need the torque handle.
Thanks,
Karl
Fatwrench tool is the best for proper torque for mounting rings and optics.
Many thanks
Easier to install than regular rings… no lapping the rings! Self aligning like a heim joint.
I’ve used Burris Signature rings of various types, for about the last quarter century, and they are so well made, and work so well, that Burris is always my first choice when I need a set of scope rings. The inserts for the Zee rings, work so well and you don’t have to use foot pounds of torque on the screws to hold the scope in even the hardest recoiling rifles. 20-25 inch pounds will do the job. Love ’em!
Purchased tactical XTR rings for a Remimgton light tactical 308. They are very robust and well designed. I set the inserts at 20 moa and bore sighted at 10 yards. The rings are advertised as self centering. Proceded to the range, 3 shots 50 yards, 1 inch low and 3/4 right of desired impact. Adjusted for 100 yard zero requiring only 1 click adjustment.. Shot 5 shot group < 1” with new barrel. Returned for follow up and scope was still dead on. Easiest sighting session I have ever experienced and point of impact is identical 6 mo and 100 rounds later. Group down to .65 “ and continuing to work up new loads with a Nosler 168 match bullet.
I’ve used Burris Signature rings for a long time. They’ve been the best I’ve found, especially for their price. The fact that they don’t tear up high end scopes makes them worth many times what you pay for them. I’ve seen some well known scope rings destroy scope tubes. The vertically split Talley rings almost always remove some scope finish leaving nasty marks. I’ve seen Leupold rings tightened so tight that the scope wall collapsed inward. Steel on steel is simply not a good option. Blaser has mastered the steel on steel fit better than anyone else but at over $400 a set they should be pretty darn good.
For those who haven’t used the Burris signatures you’ll find that the Zee models can be used over and over again. If the insert does compress some and you’re not satisfied with the fit you simply order new inserts. Also I usually get new screws at the same time. Best hunting rings under $400 that I’ve found..