Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
- Thread starter kmc0929
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Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
Not trying to be a smart ass but what info are you looking for? They're machined pieces of metal, either steel or aluminum. The biggest difference is going to be with the weight between the two. I've been running an aluminum base and rings from Seekins Precision for a couple of years now and I have no complaints.
Not trying to be a smart ass but what info are you looking for? They're machined pieces of metal, either steel or aluminum. The biggest difference is going to be with the weight between the two. I've been running an aluminum base and rings from Seekins Precision for a couple of years now and I have no complaints.
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
disclaimer{I am not a secret squirrell type and have zero
operational experiance }
But the way it was explained to me was youre trying to add
as much weight to youre rifle as possible to negate some of the effects of recoil and you try to add where you can .
I was told to go Badger (steel)
instead I went with Seekins (aluminum) I did not see
a big difference in adding an ounce or so
Also badger was afew bucks more but ive never heard anyone complain about either of them
like I said im not sure either but thats what I was told.
if im completely off please let me know
disclaimer{I am not a secret squirrell type and have zero
operational experiance }
But the way it was explained to me was youre trying to add
as much weight to youre rifle as possible to negate some of the effects of recoil and you try to add where you can .
I was told to go Badger (steel)
instead I went with Seekins (aluminum) I did not see
a big difference in adding an ounce or so
Also badger was afew bucks more but ive never heard anyone complain about either of them
like I said im not sure either but thats what I was told.
if im completely off please let me know
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
The only issue i know of is lapping aluminum rings. Lapping compound usually embeds itself in the aluminum because its a soft metal.
Other than that, thats really it. Both will do what you need of them.
The only issue i know of is lapping aluminum rings. Lapping compound usually embeds itself in the aluminum because its a soft metal.
Other than that, thats really it. Both will do what you need of them.
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
most companies that are making quality rings (badger, seekins, nightforce, EGW, larue etc.) offer rings in both aluminum and steel
some of the larger ring sets , like the SSDS/USMC set weigh darn near a pound just for the rings (steel)
the design of tactical rings are such that whether they are made from steel or aluminum, they do their job well
most have two or sometimes more ring cap screws per SIDE of the ring, and the picatinny rail slots are designed so that the rings have a matching 'rail' on the ring bottom that goes in the slot to mitigate ring/optic movement under recoil
i use aluminum almost exclusively, because i want to save the weight; your big three in a rifle for weight are
barreled action, stock and optics package
any weight saved is good in my opinion ; and my rifls still end up weighing 10.5 -14lbs depending on how they are spec'd -
this is down though from several i owned that were 15-18lbs
you can expect longevity from aluminum - buy a good quality ring from the companies listed and they will stand behind their product;
most companies that are making quality rings (badger, seekins, nightforce, EGW, larue etc.) offer rings in both aluminum and steel
some of the larger ring sets , like the SSDS/USMC set weigh darn near a pound just for the rings (steel)
the design of tactical rings are such that whether they are made from steel or aluminum, they do their job well
most have two or sometimes more ring cap screws per SIDE of the ring, and the picatinny rail slots are designed so that the rings have a matching 'rail' on the ring bottom that goes in the slot to mitigate ring/optic movement under recoil
i use aluminum almost exclusively, because i want to save the weight; your big three in a rifle for weight are
barreled action, stock and optics package
any weight saved is good in my opinion ; and my rifls still end up weighing 10.5 -14lbs depending on how they are spec'd -
this is down though from several i owned that were 15-18lbs
you can expect longevity from aluminum - buy a good quality ring from the companies listed and they will stand behind their product;
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
Quality is more important than material.
It's highly unlikely that you will notice a difference (other than weight) between the two. On some rifles I have aluminum. On others I have steel. I try to stick with aluminum when possible due to the weight issue.
Quality is more important than material.
It's highly unlikely that you will notice a difference (other than weight) between the two. On some rifles I have aluminum. On others I have steel. I try to stick with aluminum when possible due to the weight issue.
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: David 33</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Little hijack. I was always under the impressiion that aluminum bases will flex on a steel receiver under heat causing zero shift issues. Is this really an issue with high quality products? </div></div>
I dont believe this. I doubt an action will get hot enough to change the mechanical properties of the aluminum. Aluminum that the better manufactures use is high quality stuff and you should not see/have any problems. I don't lap high quality rings either.
Steel might be better if you are abit hard on your rifles but both will work, just buy quality ones the first time.
I use seekins rings, had no problems, they are a great product.
Cheers
Pete
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: David 33</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Little hijack. I was always under the impressiion that aluminum bases will flex on a steel receiver under heat causing zero shift issues. Is this really an issue with high quality products? </div></div>
I dont believe this. I doubt an action will get hot enough to change the mechanical properties of the aluminum. Aluminum that the better manufactures use is high quality stuff and you should not see/have any problems. I don't lap high quality rings either.
Steel might be better if you are abit hard on your rifles but both will work, just buy quality ones the first time.
I use seekins rings, had no problems, they are a great product.
Cheers
Pete
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
By the time you have issues with quality aluminium rings/base your scope has broken.
IF you were using QD's and constantly taking them off and on you MIGHT after many years have some wear points. I've never seen or heard of it.
By the time you have issues with quality aluminium rings/base your scope has broken.
IF you were using QD's and constantly taking them off and on you MIGHT after many years have some wear points. I've never seen or heard of it.
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
QUALITY MANUFACTURER MEANS MORE THAN MATERIAL CHOICE !
It's All In The Machining and Machinist !!
I choose Glen Seekins, and I'm Glad I Did !!!
QUALITY MANUFACTURER MEANS MORE THAN MATERIAL CHOICE !
It's All In The Machining and Machinist !!
I choose Glen Seekins, and I'm Glad I Did !!!
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Quality is more important than material.
It's highly unlikely that you will notice a difference (other than weight) between the two. On some rifles I have aluminum. On others I have steel. I try to stick with aluminum when possible due to the weight issue.
</div></div>
I 2nd that
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Quality is more important than material.
It's highly unlikely that you will notice a difference (other than weight) between the two. On some rifles I have aluminum. On others I have steel. I try to stick with aluminum when possible due to the weight issue.
</div></div>
I 2nd that
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
I'll add my vote to the how its made being more important than the material used. I had a discussion about it with Glen Seekins on the phone. He was extremely knowledgeable. After talking to him, I felt very confident in ordering a set of rings and bases from him. Once I recieved them, I knew I had made the correct decision. He really does do great work. I have a few sets of Leupold MK4 around, all steel and they are nice, but they don't compare to the fit and finish that the Seekins rings have.
I'll add my vote to the how its made being more important than the material used. I had a discussion about it with Glen Seekins on the phone. He was extremely knowledgeable. After talking to him, I felt very confident in ordering a set of rings and bases from him. Once I recieved them, I knew I had made the correct decision. He really does do great work. I have a few sets of Leupold MK4 around, all steel and they are nice, but they don't compare to the fit and finish that the Seekins rings have.
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
Best quality rings do the job and are unlikely to fail before the scope does. Steel can rust or blemish and the aluminium's coatings wear faster. The quality is so high now that I go for aluminium (weight and less cold) except on classic style blued rifles.
Temperature change will effect the rifle action and barrel far more than anything thats to do with the rings. Get quality rings like Seekins, Badger or NF, the right height for your scope, and then once set up correctly don't worry about them.
Best quality rings do the job and are unlikely to fail before the scope does. Steel can rust or blemish and the aluminium's coatings wear faster. The quality is so high now that I go for aluminium (weight and less cold) except on classic style blued rifles.
Temperature change will effect the rifle action and barrel far more than anything thats to do with the rings. Get quality rings like Seekins, Badger or NF, the right height for your scope, and then once set up correctly don't worry about them.
Re: Rings - Aluminum VS Steel
I'd say it doesn't much matter until your aluminum base comes loose in freezing weather. So locktite them.
I'd say it doesn't much matter until your aluminum base comes loose in freezing weather. So locktite them.
