Rifle Scopes Tactical Rings vs Dove Tails

[Jig Stick]

What are the benefits of tactical rings over standard dove tails? I just had my Mark 4 ERT mounted to my 700Police 300winmag with dove tails and they function perfectly. The tactical rings look a little more rugged, but are there really benefits to them over the dove tails?

 

[bohem]

Re: Tactical Rings vs Dove Tails

The AIAW scope base is a dovetail with an alignment pin. It seems to hold up to their (and LL's) abuse levels pretty well.

Quality built clamping surfaces in a P-rail or a dovetail attachment will do the same job under anything but the worst abuse conditions. Adding a recoil pin to the dovetail pushes the dovetail higher in my perspective. Better clamping lockup with the recoil lug that the P-rail incorporates.

As much coolaid exists in this hobby/profession/sport there is a time to remember "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

[McLarenross]

Re: Tactical Rings vs Dove Tails

I think he means like turn in style dove tails not AI type.

 

[KTDLS7]

Re: Tactical Rings vs Dove Tails

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jig Stick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are the benefits of tactical rings over standard dove tails? I just had my Mark 4 ERT mounted to my 700Police 300winmag with dove tails and they function perfectly. The tactical rings look a little more rugged, but are there really benefits to them over the dove tails? </div></div>

Jig Stick, specifically which "dove tail" rings are you referring? Is this a dove tail rail with clamp-on rings? Are they the Leupold/Redfield type double rotary dove tail (front & rear) or front rotary dove tail with windage screw on rear? If they are the latter, I have seen the rear ring fail at the base attachment point and shear loose.

Tactical rings are more rugged, consequently heavier, and also have more holding power for heavier optics. Coupled with a rail mount, there is more flexibility with eye relief. Tactical rings/base may be "over-kill" for your use, but you won't go wrong using them.

Kevin

 

[repiv]

Re: Tactical Rings vs Dove Tails

The part ktdls7 said about "flexability of eye relief" was reason enough for me to change.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Tactical Rings vs Dove Tails

I had leupold dual dove tails and rings (http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shoot...ovetail-mounts/) installed on my 700Police 300winmag. I had a Leupold Mark 4 ERT M5 intalled on the gun. Im just wondering if I should of went with the tactical rings / rail setup. The eye relief is something that I overlooked. I pick up the rifle this weekend and should get some shoulder time to see if that is an issue. I guess im just kind of worried that the recoil with the 300winmag may be too much for these dual dove tails.

 

[azimutha]

Re: Tactical Rings vs Dove Tails

Another option might be one of the integral mounts like a Near or Nightforce DirectMount. I had one of the latter and what I miss about it was easier feeding through the top than with a picatinny rail. But then I put in CDI bottom metal and use magazines now. I wanted the rail for attaching other accessories.

 

[oldgrayone]

Re: Tactical Rings vs Dove Tails

Tactical rings allow a larger gripping surface, more adjustment and you can take the scope off and put it on another rifle without removing the rings. You dont need to break the bank buying tactical rings if you use your rifle for paper and hunting. Burris rings work well as well as EGW bases, they just dont give you bragging rights.

 

[bohem]

Re: Tactical Rings vs Dove Tails

I wasn't thinking about the dual dovetail or Leupy dovetail rings initially.

A beefy set of dual dovetail rings that have a recoil lug in them will do a great job. Just look at USO's rings for an example of it.

I have broken the Leupy rings (specifically the rear adjustment screws) but not from recoil. Once you get them tight and aligned they seem to hold up reasonably well. Not something that I'd want to count on in a fight though.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Tactical Rings vs Dove Tails

Just checked out the USO mounts. I dont think Leupy makes a dual dove tail setup with a recoil lug. Im using this rifle for mostly target shooting and hunting. Any other benefits of the rail/ring setup other than helping with eye relief?