Question on first scope set up

[Yung.gunr]

So I want to put a scope on my new .22, the problem is that I am new to the scope, rings and base game.

I have decided that I want to get the Simmons 8 point 3–9x 40 model #510513. But I don't know what rings to use. I understand that I need Weaver Bases as it is a Savage Mark II. So I would need rings to attach to a Weaver base, I also understand that I would need a medium height due to the lens diameter. I have been reading that most new scopes are using 1 inch diameter rings, but I am not finding a definitive answer on the size. I also understand that the rings are one of the most important part of the scope set up so not to get the cheapest out there, but I definitely want to keep it low priced as it is my first set up. I tried to email the site I am going to buy from but my email bounced back. What rings should I get?

 

[big al hunter]

It appears you have been paying attention to someone with wisdom. You are correct that rings are a very important part of the scope platform. The quality of the rings is more neccesary with heavier recoiling rifles. The recoil on a .22 is not enough to jar the scope around and damage the rings of most makes. The rings do have to keep the scope in place though, so make sure they grip the scope firmly. That should not be a problem with any of the decent rings on the market. Yes avoid the cheapest but lower priced is acceptable on a .22.

As to the size of the rings yes 1 inch is the standard diameter of the scope tube. The hight of the rings will be determined by the scopes objective lense diameter. You want the scope to be as close to the barrel as possible without touching it. So that usually means you either take the rifle with you and have it mounted where you purchase the scope ( if the dealer povides this service ) or measure the difference between the scope tube and the objective lense plus any difference between the top of the barrel and the top of the scope base. But that is tough to get precise without actually triing the scope on the rings and seeing if it fits. If you are mounting the scope yourself use a gunsmiths screwdriver. The ones you use on wood screws and the like will mar the heads of the screws and strip them out sometimes in one use. The wood screw drivers are tapered end, the gunsmith drivers are flat in that the faces of the blade are parallel. Tighten the screws firmly but not so tight that it breaks the screw ( it takes less pressure than you might think ) if you can afford it, get a torque wrench that does inch pounds or borrow one. 20 inch pounds of torque would be more than sufficient. also you can use loctite on the base screws to keep them from loosening from vibration use the less permanent grade or it will "weld" the screws in place so to speak. Put the rings on the base and make sure the scope fits between the rings and has clearance at the barrel and tighten the screws. When you put the scope on the rings check to make sure the rings sit evenly and touch the scope both front and back edges or it could dent the scope and possibly ruin it. check for eye relief and snug the rings down. I prefer the rings that have screws on both sides so I can apply even pressure and it helps keep the reticle level. The style with screws on one side and a lip and groove on the other is harder to get the reticle level on the first try. This is a fairly simple project but if the dealer offers free installation I let them do it. It gives me a chance to see if they have any better ways to do it or new tools I havn't played with yet. I also recommend that you have it installed unless you have seen it done a time or two. Have fun and let us know how it shoots when its all put together.