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34mm Scope Rings

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General features of 34mm scope rings

The 34mm main tube is somewhat a new standard meant for tactical rifle scopes. It is adopted by a lot of rifle scope manufacturers as it provides more space for elevation compared to the 30mm tube. In order to mount the 34mm rifle scope, you need the 34mm scope rings to fit this diameter.

The most important thing when mounting a rifle scope with 34mm scope rings is to be aware of the pressure needed to fasten the scope rings. Go over the limit and the structural integrity of the rifle scope will be compromised. Scope rings can also leave a visible mark if not tightened accordingly. The amount of torque should not exceed 2.2 Nm.

Physical properties of 34mm - scope mounts

34mm scope rings are usually at least 20mm wide, while with tactical scope rings mount the width can be as much as 32mm mounting scope rings.

A lot of different manufacturers are putting their 34mm scope rings mounts on the market.

Popular MAKuick One-piece Mount, Tikka T3, 34mm scope rings

MAKuick One-piece Mount, Tikka T3, 34mm scope rings

 

Best 34mm scope rings:

Is lapping of the scope mount rings really needed?

Lapping is a process that is essentially lining two 34mm scope rings perfectly to one-a-another. It is done with special cylinders that grind off the excess metal.

When the ring is constructed from two near half circles - so if the circle of the ring is split in half, roughly in the ratio 50:50 and such mounting scope rings are mounted on two separate mounting bases, then lapping is recommended. If lapping is not performed, the very small offsetting can be present when all the different pieces of the mount come together and when both scope rings are mounted on two separated bases. If the mounting of two high-quality scope rings is done on a single-piece base, then lapping is not needed. This is one of the reasons that Picatinny rails style are becoming so popular in recent years.

In the worst-case scenario, the axis that runs through the center of the rear ring does not completely match the axis that runs through the center of the front ring. For this reason, the scope, if mounted into such scope rings is under unwanted structural stress. The most obvious problems that occur due to this reason are less than perfect optical performance, tracking problems, the side focus mechanism can stop working and the point of impact groups can be dispersed.

If the ring is designed in the fashion of 1/3 base of the ring and 2/3 of the top of the ring then lapping is not required as the design is plastic enough to bend slightly and adjust its shape to the scope tube. The same applies to ½ - 1/2 scope rings mounted on the single-piece base.

It may be a good idea to take into consideration to choose the 1/3: 2/3 scope rings as they do not require additional lapping to be fitted properly. Or use a single-piece mounting base.

Monoblock mounts categories

Lapping is also not required with monoblock mounts and all mounts are made from one piece of material and alignment of both 34mm scope rings is usually perfect. It is also not required with high-quality European mounts since their tolerances are minimal.

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VIDEO

There are two terms found for similar thing: quick release scope mounts and quick detach scope mounts. Term quick release scope mounts is used mostly in Europe and quick detach scope mounts is used mainly in USA, although they mean the same thing. With these terms we describe a scope mount that can be quickly removed from the rifle in the field without using any tools and quickly attached back on the rifle when needed.

Main advantages:

  • possibility to use multiple scopes on the rifle,
  • easy transportation of the scope and the rifle separately,
  • if scope fails, it is possible to immediately detach it and use iron sights.

FIXED vs DETACHABLE scope mounts

Fixed scope mounts are mounted to the rifle with screws and sometimes even with glue. This means that it is impossible to attach or detach the scope mount using bare hands without using tools. It also means that they are not meant for constantly being attached on or detached off the rifle. Once you screw the mount on the rifle, it normally stays there for a longer period of use.

Detachable scope mounts offer possibility to attach or detach them without using any tools. This is extremely handy while transporting the rifle and the scope separately and it also offers multiple solutions of different optics on the same rifle. Detachable scope mounts can be attached or detached from the rifle in a matter of seconds, using bare hands.

Fixed Mount

Fixed Mount

DETACHABLE vs REPEATABLE scope mounts

It is important to know and understand expressions “detachable” and “repeatable” while talking about scope mounts. Term detachable scope mounts implies scope mounts that can be quickly attached or detached without using any tools. However, when you detach this kind of mount and attach it back on the rifle, it is recommended to zero the rifle before using it again. Procedure of detaching and again attaching the mount will probably need a sighting in before next shooting, because mount will not be secured on the rifle in the perfectly same position and conditions as it was before detaching it off the rifle.

On the contrary, repeatable scope mounts are most sophisticated mounts. These scope mounts are also detachable, however – they provide removing scope from the rifle and attaching it back again without zeroing the rifle every time. This means that they are made more precisely and that they are offering a possibility of using different optical sights / scope on the same rifle. These mounts are ideal for hunters who can use optical and iron sights interchangeably, depending on the needs in different situations. With the repeatable scope mounts, it is useful to keep them oiled as well as the upper part of the rifle, so that repeatability is more ensured. With a touch of oil, the repeatability might be better, because parts of the mount will always return to their previous locations.

Different types of repeatable scope mounts:

  • Pivot mounts,
  • Dentler mounts,
  • Picatinny repeatable mounts,
  • 12 mm dovetail repeatable mounts (for break barrel rifles, such as Steyr Duett, Blaser B750, Fair Combi, Fair SLX 800, Bettinsoli rifles, etc.),
  • Original repeatable mounts, made by manufacturers of rifles for their rifles (Blaser mount, Sauer SUM mount, Mauser M03 mount, Steyr Monoblock mount, etc.).

Repeatable Mount

Repeatable Mount

TIP OFF / ROLL OFF vs SLIDE ON mounts

Nowadays, there are a whole lot of different possibilities, made for attaching riflescopes on the rifles. There are also a lot of different expressions, having the same meaning. It is good to know that tip off and roll off mounts are basically the same thing. They represent quick release scope mounts for dovetails and rails which can be rolled or tipped off the rail vertically to the side of the rail. On the contrary, there are also slide on mounts available on the market. They represent quick release scope mounts that can be slided on or off the rail or dovetail from front or rear side of the rail / dovetail. All of these expressions are mainly used for separate rings that can be attached to the rails / dovetails. As far as functioning the rifle, it does not matter which one of these mounts you choose – tip / roll off or slide on mounts. If they are installed correctly, they are all going to work. However, the main difference between them is the principle of attaching them on rails on dovetails.

Slide On Mount vs. Roll Off Mount

Slide On Mount vs. Roll Off Mount