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Jaxom · Senior Member

Never thought I'd have this problem. I hadn't planned on buying a scope when I did. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. When I went over to my local gun shop to get some pellets, I noticed they had some scopes on sale. I manage to pick up a Hawke 3-9x40 ir for $65, brand new in the box.

At the same time I purchased a set of 11mm high rise mounts as well. Oddly they just would not fit right. For some odd reason, one of the mounts would always tilt either to the left or to the right. After being frustrated for a while I checked the package just to make sure there wasn't something I was doing wrong, turns out the clerk had given me a set of 3/8" dovetail mounts. So I took them back and exchanged them for some 11mm ones. But they didn't have these in high rise. UGH!

I was doing some checking online, and I was amazed at the vast price difference for mounts. Can someone clue me in to as why I would choose one mount over another? Why is one set around $10 and the next one is $40? (I prefer two piece mounts over 1 piece, so I didn't even compare those differences.)

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Jax

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Depends on the specific mount.

Some of the $5.00 mounts are Made-In-China specials with no quality control. Others have special features such as some "flex" in the ring to accommodate a scope that is not perfectly round. Unless one ring vs. another has some sort of feature difference (i.e. the 'flex' mentioned above, a tall mount with or without a peep hole, 4 bolts on each cap vs. 2 and so on) it becomes little more than a quality issue- chances are theoretically alot better that you will get more defective units the cheaper the price- but this is not a guarantee- some pricey rings can be crap as well. Of course, we can probably assume accurately that really cheap rings may also be constructed of sub-standard materials, allowing for more rapid disintegration/distortion/breakage.

donec · Senior Member

There are others that could answer your question much better than I but some of the mounts are made cheaply and with just enough screws to hold themselves to the scope and are mot machined well while others are machined well have more screws and are made of good materials. You add that to some companies will price their stuff at what the market will bear instead of considering the value of the item when pricing. At least that is my take on the reasons for differing cost.

creeper · New Member

When you talk about Beeman/Sportsmatch and BKL mounts vs. everything else out there commonly available for a 11mm dovetail, you're talking about the quality of the entire package.
The aluminum, the machining and the screws are all of a much higher grade than the $11 mounts.

Personally, I always use Sportsmatch mounts on everything and use a torque screwdriver to tighten all the screws... and I've never had a mount problem, ever.

C

AirGunEric · Site Admin

There are ranges of rings out there. I'm sure the Sportsmatch rings are fine, BKL are OK, but I came across some made in the USA rings which appear to be a couple steps above those- Warne rings.

Really, however- "how much ring" one might need is dependent on the application and planned use. If you have a $100.00 set of rings on a $50.00 gun you shoot once a year- were these rings really necessary or would a $10.00 set have been just as useful and left more money in your pocket.

fritz · Silver Status Member

I'd go with Crosman's rings. The set they put onto their (Centerpoint) scope which was factory on my Super Streak has taken quite a beating. The scope and rings... Probably not the best rings made, but they are at a modest price and give decent results. You're also supporting an American company.

Crosman does manufacture in the US, right?

Jaxom · Senior Member

I think, I don't recall, the first set I got the same day I bought the scope were also Hawke brand. I exhanged these for another common brand name. Don't recall the brand name, both sets were around the $15 mark.

I bought a cheapo Gamo scope for my 1077. Right now I have the Hawke scope mounted to my discovery, with no problem. Only issue is that they're not high rise ones.

FYI....I want high rise ones, because eventually I want to add muzzle break and the extra space gives my fat fingers more room to stick a pellet in.

Alstone · Moderator & Site Supporter

I use Hawke Scopes and also use their mounts, and find them excellent. That is provided you can get there mounts over there?

Al

packrat · Senior Member

I have 2 Hawke scopes, both came with 3/8 and 11mm rings. All the rings (and the scopes too for that matter) are of good quality, am pleased with them all.

Jaxom · Senior Member

Went to Hawke's website. Can order the ones I need from them direct. Will do so as soon as I get some cash.