Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Vertical split rings - yay or nay

Word on the interwebs is that vertical split rings don't hold well and that if they do hold they damage scopes, leading to all kinds of issues with holding zero and tracking. Have any of you experienced those issues? Seems like they would be less of an issue with robust scopes like (for example) most SWFA models.

BS, they are just fine

I would avoid them.

I use them exclusively on T/C Contenders, albeit using 3x rings, but I have never had an issue with them damaging scopes or not holding zero.

I have moved away from vertical split as the last two sets of 1" AlaskaArms Brno rings were difficult to remove from the scopes, the issue being that the bottom two screws were all but welded into the threads. With the second set also having the addition of anti seize which didn't help at all.

There were no issues with the scopes or rigidity.

Complete Horseshit

I'd like to know what the advantage is? They also seem as if they would be more likely to have a pinch point.

I have a pair if warne medium vertical rings. Can't really figure out what the advantages are?

Especially since I bounce back n forth to open sights so much. Pain in the a s s removing the scope and then putting the scope back on the rifle. I end up having to loosen 8 screws, just to get the rings to release from the bases.

I would trade these if anyone wants them.

And the advantage is?

QD's?

In my case to use open sights if needed.

I actually have an easier time mounting them and like the way they look. Otherwise, I can't really think of an advantage.

Mine are the permanent attachment vertical warne rings.

Nay.

Either way they are just a clamp - i've not experienced issues.

I don't like them. So, "nay"..

Most are heavy and require more effort to mount. I don’t see a benefit.

My only experience is with QD Talleys on my 375. They are a little more difficult to initially set up but work great even with a medium-hard kicker like an 8 1/2lb. 375 H&H.

The main advantage being quick detach for using the irons and RTZ.

I have one set of vertical split Warne and they were a pain to setup. Lots of guys like them them but this will be my one and only set Put me in the nay camp.

I've over a dozen sets in service,with nary an issue. Hint.

They tend to mount low,which can be a nice arrangement,on some stock designs. Hint................

Talley QDs are imo the best and strongest out there.

The audacity of this manufacturer to use such shoddy components..

Ditto, but only six or so rifles with vertical split rings.

I read a review where someone hadn’t even taken them out of the package yet and gave them 5 stars. So I’m going with 5 stars.

For years, all I have used are Warne vertical rings. Usually low ones on a rail. I've swapped alot of scopes around, and have never had one with a mark on it.....or had one slip, under recoil.

QR verticals work well too.

Andy3

Nay for me, and twice on Sundays

Royal PITA

I’ve seen some on here as well….

Don't like the Talley's either

Fair enough, but I'm not sure what that has to do with the non QD rings I quoted.

Nay for me....

For quite a few years now, I've used Warne (split vertical) rings almost exclusively. I've never had an issue with them and also have never had a mark on a scope tube from them, either. Used correctly, they are both rugged and reliable.

I often hear the comment of split verticals being difficult to deal with. I don't buy into that. I have both rheumatoid arthritis and neuropathy affecting my hands and still use Warne rings. They are no more difficult to install than anything else.

Warne vertical split only

Why does it appear that the objective is hard on that base?

Yes for me, use both vertical and horizontal with no issues.

I do not use Talley's as they mount too high for me.

Have used a bunch of the Warne's. Both QR and fixed vertical. Paired with slotted Warne bases it is very easy to switch scopes between all my LA Model 70 Classics.

When I went to Africa I took an extra zeroed scope mounted in vertical rings just in case. In my testing, when swapping the scopes back and forth, the zero remained very close. Within two inches. Not as good as Talley's, but very serviceable and easy to deal with.

I use both, zero issue with Warne screw on or QD over the course of decades.

Hard no for most of them, at least the ones that work like a nutcracker and attach the scope tube and the base with the same screws. One only need to think of the physics involved to see the problem. The detachable types, however, with separate screws attached to the scope top and bottom, and the base, are good to go. No Nutcracker.

I will add my 2 cents. My boys and I have been using swfa scopes for about 10 years. Two 3x15s, and two 3x9s. Hard use, plenty of dialing. Great results. Three of the scopes are in Burris zee rings, one 3x9 in Warne vertical mounts. This scope is the last one we bought and has been mounted in these rings for about the last 5 years on a Tikka 243. This fall that scope started having poi change every 3 shots or so, and was not returning to zero after dialing. The rail, rings , ect, ect on the rifle/ set up that could have been a problem were checked. Nothing was found. We reshot the rifle 3 separate days getting the same results. Round count on the rifle/ scope was about 650 rounds. Only 2 possible choices that I can see. Either the scope outright failed, or the vertical rings caused it to fail. There is simply no way to tell. I sent the scope back to swfa, and they are sending a new one(at some point when they come in). I am done with the vertical rings, the new scope will be in zee rings as well. I already picked them up.

I have 5-6 sets of Warne Vertical rings in use. 3 sets are on Tikkas, the rest on assorted other rifles. Never a problem with any of them, and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy more in the future.

they just don't look mechanically correct in my mind. This may go back to a cheap set decades ago. I prefer what I call normal standard rings for everything including airguns.

yes I don't really mind them. when your first use and then they seem kind of harder to mountain secure and hold until you kind of figure out get the bottom screws somewhat firm tighten the top one's last or you can rotate optics in the position.

These are the style I use. They are extremely light, and have yet to have a set fail...

Nay for me.

I've seen more crushed scope tubes from these type rings than any other plus they are much more of a PITA to get level than standard rings.

To me the advantage is the following. While mounting a scope and while tightening the rings the scope stays put. Try that with a set of weavers or similar and you wind up with a canted scope. Loosen screws and repeat.

I use them on my 30-378, 338-378, 378, 416 and 460 Bees and many other rifles. Never ever had an issue!

This is my 375 H&H with them and a Meopta

The Warne versions have worked well for me on a number of rifles. If you read Warne's instructions they are easy enough to mount.

When I used to have a bunch of Win 70s, these are all I used, never once any problem of any sort. Still use them on my three remaining 70s
https://www.talleymanufacturing.com/product/screw-lock-detachable-scope-rings/

Absolutely! But therein lies the problem. Some think they are above reading or following directions and then proceed to blame the rings when there is an issue. Warne rings are simple, straightforward and perfectly reliable. Plus, once you take the scope out of the rings, it will look like the ones below: with nary a mark to be found anywhere on the tube.

I find them quite easy to set up. In the past they had become a "go to" and I recommended them to a number of people. My enthusiasm waned when I started running into bad sets. (Too tight, out of round, vertical offset between left/right halves) Maybe the QC is sorted out now.

I will happily take any 1” medium warne premier ring mounts for A Sako-series actions off your hands. I’ve got a couple pair of 30mm waiting for some in kind scopes. I just haven’t found what I want. AV .338 and an AII deluxe in .308 await. I currently use them on my AI .17, AII .243, another AV .338, an M591 .243. Permanents or QD’s would make me plum happy. The maximas wont fit.

I like Talley bases and their split rings, have nothing else on bolt guns. It took a little bit to figure out how to keep scopes level as I tightened the rings.

I only have two sets.. A ‘76 vintage Buehler set on a ‘76 Ruger #3, 22 Hornet. The other is a set of Warne QDs that came with a Kimber Super America 22 Hornet. A bit of a pain in the buttocks to get set up the way I like them.

Buehler and Warne Premier.

I have a set on an old rifle, Redfield's and I hate them. You wan to change the scope and you have to take the scope apart to do it. Did it one time and never again!

I don`t care for them.

Total round count on that stack of schit,wouldn’t account for a slow Thursday morning. Hint……..

Oh, good Lord! Please, take your “Skookum” rigs & just go away!!!

Thank you, don’t understand why you feel the need to insult everyone. Clearly, you have a lot of firearm knowledge to share. I enjoy my”cshit”, suits the hunting I do.

You are sucking the wrong ass and adding to your lady friend’s very WELL founded Insecurities. Hint.

Spent primers remain THE Supreme Tutorial,to the perpetual chagrin of Window Licking CLUELESS Fhuqks the World over. Hint.

Nobody insults you,better than you do,by doing your BEST. Hint………..

Random specs on warne vertical rings:

A pair of vertical warne mounts lower, than even warne mountain tech low rings (7200m)

Even being steel, they are slightly less than 1 oz heavier than mountain techs, but over $100 cheaper.

Warne verticals:
4.30 oz

Warne mountain tech
3.39 oz


If you didn't notice, stick was right on the fkn money.

Is that a quote from Mr. Cape Buffalo?😂

No, the Leupold...

McClure: Nay, from here.
I have mounted MANY scopes on customers and friends Rifles in the past half century - where they wanted (had purchased) vertical split rings and even after "reading the directions" they were a pain in the ass to mount/align.
Plus I simply have more faith (based on 5 1/2 decades of use, on literally a few hundred Rifles!) in horizontal split rings.
If it ain't broke - don't fix it!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I’ve ran a lot of different rings. I’ve had far more issues with scopes slipping in vertical rings.

Love the Warne rings. Never a problem. A bit heavy, but no big deal to me.

If you've experienced multiple issues of scopes slipping in rings, the mounting technique just might be the culprit.

It’s not the technique. I follow the manufactures instructions and torque specs. I think the main issue is heavy recoiling lightweight rifles. I’ve set up many different rifles and always mark the scope tube with a pencil to check for slip. I’m aware of all the tricks to keep scopes from slipping, but have just personally had more issues with vertical split rings slipping without using any of those special tricks.

Everyone has their own experiences. All I can say is I have vertical split rings on many rifles chambered from 257 Roberts up through 375 H&H — probably all Talleys. I’ve never had a problem with installation or slippage.