Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Vertical split vs horizontal split rings

Horizontal split for me. I prefer the Talley lightweight two piece.

I am in complete agreement and got tired of messing with them last year. I can't believe I kept messing with them for all those years. Replacing them with Weaver style bases and horizontal split rings from KF.

Vertically split rings can cause problems with scope that need to be dialed a lot. Most of these compress the rube asymmetrically, so with many scope models they can cause problems.

In set and forget applications that is less of an issue.

ILya

I use only Burris Signature rings with the plastic inserts. Either double dovetail or Weaver style Signature Zee Rings. I do have some other rings on rifles whose scopes have not been moved in years. If a scope is removed for any reason, Burris rings are installed. Happy Trails

+1 and the top of the ring is a rain collector. I will never use Talley Vertical rings again either fixed or removable.l

Verticals look nicer (to some). Horizontals tend to be easier to use (for some).

Which is better for set it and forget it? I see a lot of responses about “remounting” scopes… once it’s on my gun. It ain’t coming off

Horizontal. No contest..

Formi has mentioned this as well. And I believe that Vortex doesn't recommend them for their scopes.

I have used Warne vertical split rings a bunch and never had any issues with SWFA scopes. No issues with zero retention or tracking.

I saw this addressed in a lengthy thread on another forum a few years back. I just go with horizontals to minimize any potential issues, regardless of those who say verticals work for them. The geometry of some of them always seemed a bit strange to me anyway.

Vertical split rings?
REALLY??
That is what causes riots in prison.

Horizontals are definately easier to install but I have a couple of Warne rings on Brno 600s and they work fine. I tend to leave scopes alone when they are mounted.

Sometimes you have to go with what’s available. I used a set of vertical Warnes to mount a 56mm on a Hawkeye yesterday. PITA dealing with all the loose stuff, but very solid once you get them on. Nicely finished too, with no sharp edges. I wanted the detachables, but they’re nowhere to be found now, just like a lot of stuff.

I’m moving away from the Zee rings as they’re a dog to remove and re-install, plus heavier than necessary. Going to use the Weaver Sure Grips on the Marlin 39A headed here for the vintage look and light weight, but no hook to deal with. They’re actually pretty nice, cheap, and made here if you can believe it!

I use both. Neither are probably really better than the other. But I prefer vertically split because they are less obtrusive. And I've never lapped vertically split rings and never felt I had to. I've never had a scope slip in vertically split rings but I have in horizontally split rings. For instance, a failure to lap Ruger rings supplied with a Ruger gun is an accident waiting to happen. Great guns, horrible rings.

As far as being a rain collector: non-issue. Water can get get under both.

As far as the scope coming loose when you detach: that's an issue with Talley fixed permanent attach rings because they are literally two halves held together by two screws. (But they are marketed as "fixed" rings, so detaching them will require reinstallation.) But its a non-issue with Warnes, and a non-issue with Talley QD and QD screw lock because they are two-halves that attach around the scope first, and which has a third piece that clamps to the base. I've found Warne QDs and Talley QDs to return to zero very well.

I use a pencil to mark the tube at the splits (when I remember) to make re-mounting easier.

I have both. Never any issues with either but I prefer the look of the horizontal.

I try to only use horizontal split rings.

I prefer horizontal. I have experienced more issues trying to keep the reticle level while tightening vertical split rings, same with the original Weavers w/AL bottom, steel-strap hook/screw tops. Hard to keep those old school Weavers level while final tightening too.

I like and use both. My favorite are the Talley QDs, mounted without the levers. They return to zero reliably, and on more remote hunts I take an extra scope in rings already zero’ed as backup.

This is my experience as well. I’ve used the old Buehler vertical split rings for years and never an issue with slipping or tube marks. They take a bit more care to set up, but I prefer the cleaner look of vertical rings.
JMHO