If you’re looking for a set of scope rings for your next project, consider the Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings. These rings offer a number of convenient options. For starters, they come in 1-inch, 30-mm, and 34-mm versions, which means you can mount scopes with any tube diameter with these rings. I went with the 1-inch rings for this particular project, since the scope I needed to mount has a 1-inch tube.
Next, they come in a few different height choices: Low, Medium, High, and Extra High. If you want to be able to use your iron sights in lieu of the scope, go with the Extra High choice. Although be warned, it may be difficult for you to gain a decent cheek weld to your stock with this selection. I selected the Low rings, and they definitely are low.
Also of note, these ring bases will attach to both Picatinny and Weaver scope bases, which I really like, since most scope bases these days fall into one of those 2 categories.
Construction
The Burris Xtreme Tactical rings are constructed of Lightweight aluminum. Granted, although they are made from aluminum, they are not feathery-light. These are fairly thick, robust scope rings. From their look and feel, they will stand up to some very heavy abuse. In fact, Burris does offer a lifetime warranty on these rings, and I’m not surprised; I doubt they’ll break any time soon. They even state that they can be used on a Slug Gun. So if they’ll stand up to 12-gauge slugs, they’ll pretty much be good to go with anything you put them on.
The finish is anodized black, so the shooter does not have to worry about the rings reflecting light. They are, after all, advertised as “Tactical” rings.
Mounting
I decided to use these rings to mount a Sightron 1 3-9x scope that I’m currently testing. Mounting the scope into these rings was very fast and easy. There are 6 mounting screws on each ring, which exert a nice, even pressure on the scope tube.
The first thing to do is mount the ring bases on the scope base to make sure it fits into the slots (if you’re mounting to a Picatinny base). Once those are fitted, go ahead and set the scope onto the lower rings, and then install the top rings. You’ll want to then make sure the scope crosshairs are true. Once that’s done, snug up the screws that hold the top rings on, and you are done.
Be careful not to crank down on the screws and rings as if you’re Samson trying to take down the temple walls. Snug is much better than ultra-tight. If you tighten too much, you can damage the scope tube or the inside scope adjustments. In this department, less is more.
One thing that I like about these rings is the large bolts that attach the whole setup to the rail; they have large heads that make them easy to hand-turn. Because of the grooves in the heads, a flat edge can be used to tighten them down. All in all, very robust and simple.
The Rig
While I was evaluating the Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings, I was also testing a new scope; the Sightron S1 G2 3-9x40mm. So this sort of became a joint project.
I had the rings, I had the scope. Now what to mount it on? I had other rifles with scopes mounted, but I didn’t feel like tearing them down and having to rezero them when I was done with this project. Then it hit me.
I’d use my Savage MK II FV-SR .22LR rifle! The Picatinny rail meant that I could easily pop the current scope off (A Vortex 1-8x) and mount the new setup that I’d be testing. Plus, the little Savage is one of the most fun guns that I have. Seriously, it is just a hoot! A double plus is that I have a respectable supply of .22LR ammunition, so it wouldn’t break the bank.
The Verdict?
This is a winning combination! The scope worked great and the rings held up perfectly. No surprise there, given their robust construction; I didn’t expect the punishing recoil of the .22LR to rip the scope from the mounts. All joking aside, though, Burris offers a “No Questions Asked” warranty with these rings. Not that I think I’d ever have to use it, because they are of heavy construction. I’d feel comfortable using these rings for any caliber, including a .50 BMG.
The Savage, along with the Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings and Sightron scope made for a fun day, indeed. Overall, the rig was light and accurate. The lack of recoil and noise was nice, especially when using subsonic ammunition. No, I didn’t have a suppressor, but even so, that subsonic ammo with the lack of the sonic crack is still quieter than supersonic ammunition, even without a sound suppressor. Fun stuff!
These rings sell for $50.99 at the time of writing at GunMag Warehouse. In my opinion, that is a good deal, considering their level of quality and ease of use. I definitely endorse this product!
