Introduction
Are you a passionate marksman, a dedicated hunter, or simply someone who enjoys the precision and challenge of long-range shooting? If so, you understand that success at extended distances hinges on a multitude of factors, from your rifle and ammunition to your understanding of ballistics and the environment. One crucial piece of the puzzle often overlooked is the scope mount itself, specifically the scope rings. This article delves into a specialized type of scope ring – the 20 MOA scope rings – exploring their purpose, benefits, and helping you decide if they’re the right upgrade for your shooting needs.
Understanding Angular Measurement: The Foundation of Accuracy
Precision in shooting isn’t just about hitting the target; it’s about understanding the forces at play and how to compensate for them. This understanding begins with grasping the concept of angular measurement and its implications for accuracy.
Understanding MOA
The shooting world employs various methods to measure angles, but one of the most common, particularly in the United States, is MOA. MOA, or Minute of Angle, is a unit of angular measurement, and it’s fundamental to understanding how your scope adjusts for bullet drop and wind drift. A single MOA represents approximately one inch at a hundred yards. So, if your bullet impacts two inches low at a hundred yards, you need to adjust your scope’s elevation by two MOA to bring your point of impact up to your point of aim.
This relationship becomes even more crucial as you extend your shooting distances. As the distance increases, gravity exerts a more significant effect on the bullet’s trajectory, causing it to drop further. Wind also exerts greater influence, pushing the bullet sideways. To compensate for these effects, you need to adjust your scope’s reticle. Without the proper adjustments, your shots will miss the mark.
The Role of Scope Rings
Scope rings are the critical link between your scope and your rifle. They hold the scope securely in place, allowing you to see through it and provide a stable platform to make adjustments. They are usually made from metals like aluminum and steel, ensuring durability and resistance to recoil. These rings attach to a base, commonly mounted on the rifle’s receiver or a Picatinny rail. Selecting the correct rings is paramount for achieving optimal performance.
Introducing 20 MOA Scope Rings: Angled Advantage
So, how do 20 MOA scope rings fit into this equation? They provide something extra, something that is very important for long range shooting. They are designed to compensate for bullet drop, especially at longer distances, by tilting the scope slightly upward.
Unlike standard scope rings, which typically mount the scope parallel to the rifle barrel, 20 MOA scope rings feature a built-in angle, usually a 20 MOA incline. This means the scope’s reticle is canted upward, subtly changing the point of aim relative to the bore of the rifle. This built-in tilt provides additional elevation adjustment, allowing you to dial in the scope’s elevation turret to compensate for bullet drop over longer ranges.
Think of it this way: your scope has a limited amount of internal elevation adjustment. When you zero your scope at a shorter distance, you often use up a portion of that adjustment. When you go to shoot at a longer distance, you need to use up more of the adjustment, which may be beyond the internal limits of the scope. 20 MOA scope rings gives you a head start, letting your reticle be closer to the middle of its adjustment range, letting you effectively shoot longer distances.
The Benefits: Unlocking Extended Range and Precision
Increased Elevation Adjustment
The fundamental advantage of using 20 MOA scope rings is increased elevation adjustment. This extra elevation travel is critical for reaching those distant targets where bullet drop is the most dramatic. By angling the scope, the shooter has more available adjustment to utilize, preventing the need to max out the elevation turret, which can lead to issues like parallax and reduced clarity.
In the end, what this comes down to is being able to shoot further accurately. 20 MOA scope rings provide the necessary adjustment to engage targets at extended distances, where the curve of the bullet’s trajectory becomes more pronounced. Without that extra adjustment, you would be forced to limit the ranges at which you could effectively engage.
Reducing Reticle Strain
Another significant benefit is reducing the strain on your scope’s reticle adjustment. Constantly cranking your elevation turret to extreme settings can degrade the optical clarity of your scope and potentially affect its long-term reliability. 20 MOA scope rings minimize this need by giving you a boost of elevation right out of the gate.
Enhanced Shot Placement
By allowing you to keep the elevation adjustments within a more central range, 20 MOA scope rings can also contribute to improved shot placement. When you’re closer to the center of your scope’s adjustment range, you typically experience fewer optical distortions and maintain a more consistent point of impact, leading to greater precision.
Who Should Consider 20 MOA Scope Rings?
So, who should consider using 20 MOA scope rings? While they are not essential for every shooter, they are an excellent tool for specific applications, especially when longer ranges are involved.
Long-Range Shooters
If you are a long-range shooter, whether you are engaged in competitive shooting or shooting for recreation, 20 MOA scope rings can be a game changer. They can give you the necessary elevation to engage targets at distances beyond what a standard mount would allow, which can be crucial in scoring hits at those distances.
Competitive Shooters
For those competitive shooters, particularly in disciplines that involve shooting at varying distances, the additional adjustment offered by 20 MOA scope rings can provide a significant advantage. Every MOA counts when accuracy is paramount.
Hunters at Extended Ranges
Hunters who regularly engage targets at extended ranges will also find 20 MOA scope rings to be invaluable. Ethical hunting demands precise shot placement, and 20 MOA scope rings can help you compensate for bullet drop at the ranges where hunting is common. They provide the flexibility needed to take shots that are humane and decisive.
Scopes with Limited Adjustment
Also, for those who are using rifles and scopes with limited internal adjustment ranges, 20 MOA scope rings can be a significant advantage. This can be true for budget scopes, older scopes, or scopes that simply do not provide enough internal adjustment.
Choosing the Right 20 MOA Scope Rings: Key Considerations
Choosing the right 20 MOA scope rings is a matter of understanding a few key factors and matching them to your specific needs. Here’s what you need to consider:
Scope Tube Diameter
The first key is scope tube diameter. Scopes come in different tube diameters, such as one inch, thirty millimeters, and thirty-four millimeters. You need to select rings that are specifically designed to fit your scope’s tube diameter. Measure your scope’s tube diameter to be sure you’re getting the correct rings.
Ring Height
Another important factor is ring height. Ring height refers to the distance between the top of the base and the bottom of the scope tube. It’s crucial to select rings of the correct height to ensure that your scope clears the rifle’s barrel and any other mounted accessories, like a Picatinny rail.
Objective Lens Size and Rifle Components
Consider the objective lens size and the rifle’s bolt or any other features that might interfere. A lower-profile ring will allow for better cheek weld and a more comfortable shooting position. However, the ring height needs to be high enough for the objective lens to clear the barrel and other components.
Material and Construction
The materials and build quality of the rings are very important as well. Scope rings are typically made from aluminum or steel. Aluminum rings are generally lighter, while steel rings are often more durable and can better withstand the stresses of heavy recoil. High-quality rings will also have precision machining to ensure proper scope alignment and a secure hold.
Durability and Recoil Resistance
It is critical to consider the durability and recoil resistance of the rings. Choose rings from reputable brands that are known for their quality and ability to withstand the rigors of shooting, especially if you are using a high-recoiling rifle. Look for rings that are made of high-quality materials, have a solid construction, and are designed to withstand the harsh recoil of your rifle.
Compatibility with Rail Systems
Finally, consider compatibility. Check that the rings are compatible with your rifle’s mounting system. Most modern rifles use a Picatinny rail, but there are other mounting systems, like Weaver rails. Ensure that the rings you choose are compatible with your rifle’s rail type.
Product Recommendations: Top Choices for 20 MOA Rings
Selecting the perfect 20 MOA scope rings can be difficult with so many options available. Therefore, to make it easier for you, the next section provides several product recommendations. The following are some popular and highly rated 20 MOA scope rings.
[Brand Name] 20 MOA Scope Rings
[Brand Name] 20 MOA Scope Rings are a popular choice. They are known for their quality, affordability, and excellent performance. Made from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum, these rings are very durable and can withstand the rigors of various firearms. Available in multiple tube diameters, these rings are a great all-around choice and offer a great value. You can easily find these for a very reasonable price.
[Another Brand] 20 MOA Scope Rings
[Another Brand] 20 MOA Scope Rings are a good mid-range option. These rings also made from high-quality aluminum or steel and are manufactured to very tight tolerances, and the quality is very impressive. They are known for their exceptional precision and long-lasting performance.
[Yet another Brand] 20 MOA Scope Rings
[Yet another Brand] is usually considered one of the best, highest-quality, options. While expensive, these rings are very reliable and are built with extreme care and precision. Often made with titanium and other exotic materials, these rings will be more resistant to recoil and harsh weather. They are usually the choice of most top shooters.
Installation and Zeroing: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of installing 20 MOA scope rings is similar to that of installing standard rings, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure that everything is aligned and secure.
Before getting started, ensure that you have all the necessary tools, including a torque wrench, a level, and an Allen wrench.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Every brand has its process, so be sure to understand the steps.
You will need to install the base or the rail on the rifle. Mount the scope in the rings, making sure to keep everything level.
After mounting the scope, you must properly torque the ring screws using a torque wrench, as specified by the ring manufacturer. Over-tightening can damage the scope, while under-tightening may cause the scope to shift under recoil.
Once everything is tightened and level, it is important to zero your scope and fine-tune your adjustments to achieve the desired accuracy.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you run into any problems with your setup, such as your scope not zeroing correctly, make sure you thoroughly check your scope alignment.
The key is to verify that the scope, rings, and rifle are properly aligned. A level can be used to ensure that the scope’s crosshairs are level with the rifle. If the scope is canted or the rings are not properly aligned, it can make zeroing a difficult task.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Long-Range Performance
In conclusion, 20 MOA scope rings are a valuable upgrade for shooters looking to extend their effective shooting ranges and achieve greater precision. By providing additional elevation adjustment, these rings help shooters overcome bullet drop and wind drift at extended distances.
Consider your shooting goals, range, and budget when selecting the right rings. Properly install and zero your scope, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving more accurate shots.
By understanding the concepts and incorporating 20 MOA scope rings into your setup, you’re investing in your ability to reach out and touch distant targets with confidence.
Ready to take your long-range shooting to the next level? Research and choose the right 20 MOA scope rings to suit your rifle and your needs!
