Are Dual Dovetail rings OK?

[Fatelvis]

Ive always thought that these are the strongest, and least likely to move. I heard the other day that they can "kink" the tube of the scope, though. Has anyone else heard this, and do you use them?

 

[Poodleshooter]

They shouldn't kink the scope any more so than a set of "Leupold" style rings would, provided that they are properly installed and properly machined. I use a 1" iron bar from an old weight set to torque the rings into the bases. Never use the scope to twist in any dovetail ring.

 

[Ledbetter]

I use a piece of broomstick.

 

[EchoSixMike]

Don't like dovetails, much prefer Weaver style. I don't care for Weaver rings though, look fuggly. I use Burris Signature Zee rings when possible. S/F...Ken M

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

Howdy
Have used them on several rifles. Best there is for the money. Only thing better is Controle if you can get them any more.
Wyo

 

[Chuck Dye]

I would have Leupold dual dovetails on my Model 70 but for one thing: built in 1953, my action's mount screw holes were drilled far enough off line that my Vari-X III does not have enough windage adjustment to zero it. I have been told by several experienced gunsmiths and gun shop owners that this is not uncommon in older rifles. The same experts also say the problem is very rare in new production rifles.

FWIW, I still have the DD's: Leupold parts 50045, gloss bases, and 49917, gloss high rings. The bluing shows marks of having been turned in once and out once, scuffing that is not visible when the rings are installed. Offer will be considered.

 

[telewinz]

I agree with Wyobuckaroo, but they tend to be much more expesive than the weaver type.

 

[Fatelvis]

The reason I asked this question, originally, was because a couple individuals told me that if the receiver holes were drilled/tapped just a smidge off, it would throw the ring alignment out of whack, and when the scope is put in the rings, and tightened down, it would torque the scope. I dont know how true this is, and I was wondering if anyone had this happen to them. I, personally, love the concept of DD, and I dont see a use for the rear base`s lateral adjustment on regular Leupold mounts. (Cant any left/right zeroing be done using the scope`s internal adjustments?)

 

[Guyon]

Any set of rings can be off and torque the scope--not just dual dovetails. That's why a lot of folks will "lap" their rings with an abrasive compound and a steel rod the same size as the scope (usually 1").

As said, you should never use the scope to twist in the rings. I think I used some channel locks that I'd covered with duct tape to avoid scratches. The broom handle or steel tube would probably work even better though.

I have a set of Leupold dual dovetails and found them to be well machined and on the money when I installed them.

 

[HSMITH]

Take some 1" metal rod and turn it down to a sharp point at a 45* angle or so. Do this to 2 pieces 4" long or so. Clamp the rod in the ring with the top half and tighten the screws. Use the rod to install the ring. Do the same with the second rod and the second ring making the points point toward each other. When the two points are aligned perfectly (as close as possible left and right) the rings are true. When the rings are aligned THEN lap them for at least 75% contact on the bottom half, the top half will self align. Dry fit everything, mark the scope for where you want it to be and rough boresight it with the adjustments centered. If it is more than about 10 minutes off when centered take a look at the base and the rifle, something is wrong. Put a drop of loc-tite on the rings and install the scope at the proper distance for your eye. Put a drop of loc-tite on the screws and tighten them to the torque spec called for. You can then forget about the scope mounting, it will not need any maintenance and will not move. If you do not align them left to right and try to eyeball it they CAN and likely ARE somewhat off and are going to torque the scope tube. NO scope will live on a hard kicking rifle this way, and a semi-auto will eat scopes. Aligned well and lapped the scope will not move in the rings and will live a long time. Properly installed a dual dovetail setup on a one piece base is about as good as it gets, I prefer it to all other methods.