The Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve mounted my fair share of scopes. That’s why I was intrigued, yet cautiously optimistic, when I came across the Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring. Ruger has a solid reputation, but scope rings are a dime a dozen, and the difference between a good set and a bad set can be a hunting trip ruined, or worse.
I needed a reliable, medium-height ring for a new scope I was mounting on my Ruger 10/22 for small game hunting. I was looking for something durable and repeatable; a ring that could withstand recoil and hold zero reliably. I’ve always trusted Ruger firearms, and thought that their scope rings would be a perfect match.
Upon receiving the package, I immediately noticed something was amiss. The box was small, suspiciously small. Inside, nestled in its packaging, was indeed a Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring… just one. My initial thought was, “seriously?” This single ring approach is baffling.
Compared to other rings I’ve used, like the Warne Maxima or Leupold PRW, the Ruger ring appeared well-machined. The finish was clean, and it felt solid in hand, but the single-unit sale was perplexing. I ultimately chose this because I thought that Ruger brand rings would be the best option for my Ruger rifle. My initial excitement turned to disappointment; who sells a single scope ring?
Real-World Testing: Putting Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring to the Test
First Use Experience
My first “use” involved a frantic online search and trip to a local gun store to purchase a second ring. Finally, with a matching pair, I could proceed with the mounting process. I tested the rings at my local shooting range.
The conditions were dry and mild, ideal for sighting in a rifle. Mounting the scope was straightforward, and the rings seemed to grip the scope tube well. After a few shots, the rings seemed to hold tight and performed well.
I was initially concerned about the rings slipping or shifting, given my experience with other budget-friendly rings, but they appeared solid. The biggest issue was the unnecessary inconvenience of sourcing a second ring.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a few squirrel hunts, the Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring has held up reasonably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the rings themselves. The finish has remained intact.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s needed. Compared to some other rings I’ve used, which require more meticulous cleaning to prevent rust, these are relatively low-maintenance. However, my initial disappointment with the single-ring sale continues to overshadow the ring’s performance.
While the rings themselves perform adequately, the hassle of acquiring a second one detracts from the overall experience. It’s important to keep this in mind.
Breaking Down the Features of Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring
Specifications
The Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring is designed for Ruger firearms with the Hawkeye dovetail mounting system. It is a medium-height ring.
The ring is constructed from steel and features a blued finish. This provides adequate strength and corrosion resistance.
It’s designed to fit scopes with a one-inch tube diameter. This is a standard size and fits most common scopes.
The ring’s medium height allows for proper scope clearance on many rifles. This specification ensures proper alignment and prevents interference with the rifle’s action.
Performance & Functionality
The Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring performs its primary job of securing a scope to a rifle adequately. The rings hold the scope securely, and maintain zero. I did not experience any slippage or shifting during shooting.
However, the single-ring sale is a major weakness. The fact that you only receive one ring per purchase is highly inconvenient and misleading. The rings do meet expectations for performance once you have acquired a set.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price. The steel construction provides adequate strength, and the blued finish looks clean. The ring is comfortable to handle.
Mounting the scope is relatively straightforward, but the process is inherently more difficult because you have to buy two rings separately. There’s no significant learning curve involved in using these rings, but the initial hurdle of finding a second one can be frustrating.
Durability & Maintenance
The Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring appears to be durable. The steel construction should withstand typical recoil and handling. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth.
With proper care, these rings should last for many years. I anticipate a long service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options available for the rings themselves. You cannot change the height or finish.
However, the rings are compatible with any scope that has a one-inch tube diameter. This makes them versatile for use with a wide range of optics.
Pros and Cons of Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring
Pros
- Durable steel construction for reliable performance.
- Securely holds scopes with a one-inch tube diameter, maintaining zero.
- Simple design allows for easy mounting.
- Compatible with Ruger rifles that use the Hawkeye dovetail system.
- Adequate medium height ensures proper scope clearance.
Cons
- Sold as a SINGLE ring, requiring two purchases for proper scope mounting. This is a major inconvenience and poor value.
- Lack of included accessories.
- No customization options available.
Who Should Buy Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring?
Perfect for Ruger rifle owners specifically looking for a medium-height ring for their Hawkeye dovetail mounting system and are aware that they need to purchase two rings. They should also be people who are on a budget.
Who should skip this product? Anyone who wants a complete set of scope rings in one purchase should avoid this product. Those who prefer higher-end rings with more features and customization options should also look elsewhere.
Must-have accessories or modifications? You must purchase a second Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring.
Conclusion on Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring
The Ruger 4BHM Single Medium Hawkeye Ring is a decent, functional scope ring that performs its basic job adequately. However, the decision to sell it as a single ring is baffling and significantly detracts from its value. It is a major inconvenience for the consumer.
The price is justifiable if you consider that you need to buy two, effectively doubling the advertised cost. I would only recommend this product with a major caveat: be prepared to buy two. I would recommend that Ruger change this practice.
Ultimately, while the ring itself isn’t bad, the purchasing experience leaves a sour taste. Unless you’re a die-hard Ruger fan or find these rings at a significantly discounted price, there are better, more convenient options available.