The BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve been mounting optics on firearms for over a decade, and I’ve seen everything from rings that cost more than the scope to rings that simply crumble under recoil. When I needed a set of rings for an older .22 rifle with a 3/8″ dovetail, I decided to try the BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″. Burris is a well-respected name, and I was hoping these would offer a good balance of quality and affordability.
My old rimfire rifle was experiencing inconsistent accuracy, and I suspected the budget rings were to blame. After all, a solid, reliable mounting system is paramount for consistent accuracy. I needed something that could withstand the (admittedly minimal) recoil of a .22, while also holding zero reliably.
The BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ arrived in simple packaging. Pulling them out, I was immediately struck by the clean, black anodized finish and the solid feel of the aluminum. They felt surprisingly substantial for rings at this price point.
I considered other rings, including some from Weaver and Leupold. Ultimately, I chose the Burris option because of the reputation of the Burris brand and the seemingly robust design. Plus, the price was right for a .22 build.
My first impression was positive. They looked well-made and felt solid. I was eager to get them mounted and see if they could improve my rifle’s accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ on my Ruger 10/22 at my local shooting range. The range has covered and uncovered positions, allowing for testing in various lighting conditions. Mounting the rings was straightforward, though I did need to be careful to ensure even torque on the screws to avoid damaging the aluminum.
The weather was mild, with a slight breeze. After mounting my scope, I sighted in the rifle at 50 yards. The rings held the scope securely throughout the process.
Initially, everything seemed fine, but after about 50 rounds, I noticed the scope seemed to be shifting slightly. Upon closer inspection, the rings appeared to be slipping ever so slightly on the dovetail.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the issue with the rings slipping became more apparent. Despite repeated tightening, the BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ continued to lose their grip on the 3/8″ dovetail. The rings were showing some minor wear marks where they contacted the dovetail, indicating movement.
Cleaning was simple, as the black anodized finish wiped down easily. However, the constant need to re-tighten the screws became a significant annoyance.
In comparison to some higher-end rings I’ve used, the BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ were definitely a step down in terms of reliable grip and overall durability. While they might suffice for very light-recoiling airguns, they weren’t ideal for even a .22 rifle.
Breaking Down the Features of BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″
Specifications
- These BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ are designed for mounting 1-inch diameter scopes onto firearms with a 3/8″ dovetail receiver. They are considered a medium height, allowing for clearance of most common objective lens sizes.
- The rings are constructed from aluminum and finished with a black anodized coating. This keeps the weight down while providing some corrosion resistance.
The aluminum construction is lightweight, but potentially not as robust as steel. Lighter rings are desirable for many users because they do not add unnecessary weight to a rifle build.
Performance & Functionality
The BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ do a decent job of holding a scope initially. However, the tendency to slip under recoil, even with a .22, is a significant drawback.
The main strength is their affordability. The weakness is their questionable grip on the dovetail.
They fall short of expectations for reliable scope mounting in the long run. They are suitable for very light usage only.
Design & Ergonomics
The BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ have a simple, functional design. The aluminum construction keeps them lightweight.
The design is user-friendly, and mounting a scope is straightforward. However, the need to constantly re-tighten is not ergonomic.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of these rings is questionable, especially with repeated tightening. The aluminum is relatively soft and can be easily damaged by over-tightening the screws.
They are easy to clean but require frequent maintenance (tightening) to maintain zero. They are not easy to repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ do not come with any accessories. There are no real customization options for these rings.
These rings are designed for standard 1-inch scopes with a 3/8″ dovetail receiver. Compatibility with other brands of scopes depends solely on the scope’s tube diameter.
Pros and Cons of BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Lightweight aluminum construction.
- Simple and user-friendly design for easy scope mounting.
- Clean, black anodized finish provides a sleek look.
Cons
- Tendency to slip on the 3/8″ dovetail under recoil, even with .22 rifles.
- Aluminum construction is less durable than steel.
- Require frequent re-tightening of screws, which can be annoying.
Who Should Buy BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″?
The BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ are perfect for those on a very tight budget who need rings for a low-recoil application, like an airgun or a very lightly used .22. They might be suitable for someone just getting started in shooting and needs a temporary, inexpensive solution.
Those who shoot frequently, prioritize reliability, or use firearms with anything more than minimal recoil should skip this product. Those mounting expensive optics should also choose a more robust ring set.
A torque wrench is a must-have accessory when installing these rings, to avoid over-tightening and damaging the aluminum. Using thread locker (like Loctite) might also help prevent slipping, but it’s not a guaranteed fix.
Conclusion on BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″
The BURRIS RINGS 3/8″ DOVETAIL 1″ offer an attractive price point and a reputable brand name. However, their tendency to slip under recoil makes them a less-than-ideal choice for many firearms.
At $22.99, the price is justified for a basic set of rings for very limited use, but the performance limitations need to be considered. Long-term reliability is a major concern.
I would cautiously recommend these rings only for very specific, low-demand applications. If you value reliability and consistent performance, it’s worth investing in a higher-quality set of rings. Consider spending a little more for a set of steel rings from a reputable manufacturer like Leupold or Warne. Your accuracy, and your patience, will thank you.