The BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM Made a Bold First Impression
The BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM scope rings are a foundational piece for any serious shooter looking to mount a 1-inch tube optic. Burris has a reputation for quality, and these rings aim to deliver on that promise with their steel construction and polished black finish.
I needed a reliable set of rings to mount a new scope on my Weatherby PA-08 12 gauge slug gun. The old aluminum rings simply weren’t holding up to the recoil.
Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was one of quality. The rings felt solid and substantial, a stark contrast to the lightweight, almost flimsy feel of some of the cheaper rings I’ve handled. The polished black finish was clean and even.
Compared to other rings I considered, like the Leupold PRW rings and the Weaver Grand Slam rings, the BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM seemed to offer a better balance of price and durability. The Leupold rings were more expensive, and the Weaver rings didn’t inspire as much confidence in their recoil resistance.
I was definitely excited, hoping that these rings would provide a stable and secure platform for my scope, finally solving the zeroing issues I had been experiencing with my slug gun.
Real-World Testing: Putting BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at the local shooting range, mounting the rings and scope on my Weatherby PA-08. I sighted in using 3-inch magnum slugs, a punishing test for any mounting system.
The conditions were fairly mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. The ease of use was notable. The rings mounted securely to the Weaver-style bases on my shotgun receiver, and the scope sat perfectly within the rings.
After the first few shots, I checked the rings and scope. Everything remained rock solid, and the zero held perfectly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunting trip, the BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM rings have performed flawlessly. There are no signs of loosening or shifting, even after hundreds of rounds of magnum slugs.
The finish has held up remarkably well, with no noticeable scratches or wear marks. Maintenance is minimal. I simply wipe them down with a clean cloth after each use.
Compared to my previous experience with aluminum rings, these rings are in a different league. The BURRIS rings provide a level of stability and confidence that the aluminum rings simply couldn’t match.
Breaking Down the Features of BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM
Specifications
- Material: Steel – Providing exceptional strength and recoil resistance compared to aluminum. Steel is a must-have for high-powered rifles and shotguns.
- Finish: Polished Black – Offering a sleek, professional look and added corrosion resistance. The black finish blends seamlessly with most scopes and firearms.
- Ring Height: Medium – Designed to accommodate scopes with objective lenses up to approximately 42mm in diameter. This is a versatile height suitable for many common scope configurations.
- Tube Diameter: 1″ – Specifically designed for scopes with a 1-inch tube diameter, the most common size on the market. This ensures a secure and proper fit for your optic.
- Mount Type: Weaver-style – Compatible with Weaver and Picatinny style bases, providing wide compatibility across different firearms. This versatility makes them easy to mount on a variety of platforms.
These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the ring’s ability to securely hold the scope and withstand the recoil of powerful firearms. The steel construction is paramount for durability, while the polished black finish provides corrosion resistance.
Performance & Functionality
The BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM rings perform their job exceptionally well. They provide a stable and secure platform for the scope, ensuring consistent accuracy, even under heavy recoil.
Their main strength lies in their robust construction and reliable mounting system. The only potential area for improvement might be the addition of torque specifications for the ring screws.
They meet and exceed my expectations for a set of scope rings in this price range. They offer a level of performance and reliability that is typically found in much more expensive products.
Design & Ergonomics
The rings are designed with a simple, functional aesthetic. The steel construction gives them a solid, reassuring weight.
They are incredibly user-friendly. The mounting process is straightforward, requiring only a basic understanding of firearm maintenance.
Durability & Maintenance
Given their steel construction, these rings are built to last. With proper care, they should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple and easy, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth. The polished black finish is also resistant to corrosion and wear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The rings themselves do not come with any specific accessories beyond the necessary mounting hardware. However, they are compatible with a wide range of Weaver and Picatinny style bases, allowing for customization on various firearm platforms.
Aftermarket accessories, such as shims for adjusting scope alignment, can also be used with these rings if needed. The 1-inch tube diameter ensures compatibility with a vast selection of scopes from different brands.
Pros and Cons of BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The steel construction ensures these rings can withstand heavy recoil and harsh conditions. This is a massive advantage for serious shooters.
- Secure Mounting: The Weaver-style mount provides a rock-solid connection to the firearm, eliminating scope slippage. This secures consistent accuracy.
- Affordable Price: At $26.49, these rings offer incredible value for their performance and quality. This makes them accessible to a wide range of shooters.
- Sleek Finish: The polished black finish adds a touch of class to any firearm. It also provides a layer of protection against corrosion.
- Easy to Install: The straightforward design makes installation quick and simple, even for novice gun owners. A user-friendly design is always appreciated.
Cons
- No Torque Specifications: The lack of recommended torque specifications for the ring screws could lead to over-tightening or under-tightening. Extra care is needed during installation.
- Basic Design: Some shooters may prefer rings with more advanced features, such as quick-detach levers. However, this simplicity contributes to their robustness.
Who Should Buy BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM?
Perfect for: Hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone seeking a durable and reliable set of scope rings for their firearm. These are a solid choice for anyone mounting a 1-inch scope on a rifle, shotgun, or pistol with Weaver or Picatinny rails.
Who should skip this product? Those needing quick-detach capabilities or ultra-lightweight rings might explore other options. Also, shooters using scopes with tube diameters other than 1 inch will obviously need different rings.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A torque wrench is highly recommended to ensure proper screw tension during installation. Also, consider using a thread-locking compound like Loctite to further secure the screws.
Conclusion on BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM
The BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM are an excellent choice for shooters seeking a durable, reliable, and affordable set of scope rings. The steel construction provides exceptional recoil resistance, while the polished black finish adds a touch of class.
At $26.49, the price is more than justified given the performance and quality of these rings. They offer a level of stability and confidence that is often found in much more expensive products.
I would definitely recommend the BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM to anyone looking to mount a 1-inch scope on their firearm. These rings are a solid investment that will provide years of reliable service. So, ditch those flimsy aluminum rings and upgrade to the BURRIS RINGS ZEE 1″ MEDIUM today! You won’t regret it.