Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS Review

First Thoughts on the Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS

The Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS promise a blend of scope mounting and the ability to use iron sights simultaneously. Leupold is a name synonymous with quality optics and mounting solutions, so I was intrigued to see how these rings would perform, especially given their incredibly accessible price point of $17.49.

I was looking for an inexpensive solution to mount a scope on a .22 rifle I use for small game hunting. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank but would still provide a stable and reliable platform for my optic, while retaining the ability to quickly acquire targets with iron sights when needed.

Upon unboxing, the RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS are surprisingly lightweight, which immediately raised a question about their overall sturdiness. The gloss finish, while aesthetically pleasing, felt a bit too slick to inspire confidence in a rugged, outdoor setting.

Compared to other scope rings I’ve used, such as those from Warne or Burris, the Leupold rings appear much less robust. I opted for these primarily due to the see-through design and the Leupold name, hoping that their reputation for quality would translate even to their more budget-friendly options.

My initial impression was a mix of excitement and trepidation. I was eager to test the see-through feature and see if it truly offered a practical advantage, but I was also concerned about the perceived lack of heft and the potential for slippage under recoil.

Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS to the Test

First Use Experience

I mounted the Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS on a Marlin Model 60 .22 rifle and paired them with a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 scope. The initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range in relatively dry conditions.

The rings were easy enough to install, although I did find myself double-checking the torque on the screws to avoid over-tightening, given their lightweight construction. Aligning the scope and bore-sighting was straightforward, and I was soon ready to test their performance.

The see-through feature did allow for a usable sight picture through the iron sights, although it required a slightly unnatural head position. After about 50 rounds, I noticed a very slight shift in the scope’s zero, prompting me to re-tighten the ring screws.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including a couple of small game hunts in varied weather conditions, the Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS have shown some weaknesses. While they initially held zero well enough for .22 plinking, any significant bump or jostle would cause the scope to lose its zero, requiring constant re-adjustment.

The gloss finish proved to be a magnet for dirt and fingerprints, and I found myself wiping them down frequently to maintain a clear sight picture. There are no obvious signs of significant wear and tear, but the constant need to re-tighten the screws is a concern.

Compared to my experiences with other scope rings, particularly those with a more robust design and a matte finish, the Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS are somewhat disappointing. They simply don’t offer the same level of stability and confidence as higher-end options.

Breaking Down the Features of Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS

Specifications

• Type: Rifleman. The Leupold Rifleman series is designed to offer reliable performance at an affordable price.
• Size: 1″. These rings are designed for scopes with a one-inch tube diameter, which is a common size for many hunting and sporting scopes.
• Height: 1.44″. This height is crucial for ensuring the scope clears the rifle’s receiver and allows for the use of iron sights with the see-through design.
• Finish: Gloss. While visually appealing, the gloss finish may not be ideal for all environments due to potential glare and its tendency to show smudges.

The 1-inch size means they’re compatible with a wide array of common scopes. The 1.44-inch height is key to the see-through function, but also raises the scope considerably, potentially affecting cheek weld and shooting comfort.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of these rings is to securely mount a scope while providing a secondary sighting option through the iron sights. The see-through design does work, allowing for quick target acquisition with iron sights in close-range situations.

The rings’ biggest weakness is their lack of rock-solid stability, particularly under recoil or when subjected to bumps and jostles. While they may suffice for low-recoil firearms like .22s, they are unlikely to hold zero reliably on larger caliber rifles.

The rings meet the basic expectations for a budget-friendly option, but fall short in terms of consistent zero retention and long-term durability.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate for the price, but the lightweight materials and gloss finish don’t inspire confidence in their ability to withstand harsh conditions. The high profile of the rings can also negatively impact cheek weld and overall shooting ergonomics.

The installation process is straightforward, and the rings are relatively easy to adjust. The see-through design, while functional, forces a higher scope mounting position which could be uncomfortable for some shooters.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their lightweight construction and the need for frequent screw tightening, the long-term durability of these rings is questionable. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain the gloss finish and prevent rust or corrosion.

The rings are simple in design, so there isn’t much to repair. However, if the screws strip or the rings become warped, they will likely need to be replaced rather than repaired.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS don’t come with any specific accessories beyond the necessary mounting hardware. There are no real customization options for these rings themselves, although they can be paired with different scopes and rifles.

They are compatible with any scope that has a one-inch tube diameter. Given their height, a cheek riser might be necessary for some rifles to achieve a proper cheek weld.

Pros and Cons of Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS

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Who Should Buy Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS?

The Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS are perfect for casual shooters on a tight budget who primarily use low-recoil firearms like .22 rifles. They are also suitable for those who prioritize having a backup iron sight option and don’t demand pinpoint accuracy.

Hunters, competitive shooters, or anyone using larger caliber rifles should skip this product and invest in higher-quality scope rings that offer better stability and zero retention. A cheek riser might be a must-have accessory for some users to compensate for the high scope mounting position.

Conclusion on Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS

The Leupold RIFLEMAN SEE-THRU RINGS offer an affordable entry point into scope mounting with the added benefit of a see-through design. However, their poor stability and zero retention make them unsuitable for serious shooters or high-recoil firearms.

At $17.49, the price is certainly justified for what you get. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limitations and be prepared to compromise on accuracy and reliability.

I would only recommend these rings to casual shooters on a very tight budget who understand their limitations. If you value consistent accuracy and plan to use them on a centerfire rifle, I urge you to invest in a more robust and reliable scope mounting solution.

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