EVOLUTION GUN WORKS | SCOPE RING GUIDE

How to Choose the Right EGW Scope Rings

A guide to our Keystone, HD Tactical, and Practical rings, with help choosing the right size and height.

Start with your scope and mounting rail

The right scope rings should hold your scope securely, leave enough room between the scope and rifle, and let you look through the scope comfortably. Start by checking your scope’s tube diameter and the type of rail on your rifle. From there, you can compare our Keystone, HD Tactical, and Practical rings and choose the height that works for your setup.

Which EGW ring series is right for you?

Keystone is a good place to start for most customers and offers the widest choice of tube sizes. HD Tactical rings are worth a look if you want a heavy-duty 30mm ring with matching, numbered halves. Practical rings offer a lower-priced option and are also available in silver.

Finding rings for your rifle and scope

Not sure which rings to order? Send us the make and model of your rifle and scope, along with the base or rail you’re using. Let us know if you use scope covers, have a heavy barrel, or are trying to fix a clearance problem. Those details help us narrow down the right height. If you don’t know the scope model, its tube diameter and objective lens size are a useful starting point.

For example, the “50” in 4–16×50 tells you the size of the objective lens at the front of the scope. You’ll still need to check the scope’s specifications to find out whether its main tube is 1 inch, 30mm, or another size.

How EGW measures ring height

When we list a ring’s height, we measure from the top of the rail to the center of the scope tube. For example, a .990-inch ring places the center of your scope .990 inch above the rail. The rail’s own height above the receiver is a separate measurement.

What height rings do you need?

For a typical bolt-action rifle, these recommendations from our height guide will help you get started:

• 1-inch tube: .850-inch rings for objectives up to 44mm; .990-inch rings for objectives up to 50mm.
• 30mm tube: .850-inch rings are a low option for 44mm objectives. Some 50mm setups fit, but clearance can be tight. .990-inch rings provide more clearance and are the usual starting point for 50mm objectives.
• 34mm tube: .990-inch rings can suit 56mm objectives. EGW suggests 1.275-inch medium rings for long-action rifles or when additional clearance is needed.

On an AR or another flat-top rifle, you’ll also need enough height to look through the scope comfortably. Our 34mm 1.500-inch extra-high Keystone rings are intended for these taller setups. Lens size alone won’t tell you which height will feel right.

Use the ring-height chart and calculator

Open the guide below to compare heights or enter your measurements into the calculator. Select the correct units and use the actual rail height when known. The calculator suggests .400 inch for most EGW rails and includes a 4mm allowance for the objective housing; it does not fully account for covers, barrel shape, or bolt clearance.

https://egwguns.com/the-ultimate-scope-ring-height-chart/

Check that the scope has enough room once it’s positioned on your rifle. A 20 MOA rail doesn’t always mean you need taller rings, but its angle can change the space between the scope and rail.

Keystone scope rings

Keystone rings come in three tube sizes, with three heights to choose from in each size. They’re sold in pairs. Follow the product links below for current pricing and availability.

1-inch scope tubes

30mm scope tubes

34mm scope tubes

HD Tactical scope rings

These rings are sold in pairs. You can check current pricing and availability through the product links below.

Each HD Tactical ring has a numbered top and bottom that were machined together. Keep those matching halves together when you install or remove the scope.

Practical scope rings

These rings are sold in pairs. You can check current pricing and availability through the product links below.

Practical rings have different height options than Keystone. The 1-inch rings come in .750-inch low and 1.000-inch high versions, while the 30mm rings shown here are .840 inch tall. Both tube sizes are available in black or silver.

Keystone features and compatibility

Keystone rings are CNC-machined in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. They use a horizontal split, Chromoly crossbolts with 1/2-inch nuts, and T15 Torx ring-cap screws.

Make sure the rings are the same size as your scope tube. A 30mm scope needs 30mm rings; 1-inch and 34mm rings won’t fit it. If your rifle has a dovetail or another mounting system instead of a cross-slot rail, contact EGW for help identifying a compatible mounting solution.

For the complete Keystone overview:

https://egwguns.com/egw-keystone-rings/

Installation and torque

Start with the firearm unloaded and follow the instructions supplied with the rings and scope. Inspect and clean the mounting surfaces and hardware.

• Keystone and HD Tactical crossbolt nuts: 65 inch-pounds.
• Keystone and HD Tactical ring-cap screws: tighten evenly to a maximum of 15 inch-pounds. Follow the scope manufacturer’s lower limit if one is specified.

Practical rings: the product instructions specify 20 inch-pounds and tightening the bottom screws first. Follow the supplied Practical instructions and any lower scope manufacturer limit; do not apply the 65 inch-pound crossbolt value to Practical rings.

Before using the rifle, check that the scope is positioned correctly, nothing touches it, and the bolt and other controls move freely. If you’re unsure whether you have enough room, send us your rifle, scope, and rail details so we can help.

Related EGW guides

https://egwguns.com/best-scope-rings-for-picatinny-weaver-rails/

Want to add a red dot above your scope? Our Piggyback System uses separate ring components and an adapter plate for your red dot. These accessories are purchased separately, so check the fit for your scope tube, rings, and optic before ordering.