When you are dumping money into a precision rifle, whether it be an AR-15, AR-10, or bolt action platform, theres a saying that goes "spend two times the amount of the gun on the optic." Easier said than done if you do in fact mind sleeping on the couch for a week. No matter what you spend on the rifle itself or the glass, they still have to interface together. The scope rings are just as important, as they determine how true the relationship will be between where you are aiming, the adjustment of your dope turrets, and where that bullet will go.
High quality rings will make sure your scope is and remains mounted securely and consistently shot after shot. Generally speaking, the higher the price tag, the better the machining of the pair of rings to be within tight tolerances and will hold your scope true to the rifle's bore. Of course, if you are canting your rifle or resting on uneven ground, everything goes out the window. Thats where a bubble level comes into play. There are a handful of scope level products on the market, either clamping onto the scope tube or mounting via picatinny rail somewhere on the rings. I've seen plenty of rifles with them, and I have a couple on my own tack drivers. What I haven't seen is a premium quality scope ring with an integral bubble level... until I found the Xtreme Hardcore Gear Force Recon Tactical Rings.
Besides being a mouthful, the Xtreme Hardcore Gear Force Recon Tactical Rings are one of the only sets of scope rings I've seen to both be of high quality, and integrate the bubble level. At around $180 they are certainly a premium, but perfect for a high dollar rifle that's purposefully built for small groups at long ranges. A scope won't track correctly along the X and Y axis (windage and elevation) if your scope and bore aren't perpendicular with the ground, thats a simple as I can put it. Firing a bullet from an non-level position will skew that bullets course exponentially the longer the distance, and your scope's tracking adjustments will be diagonally "hinky" as well.
In addition to the integral bubble level, these rings offer a level of precision only rivaled by $200+ ring sets. The Xtreme Hardcore rings are designed and machined to not allow the scope to move under any recoil scenario. The rings interface with the rail with a robust .875" mounting platform while the two cross slot bolts provide awesome clamping power without any protruding bolt heads. The cherry on top is the pair of steel guide rails that press into the ring base. The ring base clamp rides on these rails to keep the clamp perfectly aligned as the two cross slot bolts are drawn tight against the pic mount. Another detail I appreciate is the rings and caps have a .030" radius on both sides of the scope bore to eliminate any marring or sharp contact points on your scope. Together with the provided 6 torx bolts for an evenly distributed force onto the top of the scope, these features add up to the best scope rings you can buy for precision work.
Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: The Force Recon Tactical Rings feature a built in level housed into the rear scope ring, assuring a perfect parallel which is essential for long range shooting.
Target Market: Long range rifle shooters
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
- Ring Bore Diameter 30mm with tolerances +/-.001"
- USA Mills Billet 7075 T-6 Aircraft Aluminum
- Black Anodize Mill Spec 8625 Type 3 Hardcoat
- Rings are matched within .002"
- 6 Cap Screws (USA 8-40)
- 2 Clamp Screws (USA 10-24 SHC Grade 8)
- 2 Clamp guide Rails: (USA .125 Precision dowel pins)
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, 30 & 34mm diameter
What others are saying?: "While field testing, we found the bubble easy enough to see while sighting through the scope. Under very low light conditions, it took a little more effort to focus on the reference lines, most likely because the level isn’t exposed to any light from the top or bottom of the ring. At any rate, it didn’t interfere with the ability to make accurate long range shots at last light. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a set of very high quality rings for your long range rig, you owe it to yourself to check these out. The price point is comparable to other quality rings that require the additional purchase of an add-on bubble level. You can purchase the the Force Recon Tactical Scope Rings here: Xtreme Hardcore Gear." Rockslide Blog
"I mounted each ring on my Badger scope rail and then did an alignment check with a 34mm lapping bar. Then I checked the alignment with a set of scope alignment bars and they were Dead On. The rings mounted Rock Solid and look Great. The level is calibrated perfect and there is no issues with these rings. These rings are of Excellent quality and I would highly reccomend these for any Tactical build. I like the fact that they are the lowest available for a 34mm scope. At .900" height they put my eye right on with my McMillan A5 stock." Sniper's Hide Review
Price point:
I need it now! Availability: Brownells or Amazon
Our Rating:
Pros:
- Level verifies action/bore and scope are perpendicular with ground / shooting rest is level.
- Less play forward/aft on picatinny rail before screw full torqued
- Base clamp rides on stainless steel guide rails keeping the clamp perfectly aligned
- 6 Torx bolts make a good solid mount
- Rings and caps radiused on both sides to eliminate any marring or sharp contact points
Cons:
- Clamp Screws used as crossbolt (some folks don't like this)
- Bubble location makes visibility difficult in low light
Score: 8.5 Great
Featured FFL:
For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.
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