Need help on Scope mounting

[OklaKelly]

I have a question regarding Scope rings and mounts.

I ordered a Thompson barrel for my new Encore frame, (for plinking while waiting on my custom barrels) and I chose a new scope to put on it -- a Leupold 2.5-8X32. Now I need to pick out rings and a mount to go on the barrel. That's where I'm stuck at.

I believe this barrel has "standard" scope mounts, but there's like a bajillion different mounts ranging from $7 to $190 with almost the same number of ring choices. Anybody have any suggestions on what's most appropriate for a pistol or what will work.

The Encore frame, barrel, and scope are all silver. I'm looking for silver rings and mounting if I can get it all to match. The barrel is a .223 15" TC barrel. What works best for you folks?

-Kelly

[KYODE]

my 3 favorite choices are........

burris dual dovetail with burris signature rings(will not mar scope finish)

redfield super magnum proof 3 ring mount and base(needs lapped)

weaver base with 3(2 will work fine) leupold vertical split rings(cheapest option, but still very good)

[Gregory]

I like a  Weaver base and Burris Signature Z rings.

[Redhawk1]

I recommend Warne mounts and rings. If you get the ones from T/C they are  more expensive but made by Warne. T/C gets there mark up so if you chose the Warne get the ones marked Warne. About $10.00 less expensive.  

[DropTheHammer]

I'll second for Warne bases and rings. http://www.eabco.com/Warne01.html

Use them on all my barrels.  Use the QD rings as I move scopes around sometimes.  These rings are HEAVY duty.  Can't go wrong.

T/C also sells these rebranded as their Maxima series, I prefer the T/C MAXIMA QD rings because of the t-screw style releases vs. the lever style on the Warne.
http://www.foxridgeoutfitters.com/detail.cfm?section=7&subsection=36,59&product=4259

[rickyp]

I like the weaver mounts and I use 3 rings weaver or t/c work well.
I even have tasco rings (3 per mount) on some of my hard kickers with no troubles and I like the look

[OklaKelly]

Great info! I do have a couple more questions however... what does "lapped" mean? Does that mean to file a part some to get it to fit perfectly?

Also, how about scope ring height? I notice they have low, med, high, and very high types. I'm assuming this is for clearing a large end on the scope, or maybe to make more room to cock the Encore without an hammer extender? Do most of you just buy the medium height to be safe for the scope to clear?

Sorry, don't mean to sound so ignorant. I've had rifles all my life when I was a youngster but I've never used scopes so I'm getting my very first and I'm in new territory. :oops:

Thank you all for your help!

[springer222]

"Lapped" means to "bore" the rings to perfectly fit the scope so it will not damage the tube when installed and tightened in place. To lap rings, one will need a lapping bar with appropriate compound; can be purchased at Brownells or Midway as well as many other places I assume. As to ring height, the majority of my scopes are in medium rings.

[OklaKelly]

Thanks everyone!