A Guide to Vortex Scope Rings and Vortex Cantilever Mounts

Scopelist.com receives many customer questions regarding what mounts and or rings would be best suited for them. It is important to note that there are many different mounting solutions for a scope. This will highly depend on the scope and the rifle chosen by the end user. Additionally, it is important to note that there is no universal solution to scope mounting on firearms.

This blog will help you by giving you the information needed to purchase the suitable Vortex mount or Vortex rings for your rifle. There are many variables to consider when choosing how you would like to mount your scope. Some of the most common factors for selecting the right rings include:

You have to account for multiple variables while using Vortex mounts and rings with firearms. This will mainly depend on the type of firearm and the dimensions of the scope.

• Rifle Type
• Scope Dimensions
• Type of Shooting 

Now that you have a basic idea about using Vortex mounts and rings with different kinds of guns and scopes, we can explore further.

Regarding scope dimensions, there are two key factors to consider, which would include the outer objective lens diameter and tube diameter. The tube diameter is the measurement of the actual scope tube to which the ring attaches. In contrast, the outer objective diameter is the measurement of the overall diameter of the objective end of the scope.

Which Vortex Mount or Rings to use with a Traditional Bolt Action Rifle?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to lay out the list of bases and rings for every setup. However, let me walk you through selecting the right Vortex accessories with traditional bolt guns. An example of this would be something like a Remington 700, Bergara B-14, Christensen Arms Ridgeline, Tikka T3x, etc. Vortex rings are primarily Picatinny compatible, so you will want to make sure you have a Picatinny rail for your rifle first.

You can attach a two-piece ring set (Vortex Pro 0.90″ Low, 0.95″ Medium, or 1.26″ High) that attaches directly to your Picatinny rail base. Generally, a .90″(Low) will work well for scopes with objective lens sizes around 44mm and below.   While with a 50mm objective lens, you may want to go with a 1-inch height ring set.

Although this highly depends on the overall objective lens size, which commonly varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

If you choose a ring height that is too low, you may have issues getting proper positioning behind the glass, the bolt may contact the scope during operation, or you may have clearance issues with the objective lens and the barrel. So, the choice of an ultra-low ring may be disadvantageous.

Always keep in mind that the choice of the appropriate ring can depend upon the rifle and stock design. Choose a high ring only when you need clearance. Choosing a ring set that is too high will result in a cheek weld that is inconsistent and also uncomfortable. An adjustable cheek piece can help mitigate some cheek weld and positioning issues as you can adjust accordingly.

Which Vortex Mount and Ring to use with AR15 and Similar Firearms?

When using an AR15 rifle, it would be advantageous to mount the scope using the Vortex Cantilever Mount instead of a two-piece ring setup. One-piece cantilever mounts are used to:

• Prevent mounting the scope partially on the forend, aka bridging (you want to keep the optic mounted on the receiver rail only).

• Ensure the scope is pushed far enough forward to provide proper eye relief.

The Vortex Cantilever Mount would put your riflescope at an optimal height for an ar-15 or similar variant. Frequently, mounts under 1.5″ on an AR-type rifle may be too low for comfortable use. Generally, modern optics designed for use on ARs and comparable platforms have tube diameters of 30 and 34mm. The higher mount height ensures a comfortable cheek weld with the stock in direct line with the glass. These mounts also push the optic forward. Therefore, it provides you with:

• Proper eye relief
• Best optical quality
• Most forgiving eye box at the time of the shooting

The cantilever mounts are very easy to install, and if necessary, they can allow you to change scopes between rifles depending on the mounting method. Features like quick detach levers allow shooters to swap scopes and mounts between rifles within seconds, or in the event of your optic failing, you can quickly remove it. If the scope is mounted on another rifle, the optic will have to be re-zeroed. These mounts have become excellent solutions for mounting a wide range of variable-powered rifle scopes on modular sporting rifles.

Most cantilever mounts come with two rings affixed to a single base that directly attaches to your Picatinny rail. With backup iron sights being ubiquitous with modern rifle usage, the Vortex Cantilever mounts will allow you to clear a rear sight under the scope.

Another article we have published, “How to pick the best rings for your rifle?” goes into further detail about choosing a mounting solution. Now, let’s discuss and take a closer look at Vortex mounts and rings individually.

What is a Vortex Cantilever Mount?

A Vortex Cantilever Mount helps the shooter place the riflescope in a more forward position. This will, in turn, allow you to put your head in the right spot and also get the correct eye relief. Vortex Optics manufactures these Cantilever Mounts from durable aluminum.

For example, when mounting a 30mm scope to an AR-15 you would be able to use a vortex 30mm Cantilever mount including the: Vortex Sports Cantilever Mount CM-202, Vortex Precision QR Extended Cantilever mount CM-404, Vortex Viper Pro Extended Cantilever Mount CVP-30, or the Vortex Precision Extended Cantilever Mount CM-530. This will not only help you to get correct head placement but also facilitate correct eye relief.

Vortex has a great variety of mounts to choose from that are high-quality and feature-packed while still maintaining affordability. Their Vortex Cantilever mounts are broken into 4 product lines.

Vortex Sport Cantilever Mount (Under $150)

We are starting with the Vortex Sport Cantilever Mount, which has four different configurations. Vortex offers this mount for scopes with 30mm or 1-inch diameter tubes with 2 or 3 inches of offset options. All of these models have a 1.59” mounting height. These mounts serve as Vortex’s most budget-friendly option while still retaining the high quality that Vortex is known for. The mount attaches to your rifle’s Picatinny rail via four hex screws located on the left side of the mount. The Vortex Sport Cantilever torque specs are 20 in/lbs for the base clamp screws and 18 in/lbs for the ring screws.

These mounts serve as Vortex’s most budget-friendly option while still retaining the high quality that Vortex is known for. The mount attaches to your rifle’s Picatinny rail via four hex screws located on the left side of the mount. The Vortex Sport Cantilever torque specs are 20 in/lbs for the base clamp screws and 18 in/lbs for the ring screws.

Vortex Viper Pro Extended Cantilever (Under $200)

The Vortex Viper Pro Extended Cantilever Mount is Vortex’s next option in their lineup. The Viper Pro is available in 3 different configurations designed for 30mm, 34mm, and 1-inch scopes, all at a 1.43-inch height.
The mount is secured to your rifle via two clamping nuts located on the right side of the mount. The Vortex Viper Pro Extended Cantilever torque specs are 20 in/lbs for the base clamp screws and 18 in/lbs for the ring screws.

Vortex Precision Extended Cantilever (Under $300)

The Vortex Precision Extended Cantilever is Vortex’s premium one-piece mount option. It is available in 6 configurations. In addition, one model is available with QD levers, allowing the shooter to mount and unmount the optic within seconds, utilizing the two American Defense Manufacturing quick detach levers.
Besides the Vortex Precision QR with a mount height of 1.49″, the remainder of the lineup is 1.57″. The 30mm and Vortex 34mm cantilever models are also available in 0 and 20 MOA inclinations. The Vortex Precision Extended Cantilever mount has torque specs of 45-50 in/lbs for the clamp screws and 18 in/lbs for the ring screws.

Why Use a Cantilever Scope Mount? What are its Advantages?

Cantilever mounts are advantageous for use on AR-15s and similar rifles. for two main reasons:

• For Better Eye Relief and Field of View

You can use a cantilever scope mount on your rifle or firearm if you are not comfortable with your eye relief. A cantilever mount pushes a rifle scope or a little forward. This provides you with better eye relief and the field of view (FoV).

To avoid bridging the optic between the handguard and receiver rail. 

The handguard is something you will want to avoid mounting optics to as specific pressures applied to the rail can affect accuracy. The receiver rail is not subject to the same forces.

How to Mount Vortex Cantilever Mount?

A question we often receive is: “How to mount a vortex scope in a Vortex Cantilever Mount?” It is always important to follow the Vortex Cantilever mount instructions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mounting a scope to a cantilever scope mount correctly:

Step #1: 

The first step you will need to take is to get the scope mounted into the rings of the Vortex cantilever mount of your choice. The most important factors to consider in this process are ensuring that the scope is level and that the ring screws are torqued to the correct values per the manufacturer. One neat trick is to use a set of feeler gauges to level the scope. Because the scope has a flat bottom, you can stack the feeler gauges in between the flat bottom of the scope and the center of the mount, then tighten the rings down.

It is crucial to keep in mind these values, as over torquing the ring screws can cause damage to your scope. Additional items that can help with this process would be a scope leveling tool, a thread locker to keep the screws from backing out, and a quality torque wrench to ensure proper torque.

Step #2: 

Modern AR rifles come with a Picatinny rail all along the top of the receiver. You can move the riflescope forward to get a comfortable FoV and eye relief. However, there is an associated problem. 

The rail has two parts:

• A part of the rail is situated on top of the receiver 
• Another part is situated on the handguard. 

While the receiver has a fixed position, the handguard is usually free-floating from the barrel (which remains fixed just at one point). Therefore, it is important to install the mount solely on the upper receiver. 

In the next step, you will want to find what position is most comfortable for you. Without torquing the mount screws, you can move the mount forward and back along the upper receiver rail to find the most comfortable position.

Step #3: 

At this point, you will want to make sure that the scope is mounted at the desired location and torque the mount screws to the manufacturer’s specifications. 

This is where the effectiveness of a cantilever mount comes into place. You’ll find protrusion of the rings extending forward from the base of the mount will allow you to push the scope forward into a position that will be most comfortable.

What is Vortex Cantilever Scope Mount Offset?

A Vortex Cantilever Scope Mount Offset pertains to how far the rings are mounted in the forward position. It helps you in proper head placement and also correct eye relief. For example, a 3-inch offset will allow the shooter to position the scope further forward than a 2-inch offset. 

Length of pull is another factor to consider when choosing an offset, as the shorter the length of pull, the more you will need to offset the scope forward for proper eye relief. If you were to run your stock extended with a longer length of pull, you would need the scope to be mounted more rearward, so the additional inch of offset may not be necessary in that case.

CM-102 and CM-103 models position the scope tube’s height at 1.59 inches (40.39 mm) from the base. However, their mount offset varies. While the CM-102 model has a 2-Inch (50.8 mm) offset, CM-103 has a 3-Inch (76.2 mm) offset.
For most shooters and most scopes, the 2-inch offset is appropriate.

Where are Vortex Scope Mounts Made?

Vortex Scope Mounts are made in the USA.

Vortex Pro Series Scope Rings

The Vortex Pro Rings come at a great value as they are reliable, durable, and lightweight while coming in at a highly competitive price point. These rings secure your scope via four T-25 Torx screws and include the Vortex scope ring torque specifications laser engraved into the rings themselves. They also have an integrated recoil lug and are manufactured in the USA. The finish on these rings is a matte black type 2 anodization. The Vortex Pro series rings come in 30mm and 1-inch tube sizes.

Vortex Ring Height Charts for each product line are available below:

Vortex Pro Series 30mm Rings (Under $100)

Models and Specifications

Vortex Pro Series 1 inch Rings (Under $100)

Models and Specifications

Vortex Precision Matched Rings: Best Vortex Scope Rings

Vortex Precision Matched Rings are the best Vortex has to offer. These scope rings have been precisely machined with certified USA 7075 T6 billet aluminum. Thanks to the precision Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) mill, these rings have incredibly high tolerance levels of .0005 inches.

These rings are serialized, vibratory tumbled, and bead blasted before being coated with Type III hard coat anodized finishing. Vortex Precision Matched 30 mm Rings are lightweight, rugged, and have an anti-snag design. These 100% Made-in-USA rings are guaranteed for life and come with robust, grade 8 fasteners.

Vortex Precision Matched 30 mm Rings (Under $200)

Models and Specifications

Vortex Precision Matched 34 mm Rings (Under $200)

Models and Specifications

Vortex Precision Matched 1 Inch Rings (Under $200)

Models and Specifications

Vortex Pro Rings vs Vortex Precision Matched Rings

The Vortex Pro and Vortex Precision Matched Rings are two-piece ring sets that will mount the desired scope to your firearm. They also come in different sizes to fit different types of rifle scopes’ tube sizes.

You can use Vortex Pro Rings on precision rifles, and most importantly, they come in at reasonable prices. Pro Series Rings are currently available in 30 mm and 1-inch sizes for varying optic heights.

Various rings have different heights to accommodate different optics and firearm platforms. Reports say that 34 mm-sized Pro Series rings will also be available soon. The torque specs are laser-engraved on the rings for quick reference when mounting.

Vortex Precision Matched Rings are the top-of-the-line two-piece ring set from Vortex. These rings are machined together as a perfect pair from one solid block of aluminum. It ensures that both remain concentric on one another in the entire manufacturing process. As a result, they are very durable and highly reliable, precise, and accurate.

Precision Matched Rings from Vortex also come with fasteners that hold them together. These rings are available in 30 mm, 34 mm, and 1-inch sizes for accommodating different tube sizes. Additionally, Vortex offers different heights within each tube size to accommodate other optics and firearm platforms. 

These are a few significant differences between Vortex Pro Rings and Precision Matched Rings.

Final Words

Choosing a reliable mount or rings is vitally crucial to have a trustworthy and accurate setup. Vortex offers mounting solutions for a wide range of rifle and optic combinations. They offer great value for the price and offer some of the best customer services in the industry.

Vortex scope rings come with precision machined aluminum construction. The highest strength materials are used to manufacture these rings while also maintaining superior corrosion resistance. In addition, the vortex rifle scope rings come in a multitude of configurations, meaning they have multiple options for mounting solutions, depending on your situation.

The ring/mount size you would need will always depend upon the scope dimensions and the type of rifle you intend to use. Overall, cantilever mounts are great for rifles with continuous rail systems like ar-15s, while rings are a great solution to traditional rifles like the Remington 700 style of action.

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