Choosing the correct scope ring size for your Ruger American Gen 2 rifle is crucial for accuracy and a secure mount. The right rings ensure your scope sits properly, allowing for consistent cheek weld and precise aiming. For the Ruger American Gen 2, you need to consider two main factors: the diameter of your scope’s main tube and the height of the rings needed to clear your rifle’s action and barrel.
Most modern rifle scopes have a 1-inch or 30mm main tube. Some higher-end or specialized scopes might use 34mm or even 35mm tubes. You must measure your scope’s tube diameter to select compatible rings. The height of the rings is determined by the objective bell size of your scope and the bolt handle clearance needed.
Generally, medium or high rings are common for the Ruger American Gen 2, depending on the scope’s objective lens diameter.
Table of Contents
Determining Scope Ring Diameter
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The diameter of your scope’s main tube is the first and most critical measurement. This is the central body of the scope where the magnification adjustment and turret housing are located. Scopes are commonly manufactured with one of three main tube diameters:
- 1-inch (25.4mm): This is the most traditional and common size for many hunting and general-purpose rifle scopes. If your scope has a 1-inch main tube, you will need 1-inch scope rings.
- 30mm (30mm): This size has become increasingly popular, especially for scopes offering higher magnification or more robust construction. Many tactical and long-range scopes feature 30mm tubes, as this diameter can sometimes offer a wider range of internal adjustment for windage and elevation.
- 34mm (34mm): Less common but found on some premium long-range and tactical scopes, 34mm tubes offer maximum internal adjustment range and structural integrity.
To find your scope’s tube diameter, check the manufacturer’s specifications on the scope’s box, manual, or website. If you no longer have these, you can often find the information printed on the scope’s body, usually near the magnification ring or lens housing.
You can also measure it carefully with digital calipers, but be precise. Using rings that do not match your scope’s tube diameter will result in an insecure mount and potential damage to both the scope and the rings.
Selecting The Correct Ring Height
Once you know the tube diameter, the next step is choosing the appropriate ring height. This determines how high the scope will sit above the rifle’s receiver. The primary goal is to ensure the scope’s objective bell (the front lens housing) and the eyepiece bell (the rear lens housing) clear the rifle’s barrel and action, respectively, while allowing for a comfortable and consistent cheek weld.
The height needed depends on two main factors:
- Objective Lens Diameter: Larger objective lenses (e.g., 50mm or 56mm) require more clearance, thus needing taller rings. Smaller objective lenses (e.g., 40mm or 44mm) can often be mounted with lower or medium rings.
- Rifle Profile: The Ruger American Gen 2 has a relatively standard profile, but the bolt handle and receiver shape can influence clearance.
Scope rings are typically categorized by height:
- Low: These are the shortest rings. They are usually suitable for scopes with smaller objective lenses (around 32mm-40mm) and sometimes for rifles with a lower comb (the rear part of the stock where your cheek rests).
- Medium: A versatile option, medium rings work well with a wide range of scopes, particularly those with objective lenses between 40mm and 44mm. They offer a good balance of clearance and a natural sightline for many shooters.
- High: These are taller rings, necessary for scopes with larger objective lenses (50mm or more) or when a higher comb on the rifle stock requires it for a proper cheek weld.
- Extra-High: Used for very large objective lenses or specific custom stock configurations.
Calculating Required Clearance
A common method to estimate the needed height is to measure the distance from the top of the rifle’s receiver (or barrel, depending on the mounting system) to the center of the scope’s bore once mounted. The goal is to have about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch of clearance between the bottom of the scope’s objective bell and the barrel.
For example, if your scope has a 44mm objective lens, that means it has a 22mm radius from its center to the edge of the objective bell. If you determine that the center of your scope needs to be 1.7 inches above the barrel for a good cheek weld, you would need rings that position the scope’s center at that height. You then subtract the 22mm (approx. 0.87 inches) radius of the objective bell. This leaves about 0.83 inches of clearance needed between the bottom of the objective bell and the barrel. This would likely fall into the medium to high ring category.
It’s often easier to consult mounting charts provided by ring manufacturers or online resources. These charts typically list recommended ring heights based on scope tube diameter and objective lens size for specific rifle models.
Common Ring Heights For Ruger American Gen 2
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The Ruger American Gen 2 often uses medium or high rings for most popular scope configurations.
| Scope Objective Diameter | Typical Ring Height (1″ Tube) | Typical Ring Height (30mm Tube) |
|---|---|---|
| 32mm – 40mm | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| 40mm – 44mm | Medium | Medium |
| 45mm – 50mm | Medium to High | Medium to High |
| 50mm+ | High | High to Extra-High |
Pro Tip: Always err on the side of slightly too tall rather than too short. If your scope is too low, the objective bell can hit the barrel, or you won’t be able to achieve a comfortable shooting position. You can always add a higher cheek rest if the scope is too high, but you can’t easily lower a scope that’s too low.
Types of Scope Rings
Beyond size, scope rings differ in their mounting mechanism, height, and construction.
Mounting Style
- Weaver-Style Rings: These use a cross-bolt that engages the mounting slot of a compatible base or rail.
- Picatinny / MIL-STD-1913 Rings: These are designed for Picatinny rails and provide multiple indexed mounting positions.
- Integral Mounts: These combine mounting components into a more integrated system and can reduce the number of separate components.
The Ruger American Gen 2 family includes different configurations, so you should verify the exact mounting arrangement on your rifle before buying rings. Ruger’s current Generation II lineup includes Standard, Ranch, Predator, Scout, Prairie, and Patrol configurations, and mounting equipment can vary by model.
Aluminum vs. Steel Scope Rings
The material of the rings is another consideration.
Aluminum Rings
Aluminum rings are lightweight and are widely used for hunting and sporting optics. A properly designed aluminum ring can provide plenty of strength for many applications while keeping overall rifle weight down.
Steel Rings
Steel rings are heavier but are valued for their durability and rigidity. They may be preferred when maximum ruggedness is a priority.
For most hunting setups, the choice between aluminum and steel should be based on the ring manufacturer’s specifications, mounting system, optic weight, and intended use rather than material alone.
One-Piece Mount vs. Two-Piece Rings
A two-piece ring setup uses separate front and rear rings. This gives you considerable flexibility when positioning the scope and can work well when the available mounting slots provide enough adjustment.
A one-piece scope mount connects the front and rear rings into a single assembly. This can simplify installation and provide a rigid mounting platform, although it may add weight and can offer less flexibility than separate rings.
Neither design is automatically better for every Ruger American Gen 2 setup. The important factors are proper fit, correct tube diameter, adequate clearance, and compatibility with the rifle’s mounting system.
How to Choose Scope Rings for a Ruger American Gen 2
Before purchasing rings, follow these steps:
1. Check Your Scope Tube Diameter
Determine whether your scope uses a 1-inch, 30mm, 34mm, or another tube diameter. Never assume that a 30mm scope can be installed using 1-inch rings.
2. Check Your Rifle’s Mounting Surface
Determine whether your particular Ruger American Gen 2 configuration uses a Picatinny rail, another base system, or a different factory mounting arrangement.
3. Measure the Objective Housing
Don’t rely exclusively on the scope’s advertised objective size. Check the manufacturer’s dimensions for the actual outside diameter of the objective housing.
4. Check Bolt and Eyepiece Clearance
Cycle the bolt carefully with the rifle unloaded and verify that the scope, magnification ring, and eyepiece do not interfere with the bolt or other moving components.
5. Select the Lowest Suitable Height
If two ring heights provide adequate clearance, the lower option will generally provide a more natural sight picture and cheek weld.
6. Follow the Ring Manufacturer’s Torque Specifications
When installing the rings, use the torque values specified by the ring and mount manufacturer. Over-tightening can damage the scope tube or mounting components, while insufficient torque can allow movement.
Do You Need 1-Inch or 30mm Rings for Ruger American Gen 2?
The Ruger American Gen 2 itself does not determine whether you need 1-inch or 30mm rings. Your scope’s main tube determines the ring diameter.
For example:
- A 1-inch scope requires 1-inch rings.
- A 30mm scope requires 30mm rings.
- A 34mm scope requires 34mm rings.
The rifle’s mounting system determines how those rings attach to the rifle, while the scope determines the ring diameter.
What Ring Height Is Best for a 40mm Scope?
A 40mm objective scope will often work with low or medium rings, depending on the scope’s actual dimensions and mounting system.
For a Ruger American Gen 2, medium rings can be a reasonable starting point for many 40mm hunting scopes. However, you should verify the actual centerline height and objective housing diameter before purchasing.
What Ring Height Is Best for a 50mm Scope?
A 50mm objective generally requires medium-to-high or high rings, depending on the rifle, rail, and scope design.
A 50mm scope does not automatically require a particular ring height because the outside diameter of the objective housing can differ between scope models. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and measure the available clearance.
Can You Use 30mm Rings on a 1-Inch Scope?
No. A 30mm ring is designed for a larger scope tube than a 1-inch scope. The ring diameter must match the scope’s main tube.
Likewise, a 1-inch ring should not be used to mount a 30mm scope. If you are unsure of your scope’s tube size, check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing rings.
Should a Scope Be Mounted as Low as Possible?
Generally, the scope should be mounted as low as practical while maintaining adequate clearance.
A lower scope position can provide a more natural cheek weld and reduce the height of the shooter’s line of sight above the bore. However, clearance is more important than achieving the absolute lowest possible mounting position.
The objective bell should not contact the barrel, and the scope should not interfere with the bolt, action, or other components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Scope Rings Does the Ruger American Gen 2 Use?
The Ruger American Gen 2 does not require one specific ring diameter. The correct ring diameter depends on your scope’s main tube. A 1-inch scope needs 1-inch rings, while a 30mm scope needs 30mm rings. Some larger scopes may require 34mm rings.
What Ring Height Should I Use on a Ruger American Gen 2?
Medium rings are a common starting point for many Ruger American Gen 2 hunting setups, but the correct height depends on your scope’s objective housing, mounting system, barrel clearance, and stock configuration. Choose the lowest height that provides sufficient clearance.
Will 30mm Scope Rings Fit a 1-Inch Scope?
No. A 30mm ring is designed for a 30mm scope tube and should not be used with a 1-inch scope. The ring diameter must match the scope’s main tube diameter exactly.
Can I Use Low Rings With a 40mm Scope on the Ruger American Gen 2?
Possibly. A 40mm scope may work with low rings if the objective housing clears the barrel and the scope provides adequate clearance from the action and bolt. Medium rings may be necessary depending on the specific scope and mounting system.
What Ring Height Do I Need for a 50mm Scope?
A 50mm objective commonly requires medium-to-high or high rings, but there is no universal height. The actual outside diameter of the objective housing and the height of your rail or base should be measured before selecting rings.
Does the Ruger American Gen 2 Come With Scope Rings?
Ring and mounting equipment can vary by the specific Ruger American Gen 2 configuration. Check the contents and specifications for your exact model rather than assuming rings are included.
Should I Choose Medium or High Rings?
Choose medium rings if they provide adequate barrel and action clearance while allowing a comfortable cheek weld. Move to high rings when the objective bell, rail, or stock configuration requires additional clearance. The goal is not to make the scope as high as possible, but as low as practical without interference.
Do Scope Rings Need to Match the Rifle or the Scope?
The ring diameter must match the scope, while the ring mounting system must match the rifle’s base or rail. Ring height depends on the combination of the rifle, scope, mounting system, and desired shooting position.
Final Thoughts
So, what size scope rings does a Ruger American Gen 2 need? The answer depends on your specific scope and rifle configuration.
First, match the ring diameter to the scope’s main tube—usually 1 inch, 30mm, or 34mm. Then determine the appropriate height based on the scope’s objective housing, mounting system, barrel clearance, and your preferred cheek weld.
For many common hunting setups, medium rings are a useful starting point, while larger 50mm-plus objectives may require higher rings. However, there is no universal “Ruger American Gen 2 ring height.” Measuring the actual scope and mounting system is more reliable than choosing a ring based solely on a low, medium, or high label.
Before installation, make sure the rifle is unloaded and follow the rifle, scope, base, and ring manufacturers’ instructions. Ruger also provides dedicated manuals for the American Rifle Generation II family, so checking the manual for your exact configuration is the safest way to confirm mounting requirements.
The best setup is one that matches the scope tube diameter, provides sufficient clearance, maintains a comfortable cheek weld, and securely interfaces with the rifle’s mounting system.
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