Riton and Contessa Scope Rings
A Review of The Riton Self-Branded and Contessa Scope Rings
Gears Rating
3.5 out of 5 gears (Gears Ratings Explained)
Where to Buy the Riton Scope Rings
You can buy Riton scope rings from:
Close-up of the Riton by Contessa Scope Rings Mounted on a long-range rifle
Riton offers two distinct lines of scope rings: their self-branded “Riton Scope Rings” and Contessa lines. I recently had the opportunity to test both. Here’s a breakdown of my experience to help you decide which one might be right for you.
First Impressions
Riton sent me samples of both types of rings. The self-branded rings went on my Conquer 1 scope, while the Contessas were mounted on the 5 Conquer. While similar in appearance, key differences contribute to the price gap between the two.
Installation And Setup of The Riton Scope Rings
Both sets of rings were relatively easy to install on their respective Picatinny rails. The self-branded rings use a standard hex nut and four Allen screws for attachment, while the Contessas utilize a hex nut and star-shaped torque screws. This difference is crucial.
The self-branded rings allow for tightening with an Allen wrench through the nut, providing leverage. The Contessas, however, require a torque wrench for proper tightening, preventing over-tightening and potential damage to your scope. While this might seem inconvenient, it ultimately ensures proper installation and maintains your point of impact.
Another distinction lies in the top ring attachment. The self-branded rings utilize regular Allen screws, while the Contessas boast sleek star-shaped screws. This contributes to the Contessas’ more streamlined and visually appealing aesthetic.
Specs Of the Riton Scope Rings
Riton by Contessa 30mm Hardened Steel Picatinny Rings Fits standard Picatinny rails securely
Riton offers two distinct lines of scope rings: their self-branded rings and the Riton by Contessa series. Here’s their specs:
Size
- Self-branded Rings: Available in both 1-inch and 30-mm diameters, catering to a wide range of riflescope diameters.
- Contessa: These rings are exclusively offered in 30-mm and 34-mm diameters, suitable for larger riflescopes.
Height
Both ring lines offer a range of three height options:
- 8mm: Ideal for low-profile mounts and riflescopes with minimal objective lens clearance requirements.
- 12mm: A popular choice for standard riflescope setups, offering additional clearance for most objective lenses.
- 19mm: This height is suited for riflescopes with larger objective lenses or specific mounting configurations requiring significant clearance.
Material
- Self-branded: Riton scope rings are machined from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This material is chosen for its balance between lightweightness and strength, making it an optimal choice for such applications.
- Contessa: These rings are constructed from hardened steel. This material difference likely contributes to the perceived higher quality and potentially increased durability of the Contessa series.
Field Test Results of The Riton Scope Rings
Anodized finish of the Riton Scope Rings ensures durability and a sleek aesthetic.
My field test with the Riton scope rings aimed to assess their effectiveness in securing a “1 Conquer” scope to the rifle. The installation process was straightforward and hassle-free.
Throughout the testing period, the rings successfully held the scope in place. However, I observed that the bolt heads protruded slightly above the top of the ring. Additionally, the overall feel suggested some looseness in the tolerances compared to what might be ideal.
Despite these observations, it’s important to note that the Riton rings functioned adequately in securing the scope. They maintained a zero hold throughout the testing period, and no adjustments were necessary.
Future iterations could potentially address the minor protrusion of the bolt heads and incorporate tighter tolerances for an even more secure fit.
Close-up of the Riton Self-Branded Scope Rings’ robust locking mechanism.
In contrast to the Riton rings, the Contessa rings exhibited superior quality in both fit and finish. They delivered a noticeably more secure hold on the Picatinny rail, and the overall tolerances felt tighter. This resulted in a more streamlined and visually appealing attachment to the rifle.
Overall, the Riton scope rings offer a functional solution for mounting your optic.
Pros and Cons of the Riton Scope Rings
Self-Branded Rings
Riton Scope Rings: Precision-engineered for seamless compatibility with Riton optics.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point.
- Easy installation.
- Good fit and finish.
- Common tool sizes for easy field adjustments.
Cons
- Looser tolerances compared to Contessas.
- Bolt heads may protrude slightly above the top ring.
- May not be ideal for high-end optics or demanding applications.
Contessa Rings
Contessa Rings on a Bergara HMR Carbon Wilderness
Pros
- Exceptional fit and finish.
- Hardened steel construction for increased durability.
- Visually appealing and streamlined design.
- Ideal for high-end optics and demanding applications.
Cons
- Higher price point.
- Requires a torque wrench for proper installation.
Final Thoughts on The Riton Scope Rings
Both Riton scope ring options cater to specific needs. The self-branded rings are a solid choice for budget-conscious shooters who prioritize ease of installation and affordability. They come with a generous warranty and offer a decent fit and finish.
The Contessa rings, however, are geared towards shooters seeking a premium mounting solution with exceptional build quality and aesthetics. They provide a more secure platform for valuable optics and demanding applications.
Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to your individual priorities and budget considerations. Regardless of your selection, both the self-branded and Contessa rings offer a significant upgrade over budget options readily available on online marketplaces like Amazon.
