Leupold PRW Installation

Rifle scopes, iron sights and optics. Spotting scopes and target acquisition devices.

Leupold PRW Installation

Post by YoungSC » 17 Aug 2018, 8:47 pm

I attempted to install some 1" Leupold PRW rings last night and failed. :( Manliness rating dropped a few points.

I needed to manhandle the rings and scope to get the thread holes to line up with the screws. I managed to get one ring with 4 screws partially installed, but one side was touching and the other had a big gap, so took them out. Couldn't get the screws started on the other ring.

Even with the successful ring screws partially tightened, there wasn't much free movement of the scope to allow me to get it in position.

I've installed some other rings with no problem as the joins were parallel with each other. The PRW's aren't, which means with any small elevation, they won't line up.

Any tips?

I'm tempted to cut my losses and buy something else. What would be a good option for a picatinny rail in a similar price range?
YoungSC
Private
Private
 
Posts: 61
-

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by MJW380 » 17 Aug 2018, 9:16 pm

First pair of rings I purchased were the same rings, and I’d never buy them again. Not that they don’t do their job properly, just a PITA, found that they “snap” on and like you said, hard to adjust once on the scope tube. Last couple or pairs of rings I brought I went for the Warne Maxima’s, I rate them, and their reasonably priced too.
MJW380
Private
Private
 
Posts: 94
New South Wales

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by marksman » 17 Aug 2018, 9:31 pm

they are a bit fiddly to fit
I use them with picatinny rails and nightforce scopes, they do the job well
I put some masking tape on the ring and the scope tube with a witness mark to indicate where I start,
then make small adjustments till everything is straight and square
once straight and gaps are even they are not removed so it is just the setting up that's a pain
there are better rings but they cost a bit more
I do lap the rings for a better fit
in this photo you can see the tape on the rear ring and tube
Image
“If you do not read the newspapers you are uninformed. If you do read the newspapers you are misinformed”. Mark Twain
User avatar
marksman
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3660
Victoria

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by YoungSC » 18 Aug 2018, 12:46 pm

Thanks Gents,

The PRW's were for my first centrefire, which I've had for 2 months but have been waiting for the scope rail to come in.

I just put my original scope back on the .22 with Sports Match rings and it was almost a pleasure. I've just ordered a set of Warne rings as per MJW's advice and because they seem to have a good rep. I may look at passing on the PRW's depending on how these go.
YoungSC
Private
Private
 
Posts: 61
-

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Stix » 18 Aug 2018, 6:17 pm

I hate those rings, well fitting them anyway.
Always leave a mark on every scope.

Tried tape to avoid the marks & cracked both front & rear rings.

So, another set... i tried a couple of allen keys to spring the ring open---just as the ring got part over the scope tube something slipped & i heard the zinging harmonics of highly tensioned steel slowly decrease to nothing as my brand new allen key was launched into a low earth orbit.

Ok...well lets give that another go i thought to myself.
With only one allen key of that size left, i tried again...fingers were hurtin after the 5th attempt...
....nearly there..


....."piiinngggggggg"...


With a flight time to rival that of my 22-250, i heard it hit the shed of the neighbours neighbour some 30 plus metres away... :twisted:

I can have a laugh now :lol: , but needless to say, at the time it took all of my mental strength to refrain from hurling that rifle in the direction of the vapour trail left by the first allen key.

So next set im off to Vic so marksman can fit them for me...
The man who knows everything, doesnt really know everything...he's just stopped learning...
Stix
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3675
South Australia

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by allan » 18 Aug 2018, 6:42 pm

I'm not sure why some have issues installing these PRW rings - I've used them on quite a few rifles with rails and two piece bases - Never seen them mark a scope, low profile and solid so I guess I've been lucky!
Image
allan
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 202
Other

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by deanp100 » 18 Aug 2018, 7:09 pm

allan wrote:I'm not sure why some have issues installing these PRW rings - I've used them on quite a few rifles with rails and two piece bases - Never seen them mark a scope, low profile and solid so I guess I've been lucky!
Image

Ahh , there it is.
deanp100
Corporal
Corporal
 
Posts: 425
Queensland

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Stix » 18 Aug 2018, 11:54 pm

:oops: ... :)
Last edited by Stix on 22 Aug 2018, 10:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
The man who knows everything, doesnt really know everything...he's just stopped learning...
Stix
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3675
South Australia

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by pomemax » 19 Aug 2018, 12:50 am

Take the top half off and remove the scope find witch ring top fits witch base easily and then mark the way they go with a crayon or such like you may have confused the tops when you have them marked snap the top over the scope roughly where you want the rings to be then try fitting to the base again I bet they will go on easy just remember no screws get tightened till they are all in
pomemax
Warrant Officer C2
Warrant Officer C2
 
Posts: 1165
New South Wales

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by allan » 19 Aug 2018, 1:59 pm

I'm sorry if my comment offended some one as it was intended to be just that....ONE person's experience with PRW rings.
I have several sets of these rings (all over 10 years old) and all have been used to mount multiple scopes without incident.
Yes, I've tried Leupold's recommendation to spread the top halves with allen keys - Worked for me but I prefer two thumbs and thin strip of plastic.
Anecdotal evidence is that some Leupold rings are now manufactured in China - I can vouch for the fact that some Burris rings are as I have them here.
I am in no way endorsing the use of PRW rings - There is ample evidence out there to suggest that many have had issues with initial fitting and also the durability of these rings.
I use Burris Signature zees in preference to PRW's - No risk of marking a tube and the off set inserts allow windage & elevation adjustment independently of the scope's internal adjustments which I like to set as close as practical to optical zero.
Hope that clarifies my comments for you, Stix and once again, I'm sorry for anything I wrote which may have been taken out of context.
allan
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 202
Other

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Stix » 19 Aug 2018, 3:28 pm

allan wrote:I'm sorry if my comment offended some one as it was intended to be just that....ONE person's experience with PRW rings.
I have several sets of these rings (all over 10 years old) and all have been used to mount multiple scopes without incident.
Yes, I've tried Leupold's recommendation to spread the top halves with allen keys - Worked for me but I prefer two thumbs and thin strip of plastic.
Anecdotal evidence is that some Leupold rings are now manufactured in China - I can vouch for the fact that some Burris rings are as I have them here.
I am in no way endorsing the use of PRW rings - There is ample evidence out there to suggest that many have had issues with initial fitting and also the durability of these rings.
I use Burris Signature zees in preference to PRW's - No risk of marking a tube and the off set inserts allow windage & elevation adjustment independently of the scope's internal adjustments which I like to set as close as practical to optical zero.
Hope that clarifies my comments for you, Stix and once again, I'm sorry for anything I wrote which may have been taken out of context.


Cool...& my apologies for my potentially heavy mouthed spat... (well except that it got helpful input from you :)).

Ill have to look at those burris rings with next set i buy. :thumbsup:
Cheers :drinks:
The man who knows everything, doesnt really know everything...he's just stopped learning...
Stix
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3675
South Australia

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by deanp100 » 19 Aug 2018, 5:01 pm

There was no need for Allan to apologise for anything. Stix should be the only apology for being a cock.
deanp100
Corporal
Corporal
 
Posts: 425
Queensland

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by allan » 19 Aug 2018, 6:42 pm

We all visit these forums to express opinions and learn from other's hands on experience, Deano so everyone is entitled to do just that!

Stix - these are Burris Signature matte medium 1" zee rings - I use them where ever appropriate and have used them on calibres up to 308W without problems. On this rifle, I've used the rear off set inserts to give me extra elevation and rotated the front inserts to correct for windage.

The last few sets I've received from the US are all made in China but I've been very satisfied with the machining and finish - Some US based users not so happy though!

Image
allan
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 202
Other

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Stix » 19 Aug 2018, 8:41 pm

Can i ask how easy they are to set up allan...?

I imagine they'd be very fiddly to get to get the windage right...maybe even.more fiddly if you're mucking around with elevation as well...as i imagine one would effect the other.
The man who knows everything, doesnt really know everything...he's just stopped learning...
Stix
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3675
South Australia

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by SCJ429 » 19 Aug 2018, 8:50 pm

I am also a fan of Burris Signiture Zee, the inserts can be used for extra cant or when you run out of windage. Guys have used them to set 1000 yard world record groups. As others have said they are guaranteed not to damage your scope. Not the prettiest solution but work very well.
SCJ429
Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
 
Posts: 3207
New South Wales

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by straightshooter » 20 Aug 2018, 8:33 am

This style of offset clamped ring seems to be the current fashion trend.
It seems to have originated in Germany and when made in Germany to precise tolerances they seem to be adequate to do their job although even the highest (read expensive) quality units still have mounting wrinkles.
When made to more generous tolerances they then have the same accuracy issues that old style Weaver rings have.
The only style of rings to consider, if accuracy and reliability are your principal concerns, are rings made in one piece and accurately and cleanly bored to size and then slit across the centerline of the bore.
Most of these newer style rings seem to have been designed by accountants in order to minimize wasted metal in machining chip.
"Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about."
"There is no expedient to which a man will not resort to avoid the real labor of thinking." Sir Joshua Reynolds
straightshooter
Warrant Officer C1
Warrant Officer C1
 
Posts: 1263
New South Wales

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Chronos » 20 Aug 2018, 11:28 am

A few ego's aside....

There is an issue with the new PRW2 rings. The originals needed to be opened up to clip over the tube, the new ones don't but YES the screw holes don't line up easily. I believe it's to do with the clearance around the head of the screws

Chronos
User avatar
Chronos
Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
 
Posts: 2082
New South Wales

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Ghoatman » 20 Aug 2018, 12:25 pm

I also had issues fitting a set recently. I'm only new to the sport and had never fitted a scope before. I thought I was doing something horribly wrong, but they are just a bastard to fit. I even tried fitting them to a different scope to make sure there was a defect in the rings or something.
The recessed head of the screws seems to be the issue, but only when it's actually on a scope, fitting them without a scope attached and they line up perfectly fine.

I need another set of rings for another rifle, but I don't know if buying another set of these is a good idea or not. :(
Ghoatman
Recruit
Recruit
 
Posts: 19
Queensland

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by allan » 20 Aug 2018, 2:13 pm

Stix wrote:Can i ask how easy they are to set up allan...?
I imagine they'd be very fiddly to get to get the windage right...maybe even.more fiddly if you're mucking around with elevation as well...as i imagine one would effect the other.


Yes, to set them up to gain the most from the design, it's a tedious (and sometimes time consuming) job to mount them. I'm a self funded retiree (read OLD) so my time is all mine!

Initially, I just bolt them up using 000" inserts, making sure I have the reticle vertical (plumb line with rifle levelled in a solid cradle. At the range, I zero to my preferred distance. At home, I mount a Bushnell magnetic bore sighter & carefully mark my zero point on the grid - (Keep a separate chart for every gun I own). I then remove the scope and set the internal adjustments to optical centre.

It's then just a matter of fitting any of the off set inserts (They come in 5, 10 & 20 thou) and rotating as required to match my zero point.

Back on the range, I usually find that I'm within an inch or better and can zero with a couple of clicks. I then check my reticule vertical by using the elevation adjustments to track a plumb line on the target - Rarely have to adjust to correct cant.

I'll add that I've been mounting scopes for 60 years (long before these "plastic" inserts were around) and have used the best available one and two piece steel mounting systems. These days, I'm only into "high end" & custom rim fires - If there's an accuracy difference between plastic and steel, I can't pick it but I'm not a long range shooter either. Temperature extremes may influence plastic but I live in the tropics so no biggie for me.
allan
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 202
Other

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Pythonkeeper » 22 Aug 2018, 3:29 pm

I too found the PRW2 to be a pain to fit, I never had an issue with the old ones that you had to stretch open but these series 2’s had me mumbling a few naughty words while trying to get the screws lined up, got there in the end but definitely tested my patience....
Pythonkeeper
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 218
Queensland

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Strangedog » 26 Aug 2018, 8:44 am

Chronos wrote:A few ego's aside....

There is an issue with the new PRW2 rings. The originals needed to be opened up to clip over the tube, the new ones don't but YES the screw holes don't line up easily. I believe it's to do with the clearance around the head of the screws

Chronos

This is true. I had the original PRW"s and whilst a bit fiddly, after the Allen key method they worked and fitted fine. However I bought a set of PRW2"s for my new rifle and near went round the twist. You don't need the squeeze an Allen key method as they 'improved the design' however when the rings where together on the scope the screws don't line up with the holes. It took me over an hour, and after scratching paint from the mounts and cursing untold amounts, I finally got them together. Thought I cross threaded them numerous times. I was at the stage where I was going to take them back saying they were faulty, even with chips of paint off them. It has to be a fault on Leupold's part with these PWR2 rings.
Strangedog
Private
Private
 
Posts: 58
New South Wales

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Urastus » 28 Sep 2018, 9:12 pm

Stix wrote:I hate those rings, well fitting them anyway.
Always leave a mark on every scope.

Tried tape to avoid the marks & cracked both front & rear rings.

So, another set... i tried a couple of allen keys to spring the ring open---just as the ring got part over the scope tube something slipped & i heard the zinging harmonics of highly tensioned steel slowly decrease to nothing as my brand new allen key was launched into a low earth orbit.

Ok...well lets give that another go i thought to myself.
With only one allen key of that size left, i tried again...fingers were hurtin after the 5th attempt...
....nearly there..


....."piiinngggggggg"...


With a flight time to rival that of my 22-250, i heard it hit the shed of the neighbours neighbour some 30 plus metres away... :twisted:

I can have a laugh now :lol: , but needless to say, at the time it took all of my mental strength to refrain from hurling that rifle in the direction of the vapour trail left by the first allen key.

So next set im off to Vic so marksman can fit them for me...



Did you ever consider writing for a living? :lol: Very entertaining
Urastus
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 140
Tasmania

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by JimTom » 29 Sep 2018, 5:49 am

Mate I tried to fit a set of PRW yesterday. They are the most tedious rings I have ever used. I gave up and went and bought a different type. Will never buy PRW again.
User avatar
JimTom
Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
 
Posts: 2130
Queensland

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Urastus » 29 Sep 2018, 6:34 pm

allan wrote:At home, I mount a Bushnell magnetic bore sighter & carefully mark my zero point on the grid - (Keep a separate chart for every gun I own). I then remove the scope and set the internal adjustments to optical centre.


I never would have figured that out. I had visions of an hour or two at the range - bore sight (just look through the bore to sight it up on a round target), shoot, undo, adjust, tighten... Your way is great. How far away do you set up the grid when you're at home? Do you set up the scope higher when you're at home to allow for the change in distance? eg if you sight in at 25 or 50m at the range, then set up the grid at home at say 10m. You bore sight, then sight the scope so far above where the bore sight hits I imagine, so that it should be on sight at 25 or 50m?
Urastus
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 140
Tasmania

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by allan » 01 Oct 2018, 6:52 pm

Urastus wrote:Your way is great. How far away do you set up the grid when you're at home? Do you set up the scope higher when you're at home to allow for the change in distance? eg if you sight in at 25 or 50m at the range, then set up the grid at home at say 10m. You bore sight, then sight the scope so far above where the bore sight hits I imagine, so that it should be on sight at 25 or 50m?


The grid is actually in the bore sighter - Pictured below is what you see through the scope. Once zeroed at my preferred distance, the reticule will appear somewhere on that grid - Every rifle/scope combination is different. I simply mark that point on a print out of the grid and set up my inserts to match that - Zeroed a V24 on a recently acquired Anschutz this morning - Took four clicks down & 6 clicks left to take out a quarter inch dot at 50 yards!
Image
Image
allan
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 202
Other

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Urastus » 01 Oct 2018, 9:51 pm

Sheesh, again I never would have figured that out. I thought a bore sighter was an led that shoots a light out of the bore onto the target. I had to search youtube to see what you're using: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pjgcvrx6gU. One thing I don't understand is that grid is on the end of your barrel; is that grid positioned in the bore sighter so that it is equivalent to a set distance eg 50 yards? So if you bore sight on that grid you should be good for 50 yards? Sorry if these are stupid questions and I'm not seeing the obvious.
Urastus
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 140
Tasmania

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by allan » 02 Oct 2018, 1:19 pm

https://www.chuckhawks.com/bushnell_mag ... ighter.htm

This is the unit I currently have - Fairly precise explanation in this article re how they work. I've had Leupold illuminated versions previously but the illumination died in both.

Once sighted in for any particular distance, a rifle/scope combo will register somewhere on that grid.
allan
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 202
Other

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Urastus » 02 Oct 2018, 7:57 pm

Awesome, thanks again Allan. I can see how these would make setting up those types of rings easier. You wouldn't have to clamp the rifle rock solid. With a level it would be easy to make adjustments, quickly relevel and check the grid again.
Urastus
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 140
Tasmania

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by Chronos » 06 Oct 2018, 3:52 pm

Apparently NIOA have issues a recall on PRW2’s and will exchange the top caps if requested. My guess is the replacements will have more clearance for the screw heads

Chronos
User avatar
Chronos
Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
 
Posts: 2082
New South Wales

Re: Leupold PRW Installation

Post by JimTom » 06 Oct 2018, 6:36 pm

I have just enquired about returning a set of PRW2 that I purchased online.
See how I go.
User avatar
JimTom
Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
 
Posts: 2130
Queensland

Next

Back to top
 
Return to Scopes, sights and optics