In this article, we tested the Wheeler Sporter scope rings, which, although they do not belong to the highest-end categories, boast several interesting features.
At an Angle
The rings are quite robust, not thin “bands” like those found in cheaper products. They are made from durable 6061 aluminum alloy, coated with a matte black protective finish interrupted only by the manufacturer's markings. Both the base and the top portion of the rings are secured with two rows of screws. The rings feature an asymmetric design, where the top section that holds the riflescope is tilted at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the base. The advantage of this design is that no screw heads protrude to the sides of the rings, unlike in conventional parallel designs. This makes the rings more space-efficient and reduces the risk of something getting caught on protruding screws. Additionally, all edges are safely chamfered.
My rings weigh 85 g, though the weight varies between 57 and 105 g depending on the specific variant. The manufacturer recommends a tightening torque for all screws of 15-18 in/lbs. However, I used the proven values from Vortex and UTG mounts: 18 in/lbs for the top screws and 28 in/lbs for the base screws. After final adjustments to the firearm, I applied a thread-locking adhesive to the screw threads. One of the key quality indicators for any scope rings is their alignment. The closer to perfect alignment they are, the less strain is placed on the riflescope tube, which is held more evenly across the surface of the rings. This directly benefits the mounting's durability. I have a lapping kit at my disposal, so I was able to verify the factory alignment of the Sporter rings. When mounted on a precision steel fixture, the alignment rods did not show any noticeable deviations visible to the naked eye. However, once I mounted the rings on the rifle they were intended for and started lapping (since I already have the kit, I lap all rings as a precaution), I noticed uneven material removal. While not severe, part of the blame likely lies with the quality of the base. A few moments of lapping solved the issue. I’ve worked with much more expensive rings in the past that required significantly more adjustment than the Sporters.
These rings found their new home on a semi-automatic AR-15 chambered in .223 Remington, where they have held firm without loosening or issues for approximately 1,000 rounds. Before that, I subjected them to a stress test by mounting them on a high-powered bolt-action rifle chambered in .444 Marlin. This caliber has a significant recoil, making it a great test for the durability of the chosen mounting. Fifty rounds didn’t shift the rings a millimeter! Or if they did, the group shift was negligible compared to the original riflescope mounted with Vortex Pro Rings (which, incidentally, are twice as expensive as the Sporters). Overall, the rings feel solid and seem more than capable of maintaining zero over the long term.
I tested the Sporter rings on a high-powered rifle chambered in .444 Marlin, but their final destination became a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle chambered in .223 Remington.
A detailed view highlighting the functionality that allows precise mounting of the Sporter rings on both Picatinny bases and the older Weaver interface.
Compatibility with Picatinny and Weaver Mounts
Inside the sturdy plastic box containing the rings, you will find two Torx wrenches. One is used for mounting the rings onto the firearm and riflescope, while the smaller one is meant for adjusting the indexing lug in the base. These rings feature an interesting functionality that allows them to be precisely aligned with both Picatinny and the older, classic Weaver bases.
For those unfamiliar, Weaver and Picatinny mounting bases are somewhat compatible, but they differ in several aspects, including the spacing between their slots. The slot spacing on a Weaver base is 4.6 mm, whereas for Picatinny it is 5.2 mm. In practice, this means that Weaver rings can fit on a Picatinny base but won’t be precisely indexed. Conversely, Picatinny rings, which have precisely shaped lugs for the slot spacing, cannot be mounted on a Weaver base. While Picatinny has been the standard for many years, older firearms and some newer hunting rifles with split “block” mounts still use Weaver bases, which can complicate finding compatible accessories. Sporter rings address this issue with a unique system that allows users to easily convert the rings to fit both mounting standards as needed. The indexing lug is a separate component that has dimensions on one side matching Picatinny spacing and on the other side, it’s compatible with Weaver spacing. How does it work? After removing the top portion of the ring, the shooter gains access to the screw that secures the lug. Once unscrewed, the lug can simply be flipped to adapt it to the required base type. Thanks to the included instruction card with illustrations, this mechanism can be operated by practically anyone. In short, it’s a simple and effective solution.
Aluminum is Not a Dirty Word
The Wheeler Sporter scope rings, regardless of height or diameter, are priced at 1,060 Kč (on strobl.cz) for a set of two. This places them in the more affordable category, but the price-to-quality ratio is excellent in my evaluation.
Evaluating budget-friendly mounts that hold zero during testing and show no other issues is often a thankless task. There is still a prevailing opinion among the shooting community that mounts made from aluminum alloys are generally inferior, that a mount should cost a certain percentage of the riflescope's price, and so on. On the other hand, I personally have had great experiences with aluminum alloy rings such as the Vortex Seekins (even for precision shooting at long distances), Pro Ring, and even inexpensive UTG rings costing just a few hundred crowns. All of them have performed without issues like loosening or shifting zero, which is more than I can say for some unnamed steel mounts. For this reason, I am far from dismissing aluminum mounts outright.
I found no issues with the Wheeler Sporter rings. Yes, achieving perfect alignment required some lapping, but this can also be said for significantly more expensive competitors. However, it wasn’t a case of large gaps that absolutely required material removal. For those who dislike aluminum, the Sporter rings might not be suitable. Similarly, those demanding uncompromising precision or shooting at long distances with high-powered cartridges will likely look for something else. But I see no reason why the Sporter rings wouldn’t perform well in combination with standard hunting calibers, for shots at “hunting ranges” up to 300 meters, and with accuracy more than sufficient for hunting purposes. I also appreciate the extended compatibility and the advantages of the asymmetric design. If your needs align with the scenarios described above, I can confidently recommend the Sporter rings.
Surface detail of the rings after lapping, demonstrating material removal from the interior surfaces (yes, the front ring slightly overlaps the handguard, but both parts are securely and precisely aligned, so this is not an issue).
You can purchase the Wheeler Sporter scope rings at STROBL.CZ s.r.o. For more information, visit strobl.cz or the manufacturer’s website at wheelertools.com.
A standout feature of the Sporter rings is the asymmetric design, which makes them more space-efficient and reduces the chance of catching on obstacles.
Advantages/Disadvantages
+ Excellent price/performance ratio
+ Compatibility with both Picatinny and Weaver bases
+ Space-saving asymmetric design
+ Robust construction
- Some hunters may be deterred by the aluminum material
- While these rings will suffice for the average hunter, more demanding users will likely opt for higher-end models
Photo Sources: Author's archive, materials from the manufacturer - wheelertools.com
This article was originally published in the magazine Lovec by Extra Publishing.
