MAIN MENU

THE BEST IN THE GAMETrustpilot 4.9 2k+ reviews

OBSIDIANExclusive rewards

TRADE IN'SPart-exchange optics

OPTICS DRAWSWin awesome gear!

KNOWLEDGE BASESupport, guidance & more

SUBSCRIBE NOWOffers and discounts

BUILD A BUNDLE SAVE UP TO 10% ON YOUR BASKET TOTAL!

Add a Day-Optics Scope to get started

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MOUNTING RINGS

Now that you’ve chosen your day optics rifle scope, the next step is selecting the correct mounting rings. This is just as important as choosing the scope itself as the wrong rings simply won’t fit, and even the best scope won’t perform properly if mounted incorrectly.

There are three key things you must match correctly:

- Tube diameter
- Rail type
- Mount height

Get these right and your setup will be solid, aligned and reliable from day one.

1. Tube Diameter (Most Important)

Your mounting rings must match the diameter of your scope tube.

- 1 inch (25.4mm)
- 30mm - 34mm

These are not interchangeable. Always check your scope specifications before choosing rings.

2. Rail Type (What Your Rifle Has)

You must match the mounting system on your rifle.

- 11mm Dovetail Rail – Most common on UK air rifles.
- Picatinny Rail – Wider, squared rail system often found on tactical-style rifles.

Dovetail and Picatinny mounts are completely different and are not interchangeable. Always check your rifle’s rail type before choosing.

3. Mount Height

Mount height determines how high your scope sits above the rifle.

- Low
- Medium
- High

The correct height depends on your objective lens size (40mm, 44mm, 50mm etc.), magazine clearance and personal preference. For most air rifle setups with 40–44mm objectives, medium mounts are usually ideal.

One-Piece vs Two-Piece Mounts

Two-piece mounts are the most common and work perfectly for most air rifles.

One-piece mounts offer additional rigidity and can be particularly useful on spring-powered rifles due to their double recoil. Many one-piece mounts also include a recoil stop pin for added security.

For spring rifles especially, a mount with a recoil stop is highly recommended.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_2126604234() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_2126604234").classList.toggle("opened"); }

Spring vs PCP Considerations

Spring-powered air rifles produce both forward and rearward recoil. This can cause mounts to creep backwards over time.

If you are using a spring rifle, look for:

- A recoil stop pin
- A solid clamping system
- Strong build quality

PCP rifles are far less demanding on mounts.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_1803203588() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_1803203588").classList.toggle("opened"); }

FAQ – Mounting Rings

What size rings do I need?
Match the ring size to your scope tube - 1 inch, 30mm and 34mm are most common.

How do I know if my rifle is dovetail or Picatinny?
Most traditional UK air rifles use 11mm dovetail rails. Tactical-style rifles may use Picatinny. Check your rifle specifications if unsure.

Do I need high mounts?
Only if you have a large objective lens or clearance issues. Medium mounts suit most air rifle scopes.

Can I use adapters?
Dovetail-to-Picatinny adapters exist, but using the correct mount for your rail is always preferable.

What happens if I choose the wrong rings?
They simply won’t fit properly. Tube diameter and rail type must match exactly.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_1547254919() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_1547254919").classList.toggle("opened"); }

If you’re unsure, our Iris AI can recommend the correct mounting rings for your rifle and scope combination, ensuring everything fits perfectly from the start.

+ RINGS

Save 3%

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACCESSORIES

Now that your rifle scope and mounting rings are sorted, it’s time to complete your setup with the right accessories.

Accessories aren’t just add-ons, they protect your investment, improve accuracy, make transport easier and ensure you can shoot consistently and safely.

The key is choosing what suits how and where you shoot.

BAGS, CASES AND SLINGS

Protecting your rifle is essential, especially when transporting it.

- Padded rifle bags or hard cases for safe storage
- Secure zips and reinforced stitching
- Correct internal length for your rifle
- Sling attachment points if needed

A quality bag protects your investment, while slings make carrying your rifle more comfortable during pest control or longer sessions outdoors.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_376191859() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_376191859").classList.toggle("opened"); }

BIPODS, TRIPODS, RESTS AND BAGS

Stability equals accuracy.

Bipods & Tripods

- Height adjustment range
- Weight and portability
- Attachment method (stud mount, Picatinny etc.)
- Whether you prioritise compactness or maximum stability

Tripods offer excellent stability for varied distances. Bipods are lighter and more compact.

Shooting Rests & Bags

- Sand-filled or adjustable rests
- Front and rear bag combinations
- Stable base for consistent grouping

Ideal for bench shooting, zeroing and improving consistency.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_1100043361() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_1100043361").classList.toggle("opened"); }

CHARGING EQUIPMENT (For PCP Rifles)

If you’re using a PCP air rifle, you’ll need a charging solution.

Compressors
- Convenient for home use
- Ideal for frequent shooters
- Faster refill times

Pumps
- Budget-friendly option
- Physically demanding
- Best for occasional use

Choose based on how often you shoot and how convenient you want refilling to be.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_811897791() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_811897791").classList.toggle("opened"); }

PELLETS

Your pellet choice affects accuracy more than most people realise.

- .177 – Flatter trajectory, popular for target shooting
- .22 – Larger pellet, often preferred for pest control

Every rifle prefers different pellet brands, so testing a few types is recommended to find the most accurate option for your setup.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_1628483776() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_1628483776").classList.toggle("opened"); }

TARGETS

Targets help you practise and improve.

- Paper targets for precision and grouping
- Metal knockdown targets for reactive shooting
- Sticker targets for high visibility

If you’re zeroing your rifle, paper targets are essential.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_281898432() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_281898432").classList.toggle("opened"); }

CLEANING TOOLS

Keeping your barrel clean helps maintain accuracy.

- Pull-through cleaning kits
- Cleaning pellets
- Barrel-safe solvents

Air rifles don’t require constant cleaning, but periodic maintenance improves consistency and performance.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_2107739413() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_2107739413").classList.toggle("opened"); }

BUBBLE LEVELS

A small accessory that can make a big difference.

Bubble levels attach to your scope and help prevent rifle cant (tilting). Even slight cant can shift your point of impact at longer air rifle distances.

Especially useful for target shooters and anyone stretching beyond 35–40 yards.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_1906136679() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_1906136679").classList.toggle("opened"); }

FAQ – Accessories

What accessories do I actually need to start?
A good rifle bag, quality pellets and safe charging equipment (for PCP rifles) are the essentials.

Do I need a bipod?
Not essential, but it improves stability, especially for pest control or zeroing.

Is a compressor better than a pump?
For regular PCP shooting, yes. Pumps are more affordable but require physical effort.

How important are pellets?
Extremely. Pellet choice can dramatically affect grouping and consistency.

Do I need cleaning tools straight away?
Not immediately, but they are worth having for periodic maintenance.

function toggleCollapspixie_collapse_2127690671() { document.querySelector(".pixie_collapse_2127690671").classList.toggle("opened"); }

If you’re unsure, Iris AI can help recommend the right accessories to complete your setup with confidence.

+ ACCESSORY

Save 7%

BUNDLE
INCOMPLETE

You
saved 0%

CONTINUE
SHOPPING

Finance

KLARNA AVAILABLEOn All Products!

Reviews

5 STAR REVIEWSOver 2k Reviews on Trustpilot

Guarantee

EXCHANGE GUARANTEE60 day scope out guarantee

Delivery

SPEEDY DELIVERYFast delivery on in-stock items

Price Match

PRICE MATCHSeen it Cheaper? We'll try to match it!

FRIDAY MAILER 06.02.2026

Danny Roberts posted this at 24 Apr 2026 Updated at 1 May 2026

Optics Warehouse

The Great British Shooting Show

Join us at the British Shooting Show this February for the biggest Optics Warehouse stand ever. This is the best opportunity of the year to purchase, upgrade, and part-ex your optics and shooting equipment.

We are bringing more stock than ever before and offering exclusive show-only deals and competitive trade-in values across optics, thermals, binoculars, and accessories.

Show Dates: 13th, 14th, 15th February – Birmingham NEC

Flash deals now live – limited time and limited stock available.
Forestry First Aid Course – 21st Feb (Sign up now).
Featured video: Top rifle scope mounts for 2026.

Call 01803 611 895 or email support@opticswarehouse.co.uk

OPW Upgrade Event – Trade In & Upgrade On The Spot

Trade in your optics, thermals, or binoculars at the British Shooting Show and upgrade instantly. We offer strong part-exchange values and exclusive upgrade opportunities across premium optics and shooting equipment.

Bring your current kit for an on-the-spot evaluation and put its value directly towards your next upgrade.

Show Dates: 13th, 14th, 15th February

Let Us Know (Trade-In Form)

Eberlestock Tactical Packs

High-performance tactical backpacks and rifle carry systems designed for hunters and field operators requiring durability, comfort, and modular storage solutions.

LRT Medical Solutions – Forestry First Aid +F (Level 3)

The Qualsafe Level 3 Forestry First Aid +F qualification is designed for those working in forestry, agriculture, and remote environments where emergency response knowledge is critical.

Did you know the fatal injury rate in forestry and agriculture is around 21 times higher than other industries?

What This Course Covers

Catastrophic bleeding management
Crush injuries
Heat and cold injuries
Lyme disease awareness
Snake bites
Chainsaw / suspension trauma

Use code OPW10 for 10% off the course.

Contact LRT To Sign Up

Optics Draws

Enter Optics Warehouse prize draws for your chance to win premium optics, thermal imaging devices, and shooting accessories at a fraction of the retail cost.

Watch OPW YouTube

“I’ll NEVER go back” - Shaun Ellis, Optics Warehouse Director, reviews the HIKMICRO Alpex 4K LITE and explores whether it can replace traditional rifle scopes.

Categories: Past Email Campaigns

Finance is provided by Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd which is a credit provider/lender. Optics Warehouse does not receive payment for introducing customers to Omni Capital Retail Finance. Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd finance options are subject to individual status; terms and conditions apply. Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd is registered in England and Wales with company number 7232938. Registered address: 10 Norwich Street, London, EC4A 1BD.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number: 620615.