Two piece mounts are the most commion type of mount, but should you choose them over 1 piece? Here are some pros and cons of 2 piece scope mount rings to consider when buying.

Pros:

  1. Lightweight - Two-piece mounts are generally lighter than one-piece mounts because they use less material. This makes them a popular choice for hunters or shooters who prioritize weight reduction on their rifle setup.

  2. Less Bulk - With two individual bases, these mounts are less bulky, making them less likely to interfere with bolt operation or magazine clearance, especially on rifles with shorter actions.

  3. Increased Customization - Two-piece mounts offer more flexibility in scope positioning. You can move the rings independently to adjust for different scope lengths and achieve the optimal eye relief.

  4. Better Aesthetics - Many shooters prefer the cleaner, more streamlined look of two-piece mounts, especially on traditional hunting rifles or classic-style firearms.

  5. Lower Cost - Typically, two-piece mounts are more affordable compared to one-piece mounts due to their simpler design and reduced material.

  6. Compatibility –
    • Two-piece mounts are more flexible for rifles that do not have long rails, or have things like magazines that stop a 1 piece being used.
    • There are models from Sportsmatch for special receivers such as 13mm, 15mm and 17mm dovetails  holes, making them suitable for rifles with traditional mounting systems such as various BSA, CZ, Tikka, parker Haile etc.
    • Compact scope – Most 1pc mounts are too long for compact scopes. 2 piece have no such problem.
    • Large saddle scope – some scopes with big centre turret saddles ground out on 1 pc mount centre bases. With correct height 2 piece this is no problem.

Cons:

  1. Less Stability - Two-piece mounts are inherently less stable than one-piece mounts because they lack the continuous, solid base. This can lead to alignment issues or a slight shift in zero under heavy recoil or rough handling.

  2. More Complex Installation - Installation can be more complex because each ring must be individually aligned. If the rings aren’t perfectly aligned, it can cause stress on the scope tube or affect accuracy.

  3. Weaker Under Heavy Recoil - Two-piece mounts may not be as durable or recoil-resistant as one-piece mounts, especially for high-recoil calibers or tactical rifles where stability is crucial.

  4. Can Lose Zero - Since the rings are mounted separately, two-piece systems may lose zero more easily, especially if the rifle experiences rough use or if the scope is removed and reinstalled frequently.

  5. Limited Additional Features - Two-piece mounts rarely offer integrated features like cant (e.g., 20 MOA) for long-range shooting, which is more commonly found in one-piece mounts.

  6. Potential for Misalignment - If not installed correctly, two-piece mounts are more prone to misalignment, which can torque the scope and cause damage or reduce accuracy over time.

Summary:

Two-piece scope mounts are lighter, less bulky, and offer greater flexibility in scope positioning, making them ideal for hunting rifles and traditional firearms. However, they can be less stable and more prone to misalignment than one-piece mounts, especially on high-recoil rifles or precision setups. They are typically more affordable but may require more careful installation to avoid issues with scope alignment.