Which Contessa Ring Height and Diameter Should You Buy?

When it comes to mounting your optic, ring diameter and height are mission-critical decisions. Choose wrong, and you’ll battle poor eye relief, inconsistent cheek weld, or worse—risk scope tube stress and accuracy loss. That’s why Contessa engineered its modular ring system to deliver ultra-precise fitment for nearly every optic and rifle configuration, with options spanning tube diameters, heights, mounting types, and mission profiles.

This guide will walk you through how to select the correct ring diameter, how to determine the optimal mounting height, and why Contessa’s HybridCore™ construction delivers unmatched strength, modularity, and repeatable precision.

Step 1: Select the Correct Ring Diameter

Ring diameter must match your optic’s main tube precisely. Any mismatch is a non-starter.
Contessa offers rings in the following standard sizes:

Tube Diameter	Common Scope Examples
1″ (25.4mm)	Classic hunting optics (Leupold VX-Freedom, Zeiss Terra)
30mm	Most modern scopes (Nightforce SHV, Vortex Viper PST)
34mm	Tactical & precision scopes (Kahles K525i, Schmidt & Bender PM II)
35mm	Select high-end long-range optics (ZCO 527, Tangent Theta 525P)
36mm	Swarovski DS, specialized euro glass
40mm	Large tube long-range optics (March Genesis, Schmidt PM II 5-45×56)

Contessa Tip: If you’re unsure, check the spec sheet for your scope. Tube diameter ≠ objective lens diameter.

Step 2: Determine the Right Ring Height

Ring height affects sight picture, cheek weld, and scope clearance.
Contessa ring heights are measured from base to ring centerline, in millimeters.

Height	Best For
8mm	Ultra-low mounting, ideal for bolt guns with <50mm objectives
12mm	Standard for most 50–56mm objectives on flat rails
19mm	Added clearance for 56mm+ objectives or tall turret scopes
26mm	Extreme clearance or scopes with sunshades, NV add-ons

Use This Formula:

(Objective lens diameter ÷ 2) – scope tube radius + turret clearance (2–3mm) = Minimum ring height needed

Example:

• Scope: 56mm objective, 34mm tube

• Half the objective = 28mm

• Tube radius = 17mm

• Add 2–3mm for safe clearance = 13–14mm minimum

• Contessa Recommendation: Use 12mm or 19mm depending on rail and barrel contour.

Step 3: Choose Mounting Style & System Compatibility

Contessa rings are available in:

• Fixed style rings for use with direct-mount bases

• Quick Release rings with lever locks for tool-free swapping

• LPR (Lightweight Picatinny Rings) for minimal weight and backcountry use

Platform Compatibility:

• Picatinny Rails: Use LPR or QR models

• Contessa Mount Bases: Use modular ring heads (interchangeable on FX, SB, SBT series)

• Red Dot Adapters: Use dedicated low-profile ring-less mounts (SBP03 SX, etc.)

Contessa Ring System Breakdown

Series	Application	Material	Modular	Lock Style
LPR	Lightweight precision	7075-T6	No	4-screw top cap
SPP	Steel Precision Picatinny	Steel	No	4-screw cap + steel recoil lugs
Modular Ring Heads	FX, QD, Tactical mounts	7075-T6 + Steel	Yes	Integrated in base system
QR Rings	Fast optic swaps	Steel	No	Lever-based QD clamp

Torque Specs & Scope Protection

Contessa rings feature balanced torque zones, especially on LPR and modular systems.

• Top cap screws: 2 Nm max

• Base screws (Pic rail): 5 Nm max

• Always use a Torx 20 tool for safe and even pressure

• Never over tighten  or use Loctite on ring caps unless directed

HybridCore™ steel interfaces prevent slip and deformation under magnum recoil—even in thin-wall scope tubes like Zeiss V8 or Swarovski Z8i.

Use Case Guide: Match Rings to Your Setup

Rifle + Optic Setup	Recommended Ring
Tikka T3 + 1″ Leupold VX-3i	LPR 1″ x 8mm
Remington 700 + 30mm Vortex PST	LPR 30mm x 12mm
Sako TRG + 34mm Kahles K525i	Modular 34mm x 12mm ring on FX or SBT
Blaser R8 + 36mm Swarovski	QD 36mm x 12mm modular on SBB
Bergara HMR + 40mm March Genesis	SPP or Modular 40mm x 19mm

 

Final Tips: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t guess your objective clearance. Use digital calipers or manufacturer specs.

• Avoid oversized rings “just in case.” This raises centerline height and hurts cheek weld.

• Don’t overtighten. Let the engineering do the holding—Contessa’s steel interface won’t slip.

• If using QD, always remount to the same rail slot for return-to-zero consistency.

Summary: Fit, Function, and Modularity

Contessa rings aren’t just about size—they’re about precision engineering. Whether you’re building a featherweight mountain rifle or a 20-lb ELR rig, Contessa offers a ring system that protects your optic, preserves your zero, and locks down with confidence.

Get the right diameter. Dial in the right height. And let the steel-on-steel connection do the rest.