So, the Contender project is underway. Quick question for those of you who have been there, done that. The first barrel I've got is a Custom Shop Super 14 in .223 with a Stratton steel base, and I personally haven't shot any handgun in .223. Not much at all in the recoil department from a rifle, I know, but things are sometimes different with a handgun. What are your preference for rings? I was planning on a Talley 2-ring set-up, since they come in blue so as to match the barrel/base and gloss Leupold scope. They are vertically split, and it looks like they don't have a cross pin to lock into the cross cuts on the base, just relying on clamping force to keep it tight on the base. Opinions?

On the Contender I use the Weaver 92A scope base and Leupold Rifleman rings, standard as well as vertical. The rings can be had in matte or gloss. Effective and affordable.

Interesting. Perhaps I've been overthinking (and overspending) in this area.

I think a lot of folks do.

I'm with ol s4 on all counts