Preview: Warne XSKEL

by
posted on January 29, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
xskel30od-hr.jpg

Even the most expensive riflescope will perform like a nightmare if it’s riding a dime-store mount. That attachment point has to be rock solid, or the optic will shift between shots and may even incorrectly lead you to believe your tack-driving precision rifle no longer deserves its place of honor in the gun safe. 

Warne Scope Mounts has a well-deserved reputation for producing scope-mounting systems that are rock solid. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for consistent and repeatable performance from what’s probably the most ignored cog in your firearm’s machinery. 

The company’s AR-friendly SKEL mount was a great success, but this year Warne Scope Mounts has already improved on a good thing by rolling out a second-generation version called the XSKEL. It has an addition inch of forward cantilever, and a one-piece clamp design for added strength and longevity. undefined

It maintains the company’s return-to-zero capability and the half-inch hex nuts for mounting ensure it stays in place—even if you beat the heck out of your AR on 3-gun firing lines. The optic is at the ideal height for ARs, the cantilever provides plenty of eye relief and the skeletonized body reduces overall weight.  

MSRP for 1-inch and 30-mm versions is $129.99 and $169.99 for 34-mm fatties. At that price, we should see fewer optics rattling around this year. Color choices include black, blue, red or zombie green.  

 

 

 

 

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.