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

firing a musket rifle
firing a musket rifle

Today’s Makers of Yesterday’s Firearms

Original firearms from the American Revolution era are valuable and best preserved for posterity. For those who want to shoot them, several modern makers offer quality reproductions.

Left Turn (Bolt): Tikka's New Left-Handed T3x Ace Rifles

Lefties of the world unite and rejoice, as Tikka has announced left-hand versions of its award-winning T3x Ace chassis rifles.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 14, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Delta 2

Carbine performance is all about maintaining control. The Rifle Standard Delta 2 is a drill that pressures recoil control, visual discipline and cadence as distance decreases and time compresses.

Gun Sales Up for the 7th Month in a Row in 2026

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) estimate of last month’s gun sales was up 2.2 percent compared to August 2025.

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.