Preview: Warne XSKEL

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. 

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.