I have a flat-top AR-15, which I haven't had very long. I just placed an order for a scope (a Mueller Eraticator) which I had hoped to use on the AR-15 until a more appropriate rifle comes along for it. I just assumed I would have plenty of choices for mounting the scope, but I guess I was wrong.

What I really want is a pair of scope rings that are removable with thumb screws or a lever -- something that doesn't require tools -- and will return to zero when I put them back on. The scope has a 1" tube, and the outer diameter of the objective lens is 2.45", which means 3/4" from the base to the tube or 1-1/4" from the base to the center of the tube. I don't really want to spend $100+ for scope rings.

Dumb question #1: are weaver and picatinny the same thing?

I see scope rings exactly like what I want pictured on scopes, but they never say who makes them. Does anyone have any good suggestions?

Check Brownells website, they have a bunch of rings for the picatinny rails along with a zillion custom parts for the ar15's.

If I'm not mistaken ... the Picatinny rails are different then the Weaver bases ... but only in actual dimensions. Conceptually, and visually, they are the same thing. They are dovetailed rail bases that have cross slots in them... and they use rings that are usually 'quick detach' style. I think that the picatinny is more the military style, while the weaver are more common in civilian use. I know that Weaver makes a quality product ... so if you want a suggestion, I would get a weaver base and quick detach rings and mount your scope. It should return to zero when you take it off and place it back...

Thanks guys!

I ordered (from Brownells) the Warne Maxima/Magnum <a href="http://www.warnescopemounts.com/quickdetach.asp">Quick Release</a> rings in 1" Ultra-High. Perhaps a little more than I had hoped to spend on a "temporary" mount, but they look like they will do the job quite well.