FX No Limit vs Sportsmatch (ATP61) adjustable scope mounts

I have used both mounts extensively on various PCP air rifles for over a year. Both hold zero as well as their non-adjustable counterparts, even when I carried the guns by the scope (which I often do, and do not wish to debate right now :) ). Both are made with very good materials (screws that don't strip, clean finish on aluminum). In short, both do the job as promised perfectly, and are worth the price.

So, what is different about them? In short, No Limit mounts provide far more adjustability. And, the Sportsmatch mounts have a nicer finish.

Sportsmatch ATP61 mounts look fantastic - especially on Daystate and Air Arms rifles (no surprise, since they are made in England). The color and finish match the shroud on my Wolverine so well that it looks like they were made specifically for it. FX mounts are more "angular" and lack that "soft", matte finish seen on Sportsmatch mounts.

FX No limit mounts have enough adjustability to zero an air rifle well beyond 200 yards (Of course, the maximum angle depends on how far apart they are mounted on the scope). That was the furthest I tested them, and I used less than half of the potential angle of the mounts. In my best guess, No Limit mounts have 2-3x more potential adjustability than the Sportsmatch rings.

Both rings suit their manufacturers perfectly. I say this because although both are adjustable, their designs came from very different origins. The Sportsmatch mounts are clearly designed for air rifle use - and more specifically for English air rifle use. They have that "style matters" look to them - the same kind of detail put into Daystate, Air Arms, BSA, etc. Sportsmatch did not design an abundance of adjustability into the rings because it was not needed, given the English power restrictions and [comparatively] close-range hunting style.

The FX mounts were made for air rifle use (of course), BUT they were also made to compliment FX's line of arrow-shooting guns. Arrows fly slower and drop considerably faster than pellets. Without adjustable mounts, most scopes would run out of elevation in 30 yards or less. And since these arrow guns are capable of sub-inch 3 shot groups at 50 yards, it would have been a real shame not to be able to stretch things out. Using the No Limit rings, I can zero my arrow guns as far away as 100 yards (furthest tested). They are a must for any arrow-shooters.

Have a look for yourself. Sportsmatch ATP61 on the left. FX No Limit on the right.







 
"ajshoots"Ted, do you "lap" the FX or Sportsmatch rings? Great write-up!!
No. Both rings have very good inside surface. And alignment is never an issue because they are adjustable. I just leave the adjuster screws loose while I am mounting the scope. This ensures that the rings both fit to the scope as flush as possible. Once the rings are tightened down on the scope tube, I then go ahead and adjust the "tilt".
 
This has me surprised. Amount of adjustment hadn't come into conversation with my friend who had the FX rings. Here in the UK, the UK wholesaler won't stock FX adjustable rings.....just as they won't stock many other FX products ..... because apparently there is no market.

It was the Sportsmatch's extra screw for fine adjustment that won it for us, as well as price. With them, the furthest distance I have tried to zero a centred scope to is 50 metres; and it never occurred that I should try to max them.

Before using vertically adjustable rings I had great doubts over their ability to keep zero...but that was based upon a friend's poor experience of rings that had both vertical and horizontal adjustment. I have never, at least with air rifles, had a more reliable set of single leg rings than the Sportsmatch vertically adjustables. I have no idea why, but I have knocked and torqued them while slipping and sliding down banks and yet they don't move.

 
Great review, and pictures. But, in the last picture, the FX ring tilts more, but even the Sportsmatch tilt seems to be more than can possibly be used on a rifle. 

Picture not one ring, like shown in your last picture, but two of these rings, on a scope, mounted on a rifle, both rings adjusted to their maximum tilt. In that picture, I can't see that "usable" tilt being as far as even the Sportsmatch can tilt. I believe a picture of two FX rings mounted on a scope, set to tilt down to its maximum limit, next to a picture of two Sportsmatch rings doing the same, would be more informative. 

The FX ring in your last picture, paired with another FX ring approximately 6 inches apart, would require the rear ring to be an inch taller for the scope to be mounted in both rings, and, the front of the scope would bang against the barrel of most rifles. 
 
"coclimber"Great review, and pictures. But, in the last picture, the FX ring tilts more, but even the Sportsmatch tilt seems to be more than can possibly be used on a rifle. 

Picture not one ring, like shown in your last picture, but two of these rings, on a scope, mounted on a rifle, both rings adjusted to their maximum tilt. In that picture, I can't see that "usable" tilt being as far as even the Sportsmatch can tilt. I believe a picture of two FX rings mounted on a scope, set to tilt down to its maximum limit, next to a picture of two Sportsmatch rings doing the same, would be more informative. 

The FX ring in your last picture, paired with another FX ring approximately 6 inches apart, would require the rear ring to be an inch taller for the scope to be mounted in both rings, and, the front of the scope would bang against the barrel of most rifles. 

The FX rings also have a fair amount of elevation on them as well , if you look at the second photo it shows , maybe Ted can post up another pic showing how much elevation is in these rings. I use the FX rings as I like to keep my reticle in the " sweet spot " of its adjustment 😉
 
After further thought, I ask that any engineers throw in their opinion whether there is more strength in one larger screw (FX) or two smaller screws (Sportsmatch). Sorry, (I am not prepared to disassemble an adjustable Sportsmatch at the moment) no exact sizes but comparing screws from a spare screw I'd say the screws are M4; and they both fit a 3mm allen/hex. Measuring the screws on screen then scaling, I'd say the FX screw is M5.

I don't have material strength either!
 
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Anyone familiar with this one? Unnamed at Game On 

 
"Dirte"I wish they centered on the rail like BKL rings. Does the scope cant much with either of these?
I had the same thought, coming from BKL rings which I really thought were perfect vertical, zero cant.

Mounted the Sportsmatch rings on a 11mm scope rail, and I have to say there isn't much cant as well, from what I can tell visually, it too looks perfectly vertical as the BKL rings I had replaced.

While on topic, I was very impressed with the machining quality on the Sportsmatch rings.