A sighting assembly for a firearm includes a scope and a mounting clamp. The mounting clamp includes a ring cap and a ring base that cooperate to surround and hold the scope. The ring cap and ring base securely grip the scope without damaging the scope. Clamping forces are generally tangent to the scope to minimize or limit the formation of dents, grooves, or other types of marring and/or damage to optics or the body of the scope.