Best zero retaining mounts and Best choice of scope?

H Wally

H Wally

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
193   0   0
Location
Canada/New Zealand
I'm planning to get a commercial husqvarna in 6.5x55. I need a set of mounts and scope that I can depend upon. My needs are: A mount that can be removed for the use of irons and be replaced with perfect or near perfect zero retainment and a plain jane very dependable scope, preferably variable. I had been set on a leupold until I read Leupolds most recent warranty alterations... now I'm not so sure. Though I do like their worldwide lifetime warrantee.

So:

1) Best mount that allows both irons and scope useage. Removeable (Leupold QR), tipoff, side mount, you name it. Must be easily removed and replaced.

2) Best choice of built like a tank basic model scope. Variable preferred, especially when the irons can't be used without removing the scope.
 
The most success I have had on rings holding zero upon reinstall have been the Burris Sig ZEE ring w/ inserts and Weaver or pic bases.

Except maybe milspec scope, ALL sporting optics can fail if abused enough. I try and min damage and my scopes seem to last.

At present, the best value for price vs optics and mechanicals has been the Sightron line up. My second place would be the Bushnell Elite 4200 line up.

Let me know if I can help you source some stuff.

Jerry
 
mysticplayer said:
The most success I have had on rings holding zero upon reinstall have been the Burris Sig ZEE ring w/ inserts and Weaver or pic bases.

Except maybe milspec scope, ALL sporting optics can fail if abused enough. I try and min damage and my scopes seem to last.

At present, the best value for price vs optics and mechanicals has been the Sightron line up. My second place would be the Bushnell Elite 4200 line up.

Let me know if I can help you source some stuff.

Jerry
Click to expand...

I don't abuse my stuff much at all, just that the most failures I've seen on guns have been the scopes and mounts. I frankly don't trust them, so want something built to withstand the most horrible abuses possible in the hopes that it won't just die on me randomly. And a good warranty.

That said - do bushnell service their guns if they suddenly die on you? I certainly do like the Leupold lifetime international warranty.

My reason for the quick release or otherwise removeable mounts is that A) I don't trust scopes and B) that in the areas I hunt you can go from a 100-300 yard clearing to dense brush very very quickly. Until now I've dragged around a mosin nagant sniper rifle for the simple reason that the scope and mount assembly are built out of steel and bombproof while the mount is a side mount, so you can switch from scope to irons within a second for close up shots.


Edit - I see that sightron has a lifetime warranty.... that certainly intrigues me.
 
bearkilr said:
Not sure if Talley makes bases for your gun, but they're a great set-up. You're looking at about $150 total, bases and QD rings.
Click to expand...

I agree with Talley Quick Detach rings and mounts.

In an experiment I shot 10 groups (5 shot) using the Kimber .22 I had the Talley rings on.

1/2 of the groups were shot with the scope left alone, the other half I removed and remounted the scope between every round. Group averages were equal whether the scope had been removed or not.

While not cheap you can use open sights in thick bush and then confidently mount the scope for longer shots. If you go with the lever/tab style it is completely tool-less to go from sights to scope and back.
 
Not sure if they are perfect but on an old 270 I have, it has weaver tip off mounts/rings and when I tip them off and back on the zero seems to stay the same. I have only done this as a matter point at the range because the guns sights had been removed years ago. Also I believe they are inexpensive if there are some for your gun.

Chad
 
I have been using the Leupold Quick Detach rings with great success. I have had them on my hunting rifle for years and I take them off to switch optics quite often. They have never lost their zero. I hunt with a 2 X 7 optic and it works great; I can consistently hit paper plates from 4 to 400 meters swiftly. I also use the rifle for long range shooting so I switch to a 6.5 X 20 for shots 400 - 1000 meters. When I switch from one optic to another they have NEVER EVER shifted their point of impact. Leupold says they might change point of impact ½ MOA but it has never happened to me. My optics are Leupold as well. Their warranty is awesome.

I know people are upset with Korth Group about the new import regulations but if I were putting a new optic on a rifle that I absolutely had to depend on it would be either Leupold or an ELCAN. Elcan might be an option as well. They are tougher than any hunting optic you are likely to buy, have great glass and also have those little sights on the top for the up close stuff. I watch guys use them for everything from 5 to 500 meters. I see them on the EE regularly for reasonable prices. These are the optics that I feel are the best value for the dollar. You might find them a little expensive but with optics, more than most things, you get what you pay for and you pay for what you get.

As an aside note, I have never been a fan of the lesser priced optics, however; I am rethinking that stance somewhat. I bought a spotting scope 20 years ago for a really low price at Walmart or Canadian Tire (forget which). It failed just before a match 2 weeks ago. That freekin peeved me! But really, what can you expect from a bottom end optic. I sent it back to see if there was a warrantee; fully expecting I would wait 6 – 8 months for an “Are you serious” letter. A new one was on my door step 7 days later when I got home from work. The scope was Bushnell.

Good Luck in your project! Hope my $0.02 helps.
 
I have used the Leupold quick release mounts with good success in the past, very dependable but maybe a bit pricey. The Burris signature zee rings are very good too and maybe a bit less expensive.

For optics, I have completely switched to Vortex Optics. They have price points right from $150 all the way to $2500, so there is sure to be something there to work for you. Plus their warranty is no fault unconditional lifetime, and they have a Canadian distributer in Ontario who backs up that warranty and offers excellent customer service.
 
I have been using the Burris Sig Zee and they are surprisingly good. It's a PITA though to change them over IMO. I would like to get a set of QD

As for Scopes, I am LOVING my Sightron II Bigsky. It's going back and forth between my 30-06 and my 22LR with NO issues. Very nice optics, is holding zero, is resettable for each gun with accuracy and the warranty and price is right.

Is it the best, Nope, but it is working.
 
The real problem that no one has mentioned is the action surface and the holes drilled for the mounting bolts. If the surface is true and the holes drilled properly, most any ring will work going on and off.

Problem is MOST actions are not true and their base holes are not straight so you get an uneven surface for the bases. Now the rings, most are actually very well manf, go on wonky and the scope is bent during the install.

Where do you think Ring Marks come from?

With being under tension, the scope springs when you remove it. You will rarely be able to reinstall exactly the same so POI shifts occur.

Ring lapping is a common solution but not one I endorse. I am not a big fan of ellipitical rings. It is also a one shot deal and with the cost of some rings, you better really really like your set up.

That is why I strongly recommend the Burris Sig ZEE rings. Those inserts 'absorb' most any alignment problems so your scope tube is true. Now when you take the scope on and off, it stays put. The steel construction is also very nicely done and the hardware is very strong.

Some will go with a one piece base which can reduce the issues BUT will not eliminate it if the action is really wonky. Anyone that has a tough time sliding a proper fitting ring along the rail knows all about the twisting that can occur. It doesn't take much to hang things up.

So get the action surface checked and holes drilled true and/or use the burris rings and live happily ever after.

Jerry
 
Good point Jerry. I bedded both my bases ensuring that "windage" was perfectly aligned (or at least the best I could) When I swap I have to adj 2 clicks on my windage and about 40 on my elevation between the two guns to get acceptable performance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom