Advice for scope and bases for a Savage model 11 in 243

C

Crapulence

New member
I bought a somewhat new 243 savage 11 from a friend. I am looking for a good scope mount and scope setup for target plinking and the occasional deer hunt. My eyes aren't what they used to be and I would prefer a bright scope in the +-$400 range. After a brief look I was thinking of a BUSHNELL Elite 4200 4-16x40 . Most of my guns are pistols so I will be the first to admit that I know little about today's scopes. I just know that I haven't been impress with the crappier scopes that I have peered through on acquaintances guns.

I will also be needing a scope base setup. Some have suggested that I get a weaver adapter for the rifle and then get some good rings for that to help ease the transition to a predicted expansion of my rifle collection. I would have no real problem with this, the cost difference seems minimal but I worry that the extra layers of adapter will add to the relative slop of the setup.

My rifle also has iron sights, I plan on leaving these on as long as there is no clearance issue.

I would appreciate any advise on a selection that will work well. Feel free to point out the idiocy of my choices, as stated I have jsut started looking and are pretty ignorant about intricacies of scopes, mounts, rings and women. Thanks for the help.
 
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Mounting a scope on a Savage is a fairly easy task. Many manufacturers make bases and rings for the rifles.

Midway has nine pages of examples of mounts that fit Savage rifles, so you're going to have to narrow your choice down. One piece or two piece, Redfield system or Weaver style. They all work, they're all good, they don't have any slop in them if properly mounted.

I wouldn't call any of your questions idiotic, but as long as the base is mounted properly (degrease all holes, go slowly and try to get everything centered, use Loc-tite to make sure the screws stay tight) you shouldn't have any problems. In your price range, there are plenty of good scopes that will suit that .243 just fine.

I've got a Savage 11 in .243 and it's a fine little rifle. I have a Redfield system for mounting and have a good Simmons scope on it. It took one deer this year and it's one of my favorite rifles.
 
Actually mounting a scope on a Savage is a bit more problematic than most other rifles because they have a much greater distance between the front and rear mounting holes. Fortunately your short action is not nearly as difficult as a long action Savage. With long actions you must select your scope with care or they will be too short to fit inside the rings unless you use offset rings.

If you want to use the irons as backup sights I'd go with something on a Weaver base. Weaver rings aren't the best looking, but they work just fine and can quickly be removed and replaced while keeping zero. Almost anything that will fit the Weaver bases will work, just make sure it can be removed easily with a screwdriver if you ever want to be able to use the irons.

If you don't care about using the irons I've become a big fan of the DNZ mounts.
 
Nice scope for the money. I would get a Cabelas Alaskan Guide 3x12 EXT reticle has a 30mm maintube and a 52mm objective lens and about 4'' eye relief the cost 270.00. It has wonderful glass and then I would put the Burris Extremes scope rings on it once set you'll never ever have to worry about moving. Then as DnPRK stated the EGW 1piece base fits the bill you can order =zero,20 moa platforms, and then it will serve your plinking and hunting need the scope is also great in dusk low light. Good luck and have fun with your new rifle.
 
Go with What DnPRK Said. But just Get the Same Scope you were Planning on. You are Basically on the right road to your perfect rifle.
 
Thanks for the help all, I ran across a Bushnell 2.5-10X50 for under $300, I couldn't pass it up. I have the EGW rail ordered and think I may skip the quick detach rings (although they are sweet looking) . Was looking at Burris Signature Rings Some friends swear by them and the ability to add to my scopes somewhat limited elevation adjustment is a plus. I will take a look at the Extreme scope rings as well. I am going to wait on the rings until I get the scope and rail in hand. My savage has iron sights and I want to see the clearances before deciding on a height. I assume that the barrel looks a bit asstacular with the sights removed though Overall I wish they weren't there.
 
I just took off the rear sight, Is it considered blasphemy to install a setscrew in the hole to make things look less bubbified? I was also wondering what holds the front sight on. Is there a screw under the blade?
 
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