bases and rings recommendations

H

howardw

New member
As some of you know, I'm trying to build an accurate bolt
gun. While the jury is still somewhat out on the gun
(down to the VS and LTR, if I find it) and the scope
(considering tasco SS, IOR 2.5-10, Leup 3.5-10 varxIII),
I would like to know some good choices for rings and
bases (and best places to buy them). Since some of
the scopes mentioned are 1" and some are 30mm, rings
and bases for either might be needes.

And in general, do I need to buy something like
badger ordinance or mark4 rings and bases or would
standard leupold (for example) be adequate?

Thanks...

Howard Wilcox
 
Go with weaver-type mounts and rings. If this is for a 700 style, give Norm Chandler a call at Iron Brigade Armory and get his stuff. None better. I've got weaver-type mounts and Badger 30mm rings on my Mauser, and it's ROCK SOLID. With turn-ins, you will always have a very slight bit of movement in your optics. One-piece mounts are better than two-piece generally. Don't forget to lap the rings before installing the scope into the rings.
 
I've standard 2-piece Weavers on a few rifles but have recently gone to Luepold (old Redfield-type) one-piece 90 deg lock w/adjustable rear for coarse windage (which is a pretty fine adjustment once you get the hang of it). 4X rifles now with the Luepolds.

I think they look nicer than Weavers & hold their zero as good as Weavers. YMMV
 
Burris Signatures

Hey howardw, Over the years, I've used all kinds. Started with the Weaver Rings and Bases, had to use the Rugers on the Rugers back when I had them, then I used Redfield, Burris and Leupold Dual Dovetails.

No doubt there are some exceptionally strong mounts being made today (like the Mark IVs), but in order to really get the benefit of them, you have to drill and tap to larger size retention screws. Mounting them without doing that, gains you nothing over regular Dual Dovetails regardless of the make. Then you have to Lap them and hope the scope has enough adjustment. If the scope doesn't, then you start all over with some type of adjustable mounts.

Also agree that Lapping is needed on most Ring Sets today, but there are a couple of exceptions. Arnold Jewel makes a set you do not need to Lap because they are designed with floating precision steel inserts. No Lapping needed.

But, the BIG news (in my opinion) are the Burris Signature Rings. You can get these to fit Weaver style bases, Redfield style bases or in a Dual Dovetail configuration. They are designed like the Jewel Rings except these have floating "Synthetic Inserts". No Lapping is needed, they get the very best possible grip on the scope tube and there is no chance at all of maring or putting a skewed strain on the tube.

That alone would be enough to go with them, but, they also offer an "Eccentric" set of Synthetic Inserts in varying ammounts of "Off-Set". These allow you to compensate for windage issues if the barrel is not perfectly centered with the receiver, wide harmonics on thin long barrels, or the ability to "Shim" the scope for L-o-n-g Range shooting without having to buy very expensive Tapered Bases. Oh yes, the Off-Set Inserts only cost $12.50.

You owe it to your self to look at them and see what a great design they are. That way if you do go with something else, at least you will know about these. I'll be using them on all future rifle projects.

Good hunting and clean 1-shot kills, Hot Core
 
Pardon my ignorance, but what is 'lapping' the rings?
Also, what are the definitions of the following in
relations to scopes/bases/rings
(some of which I think I know and some I don't):

weaver
browning A-bolt
picatinny
STANAG
NATO

others??

Thanks...

Howard Wilcox
 
Lapping the rings means taking some cutting tool, mounting the rings solidly, and reaming the hole so that it is exactly the same size as the scope tube. This prevents excessive squeezing of the scope tube and possible interfering with its internal pieces.

I've been using Weaver or similar type bases and rings for fifty years with never the first sign of trouble with any of some five or six brands of one-inch scopes. I have also used a set of Conetrols on one of my rifles for some 30 years, now, with no problems, either.

I dunno what to say. I have heard of more problems with various types of guns and accessories since I've been on TFL for some two years than in my previous near-60 years of shooting. I must be missing something. :D

FWIW, Art
 
Besides a cutting tool (looks like an overgrown mill bit), lapping is also performed with a rod which fits the inner ring diameter (30 mm or 1"). Said rod is coated with an abrasive and you simply move it back and forth, lapping the inner portion of the ring as you go.
 
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