Differences in scope mounting systems?

[Ash]

Fundamentally, there are two basic styles of scope mounting on bolt action rifles (or, the two most common), the Weaver style and the twist-in style (Leupold, Redfield, and Burris, to name the most common) with the rear secured by side screws.

Generally, the Leupold method seems to be the more high brow, as it is the method generally employed when doing shooting evaluations or when showing an idealized photo of a rifle. But, in talking reality, what advantage does the Leupold method truly have over the Weaver?

Lets assume steel Weaver bases and rings versus the steel Leupold or Redfield base with steel rings. What are pros and cons of either method?

Curently I own a Savage 111 (back when the 111 was the deluxe model) with a Leupold single piece base and rings) and a Savage 110 with a single piece Weaver (actually made by Tasco in the 1970's) base with steel rings. Ditto for two Mossberg 810's I own.

Ash

 

[rockstar.esq]

Differences:

Price

Aesthetics

Both types can be made crappy through poor installation / misaligned parts. Neither one seems superior when used properly. At least the Weaver / Picatinny / 1913 rail stuff allows more flexibility. Personally I find the pricing WAY too high in terms of build quality. My opinion might also be influence by a complete lack of magnum rifle related scope mounting.

 

[USSR]

Ash,

All my rifles have picatinny rails, kinda like a Weaver type on steroids. Got zero use for the hokey twist-in Redfield/Leupold type mounts.

Don

 

[BrainOnSigs]

Got zero use for the hokey twist-in Redfield/Leupold type mounts.

I've had excellent results using "hokey" Leupold bases and rings. It's all I use on my high end rifles. Installed and lapped properly will ensure an undamaged scope that is aligned correctly.

 

[R.W.Dale]

If you put a scope on a rifle to stay Nothing beats a STEEL Redfield turn in style base and ring combo.

If you like to swap around optics a Weaver style mounting system is the way to go.

 

[CDignition]

The twist in mounts are ok for hunting rifles, but if you are into Tactical use, or longer than 400 yards, Badger is the best on the market..

Get a slanted 20 or 30 MOA base(picatinny) and Badger rings...this is the bomb Proof setup, and makes the twist in look like Airsoft mounts...

Here is my setup on my AR10 Badger 22 MOA base, TPS rings...USO Glass...

 

[BrainOnSigs]

if you are into Tactical use, or longer than 400 yards, Badger is the best on the market..

Badger's are awesome. I have been having good luck with some of the new LaRue QD offerings. I love my new SPR mount.

 

[Husker1911]

Nothing wrong with the Weaver style mounts/rings. However, one occasionally runs into the problem of the scope running out of internal windage adjustment when zeroing the rifle. The advantage of the Leupold/Redfield/Burris system is that one can apply windage movement into the rings, thus centering the scope's internal windage adjustment.

 

[CDignition]

If you have 20/50 MOA of error in Windage, there is something seriously wrong with your Scope mount/Receiver...

 

[USSR]

Get a slanted 20 or 30 MOA base(picatinny) and Badger rings...this is the bomb Proof setup, and makes the twist in look like Airsoft mounts...

+1.

Don

 

[Husker1911]

If you have 20/50 MOA of error in Windage, there is something seriously wrong with your Scope mount/Receiver...

Used food does happen, like I said, occasionally. Mount enough scopes, you'll encounter the phenomenon, too.

 

[UnforgivingMin]

Weavers are ugly but tough. The twist-in style looks a little more elegant, but the rear ring's connection to its base is relatively weak.

Personally, I'm a big fan of Talley bases and rings. Conetrols are great too, probably the prettiest on the market, but you need three hands, plenty of time, and lots of curse words to get them installed...

 

[berettashotgun]

Anyone ever use the Nikon ring/base system? I have used leupold and weaver style and like both, but the permanance of leupold is a good thing for me.
I don't shoot many calibers that need 20+ moa built in, but I do regulary shoot 585 yards. With my mil-dot LEUPOLD or 4200 Elite scopes. Never have any problems, but those targets ain't life or death.

 

[redneck2]

I've gone to Burris Zee rings. They've got the floating piece that self aligns to the scope body. Eliminates the need to lap rings. Seems to work OK so far.

I'm not a fan of Weaver style. Just don't seem to hold as well for me. I had one set that had issues with the set screws being too short, and they would back out. Burris has eliminated any problems. YMMV.

 

[TooTaxed]

HUSKER1911 has the answer! With a Leupold system, set the scope windage to zero (center), then use the rear mount to get windage zero, which will maximize the amount of windage available in the scope. Best done at 25-yds. Fire a test shot, then if the shot is left, loosen the right screw a quarter turn and tighten the left screw. Adjust as needed until your windage is zero on the target. Then, at 100-yds, use the scope windage to zero.

 

[SUBMOAS]

Burris Signature Rings...

redneck2 I've gone to Burris Zee rings. They've got the floating piece that self aligns to the scope body. Eliminates the need to lap rings. Seems to work OK so far.

I'm not a fan of Weaver style. Just don't seem to hold as well for me. I had one set that had issues with the set screws being too short, and they would back out. Burris has eliminated any problems. YMMV.

+1
You should really look at these... Great rings......
http://www.burrisoptics.com/sigrings.html