Help with base/ring selection

[Peakbagger46]

I just bought a Sako A7 and have confused myself over ring/base selection. The rifle came with aluminum weaver type bases that I intend on replacing. After some research it seems the Sako and the Browning A-Bolt take the same bases.

I intend on replacing the bases with steel ones (it's a 30-06 that I intend on hunting hard with and shooting quite a bit) but am not sure what to get. Should I stick with the weaver type, or would a dovetail be stronger? Can I even put dovetail type bases on this rifle?

 

[jmr40]

Dovetail type bases are not particularly strong. Dovetail and windage adjustable were designed for rifles that had the mounting holes drilled incorrectly and prevented the scopes from having enough windage adjustment. No need to use them on modern rifles with mounting holes drilled at the factory.

The Weaver type bases are much stronger. If you are sold on steel rings I'd use some made to fit in the Weaver bases. These are well recommended.

http://swfa.com/Burris-Zee-1-Rings-P1284.aspx

Personally either the DNZ or Talley Lightweights are all I'll use anymore. Since the base and lower ring are 1 piece they are actually stronger than steel. They are much lighter and much easier to mount.

http://swfa.com/DNZ-Game-Reaper-1-Scopemount-P56239.aspx

http://swfa.com/Talley-Lightweight-Aluminum-1-Scopemount-P2830.aspx

 

[Outlaw Man]

I agree, a good set of Weaver-style rings/bases are just what you should be looking for. I like Leupold, but DNZ or Talleys are certainly a fine choice.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Nothing wrong with the Weaver bases. I currently have 12 scoped rifles with Weaver bases. Also one rifle with a DNZ mount, and one with the old Redfield dovetail style base/rings. The DNZ is on a rifle that it looks right on...matte finished steel & camo stock.

Here are some Burris Z-rings mounted on Weaver bases.