Newbie needs help mounting scope on Savage 12 FV

[P51D]

Hi, all. New member to this forum, but I've been reading it for a while and have found a lot of great advice. THANKS.

I have a Savage Model 12 FV in .243 on order. I'll use it for punching holes in paper and popping milk jugs full of water at 150 yds or less. Maybe groundhog hunting if I can find a good spot. Loading my own ammunition, so if you have favorite loads for this rifle, I'm listening.

I'm deciding between a Leupold 3-9x 40mm VX-1 or a Nikon 3-9x 40mm Buckmaster scope. Comments welcome here.

And I need help on mounting the scope. It's a "short action" rifle. Savage website seems to do a good job specifying scope bases in terms of part numbers that will fit. But what about 1 piece vs. 2 piece base? Advantages / Disadvantages for each? Weaver vs. Non-Weaver? Looking at a Midway catalog there seem to be other choices as well.

And what about scope ring height? Low, Med, High, Extra High, ARRRGGGHH!

Finally, why aren't there (or are there?) scope rings that mount directly to the receiver, eliminating the base? Seems it would adhere to the KISS principle, fewer parts to fail, loosen, etc.

So to summarize my Q's:

1. Leupold 3-9x 40mm VX-1 or a Nikon 3-9x 40mm Buckmaster scope?
2. 1 piece vs. 2 piece base (pros & cons)?
3. Scope ring height?
4. Rings that mount directly to receiver?
5. Anything else I forgot.

THANKS

P51D

 

[kimberfan]

1: SWFA super sniper 10x

2: i like 2 piece Leupold STD mounts. one piece is better for range (you can get 20MOA tappers and really reach out there)

3: medium will work fine for 40MM scopes

4: only on ruger rifles.

5: that's it.

 

[skinewmexico]

Make it easy on yourself, get the dednutz mount. I like one piece bases on Savages like Farrell, or EGW. Makes it easier to mount a scope, and Burris Signature zee rings are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

 

[ECVMatt]

I have had great luck with these...

Very straight forward, Rings mount directly to the gun, and they are strong.

http://www.talleyrings.com/lightweight.php

930725 1" Model 12 New Round Action (Low) BA $41.95

I would go with the Leupold, I have lots of them and have had zero problems.

I really don't have a problem with two piece bases. I like to carry my rifle with my hand under the scope and over the bolt. I can't do this with a one piece base, so I gave them up some time ago. I have seen no real difference in accuracy between the one piece and the two.

I think you are on the right track with your thinking. Keep it simple. Buy a good scope without all the dohickies, mount it in a simple and strong base, and have some fun.

Good luck,

Matt

 

[DrDeFab]

+1 on the talley rings.

 

[Steve in PA]

Savage 12FV .223, Mueller Tactical 4-16x50mm AO, Warne 1" high scope rings, don't remember the bases right now.

 

[dagger dog]

You can't go wrong with either scope you mentioned , they are both reliable peices if glass.

The Warne bases in one peice are a good choice, along with their split vertical rings, like the #6 post picture. The weight is a factor in choosing the Warne one peice base and Perma split vertical rings. Almost 3/4 of a pound. The plus is a rock solid system that will not shift when properly installed.

 

[P51D]

THANKS for all the input. And so quick!