Sako Owners: Are Optilock Mounts the best option?

[Longrifle2506]

I want to mount a Leupold VX-3 4.5-14x40mm scope on my Sako 75 Finnlight, which has had a Bushnell Elite on it since I bought it in 2003. I'm thinking maybe it would be a good Idea to upgrade the scope mounts too; and that's where I could really use some opinions. I currently have Leupold Ring-Mounts on my Sako; but I was wondering: Are the OptiLock Ring-Mounts better than Leupold; or is Leupold just as strong? Keep in mind I'm not interested in the OptiLock mounts that involve separate bases. I'm just interested in the Optilock Ring-Mounts; which are $144.

Does anyone have the OptiLock Ring-Mounts? I came across a couple of threads on the web where OptiLock owners had trouble with the Recoil Pin hindering the ring's ability to fully tighten. My Leupold Rings have been very good. But I was just wondering if OptiLock's might be stronger than Leupold? I can justify spending the money if I'd be getting a stronger mount; but if I'm not gaining any strength then I'd rather keep the Leupolds. Thanks for any help.

Also, in the event I do stay with my medium height Leupold Rings, will they mount a Leupold 40mm Obj just fine without touching the barrel? Right now, the Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10x40mm has paper thin clearance. But I was thinking that a Leupold, with its longer eye relief; will mount a little more forward and clearance may be fine. But, anyone with experience in this sector; I would greatly appreciate any help/knowledge.

 

[rcmodel]

Well, I'm not a SAKO owner, but:

Leupold rings have been very successful for a lot of years for good reason.
In fact, for a lot of years they were about as good as you could get at an affordable price.

And apparently your old scope didn't come flying off and land in the weeds?

So, if it was me?
I wouldn't spend $144 to fix it if it isn't broken.

rc

 

[Longrifle2506]

I really like the Leupold Rings. I made a shot on a coyote in New Mexico at 327 yards with that set-up. I really think their medium height should be okay for the Leupold's 40mm obj.; I found out on OpticsTalk that the Leupold's 40mm is 1.8" and the Elite 40mm is 1.87" so with it being a hair smaller in diameter, plus longer eye relief, I was hoping it will ride perfect on the Sako. Thanks for your reply and reassurance on the Leupolds. I ordered them brand new in 2003 and they are excellent rings; but I have a curiosity about the Optilocks, after reading about them. I think Talley makes rings for Sako's but I don't like the appearance of them.

 

[627PCFan]

I have a T-3 so same gun, but my go to mount for my 30mm scope is a Leupold system. The only other recommendation I would give is for the DNZ one pieces (I use for my 1inch tubes). I like them because they are just a simpler system and pretty rugged IMO. Like RC said dont spend money you dont need to Get some fancy scope caps

 

[Longrifle2506]

That's one thing I love about the Leupold is I can get the fancy Alumina Flip-back caps. That's exactly what I'll buy too; especially if I don't buy any mounts. I didn't realize DNZ made something for Sako. I'll check it out for sure.

 

[HKGuns]

I don't think so, I use Leupold rings on my Sako's.

 

[bhk]

I have Leupolds on one Sako and Talleys on the other. I really, really like the Talleys.

 

[warbirdlover]

I think the only possible advantage to the optillocks is the floating ring that won't ding up your scope. But for the money they want there are alot of options that function just as good.

 

[Longrifle2506]

Well, so far we haven't heard anyone on here that swears by the OptiLocks; so far I think I can rule them out. I really do like the Leupolds. Thanks for your posts guys.

 

[jehu]

I have 5 Sako rifles all with the Opilock bases and rings and they are rock solid. I have rifles with Leupold bases and rings all so and they are very good but I would rather have the Optilock seperate rings and bases on my Sako than the Leupold but would rather have the Leupold than just the old Optilock rings that dove tail on.