Sendero Range Report: Good, bad, & broken badger rings!!

[Buckskinner]

Finally got my handloads (72.6 gr. RL22 pushing a 180gr. Sierra Prohunter spitzer) together for the Rem.700 Sendero ("stainless fluted"). I got to shoot on our range's 200 yard lanes (a rare luxury for me), and am happy to report that this thing is a "tack driver"! For me, sub moa accuracy has always been elusive. Well, after the cold barrel shot, the next three were in the bull, touching! ...I was pretty excited. Another three round group with same results got my buddy excited, as in "Let me try, Let me try!!"

His first shot went wide. Now he's generally a much better shooter than me. He competes 'n' stuff even...So I took the rifle back and it wouldn't group for me anymore! WOW, BIG problem...

I should mention I've got Badger Ordnance Max rings and his very cool machined base. The scope is a Burris Signature 8-32 (Good glass!)

HERE'S THE PROBLEM: When I get the thing home and start checking all the torque settings, the forward ring mount to base nut was a little loose. I tightened it, and it essentially snapped the claw mount piece, which although sold as machined appears cast. BAD JUJU!!

So I ask my fellow rifle afficionados, does anyone have similar experience with Badger Rings? Maybe I'm the dummy who paid $135 for the rings that didn't last 50 rounds...I will email Badger and Premier Reticle, and repeat this post at Snipercountry.com for info.

BTW, this rifle came with a muzzle brake and recoil pad system from Answer Products. They say this system brings the felt recoil down to that of a .243. I don't know about that, but I can tell you that this Sendero kicks less than my 1903 or Garand!

 

[Quintin Likely]

The Badger rings and base are very solid. The uber-tactical snip...err...precision marksman I've seen with a 1913 rail setup on their guns usually go for the Leupold MK4s or the Badger set, and from what I've seen, the Badger sets are better finished than the MK4s are. I'd give them a call and let them know what happened.

 

[dakotasin]

i would be shocked and disappointed if badger didn't treat you right in an expedient fashion. hope you update... i am contemplating my next long ranger and am thinking of going badger base and rings, so would like to hear how they do you...

 

[Buckskinner]

Purchased from Premier Reticles...

I'll give these guys first crack before I go to Badger.

A308, I know what you mean about the "uber-tac" guys, and I guess I"m a wanna be. I've shot alot of mammals over the years, and none of them were over 100 yards away, even though I'm in the West, where the vaunted 4-600 yard shots are made every elk season...

I just want something that goes boom, won't break, and makes one little hole in something far away, using the best components available to my check book.

Other acquaintances of mine, who are actually professional shooters on the payrolls of LE agencies all exclaim "No way!" You can't break Badger Rings, which is why I bought the darned things to begin with...

Do they have a "citizen" grade that is of less quality than another grade?

I'll keep y'all posted...

 

[Quintin Likely]

A308, I know what you mean about the "uber-tac" guys, and I guess I"m a wanna be. I've shot alot of mammals over the years, and none of them were over 100 yards away, even though I'm in the West, where the vaunted 4-600 yard shots are made every elk season...

I didn't mean any disrespect about the "tactical" thing. A super strong set of rings and mounts are important on any precision rifle, especially a hard hitting mag. Some scopes need the extra 20 MOA or so some of those bases offer to get waaayyyy out there too; I know my Vari-X III 3.5x10 doesn't have enough elevation to make it to a 1000 yards, but then again, neither does the shooter.

I've got the el-cheapo Leupold 1 piece base and dovetail rings on two rifles I own, and thus far they've held up well, but I've been kicking around the idea of replacing the ones on my 700VS with the Badger setup for a while now. In any case, from what I've read, Badger and Premier are both stand up companies, I would be extremely surprised if they didn't square you away ASAP. Every company makes a fluke set at one time or another.

 

[Buckskinner]

Response from Premier and Badger

Premier responded quickly that I should contact Badger. Badger responded even more quickly. He is shipping two new claw mounts out, no charge. He is shipping the set, as he says both should be replaced at the same time in case the remaining one was stressed also.

Now that's customer service!

A great product combined with great customer service equals a customer for life.

 

[JStordahl]

Buckskinner:

Badger Ord will treat you right. What torque setting are you using to tighten the ring/crossbolt nuts? 65 inch pounds is correct. So far, I have had no problems with the three sets on my Model 70s. Top notch company and product. Good luck.

 

[Buckskinner]

Here's What Badger said:


"Please forward your shipping address and I will ship you 2 new clamp feet.

Please replace both clamps because if one was stressed both might be. They are made from 4140 steel hardened to 32Rc.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Thanks

Marty
Badger Ordnance "

This answers the materials question..

 

[schapman43]

Buckskinner, you need to get ahold of a torque wrench. The rings need to be torqued to 65 inch pounds. Make sure you use inch pounds and not foot pounds . Badger is a great company to deal with! I love their products.

 

[4v50 Gary]

First time I heard of Badger stuff breaking. Good to hear that Badger will do you right. Thanks for the post.

 

[dakotasin]

thanks for the update.

the way badger treated you has just sold a badger base and rings to me...