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Rifle Scopes The low down on bases and rings

I

imbradm

Private
Minuteman
Jun 11, 2012
21
0
38
Sherman, Texas
You guys were a great help with my scope choice (went with viper 6.5-20x50) so I figured I would tap the collective knowledge again.

Im trying to get the lowdown on bases and rings.
What is the difference between styles and manufacturers? Do I use turn in or picatinney style and why?
Whats the difference between Leupold, NightForce, Weaver, etc... And can I mix and match? Weaver base with TPS rings.
Whats a solid 20MOA setup that wont cost half as much as my rifle?

Thanks in advance.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

The Weaver 20moa base and TPS rings would be a great choice for someone on a budget. You want a piccatiny rail(1913) not a "Weaver-style" rail. The TPS bases would also be a good choice and only a few bucks more then the Weaver. I personally prefer steel bases over aluminum.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

There are a few high quality/highly respected brands out there Badger, NF, Seekins to name a few. Seekins is by far the Cheapest out of all the "top tier brands".

EGW, Burris XTR's, Weaver etc. All these will work but you will likely have to lap them as they are not manufactured as precisely or with such high QC as the brands mentioned above.

My last build I went with Seekins from SWFA. Rings and base came out to about $225 shipped. when I received them I was very impressed with the quality. Also like the fact that Seekins rings are serialized by the pair.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

What's your budget and timeframe? If you have time to spare, you can get into something which is normally out of your budget if you buy it used. There are some great used offers that come across the for sale sections (both the Optics and the Accessories sections often list rings and bases.)

I would make a list of the rings and bases you are interested in, know the heights of each of those manufactures since the same height rings often go by different names depending on manufacturer. For example, Nightforce Mediums are about equal to Leupold Mark 4 Highs. Spend a week or two being a hawk in the for sale section and you'll probably get into something great. I just saw a pair of NIB Seekins Low rings and NIB 20MOA Seekins base listed at $140 for everything.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

I spent to long on the scope and now am in a bit of a time crunch. I need everything done by Friday. (Range Day)
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

There's a pair of Leupold Mark 4 Highs (1.06") in the used area for $100. Might be a good option. It's about $30-$50 less than what you may be able to get them retail. Then again, I don't know your budget.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

an integrated recoil shoulder is a good idea, takes stress off the mounting screws. getting a 20MOA base will give you more elevation. buy quality rings and base the first time. doing so greatly reduces the chance of ring marks on your purdy new scope.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

NF makes a nice set of 20 MOA 2 piece bases. I used a set with some Warne rings and it worked out pretty nice. The bases are fairly high so I had to go with low rings on a 56 mm objective and 30 mm tube on a Savage bolt gun.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

Warne steel 20 MOA base is solid and less expensive than most seel bases, I purchased one ( recommended by a custom rifle builder ) and I like it, I have also used warne ( quick detach ) rings on my savage .308 and I didn't notice any improvement on accuracy after upgrading to badger ordnance, I think you can get warne 20 MOA base and QD rings for around $130 and you will be pleased with them.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

I went with the TPS 20MOA rail and rings for my 308, great quality and half as much as Badger, theyre way over priced IMHO.
IMG_0025-1.jpg
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BradMiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it unrealistic to get a nice set (rings and base) inside $100 ? </div></div>

Probably, but just because you don't get one of the top dollar rings/bases doesn't mean you're doomed. Rings serve a purpose as does the base, pick up an more budget friendly option and start shooting. Rings/bases are only bad if they are limiting your shooting ability and damaging your equipment. You might get some ring marks on your scope, but with the scope you have, it's unlikely that will cause its resale value to depreciate significantly more than normal. With the high dollar scopes, 2k and 3k people expect perfection and the marks cause a bigger hit than with yours.

The most important thing is to just do what you can so you can start shooting. As you meet people, you might find someone who can lap your rings for you. With time you'll figure out how to bed your base (watch LoneWolfUSMC's video on that at 8541tactical.com or on youtube). Maybe you'll be able to upgrade in a few months or maybe you'll find your budget friendly purchase works just fine as is.

I'd recommend the Burris XTR rings to start (about $50-$60) though you can sometimes find them used for $35. I'm not familiar enough with bases to keep you under $100 total, but there are options out there.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

Mr. Miller,

As long as you are OK without having the 20 MOA adjustment, if all you want is to get shooting quickly and straight, may I recommend a set of 2 piece Talley rings. For less than $50, you are shooting, we keep several sets around as they fit pretty well and seem to last.

Inevitably, someones scope is loose, or the base is loose. In order to prove out the rifle, I pull that stuff off, stick on a temporary set of Talleys, and shoot it. Half the time, I have to buy more, as the guys won't give them back ..... " no no, it's shooting good, I don't want to touch it"...

And unless you are out, way out there, you don't HAVE to have the +20 MOA.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BradMiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it unrealistic to get a nice set (rings and base) inside $100 ? </div></div>

Yes
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

Weaver Tactical 20 MOA base, TPS TSR steel rings, you'll be just barely over $100. Both serve me just fine, zero issues, no ring marks.
 
Re: The low down on bases and rings

becareful with tps rings. i bought a pair when i bought my uso and they sucked. after every shot the scope would move around in the rings. front, back, and twist. i got tired of always having to re level and re zero, so i bought some badgers. and for the record, yes they were tight. i had almost 35 inlbs clamping down on that tube
 
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