30mm, M40A1 Unertl style base/rings?

[Dvando20]

Are there any places that can custom build a high quality M40A1 Unertl style welded one piece base/rings in 30mm?

I am budget building an A1 clone using an SWFA 10x MIL/MOA which uses a 30mm tube. I am currently using a Badger steel 20moa base and steel Max-50 rings because I like durability, but just doesn't look vintage enough for me (pics attached). Rifle will be used at some local fun PRS style matches and some vintage matches but I can't justify the expense for a Unertl 10x or USO.

I was going to use the 30mm Leupold dual dovetail rings but the Leupold only uses 3 screws for the base. I would prefer it utilize all 4 base screws, have the ocular cutout, and have the rings be welded to the base for durability.

How durable will the welded Unertl style mount be compared to my current Badger setup? Durability is my #1 priority with this build, esthetics is #2. I think the current setup is bomb proof, but just not that 1980's A1 vibe I am looking for. I will drop the cash on a custom built Unertl style 30mm welded base/rings if the durability, quality and reliability is there.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

P.S. I am also posting this in another thread incase you see it pop up twice.

 

[Random Guy]

How durable will the welded Unertl style mount be compared to my current Badger setup? Durability is my #1 priority with this build, esthetics is #2.

I suspect the contemporary set-up you have is far more durable than the old Unertl set-up, mainly due to the strength of the rings. I am not a mechanical engineer, but the clamping force of those huge BO Max-50 rings with 6 screws is far more than the the 'skinny' original Redfield rings with only 2 screws for clamping forces. (I presume the heavy-duty “Max-50” rings were designed/marketed for the big 50 BMG caliber).

Unless you are a machinist or good friend's with a talented machinist who can custom make an old style Unertl mount but with 30mm rings, I think you are looking at a very expensive one-off custom mount. The strength of the rings attached to the mount will also depend on the quality of the welds, and the skill of the welder. So no one can answer in any quantitative sense what is "stronger" re your current set-up or a custom-made mount, as their are different variables, but I still say those huge Max 50 6-screw rings are about as durable/strong as one can find..

If you want a more vintage look but with a stronger scope rail that uses all 4 screws, perhaps consider some 30mm rings with round profile tops and single screws on each side. Attached is a ‘poor mans’ M40sih build with the same scope you have, but with round top rings. Its not my rifle, and I don't know what rings these are, perhaps Burris, but not sure. Your current Picatinny rail is not retro looking of course, but a more retro option would be a an old Weaver-style rail that can be found on eBay from time to time.

For the most proper vintage look, I think 30mm Redfield rings for the dovetail mount are on eBay for about $20, and the Redfield 1-piece dovetail bases are about $10. The bases only use 3 screws as you noted, and perhaps someone could weld the rings to the base once the rings are fitted and perpendicular to the bore - but as noted, your current rings are likely far more durable than this 'retro' looking option. Remember, 20 years ago the USMC updated the old M40A1 Unertl base and Redfield rings with a new scope base and much bigger rings with the M40A3 update, as their goal was increased durability and more flexibility re optic mounts for the old Unertl 10x scopes. If durability is your #1 concern, stick with what you have. My 2cts.

 

[Dvando20]

I suspect the contemporary set-up you have is far more durable than the old Unertl set-up, mainly due to the strength of the rings. I am not a mechanical engineer, but the clamping force of those huge BO Max-50 rings with 6 screws is far more than the the 'skinny' original Redfield rings with only 2 screws for clamping forces. (I presume the heavy-duty “Max-50” rings were designed/marketed for the big 50 BMG caliber).

Unless you are a machinist or good friend's with a talented machinist who can custom make an old style Unertl mount but with 30mm rings, I think you are looking at a very expensive one-off custom mount. The strength of the rings attached to the mount will also depend on the quality of the welds, and the skill of the welder. So no one can answer in any quantitative sense what is "stronger" re your current set-up or a custom-made mount, as their are different variables, but I still say those huge Max 50 6-screw rings are about as durable/strong as one can find..

If you want a more vintage look, perhaps consider some 30mm rings with round profile tops and single screws on each side. Attached is a ‘poor mans’ M40sih build with the same scope you have, but with round top rings. Its not my rifle, and I don't know what rings these are, perhaps Burris, but not sure. There are other options for the scope rail, but a more retro option would be a an old Weaver-style rail that is pretty easy to find on eBay and elsewhere. But as noted, your current rings are likely more durable than about any other 'retro' looking option. Remember, the USMC updated the rings and scope base with the M40A3 twenty years ago, as their goal was increased durability and more flexibility re optic mounts for the old Unertl 10x scopes. My 2cts.

Thank you. That was the input I was looking for. I am just a sucker for classics but don't want to degrade the durability. I think the only thing I could upgrade at this point is the #6 screws to the #8, but my smith says it isn't really worth it, he has been doing this a very long time and spins up an amazing bbl.