I hunt whitetail out of a tree stand in Macon, Mo. where it's mostly farm fields, corn, beans, etc. For the majority of the morning and evening hunts I stay in the stand, about 12 feet up, and use a Marlin 336 with a 4x Tasco. As many of the fields are several hundred yards long, I appreciate having a scope. After a lunch break though, I usually walk the fences and try to see what I can kick up, so I would like to be able to use the iron sights. My idea is to mount a QD scope mount, so I can have an optic on it while sitting, and take it off for when I walk around. Is that a silly idea? Would I be better off with just mounting see-thru scope mounts? I'm looking to replace the Tasco with a Leupold VX-7 1.-6x24, with the Circle Dot reticle. Are there any QD-style scope mounts that are well known to not lose their zero even if taken off/put on several times? Hate to play 20 Questions, but if I'm going to be dropping ~$800 on a scope, I want to pick the right one. Should I even be spending that much on a rifle that only cost me $400 or so? Thanks guys.
Rifle Scopes Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
- Thread starter kellogg2185
- Start date
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
I had a lot of luck with the A.R.M.S. #22 quick detach rings on a Rem 700 and an AR platform. Good solid rings.
Lee.
I had a lot of luck with the A.R.M.S. #22 quick detach rings on a Rem 700 and an AR platform. Good solid rings.
Lee.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
My father handed down his 336 30-30 to me. It had the same Kwik-Site see-thru mounts and Bushnell scope I cut my teeth on 30 years ago. I thought it was neat/cool back then, but having it in my hands now, I did not like how elevated the scope was as I could not get a good cheek weld. Getting it ready to hand over to my boy, this year or next, I have replaced the set up with a Leupy on DNZ Game Reaper mounts. He’ll be elevated and not stalking as this set up does not leave the iron sights as an option. The scout set up did not appeal to me, but have you looked at the XS Lever Rail system? It replaces the factory sights with a ghost ring rear (further back than the factory ramp), new front sight and a rail for a scout scope. Installation appears DIY. If you’re looking to replace the scope and you’re not opposed to scouts, this set up would provide a lot of flexibility…
As for spending the money, I just had to make that decision too. I mentioned it’s a 30 yr old gun, but it was my fathers, mine and now it will become the first deer rifle for my son and then daughter. So I sent it out to M.L. McPherson to work some of his magic. Then I had a load developed for it. (Turns out there was a headspace issue that fire formed brass corrected) This cost me double the “value” of the rifle. BUT, before I could not hit a softball at 100y with it and now its sub moa (.8 CTC is normal). It shoots as tight as my 300 and 270. For my situation, I look back on it as a good investment. Sorry for the long post and hope it helps some. I'd go QD over see-thru and check out the XS Lever Rail system.
My father handed down his 336 30-30 to me. It had the same Kwik-Site see-thru mounts and Bushnell scope I cut my teeth on 30 years ago. I thought it was neat/cool back then, but having it in my hands now, I did not like how elevated the scope was as I could not get a good cheek weld. Getting it ready to hand over to my boy, this year or next, I have replaced the set up with a Leupy on DNZ Game Reaper mounts. He’ll be elevated and not stalking as this set up does not leave the iron sights as an option. The scout set up did not appeal to me, but have you looked at the XS Lever Rail system? It replaces the factory sights with a ghost ring rear (further back than the factory ramp), new front sight and a rail for a scout scope. Installation appears DIY. If you’re looking to replace the scope and you’re not opposed to scouts, this set up would provide a lot of flexibility…
As for spending the money, I just had to make that decision too. I mentioned it’s a 30 yr old gun, but it was my fathers, mine and now it will become the first deer rifle for my son and then daughter. So I sent it out to M.L. McPherson to work some of his magic. Then I had a load developed for it. (Turns out there was a headspace issue that fire formed brass corrected) This cost me double the “value” of the rifle. BUT, before I could not hit a softball at 100y with it and now its sub moa (.8 CTC is normal). It shoots as tight as my 300 and 270. For my situation, I look back on it as a good investment. Sorry for the long post and hope it helps some. I'd go QD over see-thru and check out the XS Lever Rail system.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
Hey Kellogg...in a word, YES!!
I run ARMS, Larue and Warne QD rings/mounts on numerous rifles that I hunt with, including leverguns.
With a Marlin 336, I would go with the following setup:
1) the XS Sight Systems Lever Rail http://www.xssights.com/store/scope.html
2) Decide whether you want to run a traditional scope (mounted on top of the receiver area) or a scout scope with intermediate/extended eye relief (mounted forward of the receiver...I like the Leupold Scouts and the Burris Scouts with my favor going to the Burris in recent years)
3) Mount your preferred scope with either Warne QD, ARMS or Larue rings. Remove and re-install at your convenience.
I have several leverguns, including heavy-recoialing Marlin 1895 .45-70 rifles, setup in the same manner in both scout and traditional mounting positions. All of the rings I mentioned above, if installed properly on the rail and scope properly the first time, will return to zero within 1/2MOA or less.
Hey Kellogg...in a word, YES!!
I run ARMS, Larue and Warne QD rings/mounts on numerous rifles that I hunt with, including leverguns.
With a Marlin 336, I would go with the following setup:
1) the XS Sight Systems Lever Rail http://www.xssights.com/store/scope.html
2) Decide whether you want to run a traditional scope (mounted on top of the receiver area) or a scout scope with intermediate/extended eye relief (mounted forward of the receiver...I like the Leupold Scouts and the Burris Scouts with my favor going to the Burris in recent years)
3) Mount your preferred scope with either Warne QD, ARMS or Larue rings. Remove and re-install at your convenience.
I have several leverguns, including heavy-recoialing Marlin 1895 .45-70 rifles, setup in the same manner in both scout and traditional mounting positions. All of the rings I mentioned above, if installed properly on the rail and scope properly the first time, will return to zero within 1/2MOA or less.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
I use see through mounts on a couple of mine. Don't care to remove the scope. My hunting situation is a little different though. We dog hunt in North Florida so see throughs are the only way to go if you're going to have an optic on a rifle. You can go from a clearing to a gaulberry block in a hurry.
I use see through mounts on a couple of mine. Don't care to remove the scope. My hunting situation is a little different though. We dog hunt in North Florida so see throughs are the only way to go if you're going to have an optic on a rifle. You can go from a clearing to a gaulberry block in a hurry.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
ORD - with a traditional mount on a rail are you able to use the rear sight when you remove the QD?
I was unable to find my dream set up for a 336, so if someone happens across it, or builds it, let me know
I'd like a:
1) Pict Rail using existing receiver holes (EGW, XS has)
2) QD mounts (many have)
3) Standard scope (many have)
4) Front sight - existing or after market (many have)
5) Rear ghost ring - folding/flip up (can't find)
6) Rear move and fill factor rear ramp sight
I'd want the rear ghost ring to flip back or lay down when using the scope, and flip up and return to zero when in need of the iron sights. This would allow a standard scope mounted low for a good cheek weld, but be able to quickly use iron sights in the brush. Admittently not as fast as see-thru if you move from clear cut to field quickly, as Greedy does running dogs. See-thru would be the way to go in this case...you don't know in advance what the shot will be.
ORD - with a traditional mount on a rail are you able to use the rear sight when you remove the QD?
I was unable to find my dream set up for a 336, so if someone happens across it, or builds it, let me know
1) Pict Rail using existing receiver holes (EGW, XS has)
2) QD mounts (many have)
3) Standard scope (many have)
4) Front sight - existing or after market (many have)
5) Rear ghost ring - folding/flip up (can't find)
6) Rear move and fill factor rear ramp sight
I'd want the rear ghost ring to flip back or lay down when using the scope, and flip up and return to zero when in need of the iron sights. This would allow a standard scope mounted low for a good cheek weld, but be able to quickly use iron sights in the brush. Admittently not as fast as see-thru if you move from clear cut to field quickly, as Greedy does running dogs. See-thru would be the way to go in this case...you don't know in advance what the shot will be.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
Aimpoint T-1 on Larue QD mnt on a Benelli M4 works for me....
KJO
Aimpoint T-1 on Larue QD mnt on a Benelli M4 works for me....
KJO
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
I've been using these Leupold QR mounts on my muzzleloader for 15-16 yrs. Every year I'll remove the scope numerous times through out hunting season to clean the rifle (probably 15 or so times a year).
I have not had any problems at all with this system or losing my zero.
I've been using these Leupold QR mounts on my muzzleloader for 15-16 yrs. Every year I'll remove the scope numerous times through out hunting season to clean the rifle (probably 15 or so times a year).
I have not had any problems at all with this system or losing my zero.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
First get rid of the POS Tasco and get a quality low powered variable. It's a 30/30 so 5 or 6 power is more than enough for anything you will be doing with it and at 1.5 power you can use it for quick, close shot. In fact you will be quicker wit the scope than you will be with open sights.
Don't even think about putting see through garbage on it! It mounts the scope WAY to high to be able to get any kind of cheek weld. Plus all of them are cheap, flimsy things.
If you want DQ mounts you could go with Warne lever rings, I have several pairs and they work very good.
Sorry about sounding negative but I've seen way to many people over power a 30/30 in regards to the scope they put on it and then they go with some cheap ass see thoughs to compensate for it.
First get rid of the POS Tasco and get a quality low powered variable. It's a 30/30 so 5 or 6 power is more than enough for anything you will be doing with it and at 1.5 power you can use it for quick, close shot. In fact you will be quicker wit the scope than you will be with open sights.
Don't even think about putting see through garbage on it! It mounts the scope WAY to high to be able to get any kind of cheek weld. Plus all of them are cheap, flimsy things.
If you want DQ mounts you could go with Warne lever rings, I have several pairs and they work very good.
Sorry about sounding negative but I've seen way to many people over power a 30/30 in regards to the scope they put on it and then they go with some cheap ass see thoughs to compensate for it.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
I have a 1.75-6X Leupold using the QD rings/base set-up on my .375 H&H. Up here in Alaska and on my recent trip to Africa I have taken the scope off dozens of times and never had more than 1 MOA POI shift at 100 yds. Here's the rifle.
I have a 1.75-6X Leupold using the QD rings/base set-up on my .375 H&H. Up here in Alaska and on my recent trip to Africa I have taken the scope off dozens of times and never had more than 1 MOA POI shift at 100 yds. Here's the rifle.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
I am using Aimtech Second Sight on my Win. 94. It's a see trough Weaver rail, Nikon Prostaff (2-7x32)scope is mounted in Warne QRs. I like the setup very much, since it is low profile and the rail gives me the option to mount various aiming devices on it.
I am using Aimtech Second Sight on my Win. 94. It's a see trough Weaver rail, Nikon Prostaff (2-7x32)scope is mounted in Warne QRs. I like the setup very much, since it is low profile and the rail gives me the option to mount various aiming devices on it.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kellogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hunt whitetail out of a tree stand in Macon, Mo. where it's mostly farm fields, corn, beans, etc. For the majority of the morning and evening hunts I stay in the stand, about 12 feet up, and use a Marlin 336 with a 4x Tasco. As many of the fields are several hundred yards long, I appreciate having a scope. After a lunch break though, I usually walk the fences and try to see what I can kick up, so I would like to be able to use the iron sights. My idea is to mount a QD scope mount, so I can have an optic on it while sitting, and take it off for when I walk around. Is that a silly idea? Would I be better off with just mounting see-thru scope mounts? I'm looking to replace the Tasco with a Leupold VX-7 1.-6x24, with the Circle Dot reticle. Are there any QD-style scope mounts that are well known to not lose their zero even if taken off/put on several times? Hate to play 20 Questions, but if I'm going to be dropping ~$800 on a scope, I want to pick the right one. Should I even be spending that much on a rifle that only cost me $400 or so? Thanks guys. </div></div>
I've had Kwik-Site see through scope mounts on several guns and liked them OK. Unlike some, I didn't have an issue with "cheek weld." In fact, years ago, I took a Remington 742 with a Tasco scope in Kwik-Sites to my club's bench rest match and took first place in "Heavy C." They do put the scope up higher than I would like though.
I don't use QD mounts for handguns since I don't think any of them would stand up to the recoil of what I shoot. For bunches of Encore and Contender rifle barrels I use Warne QD mounts; these hold up well and return to zero even on an unbraked 300 Win. Mag. I use Talley QD rings on a 458 Lott and they also work well. I did try Leupold QD mounts on a 375 H&H Magnum several years ago and they shot loose.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kellogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hunt whitetail out of a tree stand in Macon, Mo. where it's mostly farm fields, corn, beans, etc. For the majority of the morning and evening hunts I stay in the stand, about 12 feet up, and use a Marlin 336 with a 4x Tasco. As many of the fields are several hundred yards long, I appreciate having a scope. After a lunch break though, I usually walk the fences and try to see what I can kick up, so I would like to be able to use the iron sights. My idea is to mount a QD scope mount, so I can have an optic on it while sitting, and take it off for when I walk around. Is that a silly idea? Would I be better off with just mounting see-thru scope mounts? I'm looking to replace the Tasco with a Leupold VX-7 1.-6x24, with the Circle Dot reticle. Are there any QD-style scope mounts that are well known to not lose their zero even if taken off/put on several times? Hate to play 20 Questions, but if I'm going to be dropping ~$800 on a scope, I want to pick the right one. Should I even be spending that much on a rifle that only cost me $400 or so? Thanks guys. </div></div>
I've had Kwik-Site see through scope mounts on several guns and liked them OK. Unlike some, I didn't have an issue with "cheek weld." In fact, years ago, I took a Remington 742 with a Tasco scope in Kwik-Sites to my club's bench rest match and took first place in "Heavy C." They do put the scope up higher than I would like though.
I don't use QD mounts for handguns since I don't think any of them would stand up to the recoil of what I shoot. For bunches of Encore and Contender rifle barrels I use Warne QD mounts; these hold up well and return to zero even on an unbraked 300 Win. Mag. I use Talley QD rings on a 458 Lott and they also work well. I did try Leupold QD mounts on a 375 H&H Magnum several years ago and they shot loose.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
QD rings will work for what you want to do, but what kind of rings are you using now?
Standard Weaver rings are very easy to remove if you have a short screwdriver or a dime in your pocket...a simple solution is often one that works out best in the end.
I never had much use for a scope on a lever action...within the range the cartridge is capable of taking game, 250 yards max or so, the irons worked out fine for me. A receiver sight is a big upgrade, and Midway has them on sale this month for the Marlin... If I had a Marlin, I'd buy one.
Anyway, it's your choice for an optic, but I wouldn't over scope that rifle. 2x is about perfect, but the 4x Tasco will be great too as long as it holds zero and isn't broken.
TC
QD rings will work for what you want to do, but what kind of rings are you using now?
Standard Weaver rings are very easy to remove if you have a short screwdriver or a dime in your pocket...a simple solution is often one that works out best in the end.
I never had much use for a scope on a lever action...within the range the cartridge is capable of taking game, 250 yards max or so, the irons worked out fine for me. A receiver sight is a big upgrade, and Midway has them on sale this month for the Marlin... If I had a Marlin, I'd buy one.
Anyway, it's your choice for an optic, but I wouldn't over scope that rifle. 2x is about perfect, but the 4x Tasco will be great too as long as it holds zero and isn't broken.
TC
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xkjc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry, I should have specified the flip up ghost ring would ride the last rear slot of the pict rail and lay flat/low against the receiver when not in use... </div></div>
I am not aware of anyone making a flip-up or folding GRS. That's a damn good idea though! You would think that someone out there, especially with all the folding BUIS systems on the market, would catch on a put a small, low-profile, folding GRS on the market for levergun and other applications.
The other option to consider, depending on your budget, is to get a variable power scope with a true 1x low end (or close to it like not more than 1.25) and a 4x high end. You can then leave the scope on full time and not have to worry about the QD setup at all. While I do remove the scopes on a couple of my leverguns when I know I'll be in heavy brush or where shots will almost certainly be quick/short-range, you can achieve the same with a 1x scope. It may or may not be as quick as irons/GRS, but it works extremely well. The other thing to consider is the scout setup. The Leupold (while stated to be a 2.5x) is actually a 2.3x while the Burris Scout is a 2.75. With both of these scopes, I can shoot both-eyes-open which makes for extremely fast target acquisition in the field.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xkjc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry, I should have specified the flip up ghost ring would ride the last rear slot of the pict rail and lay flat/low against the receiver when not in use... </div></div>
I am not aware of anyone making a flip-up or folding GRS. That's a damn good idea though! You would think that someone out there, especially with all the folding BUIS systems on the market, would catch on a put a small, low-profile, folding GRS on the market for levergun and other applications.
The other option to consider, depending on your budget, is to get a variable power scope with a true 1x low end (or close to it like not more than 1.25) and a 4x high end. You can then leave the scope on full time and not have to worry about the QD setup at all. While I do remove the scopes on a couple of my leverguns when I know I'll be in heavy brush or where shots will almost certainly be quick/short-range, you can achieve the same with a 1x scope. It may or may not be as quick as irons/GRS, but it works extremely well. The other thing to consider is the scout setup. The Leupold (while stated to be a 2.5x) is actually a 2.3x while the Burris Scout is a 2.75. With both of these scopes, I can shoot both-eyes-open which makes for extremely fast target acquisition in the field.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
I would go with Larue. I have never had any problem with any of their kit. Always works great. I am constantly taking my aimpoint off my AR and putting the Leupold 3-9 on it for the longer shots. Have never had any noticable change in POI with either optic. I have no experince with their rings, however, I would have absolute faith in them. Otherwise Mark wouldn't sell them. And if you have any problem with them, or they don't work quite like you want them. He'll take them back. No questions asked.
Patrick
I would go with Larue. I have never had any problem with any of their kit. Always works great. I am constantly taking my aimpoint off my AR and putting the Leupold 3-9 on it for the longer shots. Have never had any noticable change in POI with either optic. I have no experince with their rings, however, I would have absolute faith in them. Otherwise Mark wouldn't sell them. And if you have any problem with them, or they don't work quite like you want them. He'll take them back. No questions asked.
Patrick
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
Not sure if they make em for your rifle but I have had great success with Talley's setup. They are expensive but work great on hunting guns.
Not sure if they make em for your rifle but I have had great success with Talley's setup. They are expensive but work great on hunting guns.
Re: Anybody hunt whitetail with QD scope mounts?
Thanks for all the input guys, sounds like mounting a lower powered scope is the way to go. Will be a short while before I do it, but deer season's not too far off. Will post pictures when I finish it.
Thanks for all the input guys, sounds like mounting a lower powered scope is the way to go. Will be a short while before I do it, but deer season's not too far off. Will post pictures when I finish it.
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