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Rifle Scopes Do I need to upgrade scope mounts?

hogfarmcaptain

Private
Minuteman
Jul 18, 2019
35
3
I bought a Savage 22-250 about 5 years ago for coyotes and it came with a Nikon 3-9 scope on it. Now that I’ve started handloading and pushing the limits of my guns I decided to throw a Vortex PST on it. I have to upgrade rings because I’m going from a 1inch tube to 30mm and I’ll be getting nice ones but not sure whether I need to upgrade the base as well. It’s still the weaver two piece that came on the gun. The first scope has held zero even when dropped but I’m thinking maybe I should upgrade just to be safe?
 
The 1 piece bases are far superior, and I think the same could be said for 1 piece scope mounts. to me it’s an inexpensive upgrade to increase your probability of being able to pull tight groups. I would spend the extra $60 or so and get one. I just put an EGW 20moa base on my 110 stealth ba. You may check them out.
 
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Second that, get a decent 1 piece base, either flat or 20moa, depends on how far you actually shoot. Then go on the trading post here and find a good used set of quality 30mm rings, it won't be hard. you'll be better off knowing that at least the scpe is being held properly.
 
One piece bases and one piece rings like Sphur almost certainly are more “true” but come with their own sets of problems on a bolt gun. Here’s my take.

I like to see what’s going on in the chamber without upsetting the rifle or my position. One-piecers tend to make you upset one or both of those.

Often, I also like to load rounds one at a time. Loading mags is a drag when you shoot 200-500 rounds a day shooting prairie dogs. Not seeing the chamber easily can make this more difficult (see above).

So, if your gun doesn’t have mags, like a BDL Remington and you might single load, if I were you I’d go to Murphyprecision.com and get a two piece base. He’ll custom make them for the same price if you doesn’t see them on his site. Stainless (black or raw) or titanium.

Then, buy Burris XTR Signature rings. The poly inserts should absorb the inherent small misalignment in the two-piece system, plus they allow you to dial in whatever MOA you want and they don’t scratch your scope. If your so inclined, you can even fiddle to get the scope exactly aligned in its optical center for your zero. I’m too lazy for that.

One final thought: one piece setups are going to be heavier than two piece. I don’t care, as heavier is better for me, but if you’re an ounce counter…
 
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