Rifle Scopes What makes a rail better or worse?

[trickyric]

I have a Leupold rail on my Remington 700. I was at the store and I noticed the Millet rail for the same scope mount was $50 and I paid $120 for mine.
I got to wondering "it's a piece of aircraft grade aluminum. It doesn't have any moving parts or sliding function. It's gets locked down on the action and rings get screwed to it.
So was I an idiot for wasting $70 bucks on a name or was there really something better with the Leupold I purchased.

 

[SIG700]

Re: What makes a rail better or worse?

Leupold rails are made with magic pixie dust to make them better.

In all reality, you did pay a little more for the name, however you also paid more for a precision piece that more than likely was made to tighter QC specs. Also, while I cannot say this for sure with out having both rails in my hand, I'm sure the fit/finish of the Leupold is superior to the Millet. Don't forget about each companies warrenty, Leupold has Lifetime. Millet has ? (I haven't a clue). Also, if this matters to you, Leupold (like Magpul) is designed/manufactured in US., Millet manufacturing is China. *Edit* Leupold bases also can accept 8-40 screws if you desire, Millet.... not so much*

If anything else, consider it an investment that if you ever have to sell, you'll get more money for the Leupold than the Millet.

My .02

 

[bricktop]

Re: What makes a rail better or worse?

I have a $40 EGW and a $70 Talley. The EGW is 6061 and the Talley is 7075. I think you can tell the difference between the two, the 7075 definitely feels like it will take more abuse. The Talley is a bit more precisely machined too, less rounded edges (for whatever that's worth). Of course I'm perfectly happy with the EGW and would definitely buy another.

 

[Rhenerie]

Re: What makes a rail better or worse?

Theres alot of scope mounts out there. Some are machined from billet stock, some finish machined from extrusions. Aluminum,steel even titanium are used. You pay for material/machining/tolerances and QC. Typically a mount fully machined from billet stock will have the tightest tolerances, and then different companies hold tighter then some.

I havent used a leupold, but i'd bet its fair to say its a superior product over millet.

 

[hdbiker1]

Re: What makes a rail better or worse?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rhenerie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Theres alot of scope mounts out there. Some are machined from billet stock, some finish machined from extrusions. Aluminum,steel even titanium are used. You pay for material/machining/tolerances and QC. Typically a mount fully machined from billet stock will have the tightest tolerances, and then different companies hold tighter then some.
</div></div>

I agree with what was said above. For me, I also look for a recoil lug. Even if it isn't needed, it just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside knowing it's there. But that's me.