Mount and Rings for Leupold Scope

I've not mounted a scope to a rifle yet and not familiar with how to buy compatible mounts and rings.  I just bought a Savage 111 30.06 with holes drilled for mounts and I'm thinking of buying a Leupold 3-9x40 VX-II scope for it.  I noticed that Leupold also makes various mounts and rings.  Can you recommend a particular Leupold mount and ring set I can use to mount the scope with that will fit the predrilled holes in the Savage?  This is probably not new to you but I prefer they should be steel and hold the scope securely and not budge.  I want to avoid sights that are too high, see through, or swing away.  Thanks.

http://swfa.com/EGW-Picatinny-Rail-1-Piece-Scope-Mount-P46211.aspx

Edited by 308 Sav - September/22/2011 at 12:31

I rather prefer Talley mounts. The two piece (base and ring bottom = one piece, and ring top the other) mounts are lightweight, strong and functional. You do not have to use Leupold brand mounts if you find something you like better. You just need to order the ones designed for your particular rifle. All the makers post charts for reference. Scopes are typically either 1" tubes or 30mm tubes. The Leupold you mentioned is a 1" tube. The other consideration is height. There is some variation there depending on the scope size. For example, a 40 mm bell size may take either low or medium mounts depending on the manufacturer. With the Talley I mentioned above, I believe the low will work with bells up to about 44mm. Check the websites for specifics.

BTW, WELCOME to the OT Forums.


Edited by bugsNbows - September/22/2011 at 06:22

Welcome to the OT.  I concur with bugsNbows.  The Talley lightweights are very good scope mounts.  That being said they mey not be the best optionfor your Savage.  But I believe that the tube length on the scope you mention will not give you any mounting issues on your Savage.

http://swfa.com/Savage-C2564.aspx   I prefer the one piece ringmounts from

SWFA SS 6x42 Tactical Riflescope Stock # - SS6X42 Matte Mil-Dot 30mm Rear Focus OK for .50 cal 1/4 MOA

$299.95

SWFA SS 3-9x42 Tactical 30mm Riflescope Stock # - SS39X42MQ Matte Patented First Focal Plane Mil-Quad Reticle 30mm OK for .50 cal 0.1 MRAD

$599.95

While I've used Leupold bases and rings, I think you'd be much better off going for Burris Signature Zee rings, and then using either a quality Leupold, or quality Weaver style base. 

The only Leupold base/ring combo I would use would be the dual dovetail setup if you're set on Leupold.

I have some dual dovetail Leupold and over time switching them around I have worn them out to the point that they are not tight enough for accuracy, same with the Leu quick release  I wore some of those out, and the standard Leu I've worn out also. If you switch scopes very much the Badger Ordnance is the ticket or at least TPS or Seekins Precision but for a simple basic system that wont be taken on and off the Talley lightweight one piece has two screws to leupolds one screw so the pressure on the scope tube is more eaven and you eliminate the problem of having an attachment point between ring and base which can cause problems over time.

I would think the combination suggested by 308 Sav would be more than adequate. The one-piece rail eliminates any problems with scope placement on the long action, and PRWs are stout steel rings.

Thanks for all the information and quick response.  Very helpful.  I think urimaginaryfrnd talked me into the Zeiss scope.  I looked at the Talley one-piece scope mounts and I'd go with them but the link said the mounts fit either the Savage 111 "w/flat rear" or the Savage 10/12/14/16 "new round action".  Isn't my Savage 111 a round action?  Would that be a problem?  I don't know for sure.  If that's a problem then I'll gladly go with 308 Sav's recommendation for a one piece rail and PRW rings.