Scope Mounting Question

Any precision shooting or scope experts here willing to weigh in?

Setting up my new hunting rifle and would like to set it up properly so I at least know that I am the issue when it comes to accuracy, and not the rifle/scope/set up. Budget friendly hunting rifle set up here but want to set it up correctly and the best/most accurate way possible. Rifle is a Weatherby Vanguard 7mm long action. Just purchased a Vortex 4-16 x 44mm FFP scope. My question is should I go with a picatinny base then rings or should I look at these rings that mount directly to the gun. See link: https://weatherby.com/store/weatherb...-scope-mounts/

Seems like the rings that mount directly to the gun eliminates more areas for tolerance issues/failures, etc. Or do you guys suggest going with a picatinny rail, rings, etc. Thoughts?

Go with a rail- you will have more flexibility if you make changes down the road (which you likely will)

I think a one piece mount is also more accurate/stable.

I'd say rail as well, be sure to torque all screws to proper values and I generally clean the screws and threads prior to mounting.

Thanks all! Would you guys recommend a good set of high quality rings 30mm, that won't break the bank. Ideally ~$100 or so? Do I need to spend that much on rings? Thanks again for the advice!

While I run a steel NF base and MKIV rings on my rig, I'm partial to Leupold for reasonably priced mounts. They have a Backcountry series. Bases are $50, Rings $120 (retail).

https://www.leupold.com/shop/mounts/series/backcountry

I?d take a look at the Hawkins rings. A little more than what your looking to spend but top quality and a Colorado company.

If you go to rokslide and search scope mounting you will find a great process that will greatly stack the odds in your favor.

Good luck!

For a hunting rifle and for $50.00 the Weatherby rings would be hard to beat. You would have plenty of access to the action when the bolt is open. Less sharp edges and one less point of failure.
If something didn't line up you would be dealing with one company. Rare in this day and age.

Unless you are planning on shooting out well past 600, no reason to go with a rail. Even then, hybrid rings (Hawkins and Burris as well as others) have rings with built in MOA for ranges past 600ish. Rails add a level of complexity, height, interferes with the ejection port that is just no longer needed. A long time ago, with weaker actions and not much elevation in the turrets, rails, with built in MOA were the only solution. All of the issues that rails "solved" no longer exist as the manufacturers of the rifle and scope you have corrected those issues with materials, manufacturing and tech advances.

Warne makes great rings that are suitable, as does Weatherby, Seekins, Vortex that will all be suitable for your rig. But like RussDXT, take a look at Hawkins. I have their rings on most of my rifles now, and every time I change a scope on a rifle, the rail goes in the trash and Hawkins rings go on.

Double post somehow. :(

Thanks for all the great advice!