Help with scope choice? Ring height?

[Badgersmilk]

My new baby!  Just brought her home today.  I admit I've held somewhat low opinion of Savage in past, but with EVERY review I can find in the last 2 years saying nothing compares for accuracy...   

Got to pick from four rifles of exactly the same model  (Model 93, .22 Mag.).  Metal part, & machining quality was virtually identcal, but the stocks were significantly different in color.  This one was by far darkest, and showed the most grain.

Now I'm hoping you fella's may know of a good scope.  I'm looking at a Leupold VX1 4-12X40mm, & a Burris 3-9x40 tactical right now.  But would sure prefer something with a 30mm tube.  Anybody know of something good in the $300-$400 price range with lifetime warranty???

Turtle gun:




If anybody else has this rifle (any caliber), what height rings do you recommend?

[MikeBjerum]

Ring height is a personal fit item.  I usually take the gun to the gunshop (actually do it right when I buy if possible) and try different ones.  It is all a matter of getting the scope in the center of your comfortable line of sight, and everyone is a little different.

All of that said, most of my rifles are set up with a medium height ring, but these model Savage have a high comb which might require a higher ring ... for me.

[Badgersmilk]

Most of the gun shops I can find around here only carry limited stock.  To get anything more than "bubba's deer rifle quality" parts I've always had to special order on the internet.  Only thing I can think of to try in this case is to buy a set or two of the low grade rings in different heights, see what height is best then return them and order the good rings.  I've seen a single piece scope mount for this gun I like but havent found it for sale yet.  And these look promising.


Been looking at scopes for hours now...  Believe I gonna go with the Leupold.

[fightingquaker13]

Hard to go wrong with Leupold. On the other hand, the ones that came with my Ruger M77 worked so well I've never changed them. Who'd a thunk it, Ruger knowing what fits their rifles? Does savage have any reccomendations, or rings? I would trust their quality if they do.
FQ13

[True_Texan]

I have a Howa 1500 in .308 that looks pretty darn close to that one. I prefer Leupold dual dove-tail rings with a single piece base for them, if you can get one. The dove-tail doesn't allow any adjustment that may get out of whack once they are cinched down.

I had to go with the super-high rings on mine but that is because the BSA scope I mounted has a massive objective diameter. It has a built in lens shutter/cap. If you go to Leupold's website they have a chart for choosing the right ring height.

I would suggest doing some research on the Burris scopes. I've heard that the quality in manufacture and customer service has really taken a dive into the crapper.

The Optics Zone has some pretty good prices.

Leupold Mounts Look for the chart under whatever type you choose.

[Sponsor]

[Badgersmilk]

WOW!  Pretty disapointing to see these comments at two different dealers!  

"We apologize, we are no longer carrying Burris Scopes due to quality control issues.
Burris used to be a "good old boy" scope and an American staple brand.
This is no longer the case.  The return rate has been high and customer
satisfaction has diminished.  We do suggest you consider other brands
like Zeiss, Nikon, Trijicon etc"


I'm gonna order the Leupold today.  Trying to stay away from adjustable objectives many other scopes over 9x have.  Nice for shooting paper, not so good for hunting (reaction time to fire).  Just gotta find the right base and rings now.  The Savage factory bases are aluminum.  They gotta go.  I've seen changing mounts and rings from aluminum to steel make noteable improvements on other rifles.

Nice Howa.  VERY similar looking!  Makes me wonder what relationship the two companies may have.

[alfsauve]

I've always gone under the rule-of-thumb that you want the scope as low as practical.   That said, the size of the scope's objective sets the minimum.  Then consider whether the scope will interfere with the operation or not.  And then lastly, given the stock configuration will your eye fall in line with the scope.   Will you need to make it higher because of a high comb, or will you have to raise the comb so you get a good cheek weld when looking through the scope.

I don't know what style mounts the Mod 93 has, but if it's a rimfire grooves, then I highly recommend BKL.  Sturdiest rimfire ring/mounts around.  http://bkltech.com/

Now when it comes to scopes, I prefer an AO (adjustable objective) on all my rimfires.  Reasoning being that because I'm likely to shoot at distances from 10yds to 200yds and keeping the reticle in focus at those varying distances takes an AO (or an SF...side focus).   I really like the Bushnell Legend 5-15x

That said, here's a picture of the same Savage stock but with a .223 centerfire and it is topped with Leupold VX-1.  For centerfires, I'm sold on the Weaver Quad Lock rings.  Not too expensive and seems to hold very well.   (Note:  Some Savage rimfires don't have the 11mm grooves but come with Weaver mounts.)





(yes, I know those aren't Quad Lock rings in the picture, but I have changed them out since the picture was taken.)

[Badgersmilk]

SWEET!  Thanks for posting the picture!  I think I just ordered the EXACT same scope you've got on yours...

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/scopes/vx-i-riflescopes/vx-i-4-12x40mm/

With LR Duplex.

Shopped and shopped, and found the best place to buy was Bud's (thanks to CurrieS103 for letting me know about them!)

From your picture I can tell I'll have plenty of clearance with mid / standard height rings.  I've got a question into two different companies that make Picitiny style one piece steel rails for short action Savages to see if their rails fit the Model 93 (mine came with 2pc. aluminum Weaver style bases bolted to the reciever).  One being Ken Farrel (recommended by Savage).


With his base I can probably use low clearance rings.

1100 rounds of Federal Game Shock 50 grain HP's comming too.  Call it hording, or whatever people want.  The gun's not much good without something to shoot out of it.  I fully expect our legislation to tax the crap out of this stuff very soon!  And I want matching lot #'s.

Now I've just gotta find magazines that hold more than FIVE rounds!!!  Or a volume discount on the five rounders!

[Rastus]

Scope height should be considered as part of the design of the "system" based upon your objectives.  If you will be shooting game with this that could be moving eye-scope alignment rules.  If, on the other hand, you patiently wait for a shot and want to minimize the difference between bore and scope axis then lower is best as it makes drop calcs in your head better.  For the most part, the difference between one size difference isn't much.

I go, however, for the scope being as close to the barrel as possible.   Works for me.