I thought this would be a good first post to share on Sniper's Hide. I recently ordered 2 Uni-block mounts from RRS, after reading Frank's post. Once I installed them, I decided to send RRS my initial impressions, and when Micahel Haenel at RRS replied, he suggested I share my thoughts on this forum. I've included my original email message to RRS below. As of this writing, I plan to take them out to the range next week, and will write Michael to follow up. Cheers.
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Dear RRS,
When I read Frank's post about your Uni-block scope rings on the Sniper's Hide forums, I quickly ordered two for my precision rifles. I've used your excellent camera gear for years (long before I started rifle shooting). Together with Frank's positive initial impressions, it gave me the confidence to order your scope rings sight unseen. Immediately upon arrival, I installed them on my two best long guns, and will take them up to the range as soon as I can. But even before I do, I believe I can offer feedback which you may find of some value, and would also like to ask a question or two.
But briefly, let me preface my review by stating that I've come to trust Spuhr mounts for nearly all my rifle scope needs. I currently own over a dozen of their mounts in various forms (i.e. cantilever). Their excellent reputation among discriminating shooters is as well-deserved as yours among photographers. For me, they have served as the industry standard. So it is from that perspective that I've largely drawn my impressions.
My initial thoughts? Your scope mount is outstanding! To start, they look beautiful. The lines are sleek, with no sharp edges where none are required. Each component oozes of fine engineering and manufacture, and the finish feels wonderfully smooth. The use of Torx screws is very much appreciated as they're my favorite type of fastener for these purposes. But you went the extra mile by designing the side plate that secures the mount to the rifle to fit flush with the body of the mount. This makes the sides as narrow and unobtrusive as possible, which prevents cut or bruised knuckles when operating guns with side charging handles.
The integrated bubble level is, of course, helpful for precision shooting, and eliminates the need to add yet another component to the system. In comparison to the Spuhr's, yours seems slightly more visible when I'm in shooting position.
I believe there is an error in the instructions, which says that T25 heads for the rail mount screws. But during installation, I discovered that the screws for the rail mount use a T20 head. Perhaps, the instructions were not revised to reflect a design change, or they were simply incorrect?
Also related to the Torx screws, why not use a single Torx head size throughout the mount, as Spuhr does? They use a T20 for all the screws, thereby requiring only one tool, which simplifies installation.
Without shooting the guns yet, I will refrain from making my final conclusions. Even so, my overall impression at this moment is that you've hit a home run with this new mount. Its design, function, looks, and feel are in keeping with all your photography accessories I've ever used, and its quality meets the highest standards which I've come to expect from RRS. Well done, indeed.
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I managed to take one of my rifles up to the range today. The RRS mount held a Kahles K624i atop my LWRC 20" REPR. The rifle shot extremely well, holding consistent groups throughout the session. The ring screws did not loosen, nor did those for the rail. The scope held zero without fail. The integrated bubble level was easily visible while I was behind the gun in ready position. All in all, the mount performed as I expected.