MSR - optics mounts with levels and canted bases

[samsquatch]

Hey gang. I'm new here, and my first question is about mounting a Sig Tango 4 on top of my Savage MSR 10 Hunter (6.5CR) . I went with the Savage and the Sig T4 for the weight savings, my objective is a haulable 900yrd semi-auto rifle.

I would like to make sure when I'm lining up for a shot that I have no cant in my reticle. My research shows me lots of choices for optics levels. I'd like to locate a solid scope mount that has a built-in level, bonus points for quick detach levers. I like the Larue 104/158 mounts, and the PEPR mounts, those all look solid and great. But is there a product out there that offers a mount with a built in level that does not protrude from the scope or mount body?

Spuhr offers a nice unit, but it looks heavy and it is over $500.
I remember seeing one brand that was about $180 - can't locate it now - that had a level under the ring.. Maybe it was the Multiple Retailers One Shitty Manufacturer (MROSM) type, engineered & manufactured god knows where. I see lots of airsoft MROSM crap out there too, I shouldn't need to tell you folks that I'm putting this on a 6.5CR rifle, not a toy.

Side note - I own a Sig Tango 6 with the levelplex feature (Awesome!) but I'm saving that heavier scope for a different build that I won't be hauling around.

Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Cheers

 

[b6graham]

spuhr. mpa. arc

QD is a waste, and never buy a larue mount

 

[samsquatch]

Oh, and I might as well ask my second question here too -- regarding optics mount fixed elevation bases (0 MOA, 10 MOA, 20 MOA). My question here might be an easy one, but I do not understand this stuff yet. Basically: what elevation base should I get for a 6.5CR? But to expand the discussion, let me mention this:
1. My Sig T4 scope has 21mils of elevation adjustment. When I mount a factory-new scope on my rifle, I assume that the elevation turrets are in the middle of the elevation adjustment range. Rounding a bit, let's just say that from the factory my reticle has +10 mils and -10 mils of adjustment. Now we mount it on the rifle and let's say the engineering & fit is perfect. Let's say the reticle is perfectly in line with the bore, and without touching anything we are spot-on for a 100yrd zero.
2. So now when using the reticle, I can dial 10 mils up for a long distance shot, and only 10 mils.
Crap, I need to get a slanted optics base, let's pick a 20MOA base.
3. Install the base, re-zero the optic -- in a perfect setting the new zero will be 5.8 mils up.
4. So now with using the reticle, I can dial 15.8 mils up for a long distance shot. Yay.

So my question here is two fold
1. Will I know in advance what base I will need for my scope and rifle - or is it completely dependent on how the optic mounts on a particular rifle (are they all that inconsisent?) and where my zero ends up in relation to the elevation turret?
2. Do manufacturers send reticles out the door with equal turret adjustment up & down in relation to the centerline of the scope body, or do they favor the up knowing people will only be dialing for long distance?

 

[b6graham]

get a 20moa mount. the MSR isnt something you just get a new base for like a rem700. it's kinda the upper

turret adjustment basically equal. not favored one way. you are sometimes even below halfway

 

[samsquatch]

spuhr. mpa. arc

MPA BA Mount doesn't appear to have a level in it - at least from the photos. Can you confirm?

 

[b6graham]

MPA BA Mount doesn't appear to have a level in it - at least from the photos. Can you confirm?

you dont need a level to determine you aren't canted.

 

[samsquatch]

you dont need a level to determine you aren't canted.

? Can you explain?
I'm talking about reticle cant.

 

[b6graham]

? Can you explain?
I'm talking about reticle cant.

so am i.

Do I need a bubble level?

Hello guys, yes, I´m a beginner to LR shooting so I beg you to be kind. I see some use a bubble level and some not. It kind of makes a lot sense to me, not to cant the rifle of course. But do I need a bubble level for that? And if so, which one would be useful (placement etc.)? Any response...

www.snipershide.com

 

[samsquatch]

OK. While not going into an argument about if a level is needed or not, I am going to pretend I WANT one to train myself in proper shooting mechanics and head/body position.
Thanks for the heads up on the ARC, I like that one. I just got off the phone with them, it's 7.8oz. Light enough.

Anyone else have more affordable options for a 30mm one piece mount, with anti-cant level, and quick disconnects? Thanks.

 

[b6graham]

not trying to sway you, but why QD? you realize the time difference between QD and torquing with fix it sticks is about zero right?

 

[sam4886]

First, I agree about ditching the QD. IMO, they just leave levers hanging out there to catch on stuff and scrape fingers. Shouldn't really be necessary for a precision rifle either. They add weight too.

More options for mounts.

RRS makes one, so does AADMOUNT. They're both about $300 though....

 

[Laseredge]

Badger and Nightforce. No QD, no bubble. Badger is sub $200, both are made in the US.

 

[stevieb92]

I have one of each of these on my 6.5 CM gas gun and it works wonderfully as a system. Shop around for a better price on the mount.

Precision Extended Cantilever 34 mm Mount

Precision Extended Cantilever Mount

vortexoptics.com

30mm Ultra Low-Profile Billet Scope Level

MK Machining 30mm Ultra Low-Profile Billet Scope Level a sleek, ultra low-profile design, designed for maximum usability and easy installation.

mkmachining.com

 

[samsquatch]

30mm Ultra Low-Profile Billet Scope Level

MK Machining 30mm Ultra Low-Profile Billet Scope Level a sleek, ultra low-profile design, designed for maximum usability and easy installation.

mkmachining.com

Youch, they call that thing "low-profile"? I guess I'll have them advertise my beer gut next.

 

[b6graham]

Youch, they call that thing "low-profile"? I guess I'll have them advertise my beer gut next.

Look at pretty much any other one. 1/4"+ thick around the scope. Bubble level itself is longer with way more material around it. Basically solid plastic from the pivot to bubble

 

[stevieb92]

Youch, they call that thing "low-profile"? I guess I'll have them advertise my beer gut next.

Agreed. I didn't name it, but when in a prone shooting position, the bubble is easily visible around the turret without too much other bulk.

 

[stevieb92]

Look at pretty much any other one. 1/4"+ thick around the scope. Bubble level itself is longer with way more material around it. Basically solid plastic from the pivot to bubble

The one I linked is made from 6061 Aluminum. No plastic.

 

[samsquatch]

Agreed. I didn't name it, but when in a prone shooting position, the bubble is easily visible around the turret without too much other bulk.

Is that what peeps do, mount the level in front of the ill/plx turret? why not behind it?

 

[stevieb92]

Is that what peeps do, mount the level in front of the ill/plx turret? why not behind it?

I don't know what peeps do, but I mount mine in front of the illumination/parallax knob. If it's mounted behind the knob, it blocks the numbers on the knob. Mine are mounted exactly like this...

 

[samsquatch]

Just found a Weaver model. only 6ounces. Not QD, but it is light and affordable ($120). Thoughts?

Buy 34mm Fixed Premium MSR Optics Mount and More | Weaver Optics

Shopping for the 34mm Fixed Premium MSR Optics Mount - Learn more about the latest Universal and other hunting or shooting gear at Weaver Optics.

www.weaveroptics.com

 

[samsquatch]

Oh, also the Warne mounts, cantilevered like the others, QD option not available with 20MOA. 6.7oz. $200.

QD XSKEL30TW, 30mm Quick Detach mounts, Black -

Patent Pending Dual Quick Detach levers for fast installation and removal Lightweight, Skeletonized aluminum body and caps to reduce overall weight without sacrificing reliability. #8 Torx style fasteners with steel threaded inserts to prevent stripping. ?Extended design provides over 2...

warnescopemounts.com

 

[TonyTheTiger]

Aadland is tits.

 

[loveha]

Do you plan to take the scope off a lot? Never understood the need for QD.
I buy Nightforce mounts. They go for roughly $230, and they are high quality lightweight mounts.

 

[samsquatch]

Do you plan to take the scope off a lot? Never understood the need for QD.
I buy Nightforce mounts. They go for roughly $230, and they are high quality lightweight mounts.

I would like the option - for more room in the safe. but otherwise I guess I don't mind trying to find a "tactical" style rifle case.

 

[Jsp556]

Nightforce Unimount and one of these.

KAC-Knight's Armament Picatinny Rail Mount Anti-Cant Device

Knight's Armament Picatinny Rail Mount Anti-Cant Device (30855)

www.operationparts.com

 

[samsquatch]

Howdy folks. I'm back with an update. First, thanks to everyone that responded to this thread, it really got me going in the right direction for my scope base and level. I ended up with the GG&G FLT fixed mount, and the KA level that fits right in under my eyepiece. its visible when in sight picture, so that's a win for me.

Now, for the update. I made my first shots with this rifle today (yes I've had it for 10 months and today was it's barrel break in and sight in day!). To sum it up, I am disappointed in how fast I got on paper.

1. Number one, I didn't bore sight it. Learning experience, next time I will bore sight first.
2. Second, I made my first shot at 50 and didn't hit my 12" target, so I moved it to 30yrds. I got on paper, but was 20" low.
3. By the time I corrected for it and started to zero at 100 yards, I was UP 13.5 mils on the Sig Tango 4 elevation turret.

Now, If I zero my scope to this setting, I will have 21-13.5= 7.5 mils of usable elevation adjustment for long range. Will me buying a 20 or 30 moa base fix my issue and allow me to get more elevation adjustment back?

 

[sam4886]

Yes, that's the idea of a 20 moa base. After zeroing your scope, are you actually limited to 7ish mils, meaning you were actually on the scopes mechanical middle?

A picture of your scope/base/rings set up might help too.