Rifle Scopes QR rings vs Fixed

[lennyo3034]

I am mounting a scope on an M1a. This rifle will be used for everything from shooting at paper to hunting to service rifle matches. I plan on removing the scope OFTEN. I am trying to decide between QR rings, or just standard rings and bringing my torque wrench to the range.

I care more about rings holding zero while on the rifle than returning to zero once remounted. This is because I will have time to rezero once I mount it on the rifle. I use a Wheeler FAT wrench and find it a PITA to bring it as well as a wrench to mount and unmount the rings at the range. I may look into buying a borka wrench in the near future.

The QR rings I'm looking in to are the Larue LT-719. If I went with fixed rings, they would most likely be the Nightforce Ultralight titanium.

Does anyone have experience or suggestions? Are fixed rings a big enough improvement over the Larue's to justify the hassle of bringing extra equipment?

 

[jbell]

Re: QR rings vs Fixed

For my $ I would get the NF rings. Not knocking the Larue, its great stuff but at some point and time if you remove and install the optic very often the QR cam will wear to the point of having a loss in accuracy. It isnt that big of a deal to carry a torque wrench to the range, and the peice of mind is worth it IMHO.

 

[lennyo3034]

Re: QR rings vs Fixed

Thanks, I didn't think about the cam wearing out. That is definately an issue since I'll be removing the scope almost every time I go to the range. I forgot to mention weight is also an issue. I assume the LaRue's are steel and probably heavier?

Thanks.

 

[223Rem]

Re: QR rings vs Fixed

Nix the QD rings and pick a set of quality horizontally split rings such as TPS, NF or Leupold Mk4 that utilize a locking nut.

QD rings are useful when in need of a BUIS or if the rifle is designed to be broken down for easy consealment/trasnsport.

 

[lennyo3034]

Re: QR rings vs Fixed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 223Rem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
QD rings are useful when in need of a BUIS or if the rifle is designed to be broken down for easy consealment/trasnsport.

</div></div>

I use this rifle for service rifle matches which is why I need to remove the scope. I also need to remove the scope for the rifle to fit in my pelican 1750 (shared with my bolt gun). Although I rarely use the 1750 so its not that big an issue.

On the other hand, a borka tool doesn't take up that much space so I think I will be fine just using the Nightforce rings and bringing one of those around whereever I go.

 

[bricktop]

Re: QR rings vs Fixed

You could just remove the mount altogether with the scope on it. I hear that Bassett mounts will return to zero fairly well when removed and mounted.

 

[lennyo3034]

Re: QR rings vs Fixed

I have a Bassett mount, but I prefer the ARMs or Sadlak, which are not easily removable.

 

[NoExpert]

Re: QR rings vs Fixed

To be service rifle legal don't you have to remove the mount anyway? Seems like a lot of work running a Sadlak or ARMS.

 

[lennyo3034]

Re: QR rings vs Fixed

True, but my club has loose rules. as long as I'm clearly using irons, I'm good. The last match I shot, I did with the ARMs mounted sans rings and scope.

If I were to do some real CMP matches, then yes the Bassett would be the way to go. I need to get the skill to do that first, don't think thats going to happen anytime soon.