I know this is an optics question, but I thought my question might be better served here in big-bores:

For the scope, I'm most likely going to use a Leopold VX-2 (2-7x) or VX-3 (2.5-8x, maybe 1.5-5x). What I really need help with is deciding which rings and base to use. I've used Talley base/rings before on a .270, but not the QD bases, and not on a M70 .375 H&H Safari Classic. What do you guys think about this setup for such a rifle? How about the Leopold rings/base? Something else?

For me, form follows function (for rifles), so "pretty" doesn't matter so much. I appreciate the help.

Hi Eric, I use Leupold QR bases and rings on my Win375 and I have 2 scopes set up to use with the bases, Leupold's 3x9 for more open country and the 1.5x5 our dense high country, I found this a top setup which covers all my hunting needs. My smith is making a peep sight which I can drop into the rear base which will give me open sights when it's pissin down with rain, all bases covered, Les

quote:

Originally posted by tracks:
Hi Eric, I use Leupold QR bases and rings on my Win375 and I have 2 scopes set up to use with the bases, Leupold's 3x9 for more open country and the 1.5x5 our dense high country, I found this a top setup which covers all my hunting needs. My smith is making a peep sight which I can drop into the rear base which will give me open sights when it's pissin down with rain, all bases covered, Les

My friend, we think alike! I too plan to have too different scopes, just like you described. Thanks for the reply.

I've got talley's QR's on my M70 stainless 375. Before that I had the Leupold QR's (not their QRW's). I like the talley's better because the bases don't overhang the loading port like the leupold's do. On the leupolds the rear base sticks out over the loading port about 1/3". It didn't interfere with ejection, but I just didn't like it.

I have used QRW mounts with no problems on a 375. However, I was just at my gunsmiths and he showed me two rifles owned by different people that had sheared off the aluminum cross piece on the bottom of the ring. Granted the guns were a 416 Rem and a 458 Lott but it was enough for me to order Talleys. I am also a firm believer in 8/40 screws rather than the smaller factory issue. I'm sure you will be told of many successful uses of these mounts. I guess I've decided an African trip is expensive so why not use the Talleys for about $40 more?

I'm pretty impressed with the Brockmans pop up peep bases. They work with the Talley quick release rings. The only thing about the talleys is that they don't have a 30mm extension ring so you are limited to fairly long scopes. I have a burris black diamond euro 3-12x50 on mine.

Aluminum rings? My Leupold Q.D.'s are steel on my .375 H&H. . like 2 steel dowel pins,they return to zero. A 2.5x8 and a spare 1.75x6 to take along , both sighted in before travel.I also take the action out of the stock and put them in a take down case when flying.(also extra screws).

Options are many for you, but the most important thing to consider is can you see the iron sights over the bases...Most mentioned here don't work...The old Kimbers, custom bases on Talleys, and Old Brownells will work..

I don't know how many guns I have bought that it was apparant the irons had never even been sighted in or even notched....

The best and most expensive options is have Griffen and Howe install their great sidemount, that leaves the receiver clean..

I have used Leupold mounts on my M70 416 for years. I interchange a 1.75 X 6 & 3 X 9 VXIII and a LPS 2 X 10. The iron sites are fully usable with this set up.

I also had my smith re-drill the rear receiver on my M70 300 Win Mag to accept the Leupold mounts and can interchange all of the scopes on both rifles. I always have a spare

With the LPS on lowest power you can see the iron sites, not really a problem.

I use the Leupold QR rings and bases on my M-70 .375H&H. I've never had a problem with them, and they return to zero every time.

George