Hello,

I have been looking at order rings to scope my Sako Vixen in a 223. It is a sporter weight and am looking at putting on a 40mm Leupold AO. What would be a quality set of rings and what height for this rig?

Thanks for the help,

ddj

I think I have a set of like new rings and bases to fit that. Email me and I will take a look.

Thanks Jim,

I think the rifle has dovetails so I may not need the bases.

ddj

Even though the Sako actions come with integral dovetails, some people still like to use mounts with a separate base. In fact, even the Sako Optilocks come with a separate base - i.e. the ring attaches to the base, which attaches to the dove tail.

Leupold make rings that attach directly to the dovetail, as does (I believe?) Warne.

Of late, I have used Optilocks or Burris Signature Zees with a Weaver type base. I like rings with plastic inserts...

- mike

I'd suggest using the Sako rings that were (are) made for the Sako rifles. that's what I have on all of mine. You are correct that you don't need separate bases for them.

Every gun show I've gone to I've seen a least one or more pair for sale. Sure, they aren't as inexpensive as they used to be, but then what is?

I usually end up paying somewhere between $35 and $60 for the sets I buy. Not too bad for solid steel, somewhat windage adjustable rings designed and made to fit the rifle, BY the original manufacturer of the rifle.

There are lots of good rings that fit the Sako. For your application I would suggest the cleanest, lightest, and simplest which is the Leupold Ringmount. It uses no extranneous base. I have it on at least a half dozen Sakos (in addition to Redfields, Milletts, and original Sako ringmounts) and I've never had anything but satisfaction from this mount. Use the "medium" height for an AO 40mm.

The Redfield/Burris base adaptors use regular Redfield type turn-in rings. They work very nicely, also, and provide some windage adjustment. Use the "low" rings which will provide plenty of scope clearance if using these bases.

Does Talley make a Sako dovetail mount? If so has anyone used one on a Vixen?

Thanks,

ddj

just what AC said

I like the original (circa 1970s) Sako rings and have several of them. They have two issues to watch out for:

First, the top screws are somewhat brittle and tend to break if torqued excessively. Since they are a rather difficult to find metric size, replacing a broken ring screw is challenging. Second, the recoil lug on the rear ring holds that ring rather far to the rear. Using a variable scope with its wide power ring may force you to place the scope too far rearward to provide the proper eye relief (particularly if you are a "stock crawler" or have long arms and neck). Some people wince at the fix, but it hurts nothing to grind the recoil lug off of the rear ring to position it further forward. The Sako tapered dovetails will keep any properly installed ring from drifting since the recoil of the gun seats the rings ever-tighter.

I still like the Leupold rings the best. Some people complain that they are delicate and prone to failure. May be -- if you are using a high-mounted scope that weighs almost as much as the gun. "Normal" size scopes like the Leupold you wish to use will never give you any trouble, especially on a .223. I have a set on a .375 H&H that I've been waiting on to fail for more than 15 years now. The .338 and .300 Win haven't been punished for quite so many years, but I expect them to simply fall off onto the floor of the gun safe one morning .