Matt,
I generally agree with your statement, but I checked the fit of the ring halves to the scope tube before I tried to mount it. The ring halves would have had to be "snapped" on to the scope. Technically, I did not lap the rings, but rather did some judicious stoning and polishing. In my case, the receiver tolerances were not an issue as the bases were machined in place by Mark Stratton.

Ray,
When you spoke of machining your bases, exactly how is that done? Are the bases cut down to compensate for the extra height or is the reciever cut to accept the rings?
My Montana action has just arrived and it'll be a 416 Rem.,
so the results of your system would be of great interst to me. I figured I'd have to compromise on either the scope or the iron sights as far as the stock comb height was concerned.

Gentlemen,

I see a large number of really nice rifles whose gunsmith or owner has opted to use Talley mounts and bases over other brands such as Leupold. Further, I have begun to see neat Talley based options, such a rear base that incorporates a pop-up peep site. I've also priced Talley equipment and often find them a bit more expensive than other scope mounting systems.

Is there a particular reason Talleys are so popular on custom rifles? Are they better? Or is there a feature they incorporate that is especially helpful? I know nothing about them and would like to "become informed."

Thanks,

Jason

I know this is a Talley question, so my disclaimer comes first. I have never owned Talley bases or rings. Personally, I like the way they look, but I have had very good luck with the Burris DD bases and Signature rings. No ring marks, ever! The Burris dovetails fit the bases much better than the Leupold bases/rings. I've had several sets of Leupolds that I could spin the ring by hand in the base. I like the slightly blocky look of the Burris' and they have been rock solid on my .300 WSM and .375 Taylor. I have a set of Warne Premieres to go on my Argentine which have the smallest bases I've ever seen. They will look just right on this gun. Hope they work as good as they look.....

MKane160 aka BigDogMK