Ep. 338 | Riflescope Mounting Solutions - What’s Best?

Ring and base riflescope mounting solutions are nearly as diverse as the rifles they sit on. The perfect match for your long-range rig might be the worst for your lightweight mountain rifle. In this podcast, we run through the most popular options, detailing their pros, cons, and how they work.
00:00 - Intro
10:17 - Weaver
12:41 - Weaver vs Picatinny
20:40 - One Piece vs Two Piece Weaver
28:00 - Picatinny
37:10 - Canted Picatinny Rails
51:00 - Lightweight System Considerations
52:07 - Additional Bonuses of the Picatinny Style
55:27 - Direct to Receiver
1:03:06 - Integrated Dovetail Mounts
1:09:43 - Standard
1:19:35 - Signatures
1:30:40 - Closing Thoughts
As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.
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[@flipmatyze]

BIG SHOUT OUT to MARK for the Warren G reference. im a long time listener from the LBC since episode #1. you guys keep the videos rolling!

[@VortexNation]

Appreciate the comment and all the listen's over the years. We selected you to receive a Vortex Nation Podcast hoodie in the size of your choice. Hit us with an email to [e-mail] and we'll work to coordinate getting your new favorite wardrobe piece headed your way. Thanks again! Mark B.

[@mr.mr.3301]

Desert Dog did a series back in December that was the best series I’ve ever seen. I urge everyone to watch them.

[@aaronlatta6993]

I just started watching this episode but would love to see an episode on the 338-06. After seeing your show on the 338 Fed I had a 338 Fed, and a 338-06 made from a couple of rifles that hadn't left my gun rack in years and I am currently trying to work up a load for each. They both shoot great just haven't decided on bullet weight, construction, speed, etc. It might not be a show for the masses but every time you guys mention either of those cartridges I hang on every word.

[@fisherman_rue2403]

Over the past 5-6 years I have swapped mounting solutions on ONE rifle 5 times until I settled on "Direct to receiver" rings. Sight alignment and cheek weld led me to getting a cheek riser for the stock.

[@oscarbear7498]

Podcast video request. Handgun hunting, 460s&w mag. Talking over chest holders, handling, scopes, single big bore revolvers vs rifles/pistols combo. Optics on revolver would be interesting:)

[@Ninaleechie278]

Excellent, comprehensive podcast. Glad you mentioned Signature rings. Great product.

[@colefahey9032]

Please, I'm begging you, fix the Vortex Hunter ring base. I mount a lot of scopes, rings, and bases for customers, and the only thing I hate more than when a screw is hex instead of torx is when I have to use a giant flat head. You used torx for the ring. Why wouldn't you make the clamp smaller, lighter, and torx? Why is this big bulky knob?

[@FMDad-dm5qo]

Agreed. That big flathead-slot knob is annoying. Something that falls between the Pro and Hunter rings in quality, weight & cost would be appreciated. The Pros are quite satisfactory, but for some rifles (e.g. a .22) I’d like a lighter option that’s still secure, reasonably trim and well made.

[@mikekropidlowski1237]

I had the same "big knob" thoughts on the mount on my venom red dot for league pistol. Stopped in at vortex headquarters and mentioned it and they hooked me up with a flush mount right then and there. That kind of service has converted alot of brand specific shooters I know to the vortex line up.

[@AaronBleess-yz4cw]

Good luck finding the auditorium. I’ll be buying a ticket when you do.

[@smallbatchprecision2791]

Using the XTR Signature rings to solve a problem with mounting a night vision scope with LRF. I needed to cant the scope up about 10MOA to get the LRF reticle near to the POI. All this to make ranging targets quicker (and at any magnification to boot).

[@jamesclark4]

I just bought a vortex 6x24 bdc scope perfect timing

[@dhouston9049]

Tried to mount the old model 1 inch 2-10x40 Light Hunter to my HOWA 300 win mag with a #4 contour barrel using the two piece lightweight Talleys. Could not obtain proper eye relief with that combination. A change to a Talley pic rail with extra low Vortex Pro rings has been the perfect set up for this rifle. It provides the necessary eye relief, a super low mount with just enough clearance for the magnification adjustment. The Razor glass is quite nice.

[@Godfryness]

Thanks for taking the time for all your podcasts

[@jakewhite4321]

I like the camera work on this one. The panning left to right reminds me of when a video game goes idle and the camera pans around the main character.

[@chadperry4021]

I’d love a longer than 10 minute talk about the 338 RPM. Especially compared to the 338-06 and 35 whelen.

[@mott7749]

Seemed fitting for ep. 338

[@nielskrejcir5025]

Would love to see the 9.3x62 in the mix there too

[@chadperry4021]

@@nielskrejcir5025 Throw it in the mix. Now that you mention it it gets compared a lot to the 35 whelen bland occasionally the 375 h&h not not much to the 33’s.

[@leejohnson2024]

Ever since I watched the lead balloon video in the 338 federal I have been lusting after it. It is exactly what we people on the east coast need, super hard hitting 300 yards and in cartridge.

[@rogerinlow5033]

Please do an episode on the 338-06. I think you talked about the 8mm-06 before. I enjoy reloading and shooting both cartridges. Just never took an animal with either one. Thank you. This podcast helps keep me awake while trucking through the southwest.

[@davidplatt8915]

Great podcast today guys. As it happens, I very recently put a new Diamondback Tactical scope (my second such unit) with your Pro rings on a new Savage "Beavertail" B-Mag .17 WSM rifle I'm putting together for prairie doggin'. This discussion helped confirm what I already knew about mounting scopes and I appreciate that. And, you're correct...the rings are esthetically pleasing and perfect for the scope, this rifle and it's purpose. Thanks, again, for taking the time to provide these podcasts. (Ryan's a wealth of knowledge...impressive.)

[@ronws2007]

TLDR: Every Vortex scope I have is mounted with the Precision Matched rings. Yes, a bit pricey, zero regrets. Jimmy said it a year or so ago. You have this precision instrument. Why not mount it on the best rings? the Vortex PM rings need no lapping. And no thread locker. Step away from the Loc Tite or the Vibra Tite. Use the the recommended torgue, enjoy the shooting experience. Also, don't zero in a vise or lead sled. Zero against your shoulder. Whether hunting or competition, the butt will be against your shoulder, not a lead sled.

[@angelosantora6625]

GREATEST ENTRY EVER!!!!!

[@6point5x55]

When all your podcasts turn metal . 🤙

[@markofmckinney941]

Thanks for the podcast… I learned a few things for sure. Separately, was wondering if Mark’s quote, “Regulators, mount up” may actually be from the movie Young Guns…

[@foonus406]

Picked up a used savage 17WSM a few years back that required extreme amount of travel in the scope to zero. With a diamondback tactical you would run out of travel before you could get on target. Ended up with a new one and it did exactly the same thing. Solved it with a set of Burris rings with the adjustable MOA shims and set the thing at -30MOA , though I would hesitate to use a plastic shim setup on anything other than a rimfire. Shame they ruined that .17 WSM by pairing it with those BMAGS and inconsistently manufactured ammo... it absolutely destroys the .17 HMR but can't hold a candle to the Hornady marketing machine. As to when the QD mounts are useful - I like to use them with a .22 when swapping between a thermal and a PST II with elevation dial and picture quality at long range.

[@mitchellbeyer5205]

So after watch this show I'd like to see the 338-06 vs the 35 whelen and what are the differences in ballistics and energy.

[@Juliankb39]

Didn't think Ryan would be the metal guy, nice

[@jasonmerfeld9088]

Ryan is a metalhead?!? Badass

[@jasonseiverling5354]

I live in Pennsylvania. I see people drop the bank on a rifle and then pull out pocket lint for the scope and mount. I think that’s the first thing to be addressed. The second, rifle manufacturers need to get better at aligning base mount threaded holes.

[@DawsonsDesigns82]

I'm pretty certain that Ryan nailed exactly what I had to dial to 0 my tikka (which I purchased because of him, based my precision rifle off a tikka action)

[@joncook6331]

Good timing! I just picked up a weaver style mount for my Savage 170 😎

[@mikekropidlowski1237]

After hearing Mark having to explain his opening quote, I picture Mark cruising around in a early 80s cutlass or blazer bumping that song. 10 minute talk idea for the guys round table talk like first gun "first car"

[@Buckeyesully]

Young Guns

[@trevorlecocq9287]

Thank you, that was painful to listen to! :p

[@davidplatt8915]

Knew immediately what he was quoting from! Not a bad segue, Mark!

[@JamesClark-lw6sw]

Yes- the Young Guns movie was the origional.source, but apparently Mark's lame Suburban Whiteboy azz only knew it from some trash Rap song .

[@TTT-du6oj]

Excellent discussion on mounting solutions👍

[@nevadacoyote]

Regulator's mount up i heard in young guns the movie part 1

[@givaghi]

So now I do not know what to do: I just got 2 BRNO 98 and one has 2 pieces of picattinny that at least allow me to get a better eye relief and the other one has a standard set... I wanted to change the standard because the eye relief is just abysmal, but after this video... I really feel I need to keep the "age correct" pieces.

[@HoffnerPrecision]

Thanks for explaining why weavers are still relevant. Most people wouldn’t even consider anything but picatinny these days. Also, I had never considered that there might be a downside to using a 20/40moa rail as far as clarity goes.

[@LeakyJoosbox]

Vortex nation stadium tour? 🤔

[@alexandercluster3003]

The vortex rings are labeled as being compatible with weaver or picatinny. They definitely take a little convincing to get on a weaver though. Great content guy! Very under rated podcast.

[@mott7749]

I have found that as well!

[@BB-ss3mw]

Had no issues with pro

[@markmiller9894]

I have a couple of old BSA (Herters) that take a proprietary ring, dovetail receiver top.

[@whackemnstackemchronicleso3300]

That quote is originally from Young Guns fellas

[@dezertracer5929]

I usually watch your guys videos several times each, just to make sure i don't miss any info. Lol i never noticed the pup behind mark until the second or third time i watched this episode. Whats his name, give him some screen time.

[@lenzadlberger]

😀 you Guys have no idea how many different Mounting Solutions are out there in Europe.... espacially Germany Blaser have their own then there are Suhler Einhakmontage, Suhler Aufkippmontage, EAW Schwenkmontage, Dentler Montage ........ nowadays thanks God many Guns have Standard Pic Rails

[@WayStedYou]

The regulators mount up line is also just copied from the movie young guns which Ryan may be more familiar with

[@markmiller9894]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@droppinbrass5240]

Just ordered a venom and precision rings yesterday. How fortuitous

[@mattp9574]

The answer is simple… whatever one holds Zero and you can switch between all of your rifles pistols and shotguns without much modification to those platforms. So you just have to select your mounting solution before you purchase firearms and only purchase firearms that support said mounting system. Piece of cake right?!? Great chat guys love the podcast

[@CalebDeBoer]

You might be asking far more from your firearms than your mounting system, depending on what type of adjusting you mean. I’d argue using Picatinny and no MOA put in from the rail is going to suit that best. Single piece mounts all the way for both scope rings and rail. Takes a lot of moving out of it, I’ve ran and in a couple cases still run(stupid 34mm tube) two piece scope rings, and it’s astonishing at times how often you end up moving rings even going back and forth between single piece rails, get one piece mounts and they will almost always land in the right spot.

[@launchalot8745]

Episode 338 is released just as I'm in the process of finding a scope and mounting solution for my new 338 Win Mag. Uncanny...

[@shanerhodes925]

I have a Browning x bolt. I used a set of Talley Browning labeled ring base combo. Or however you word them. I get a flyer every group two touching one out no doubt now. I have fired hundreds of rounds out of it in just the last two months. Could that be the rings need lapping?? I have heard that will cause flyers . But I have never done this but I am new to the one piece ring base combos. I used to always use Leupold mounts and those are made to have some play but any suggestions??

[@harps6668]

G'day I have a RPR 22LR 30MOA rail with High rings & a Diamondback FFP 4x16-44 MRAD and it's zero is 50 meters, I only have >5MRAD left in the scope to go longer distances and to get to 200 meters I have to use the drops on the reticle, What is the best way to get more out of this change the scope, higher rings? Cheers

[@TheGunNerd]

Episode 338 and it's not about 338 Lapua Magnum, missed opportunity

[@taylormartin4346]

Probably because it was done 3 years ago

[@TheGunNerd]

@taylormartin4346 missed opportunity to do some other 338 cartridge

[@Gavinmumford]

What’s the best way to mount direct to receiver style? Do the rings need to face a certain way? @VortexNation

[@WayStedYou]

The one thing that is annoying with picatinny rails is they block the loading area on most rifles if you don't have a detatchable box magazine

[@Beastcoast111]

Have you guys done a "one rifle for the rest of your life" type video yet?

[@hessmedstorparn]

Mark listen on Helloween and you are hooked 🤘🤘🤘🍾😊

[@brandonb8700]

Mark, Biggie or TuPac?

[@johnkeisterelquattro2553]

A round bolt as opposed to…….? A triangle bolt? 😁😆

[@rickyhoyt2717]

Why doesn’t anybody make straight tube scopes anymore, I have a side mount base on a 3040 kraig some three power scopes old-school would be nice

[@cameronbissell7094]

Hi-lux has some interesting options.

[@aquaman6081]

Talley two piece ring/bases are the only way to go on a hunting rifle

[@dedon03]

Nate dog Warren g regulator sound track for above the rim.

[@paisleyprince5280]

Slipknot is from Iowa, 311 is from Omaha.

[@kaianuanu]

Why does mark look high as hell

[@scottstruif3939]

@19:20 There is no such word as “vestigular”

[@JamesClark-lw6sw]

The guys are functionally illiterate mellenials- what do you ecpect?

[@MrJensDrachsler]

Iam sceptical about this podcast, considering vortex doesnt sell rail mounting solution scopes. And they dont consider the far superior european mounting solutions it will be a shit show 🎉😂

[@elendal]

Weaver is dead for new guns.

[@BB-ss3mw]

But a lot of guns with weaver bases and pro rings work perfect for new scopes

[@JamesClark-lw6sw]

Mounts are NOT the "core" of the gun - only the foundation of the optic system. The GUN will work and shoot just fine with iron sights.

[@oscarbear7498]

What year do you live in, 1887?

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

Great year!

[@oscarbear7498]

@James You remind of if this meme "that's a gimmick sonny" kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4aqpmOejr2qm7ssi=bCJbnmmd1aFlpm_b