Scope mounts

What are you backpack hunters using for scope mounts on your backpack rifles? I am planning to put a new scope mount on my Rem. 700 300 WSM. I am thinking a picatinny style base and rings will be a good route to take. Any thoughts, or suggestions? Is the weight difference in aluminum and steel enough to consider?

I apologize if I have placed this thread in the wrong place.

I'm using Talley one piece aliminum bases on mine. Simpler and eliminates the weight of the rail entirely. They even offer a version with 20 MOA integrated if you need it. Another thing to consider is you'll need to get lower height rings than you might think in order to keep a decent cheek weld if you go with the pic rail

mechengr said:

I'm using Talley one piece aliminum bases on mine. Simpler and eliminates the weight of the rail entirely. They even offer a version with 20 MOA integrated if you need it. Another thing to consider is you'll need to get lower height rings than you might think in order to keep a decent cheek weld if you go with the pic rail

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Thanks for the reply! I will take a look into that option.

good aluminum fixed rings like warne mountaintech, nightforce ultralights, seekins are going to run about 3.8-4.0 oz per pair, then figure in the neighborhood of approx 2-4oz for a base. I have a NEAR SS base for my sako. it's a 20moa just under 4oz with integrated recoil lugs. then I'm using warne mountain tech rings at just under 4oz for the pair. If you can go with the talley lightweight one piece rings you would be saving about 4oz I'd bet.

I've got the Leupold Mk 4 steel picatinny base and the Mk 4 steel rings. This setup is rock solid, but does add wt. I know tons of guys use aluminum rails and rings and swear by them. I just prefer the steel on my 7 mm rem mag.

Thanks guys! I appreciate your response. I'm leaning toward EWG or warne mountain tech bases With some good aluminum rings. May have to put a hold on this purchase so I can upgrade my trigger first...

Lahunter, do you just prefer the sturdiness of steel for the 7 mag?

I went with Hawkins @ 25 MOA. 3.5 oz on my scale. I posted about them below link.
These are mounted on a 30 Nosler chambered Ridgeline. I don't like rails like EGW because it interferes with me getting my thumb underneath the scope when I carry the rifle.

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/hawkins-rings.188716/#post-1338799

middleofnowhere said:

I went with Hawkins @ 25 MOA. 3.5 oz on my scale. I posted about them below link.
These are mounted on a 30 Nosler chambered Ridgeline. I don't like rails like EGW because it interferes with me getting my thumb underneath the scope when I carry the rifle.

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/hawkins-rings.188716/#post-1338799

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I went with the same Hawkins long range hybrid rings with built in level. They work great, have 25 MOA built in, are one piece and lightweight.
http://hawkinsprecision.com/portfolio-view/long-range-hybrid-scope-rings/

cburgin72 said:

Thanks guys! I appreciate your response. I'm leaning toward EWG or warne mountain tech bases With some good aluminum rings. May have to put a hold on this purchase so I can upgrade my trigger first...

Lahunter, do you just prefer the sturdiness of steel for the 7 mag?

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I guess that is part of it. My rifle is fairly heavy (12.5 lbs) with no brake, so the weight keeps the recoil fairly mild for a 7mm mag.

I'm using an aluminum 20moa picatinny base (Warne I believe) with Nightforce Ultralight rings on my Christensen. Very light and reliable.

middleofnowhere said:

I went with Hawkins @ 25 MOA. 3.5 oz on my scale. I posted about them below link.
These are mounted on a 30 Nosler chambered Ridgeline. I don't like rails like EGW because it interferes with me getting my thumb underneath the scope when I carry the rifle.

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/hawkins-rings.188716/#post-1338799

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Those look nice. I like the built in level. What are your thoughts on metal expansion putting force on scope body (with mounts like the hawkins) vs on a rail (if mounted with a rail)? I have seen this mentioned in an article before, but have not formed any opinions on it yet.

Aluminum one piece picatinny rail and aluminum rings. I like Seekins quality, and the fact that they use the tougher 75 grade aluminum.
Aluminum is mandatory for my backpacking rifles.
If I tolerate additional weight, that weight will be in a heavier contour barrel.

cburgin72 said:

Those look nice. I like the built in level. What are your thoughts on metal expansion putting force on scope body (with mounts like the hawkins) vs on a rail (if mounted with a rail)? I have seen this mentioned in an article before, but have not formed any opinions on it yet.

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I'm ignorant about that issue. I would like to know more if anyone has any info?

It's a non-issue. The scope tubes themselves are made of aluminum.

If you want to avoid different coefficients of thermal expansion using steel rails and rings, you'd better purchase an old steel Weaver scope from the 1960s, before they're forever gone.