Quick Release / Quick Disconnect Scope Mounts - Do You Use Them?

[BeeMaa]

It was asked in another thread that a poll be started to see how many people are using or prefer QR/QD mounts.

Most of you know that I'm a fan of the Blaser R8 and using QD mounts with this system is extremely easy. As a result, all my rifles have optics with some sort of QD mount. Scopes, thermal, red dots and other items can all be taken off for any number of reasons.

I've yet to have a problem with a scope retuning to zero, and as such I don't hesitate to remove them regularly. Reasons for me are mostly for cleaning and keeping the chemicals away from the lenses on the scopes. The other major reason is travel and having the ability to keep the optics in my carry-on is an option if I so desire. Lastly is storage. When setting up a vault or safe, it's easier to get more rifles into a space without the optics attached, not to mention the possible damage from bumping or knocking one of the rifles over.

I recognize that not everyone wants or needs a QD mount or may only use them on select rifles for a specific reason. So here is the poll. Up to two votes and you have to vote to see the results.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

QD on all my dedicated Africa safari rifles.

 

[375Fox]

I’m interested to see the results. I have the on my R8 but all other rifles are standard fixed scope mounts. I’m more confident with a scope at low power than I’ll over be with iron sights. If my scope was to break, I’d generally use a rental rifle before using open sights.

 

[Pheroze]

I put Recknagel detachable mounts on two of my rifles - my 400 H&H was the first. I loved the setup so much I put one on my 308 Norma Mag. The latter has a pop-up peep which I like to shoot with occasionally so it works nicely. The 400 was with the idea of using irons. However, in all honestly, they are mostly a convenience than anything else. These Recknagel mounts sit beautifully low, have a very easy release and are very robust.

 

[ftothfadd]

My rifles which might be used on dangerous game (375 and 9.3x62) wear QD mounts and, more importantly, quality open sights. On rifles which are set up for shots potentially taken at a longer range I use fixed mounts. Having started my hunting career in Hungary I have a particular affinity for QD mounts (I would say they are the norm in Europe) but here I realized they are rather pointless on my rifles sporting carbon fiber wrapped barrels with no open sights...

 

[Daisy]

I’m interested to see the results. I have the on my R8 but all other rifles are standard fixed scope mounts. I’m more confident with a scope at low power than I’ll over be with iron sights. If my scope was to break, I’d generally use a rental rifle before using open sights.

I don’t like the QD mechanism on most picatinny rifles. I love my Innomount zero for the r8.

I did buy an Innomount zero meant for picatinny but haven’t mounted it yet. Will let yall know if it’s a winner.

 

[grand veneur]

For an older European like myself, this question is somewhat unusual, because it was out of question for us in the past that a scope could not be removed from a rifle. All rifles had open sights. However, a lot has changed in the last few decades, and with the increasing use of suppressors, the question hardly arises anymore. Anyone who hunt DG still need in all cases a rifle with open sights and a removable scope. I have never noticed any significant change in the accuracy and precision of a rifle after the procedure.

 

[Firebird]

On my .375 I use QD bases in conjunction with two different scopes kept in QD rings. One scope for dg with a heavy strong bullet and the other for plains game with a much smaller, More frangible projectile.
Similar to your experience, I have not had problems with accuracy or point of impact changes.
This is especially useful closer to home where I have no need for a dg load but I can attach the plains fan scope and have a high functioning elk rifle. So it extends my ability to use the particular rifle.

 

[grand veneur]

There are different types of removable mounts and one must also consider the more or less precise mounting of a scope on a rifle by the gunsmith. Such mounts are more difficult to make than fixed ones on rails. I am thinking primarily of the two types I use: pivot mounts and hook mounts like those from Suhl or Steyr. The hook mounts have become somewhat less common and are only present on older used rifles.

 

[SETH RINGER]

9 OUT OF 10 OF OURS HAVE THEM.

 

[skydiver386]

Only on my large caliber rifles 375 and up. For Plains Game, I don't see much of a need for a QD system, unless you a replacing standard optics with a thermal.

My heavy game and Dangerous Game rifles wear quality irons in case things get really close.

 

[grand veneur]

9 OUT OF 10 OF OURS HAVE THEM.

Maybe it is still the case in your country, but in my countries fixed mounts have also become the norm. The majority of the younger hunters use suppressors.

 

[uplander01]

Scopes are like camera lenses to me. I move scopes from rifle to rifle depending on what the application is. I pretty much use Talley QR mounts & Rings exclusively. Have a set of Recknagels on a rifle as well, they work nicely but I don't have the willingness to spend the money to put them on a bunch of guns.

 

[BeeMaa]

@Daisy - I have an INNOMOUNT for my Pulsar thermal and absolutely love it. I will be replacing two Contessa mounts with them on the R8 375H&H and 300WM.

 

[CBeck]

I have Warne on most but just ordered a set of Alaska arms to try. I’ve never had one not return to zero so I see no reason not to use them…even if just to make cleaning or storage easier.