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

[Miletic]

Personally i prefer steel fixed mounts. Very low. I pay attention to the screws for the base as well as the screws for the rings. They must be torx. When they are installed, they must be coated with anti-self-unscrewing glue. The difference in weight between the scope and the rifle during firing has a tremendous effect on the screws and the assembly itself. The new aluminum mounts are ok, but I would never put them on a gun for hunting. I have a removable mount on the R8, but I rarely remove it even though it is of top quality.

 

[SFRanger7GP]

We have QD mounts on almost all of our rifles. We use EAW, Recknagel, Warne, Talley and Leupold. Even have a H&H mount on Mama's London Best. The EAW, H&H and Recknagel mounts are the most complicated but look nicer. They all work just as well and will return to zero with multiple removals. I prefer them because at times I like to remove them and use the irons. Also, I swap scopes around at times on the picatinny rail rifles. Never had to remove a scope to use the irons because the scope was broken.

Safe shooting

 

[CBeck]

I believe the big difference between the Warne and Alaska Arms mounts is that the levers for the Alaska are opposite the rifle ejection port. This makes reloading the magazine from the top easier by not having those levers (potentially) in the way.

These are the Warne rings I had on my CZ550 on our first trip. AA's would be on the other side.
View attachment 743119

If I’m not mistaken, the CZ much like my Rugers have proprietary mounts?

On my other rifles that just use dovetail mounts, for example, my Winchester 70, the Warne could be flipped to have levers on the left if desired. I actually think prefer them on the right, it just seems logical to make sure they’re tight (right handed) and don’t rub my stomach if I carry it across my body.

 

[Miletic]

Eaw is top high quality steel and made from best material. For me,Blaser and Sauer have a best way for setting and put a recoil

 

[BeeMaa]

If I’m not mistaken, the CZ much like my Rugers have proprietary mounts?

On my other rifles that just use dovetail mounts, for example, my Winchester 70, the Warne could be flipped to have levers on the left if desired. I actually think prefer them on the right, it just seems logical to make sure they’re tight (right handed) and don’t rub my stomach if I carry it across my body.

CZ uses a notch in the left side of the rear square bridge on RH rifles (or right side of LH rifles) for indexing. This means any rings made for these rifles need to be designated for RH or LH operation.

 

[Woodcarver]

I have QDs on a lot of my rifles. Any new acquisitions get QDs. Some, it's to be able to use the irons or an RMR. Others, it's to ease cleaning and make room in the safe. Scopes get tagged for what they belong to and placed on a shelf. Recknagels are the easiest to use, Leupolds the hardest, simply because of the size of the lever, but I still like them. Probably have more Leupolds than any of the others. Alaskan and Warne both work well. All of them return to zero; never had a problem with that.

 

[Scott CWO]

All my DG rifles for Alaska and Africa have Talley QD mounts and iron sights. I can switch scopes and RMR for different loads and also calibers on my Dakota Travler in .375/.458 Lott. Always return to zero if I put forward pressure on the scope/rings when tightening so recoil energy doesn't try to move the mounts/rings at all.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

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.

I haven a QD mount on my .458 WM. Leopold or Redfield, I really can't remember. It's been on the rifle for around forty years. I thought I.might want to remove the scope if a buffalo got into somewhere thick and nasty. So far, I've never felt the need to take the scope off while hunting.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

I have Griffin & Howe Side Mount on a FN Mauser chambered .338 Win Mag and it has been impeccable in the 40 plus years of traveling with me.

 

[BryceM]

I wonder what percentage of QR mounts are removed even once after putting them on. I have a set of Talleys on my CZ 550 in .416 Rigby. I can imagine removing them for following up a wounded buff in the thick stuff, or perhaps even following up on an elephant. Apart from that, the 1.5x5 scope is probably better for most situations.

When I get around to another DG hunt, I'll take them off and practice again with the open sights.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I believe the big difference between the Warne and Alaska Arms mounts is that the levers for the Alaska are opposite the rifle ejection port. This makes reloading the magazine from the top easier by not having those levers (potentially) in the way.

These are the Warne rings I had on my CZ550 on our first trip. AA's would be on the other side.
View attachment 743119

What would make you think the levers on Warne rings can't be mounted on the left side? Just flip them. Many on here have mounted theirs on left side. The levers on right side don't interfere with loading. No more than the elevation turret.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I have Warne QD rings on my 30-06 Springfield and 404J 98 Mauser. Dad's 1952 Remington 760 30-06 wears an unusual early Bausch & Laumb detachable setup.

Irons are useful for hunting in terrible conditions. Rain, snow, steep tricky terrain, etc.

 

[mark-hunter]

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.

I answered first option, all my rifles have QD mounts. And I never had a problem with them.

But the answer is more complex then described.

Modern standard is rifle without iron sights. Sightless rifles are pandemic everywhere

The idea must have originated in USA, because many such rifle get title "American"

This type of rifle without iron sights is win-win design for factories and for guns hops.

Factory makes cheaper rifle competitive on market, because they dont bother attaching the iron sights, and it simplifies production process.

Gunshop owners love the concept.
Because rifle without sights is useless so the costumer will need immediately to look for mounts and scope, or red dot, and buy.
Just wonderful for them.

Me, on the other hand, I am of the idea that hunting rifle must have iron sights as a backup.
If the rifle has iron sights, then it must have QD mounts.
Thus all my hunting rifles have iron sights, and QD mounts.

All my iron sights are zeroed, and scopes are zeroed.
And removing the scope and attaching again, does not change point of impact. Various types of mounts: on picatinny, dove tails, German swing mounts, block mounts, etc.

Some rifles I use for shooting matches or practice do not have QD mounts.
Because they do not have iron sights, so they do not need QD mounts.
And this is fine with me.

So, the answer is:
I have QD mounts on all my hunting rifles, and all of them also have usable iron sights which is the main reason for QD.

African perspective:
Additional benefit of QD mounts is to remove the scope, and keep it in cabin luggage for protection during air plane travel.

 

[BlackRhino]

German four-claw mount (Suhler style)

Hagn single shot (.30-06)
Heym-Ruger single-shot (9.3x74R)

In my opinion, this is the most elegant way to mount rifle scopes, especially when using steel scopes with soldered half rings. Unfortunately, not many gunsmiths today are capable of using this mounting method, and it also requires a great deal of manual work, which results in a very high price.

EAW swing-off quick detachable mount

BRNO (.375 H&H Magnum) mounted with 2 detachable scopes (high magnification for PG, low magnification for DG). This combo allows using one rifle with flat shouting 235 or 270 grains für PG and 350 grains for DG.
Bernadell (12/70; 9.3x74R)

Non-detachable mount

many other guns (sinle shots and bolt actions)

 

[BlackRhino]

.... and all rifle have iron sights as well!

 

[realsamthompson]

Personally all my scopes are mounted on picatinny rails. This is just so scopes can be swapped between rifles of different breeds without compromising the level of the optic, for longer range shooting this is important.

If I had specific scopes that lived only on specific rifles then I would certainly not use pic. It adds weight and scope height - neither are good!

The only rifle not mounted with pic. is my new Ruger SM .416, which I will use Alaskan Arms QD mounts on. This is more (in my mind) so I can easily take it off when at camp / home if I know I’ll be hunting in very thick country or open country.

My question to those with more DG experience than me is two part.

A) how often have you shot with a scope initially and then dismounted it mid hunt to follow up?

And

B) what do you do with the scope when you’ve taken it off? Give it to someone with you? Back pocket?

I’m not being facetious, just wondering.

Sam

 

[Miletic]

I answered first option, all my rifles have QD mounts. And I never had a problem with them.

But the answer is more complex then described.

Modern standard is rifle without iron sights. Sightless rifles are pandemic everywhere

The idea must have originated in USA, because many such rifle get title "American"

This type of rifle without iron sights is win-win design for factories and for guns hops.

Factory makes cheaper rifle competitive on market, because they dont bother attaching the iron sights, and it simplifies production process.

Gunshop owners love the concept.
Because rifle without sights is useless so the costumer will need immediately to look for mounts and scope, or red dot, and buy.
Just wonderful for them.

Me, on the other hand, I am of the idea that hunting rifle must have iron sights as a backup.
If the rifle has iron sights, then it must have QD mounts.
Thus all my hunting rifles have iron sights, and QD mounts.

All my iron sights are zeroed, and scopes are zeroed.
And removing the scope and attaching again, does not change point of impact. Various types of mounts: on picatinny, dove tails, German swing mounts, block mounts, etc.

Some rifles I use for shooting matches or practice do not have QD mounts.
Because they do not have iron sights, so they do not need QD mounts.
And this is fine with me.

So, the answer is:
I have QD mounts on all my hunting rifles, and all of them also have usable iron sights which is the main reason for QD.

African perspective:
Additional benefit of QD mounts is to remove the scope, and keep it in cabin luggage for protection during air plane travel.

Mark,you are absolutely right about the production. Sellers know how to immediately sell both the sight and the mount.
In my opinion, the best mount ever made is the Picatinny with a fixed ring. It is best if it is an integral part of the weapon, milled on the box. If the sight breaks (this should never happen if we use quality optics) we just unscrew the original screws of the rings and use iron sight

 

[Miletic]

My example. Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit when it comes to mounting, but I'm obsessed with its sturdiness. The total weight is about 300g.

 

[grand veneur]

Personally all my scopes are mounted on picatinny rails. This is just so scopes can be swapped between rifles of different breeds without compromising the level of the optic, for longer range shooting this is important.

If I had specific scopes that lived only on specific rifles then I would certainly not use pic. It adds weight and scope height - neither are good!

The only rifle not mounted with pic. is my new Ruger SM .416, which I will use Alaskan Arms QD mounts on. This is more (in my mind) so I can easily take it off when at camp / home if I know I’ll be hunting in very thick country or open country.

My question to those with more DG experience than me is two part.

A) how often have you shot with a scope initially and then dismounted it mid hunt to follow up?

And

B) what do you do with the scope when you’ve taken it off? Give it to someone with you? Back pocket?

I’m not being facetious, just wondering.

Sam

I can only report about hunting buffalo and elephants. I have never shot any other dangerous game.

A) With two exceptions when hunting buffalo, I always used a scope for shooting the above quoted DG , regardless of the shooting distance. There are a lot of reasons for this, but it is another topic. Depending on the situation, I may or may not remove the scope immediately after the first shot. If the animal drops immediately and it is confirmed to be down, it is always advisable to approach without the scope to be ready to shoot at close range, at the downed game that might try to get up again or at another animal that suddenly attacks, which can happen especially when hunting elephants. If the animal is still standing, it is understandable that you continue shooting at it with the scope. The same applies if it flees and you follow him within sight. If you can no longer see it, it is also advisable to be ready to shoot without the scope.

B) In the most cases I gave the scope to the tracker which also carried my backpack. However, the tracker could not leave my side, as I always wanted the option of reusing the scope. Alternatively and depending of the size of the scope, I have also put it in my belt or in a pocket on my belt.

 

[Tintin]

I have them on most of my rifles with iron sights. A mix of Talley, Warne (on the CZs), Recknagel and Leupold QR.