Understanding the Importance of Scope Mounts
The Savage 110 rifle, a name synonymous with accuracy and reliability, has earned its place as a favorite among hunters and precision shooters alike. Its versatility and adaptable design make it a superb platform for a wide range of shooting disciplines. A crucial element in maximizing the performance of your Savage 110 is the selection of the right **Savage 110 scope mounts**. The scope mount serves as the crucial link between your rifle and your optic, and the decisions you make in choosing the best one will dramatically affect your shooting experience. This guide provides insights into the world of scope mounts, helping you select and use them to transform your Savage 110 into a highly accurate, efficient tool for your shooting needs.
Choosing the right scope mount is far more than simply attaching a scope to your rifle. It’s an important decision that impacts everything from your zeroing process to the overall accuracy of your shots. A poorly chosen scope mount can lead to instability, poor alignment, and even damage to your scope or rifle. Conversely, a well-selected mount will allow you to take full advantage of your scope’s capabilities and your rifle’s inherent accuracy.
The Savage 110: A Foundation for Accuracy
The Savage 110 rifle offers a long history of refinement. The rifles, known for their AccuTrigger system and inherent accuracy, are favorites across various shooting sports. They have, over the years, embraced several chamberings and configurations, all of which have their own particular benefits. The inherent design of the Savage 110, including the receiver, and the common drilled and tapped mounting holes, provide a straightforward foundation for attaching a scope. Understanding the characteristics of your particular Savage 110 model is crucial. Each model can vary in specific features, such as the pre-drilled mounting holes, that impact your scope mount options. Considering the caliber and intended purpose of your rifle is paramount, as it will affect your needs.
Exploring Different Mounting Options
One of the first decisions you’ll make is choosing a scope mount type that best suits your needs. Let’s examine the common options for **Savage 110 scope mounts**. Understanding different ways of mounting optics is key to making a great choice for your Savage 110. Let’s look at some of the best choices you’ll find.
One-Piece Scope Mounts
Choosing between one-piece mounts versus two-piece mounts is one of the first considerations when it comes to your mounting choices. One-piece mounts provide a solid foundation, integrating both the base and rings into a single unit. This unified construction typically translates into superior strength and increased stability, especially under the stress of heavy recoil. These mounts are often favored for their ease of installation and inherent alignment, as the rings are inherently lined up with each other. They also tend to offer a streamlined aesthetic, enhancing the overall look of your rifle. Examples of such mounts are readily available and often integrate seamlessly into the receiver of the Savage 110. They’re particularly good if you’re shooting heavy calibers.
Two-Piece Scope Mounts
Two-piece scope mounts offer flexibility, featuring separate bases that attach to the receiver and individual rings that secure the scope. This configuration allows for greater adjustability in terms of eye relief and scope positioning. They’re an excellent choice if you require very specific adjustments, or want a way to position your scope further forward or backward on the rifle. Two-piece mounts may also be advantageous if you need to accommodate different scope tube lengths or objective sizes. You can also get the rings and the bases in different types, such as Weaver or Picatinny, depending on the design of your rifle. This is a good choice if you enjoy customizing your setup.
Scope Bases and Their Varieties
If the scope mount doesn’t have a built in base system, you might have to look at separate scope bases. These connect directly to the rifle’s receiver, providing a platform to attach the scope rings. There are multiple styles, and these include options such as the Weaver or Picatinny rail.
Weaver bases are a classic option, often featuring cross-slots for versatile ring placement. The Picatinny rail is a more modern option and is often preferred for its consistency and compatibility with a wider range of accessories, including scope rings. A Picatinny rail is often the choice if you’d like to include accessories such as lights or lasers. Both styles offer a robust and reliable platform for mounting your scope.
Integrated Mounting Systems
Some mounting options, like certain rifles, include an integrated system. These systems include a rail system, usually Picatinny, that is built right into the receiver. This streamlines the process and can often provide a very stable setup.
Key Factors in Choosing Your Mount
Many factors impact your ultimate decision for your Savage 110. You’ll have to think about a few different issues.
Scope Size and Proper Ring Height
Consider the objective lens diameter of your scope and the desired ring height. The ring height is the distance from the top of the receiver (or base) to the center of the scope tube. You need enough clearance between your objective lens and the barrel to prevent contact. If the objective lens is too close to the barrel, it might touch the barrel, leading to damage and inaccuracy. Choosing the correct ring height also influences the proper “cheek weld,” the position of your cheek on the stock when aiming. A comfortable and consistent cheek weld is critical for quick target acquisition and follow-up shots. If the scope sits too high, you might not get a good cheek weld, leading to inconsistent shooting. A good cheek weld means you get your eye perfectly aligned with the scope for every shot.
Recoil and Caliber Considerations
The caliber of your Savage 110 and its associated recoil are vital considerations. High-recoil calibers demand robust, durable scope mounts that can withstand the repeated stress. It’s always important to choose a mount designed to handle the recoil energy of your specific cartridge. This will ensure that your scope stays in place and maintains its zero over time.
Material Choices and Their Implications
The materials of your scope mounts are also essential, and quality is often tied to the choice of material. Aluminum mounts offer a good balance of weight and strength, making them a popular choice for many applications. Steel mounts are generally more durable and resistant to wear and tear, often the go-to option for high-recoil rifles and professional applications. Titanium mounts are high-end options and are generally lighter than steel, but just as strong.
Budgeting for Scope Mounts
Your budget will play a role in your decision. High-quality scope mounts, usually those made of steel, or are integrated, will usually be more expensive, but will provide the most reliable and durable platform. Balancing your budget with the quality and features you need is essential. Consider your shooting style, the environment you’ll be shooting in, and how often you plan to use your rifle.
The Importance of User Experience
User experience is a factor that has to be taken into account. You’ll also have to consider ease of installation and adjustment, the durability and reliability, and even the aesthetics of the mount. Some mounts offer features like integrated bubble levels or easy-to-use adjustment systems that simplify the mounting and sighting-in processes. Read reviews, talk to other shooters, and find out the experience of others using the same products.
Mounting Your Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to mounting your scope, you must be meticulous.
Preparing the Surfaces
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the receiver of your Savage 110 and the mounting surfaces of your scope mount. This helps ensure proper adhesion and prevents any foreign matter from interfering with the mounting process.
Torque Specifications
When tightening the screws on your scope mount, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Over-tightening can damage the scope or the mount itself, while under-tightening can lead to loosening and movement over time. Use a torque wrench to achieve the correct tightness, and consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific torque values.
Leveling the Scope
Leveling your scope is critical for accurate shooting. Once you’ve secured the rings, use a level to ensure the scope is perfectly aligned with the rifle. This will prevent any unwanted canting, which can throw off your shots at longer ranges.
Utilizing Thread Locker
Consider using thread locker (Loctite) on the screws to prevent them from loosening due to vibration and recoil. This is especially important for high-recoil rifles. Use the appropriate type of thread locker, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Troubleshooting and Maintaining Your Setup
While there’s no single “best” **Savage 110 scope mounts** across the board, a few brands and models consistently garner positive reviews. (Note: due to the prompt asking for no specific brand naming, these are left blank.) However, do your own research on these options, compare the characteristics, and read feedback from other users to get a better idea of which is best for you.
Common issues include scope mount loosening, which can result from inadequate torque, recoil, or poor-quality components. Ensure that you have tightened the screws properly and consider using thread locker. The scope shifting under recoil is another problem that can affect accuracy. This can be caused by an insufficient ring engagement, a loose mount, or the use of inappropriate materials. Make sure to use quality components designed for the specific rifle and caliber.
If you’re consistently having issues, you may need to replace your mount.
Conclusion: Optimizing Your Savage 110
Selecting the correct **Savage 110 scope mounts** is an essential element of achieving the accuracy potential of your rifle. By understanding the different types of mounts, considering your individual needs, and following the recommended installation practices, you can create a solid platform for your optics. Remember to research and choose a scope mount that’s suitable for your caliber, shooting style, and budget. Whether you’re a hunter, a target shooter, or both, the right scope mount will significantly improve your overall shooting experience.
The ultimate goal is to achieve the best accuracy from your rifle. Take your time to find the scope mount system that best matches your needs.
