QD vs Fixed for repeatability

[tarponhead]

Asking for the SD massive’s help with a scope ring dilemma. I acquired a Sauer 202 in .308 with Recknagel rings that now have my old dependable Swarovski Habicht scope in them.

I am waiting to get a variation to allow me to swop the barrel to 6.5x55, so I can choose between calibres. The Sauer 202 swaps the barrel only, so I would need to re-zero each time I swapped the barrel.

I have a trusty Swarovski Z4i that I use on my current 6.5x55, so I’d like to zero it for the new barrel and then swap the scope when I swap the barrel.

Is it possible to maintain zero in this scenario? If so, what rings would you recommend ? Fixed or QD?

Option two - set two different zero’s on one scope - either glass or digital? Digital would be the full fat Alpex. Not sure how to do that on my current scopes - neither has a zero stop turret ( I think).

I will swap my Alpex lite between 1.7 means .22lr so that’s easy with good quality dovetail QR and two saved zero’s. What repeatable QR system would you recommend for rim fire? I assume because recoil is minimal, the requirements for repeatability are more forgiving.

 

[Tim.243]

Asking for the SD massive’s help with a scope ring dilemma. I acquired a Sauer 202 in .308 with Recknagel rings that now have my old dependable Swarovski Habicht scope in them.

I am waiting to get a variation to allow me to swop the barrel to 6.5x55, so I can choose between calibres. The Sauer 202 swaps the barrel only, so I would need to re-zero each time I swapped the barrel.

I have a trusty Swarovski Z4i that I use on my current 6.5x55, so I’d like to zero it for the new barrel and then swap the scope when I swap the barrel.

Is it possible to maintain zero in this scenario? If so, what rings would you recommend ? Fixed or QD?

Option two - set two different zero’s on one scope - either glass or digital? Digital would be the full fat Alpex. Not sure how to do that on my current scopes - neither has a zero stop turret ( I think).

I will swap my Alpex lite between 1.7 means .22lr so that’s easy with good quality dovetail QR and two saved zero’s. What repeatable QR system would you recommend for rim fire? I assume because recoil is minimal, the requirements for repeatability are more forgiving.

A few people I know "swap scopes" I couldn't do it as it would mess with my engineers brain to much!
When working in a tool room I would re clock the job if it was left over night as all that work could be scrapped due to the table being bumped.

Batch work yes work to a stop but check every fifth one! lol
@takbok Rory has just made a nice custom Qd mount

 

[welshwarrior]

I use QD mounts and swap scopes with the barrel they maintain good zeros and it works

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

I’ve used Warne QD mounts on my ruger for well over a decade and never questioned zero

 

[Scarpa]

I've found the Sauer Hexilock mounts for the 101 pretty good. I have 2 different scopes for my rifle.

 

[jimmy milnes]

As this is similar to a situation I've been pondering for a while, could I throw another question into the mix.
Cam throw or twist lock type ?
Cheers
Jimmy

 

[3595wilk]

Sauer are buggers with their mounting systems. The hexalock proprietary on the 101, stupid dimensions on the 202 standard and magnums (see link at end) and the SUM system for 303/404. Got a bit better with the 505......but not much.

Your best and cheapest option is a picatinny rail for the 202 from Alan Rhone. Then use either Warne Maxima's or the Sportsmatch monomount. Both options plus the rail will be around £240 new. Warnes go about 60-80 second hand. Their medium height option work up to a 56mm option on a rail. Third option are Rusan.....cheaper but good quality QDs.

First two mounting systems offer very good return to zero and are QDs too and I have used them on most scopes I have.....but now have a 404 and barrels so use the SUM system. Still use the Sportsmatch mount with an Alpex on my Tikka .222 and LR and WMR and FAC air. Occasionally have to tweak a zero.......but not often.

Link to the 202 stuff.

Rifles With Sauer 202 Standard Scope Mounting Surface - Optics Trade Blog

This article lists rifles in specific sub-groups under the Sauer 202 Standard mounting surface with interchangeable scope mounts.

www.optics-trade.eu

Link to Alan Rhone Sauer stuff.

Sauer

Alan Rhone Shop

shop.alanrhone.com

 

[gixer1]

I use Leupold QR rings and bases - they are absolutely trustworthy - no issues at all, for the first while I used to check zero, then realised there was no change and that is now 15 years on with no issue on two rifles with numerous scopes, thermals and nightvision.

Regards,
Gixer

 

[HonestJohn]

Good recknagels return to zero. Just spend the ammo to test it until you, in your head, trust it. But ‘do’ now and again go and check on paper! Don’t wait for a wounded deer as an indicator that a screw has moved

The Ziegler’s are better IMHO, and super cheap too,

 

[gixer1]

For a 202 the Leupold system will work, based and rings and it won’t cost you that much, around £120 all in.

Make sure you use a binding agent when attaching the bases to the rifle and if it’s an aluminium alloy action go easy on the screw
torque.

The 202’s are fantastic and many a 404 owner went back to a 202.

 

[Nkawu]

I use Talley QD rings on my 30-06 with two different scopes each with its own load. No issues swapping back and forth.

 

[welshwarrior]

I’ve used both the Leupold QR bases and rings and Recknangels picatinny rail and mounts both are great and achieve the same think the difference is the picatinny rail allows the mounting of nv.

 

[spanj]

I use Leupold QR rings and bases - they are absolutely trustworthy - no issues at all, for the first while I used to check zero, then realised there was no change and that is now 15 years on with no issue on two rifles with numerous scopes, thermals and nightvision.

Regards,
Gixer

Same here qrw in my case on picatinny rails (I know, I know )

 

[Lateral]

I’ve used Warne QD mounts on my ruger for well over a decade and never questioned zero

But are you swapping the scope from one barrel to another ?

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Ahhh no I swapped scope and back again , if your changing barrels therefore change calibre, unless your ballistics are identical you should check zero

 

[tarponhead]

As this is similar to a situation I've been pondering for a while, could I throw another question into the mix.
Cam throw or twist lock type ?
Cheers
Jimmy

Good question. The more expensive ones seem to have cam lock systems. Not sure if that means anything from an engineering perspective? @Smellydog?

 

[Lateral]

Asking for the SD massive’s help with a scope ring dilemma. I acquired a Sauer 202 in .308 with Recknagel rings that now have my old dependable Swarovski Habicht scope in them.

I am waiting to get a variation to allow me to swop the barrel to 6.5x55, so I can choose between calibres. The Sauer 202 swaps the barrel only, so I would need to re-zero each time I swapped the barrel.

I have a trusty Swarovski Z4i that I use on my current 6.5x55, so I’d like to zero it for the new barrel and then swap the scope when I swap the barrel.

Is it possible to maintain zero in this scenario? If so, what rings would you recommend ? Fixed or QD?

Option two - set two different zero’s on one scope - either glass or digital? Digital would be the full fat Alpex. Not sure how to do that on my current scopes - neither has a zero stop turret ( I think).

I will swap my Alpex lite between 1.7 means .22lr so that’s easy with good quality dovetail QR and two saved zero’s. What repeatable QR system would you recommend for rim fire? I assume because recoil is minimal, the requirements for repeatability are more forgiving.

For stalking, the distance you shoot will also play a part. If the POI moves, but only by 1", and you only shoot out to 200m, it's unlikely to cause an issue, but at 400m, it could be an issue.

If you don't have a reasonable quality torque gauge, I'd suggest buying one to make sure you remount, and torque the screws consistently, and make sure you always repeat the way you mount the scope on the rail.

Ultimately, you'll have to swap things around, and see if it mounts consistently enough for your use.

 

[tarponhead]

Sauer are buggers with their mounting systems. The hexalock proprietary on the 101, stupid dimensions on the 202 standard and magnums (see link at end) and the SUM system for 303/404. Got a bit better with the 505......but not much.

Your best and cheapest option is a picatinny rail for the 202 from Alan Rhone. Then use either Warne Maxima's or the Sportsmatch monomount. Both options plus the rail will be around £240 new. Warnes go about 60-80 second hand. Their medium height option work up to a 56mm option on a rail. Third option are Rusan.....cheaper but good quality QDs.

First two mounting systems offer very good return to zero and are QDs too and I have used them on most scopes I have.....but now have a 404 and barrels so use the SUM system. Still use the Sportsmatch mount with an Alpex on my Tikka .222 and LR and WMR and FAC air. Occasionally have to tweak a zero.......but not often.

For stalking, the distance you shoot will also play a part. If the POI moves, but only by 1", and you only shoot out to 200m, it's unlikely to cause an issue, but at 400m, it could be an issue.

If you don't have a reasonable quality torque gauge, I'd suggest buying one to make sure you remount, and torque the screws consistently, and make sure you always repeat the way you mount the scope on the rail.

Ultimately, you'll have to swap things around, and see if it mounts consistently enough for your use.

Good point on consistent torque - I’m looking for a good torque wrench/ screwdriver for this - another line of research across SD. I don’t shoot at live quarry beyond 200 as I like to get closer and my ground rarely requires 120+, so if I can’t get close I leave it for another day.

Link to the 202 stuff.

Rifles With Sauer 202 Standard Scope Mounting Surface - Optics Trade Blog

This article lists rifles in specific sub-groups under the Sauer 202 Standard mounting surface with interchangeable scope mounts.

www.optics-trade.eu

Link to Alan Rhone Sauer stuff.

Sauer

Alan Rhone Shop

shop.alanrhone.com

Many thanks - very comprehensive and based on actual Sauer use! Mine has a picatinny rail so that gives me options.

 

[Smellydog]

Good question. The more expensive ones seem to have cam lock systems. Not sure if that means anything from an engineering perspective? @Smellydog?

No idea really but would think a cam locking mechanism is more consistent reparability wise.

 

[Koenig]

Whilst I’ve not been using them long I’ll second what Gixer says regarding Leupold QR’s for the 202.

Leupold claim a sub 0.5 variation when remounting, which from what I can tell seems about right.