Understanding the Significance of Your Scope Mount
The Savage Axis rifle has become a favorite for many hunters and shooters, known for its affordability, accuracy, and reliability. However, the true potential of this rifle can only be unlocked with the right accessories. At the heart of this is a crucial component: the scope mount. A well-chosen scope mount is more than just a connector; it is the foundation of your sighting system, dictating the stability, accuracy, and ultimately, the success you’ll have on the range or in the field. This guide explores the best scope mount options for the Savage Axis, helping you make an informed decision and maximize your rifle’s performance.
The connection between your rifle and your scope is far more critical than many realize. A scope mount isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s a critical component of your shooting setup. Its primary functions are straightforward but vital. First, it must securely hold the scope, preventing any movement or slippage during recoil or handling. Second, it establishes a stable platform, keeping the scope aligned with the barrel. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the mount ensures that the scope is precisely aligned, allowing for consistent and predictable shot placement.
A poorly chosen or improperly installed scope mount can wreak havoc on your shooting performance. Loose screws, inadequate construction, or incorrect alignment can lead to inconsistent groupings, difficulty in zeroing the scope, and, ultimately, frustration. Choosing the right scope mount for your Savage Axis is, therefore, an investment in your shooting experience. It directly affects your ability to hit your targets, whether you’re hunting game or competing at the range.
Exploring the Different Types of Scope Mounts
Choosing the right scope mount requires understanding the various types available and their advantages. Each type offers a different approach to securing your scope, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Two-Piece Mounts: Flexibility in Design
Two-piece scope mounts are a popular choice, offering flexibility in mounting positions. They typically consist of two separate bases, one for the front and one for the rear of the scope. This design can be advantageous, especially on rifles like the Savage Axis, where it may allow for clearance of the ejection port, ensuring smooth cycling of spent cartridges. The ability to adjust the spacing between the rings can also be beneficial, providing a degree of versatility for different scope sizes.
While offering flexibility, two-piece mounts can sometimes require more precise alignment during installation, to ensure perfect parallelism. Careful attention to detail and precise measurements are crucial when using this type of mount.
One-Piece Mounts: Enhanced Stability and Simplicity
One-piece scope mounts are known for their robust construction and increased stability. This design integrates the base and the rings into a single unit, which simplifies installation and minimizes the potential for misalignment. The solid construction of a one-piece mount contributes to enhanced rigidity, which can be particularly beneficial for rifles that experience significant recoil.
The primary consideration with a one-piece mount is the scope’s overall length and the location of its turrets. Because of the fixed ring spacing, it’s essential to ensure that the mount’s design is compatible with your scope’s features and your desired eye relief.
Scope Bases: Versatility with Picatinny and Weaver Rails
Scope bases, especially Picatinny and Weaver rails, offer another avenue for mounting scopes. These rails are designed to accept a wide range of scope rings, providing a high degree of versatility. Picatinny rails, in particular, have become an industry standard, known for their standardized spacing and rugged construction. They are readily compatible with a vast array of scope rings, making them an excellent choice for those who might want to experiment with different scopes or prefer a modular setup.
The key benefit is adaptability. You can easily switch between different scopes or rings without replacing the entire mounting system. However, you must ensure the rail is properly installed on your rifle. Often, Savage Axis rifles come pre-drilled with screw holes, or a gunsmith may need to install the rail.
Essential Considerations When Choosing a Scope Mount
Selecting the right scope mount involves more than simply picking a model that looks good or is readily available. Several factors must be weighed to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Material Matters: Strength and Durability
The material used in the scope mount significantly impacts its durability, weight, and overall performance. Aluminum and steel are the two most common choices. Aluminum mounts, often made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloys, are generally lighter and more affordable. However, steel mounts often offer greater strength and are often preferred for heavier scopes or applications where recoil is extreme.
The quality of the material and the manufacturing processes used are just as important as the material itself. Look for mounts that have been meticulously machined and treated to resist corrosion.
Height Matters: Achieving the Perfect Eye Alignment
The height of the scope mount, or the distance between the rifle’s receiver and the scope’s centerline, is crucial. The proper height affects the shooter’s cheek weld on the stock, which is essential for comfortable shooting and consistent sight picture. The ideal height allows the shooter to naturally align their eye with the scope without straining.
Scope height is determined by a few different factors. The size of your objective lens (the front lens of the scope) is a primary consideration, as the larger the lens, the higher the mount needs to be to clear the barrel. The type of rail (Picatinny or Weaver) and the thickness of the rings also contribute. Experimentation and careful measurement are sometimes necessary to find the perfect height for your specific setup.
Durability and Construction: Ensuring Long-Term Performance
The construction quality of the scope mount is a critical aspect of its overall value. Look for mounts that are constructed from high-quality materials and precisely machined. Attention to detail, such as properly torqued screws and a rugged finish, will significantly contribute to the mount’s longevity and reliability. A well-built mount can withstand the rigors of hunting and shooting for years to come.
Consider the finish of the mount as well. A durable, corrosion-resistant finish will protect the mount from the elements and help it maintain its appearance.
Compatibility: Matching Rifle and Scope
Ensuring compatibility between your rifle, scope, and mount is paramount. Not all mounts will fit all scopes, and not all mounts are designed for the Savage Axis. Review the specifications carefully and verify that the mount is designed to fit the Savage Axis receiver. You’ll also want to ensure that the rings on the mount accommodate the tube diameter of your scope (usually one inch or thirty millimeters).
Before making a purchase, cross-reference the mount’s specifications with the specifications of your rifle and scope. This will prevent costly mistakes and ensure a seamless fit.
Installation Ease: A User-Friendly Design
The ease of installation can influence your overall experience. Opting for a mount that is straightforward to install can save you time and frustration. While some mounts require specialized tools or expertise, others are designed for relatively easy installation, using only common tools like screwdrivers and torque wrenches.
If you’re not comfortable installing a scope mount yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from a gunsmith. A properly installed mount is a vital step in ensuring accurate and reliable performance.
Top Scope Mount Recommendations for the Savage Axis
Choosing the “best” scope mount is ultimately subjective and depends on your specific needs and shooting style. However, some models consistently receive positive reviews and demonstrate excellent performance.
Recommended Option: The Weaver Grand Slam Scope Mount
Weaver Grand Slam scope mounts consistently earn high marks for their quality and value. These are typically two-piece mounts made from durable aluminum alloy. They offer an excellent balance of strength, light weight, and affordability. The Grand Slam mounts are precisely machined and designed for easy installation. The rings on Weaver Grand Slam mounts are usually made of steel to hold the scope perfectly.
Weaver Grand Slam mounts deliver a reliable foundation for your scope, providing consistent performance in various shooting conditions.
Another Excellent Choice: The Leupold Rifleman Scope Mounts
Leupold is a well-respected name in the world of optics, and their Rifleman scope mounts offer a great combination of quality and value. These are typically two-piece mounts crafted from robust materials and designed for easy installation. Leupold is known for its exceptional build quality.
The Leupold Rifleman mounts are designed to provide a stable and secure platform for your scope, even under demanding conditions.
More to Consider: The Talley Manufacturing Lightweight Scope Mounts
Talley Manufacturing is known for producing high-quality, lightweight scope mounts. They manufacture both one-piece and two-piece options from durable materials. Their designs often offer a sleek and streamlined profile.
These mounts are an excellent choice for those who prioritize weight savings or prefer a cleaner aesthetic. They offer a solid performance platform and are often favored by hunters seeking a lightweight setup.
Installing and Zeroing: Tips for Optimal Performance
Once you’ve selected your scope mount, proper installation is the next crucial step. Following these guidelines will help you achieve the best results.
A Guide to Installing a Scope Mount: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Rifle:** Make sure the rifle is unloaded and the bolt is removed for safety.
2. **Clean the Receiver:** Clean the receiver’s mounting holes with a solvent or cleaner to ensure that the screws will seat correctly.
3. **Install the Bases (if applicable):** If using a two-piece mount or a rail, carefully align the bases with the holes in the receiver. Secure them with the provided screws.
4. **Torque the Screws:** Use a torque wrench (highly recommended) to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s specifications. Overtightening can damage the receiver.
5. **Attach the Rings (if applicable):** Place the bottom halves of the rings around the mount or rail. Place the scope in the rings, ensuring proper eye relief.
6. **Level the Scope:** Use a leveling tool or a level to ensure that the scope is perfectly level with the rifle. This is critical for accurate shooting.
7. **Tighten the Rings:** Carefully tighten the ring screws, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Again, use a torque wrench to avoid over-tightening.
8. **Final Check:** Double-check all screws to ensure they are securely tightened.
Scope Zeroing: Achieving Point of Impact
Zeroing your scope is the process of adjusting the scope’s reticle to align with the point of impact of your bullets at a specific distance. This requires patience and a methodical approach.
1. **Set Up Your Target:** Place a target at your desired zeroing distance (typically 100 yards).
2. **Boresight (Optional, but recommended):** Use a boresight tool to initially align the scope with the bore of the barrel.
3. **Fire a Group:** Fire a three-shot group at the target.
4. **Adjust the Scope:** Use the windage and elevation turrets to adjust the scope to move the point of impact to your desired zero. For instance, if your shots are low and left, adjust the scope to move the reticle up and right.
5. **Repeat:** Fire another group and make further adjustments as needed until your shots consistently hit the target.
Maintaining Your Setup: Keeping Things in Top Shape
Proper maintenance of your scope mount and rifle setup is crucial for ensuring consistent performance and longevity.
Maintaining Your Mounts: Cleaning and Care
Regularly inspect your scope mount for any signs of wear and tear. Clean the mount with a mild solvent and a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Inspect the screws periodically to ensure they are properly tightened.
Resolving Potential Issues: Troubleshooting Common Problems
If you experience issues with your scope mount or rifle, here are some common problems and potential solutions:
- **Loose Screws:** Tighten the screws using a torque wrench.
- **Misalignment:** Ensure the scope and mount are properly aligned. Re-install the mount if necessary.
- **Inconsistent Groupings:** Check the mount for any movement or looseness. Also, check the scope itself for any internal issues.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Mount for Your Needs
Selecting the best scope mount for the Savage Axis is a crucial step in maximizing your rifle’s accuracy and shooting enjoyment. Consider the different types of mounts, the importance of material and construction, and the significance of proper installation and zeroing. By investing the time to choose the right scope mount and taking the necessary steps to set it up correctly, you can unlock the full potential of your Savage Axis rifle. Remember to research different options, read reviews, and consider your specific shooting needs before making your final decision.
