Quick Detach Integral Scope Rings - not for AR15

[Bill_Rights]

Definition: "Integral" scope ring base means two rings joined by a solid bar which stays in place with the rings and scope when you remove the scope from the rifle.
Definition: QD means "quick detach", which usually means some sort of lever or cam action that clamps the scope ring(s) to a Picatinny, Weaver or other rail fixed to the rifle. (But I am open to thumb screw or even tool-operated clamps as long as they are relatively quick for field/range swapping.)

Which of these three brands of integral QD scope mounts do you think is best? Take the poll. Also, you may vote for another brand I have not listed, but please post full mfr, model number and web link, if not an actual photo, of the brand you are aware of. Also, there is a fifth poll choice for non-integral QD scope mounts (two separate QD rings), if you think these are any good (Leupold apparently offers this). If you vote this way, please post full mfr, model number and web link, if not an actual photo.

There is another THR thread that discusses some aspects of these QD mounts. See "NObody using convential scope rings anymore?" at http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=522833.

I agree with some of the posters at that thread, that you don't have to be an "operator" or a wanna-be mall ninja to appreciate the value of good QD scope mounts:
1) Who wouldn't want to be able to swap different scopes with different capabilities onto the same rifle, and have them be zeroed?
2) I don't care about AR-style top-handle rifles. My only application is for conventional bolt guns, semi-autos, maybe even lever rifles with receiver scope.
3) Most of these mounts come in size for 1" scope tubes, but some only come in 30mm, 34 mm... tube sizes.
4) I only ask because I am in the market for several of these. (You gotta buy at least two, right? Else what's the point?)
5) Price is an issue. These puppies are around $200 or so, which is probably way more than they cost to produce, but is it more than they're worth?

Here are the three main candidates:

LaRue Tactical - LT-111, without added eye relief: http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=393 $245
LT-104 is similar but has added eye relief suitable for AR15.


American Defense - RECON-S or RECON-SL, without added eye relief: http://www.americandefensemanufacturing.com/view/product/11/ $170

(Noveske Rifle Works version to the right)

GG&G - Accucam QD Base GGG-1199, without added eye relief: http://www.gggaz.com/accucam-quick-detach-base-with-integral-30mm-rings-for-bolt-guns.html $200


Bobro Engineering - PRECISION OPTIC MOUNT - 30MM, ITEM NO: B03-200-300: http://www.bobroengineering.com/view/product/7/ $229

 

[MCMXI]

I have three LaRue QD mounts for optics (104, 139 and 659-NV ), a pair of GG&G QD mounts and even some Warne QD rings on both of my Marlin '95s. If you plan on mounting the LaRue or GG&G on a standard Picatinny rail, the LaRue is definitely a better product than the GG&G. LaRue uses an effective recoil lug whereas GG&G relies on the clamp screw (round shaft) to act as a recoil lug which is less than ideal since it makes limited contact with the front of a Picatinny notch. If GG&G changed the clamp screw to a square shaft then my vote would go to GG&G for the superior clamping system. As it is, my vote is for the LaRue since I know nothing about the AD mount. The Warne QD rings are very good if you're looking for a low budget solution. Rock solid with good recoil lugs and excellent hardware.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Add Bobro to the list. My soon to be ordered Nightforce/Vortex:banghead: well rest in a Bobro mount. Like 1858 I like the Warne QD's, I have two rifles with the Warne's on 20moa raisers.

 

[SwampWolf]

My Weaver high-mount QDs work fine.

 

[Stack]

Shortly after I bought my first Larue QD mount I gave my others away and replaced them with the Larue mounts. My 20 inch Larue stealth upper shoots about 1/2 MOA with my hand loads and if I remove the scope and replace it I can only see point of impact change of 1/4 MOA at most and sometimes not at all.

 

[Bill_Rights]

OK, crate-man, I added the Bobro. After going to the Bobro web site, I remember being there before or seeing it on SWFA.

Unfortunately, HELP - I do not know how to add Bobro to the poll itself. Is there a way?

Stack,

After getting LaRue, when you gave away your other mounts, were they regular single rings or were they integral quick detach rail-type mounts? If they were integral quick detach rail-type, were they one of the brands listed here?

 

[Bill_Rights]

Good two-piece QD rings

Since you brought it up, "1858", I trust Warne absolutely based upon impeccable reputation. Never heard a bad word about their products. Their only QD products are two separate rings, not an "integral" bar/rings design, right? I see this family: http://www.warnescopemounts.com/quick_detach.html

I like:
1) sintered steel construction, said to be stronger than aluminum alloys
2) square cross-section recoil control key
I don't understand:

...unique Warne indexable lever system which allows the user to remove the optics from the rifle then reattach it without the loss of zero, as well as allowing the location of the lever to be indexed once the rings are affixed to the bases. After the levers are tightened, simply pull out on the lever, turn it to the desired location then let it snap into place. When used on the all steel Warne Maxima bases, we guarantee accuracy of within 1/1000th of an inch when removing and reattaching the optics.

So, it is not a cam mechanism? You have to go by feel for the torque you want to apply? Then the pull-out/snap into place of the lever is just to get the lever out of the way?

I don't like:
1) that it must rely on the rigidity of your scope tube to hold alignment - could stress and bend the scope tube
2) that you gotta use special Warne steel base (they do list a lot of models of rifles for which they make bases, but not all...)

Comments? Explanations?

Swampwolf, Are the Weaver QD rings a similar two-piece system? I can't find any "Weaver", as in Weaver Manufacturing Company, integral bar/rings design....

 

[451 Detonics]

I think the original HK was one of the best designs ever

 

[Bill_Rights]

451 Detonics,

I put up the Noveske version of the AD mount, which even the Noveske web site says is from AD. Noveske does have better photos on their site and does show square cross-section recoil control key.

About the original HK design, is it for sale anywhere today? Can you give web link or supplier?