Scope mounting on 375 H&H

[Tango]

I just purchased my first 375 H&H, a new Winchester Mod 70. I’m wondering if there are specific scope mounting techniques used for heavy recoiling rifles? I’m very careful/detailed when working on my rifles but this is my first heavy recoiling rifle. I’ve never had any issues with scope mounting in the past however this is another level of recoil. I hear anecdotal advice about using rubber cement or double sided tape inside the rings, though never from optics manufacturers. I’m using new Leupold QRW rings-bases. Appreciate any advice. Thank you

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I would use blue loctite on the base screws. I guess one could put something inside the rings to hold the scope in place, but I've never done this and would prefer never too.

 

[Tango]

I agree. I always use the blue Loctite with great results. The hunt isn’t until July so plenty of time to work with the rifle and confirm things are solid. Thank you.

 

[Travis2282]

I agree with what others have said. I use blue loctite, torque to manufacture recommendations, and according to which rings I’m using I like to lap the rings out to make sure I have good contact.

 

[Longwalker]

I have used contact cement inside the rings, but don't think i'd bother with that again. If lapping the rings is possible, do that, and if not, a strip of thin friction paper will protect the scope finish and give some grip. i also agree with blue locktite on the base screws, and use a torque screwdriver to get the screw tension correct.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I have two 375 set-ups. The first (MRC) I got the Leupold QRs with studs. Nothing QR about them IMO. I have to carry a Leatherman to flip the levers. They do return to “0” well.

The second (Kimber Talkeetna) I have Weaver style steel bases and Warne QR rings. So far, I like them much better. Even my old fingers can actuate the levers.

I also use Blue Loctite on the bases, lap the rings, but put nothing on the scope nor inside the rings.

Best of luck however you decide to do it!

 

[BeeMaa]

I would recommend this kit for starters.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/816462/wheeler-engineering-scope-mounting-combo-kit-1-and-30mm
It has a torque screwdriver, locktite, 1" & 30mm lapping shaft w/ lapping compound...etc
A really good place to start is with the proper tools.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I would recommend this kit for starters.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/816462/wheeler-engineering-scope-mounting-combo-kit-1-and-30mm
It has a torque screwdriver, locktite, 1" & 30mm lapping shaft w/ lapping compound...etc
A really good place to start is with the proper tools.

Nice kit BeeMaa! I had to put it all together over the years. I probably have twice the price at least invested!

 

[WAB]

Those mounts will be fine. I’ve used them on my .375 and 458 Lott without issue. Make sure that they are both seated against the forward recoil surface in the base. There is a little play front to back between the rings and bases. It is very important to ensure that the scope is mounted such that both recoil surfaces are in play. When you take the scope off and put it back on, be sure to hold it forward as you tighten the levers.

 

[BeeMaa]

Nice kit BeeMaa! I had to put it all together over the years. I probably have twice the price at least invested!

I have that kit along with several other pieces I added over the years.
Now I'm thinking I need a 34mm lapping shaft...damn it.
It's always something.

 

[Tango]

Thanks for the input. Everything suggested is what I’ve always done. Good confirmation I was on the right track.

I’m really impressed with the Model 70s. Beautiful wood, great trigger and wonderful fit-finish. Mine is a brand new Portuguese rifle. I’ve only fired 20 rounds so far but the iron sights are spot on at 50 yards.

 

[WAB]

You’ve got yourself a keeper. Tough to beat the new M70’s. I believe that the current production is better than the pre-64’s. Blasphemy I know, but IMO it is a better design.

 

[Tango]

I agree. I own several pre 64 Fwts and while fine rifles, I think the new ones are better suited for hard use and travel in Africa. This new trigger is much better than my old ones. It’s a lot of rifle for the money!

 

[neckdeep]

You can skip all that first stuff if you buy some Warne bases and quick detach rings, and when you get done, your scope won’t have ring marks, I have the lapping kit posted and the only time I have used it is on Leupold rings, and they still marked my scopes, used the Warnes perhaps 50 plus times and never left any mark whatsoever, that’s a big plus for me

 

[neckdeep]

Perhaps these new Leupold rings and bases may work better than old style

 

[Tango]

I've had very good results with Leupold rings-bases over the years and have no doubt they'll work well. Mine are their latest rings listed as QRW2. I find the most critical part of the process is use of a quality torque wrench.

 

[neckdeep]

They look pretty stout and will work fine I am sure, Warne actually makes a very handy little T wrench that has a pre set click for torque. They work great. Good luck on the hunt and congrats on a great rifle.

 

[8x68]

Make sure you have enough eye relief on your scope. At least 4" would suffice. Nice rifle btw. As it shoots heavier bullets you want to make sure you have enough elevation in your scope. A Leupold tech cautioned me about this when I was looking to put a scope on my 9.3x62.

 

[steve white]

No offense to anyone but I would NOT advise lapping the rings. I lapped some Leupold rings which later slipped. Leupold tech support said "don't do that" since the little sharp pointed ridges inside the ring surfaces were meant to grip with a little bite, and flat topping them by lapping was allowing them to move under recoil. They sent me replacements, I put them on sans lapping and nothing has moved since. This was with a Zeiss 3-12x56, a fairly hefty scope, but the principle should apply.

 

[maxtheflyinghorse]

I just added a GPO scope with weaver base and Hawke steel QD mounts. Not shot yet