Leupold rings/mounts

[New Hampshire]

In reference to my previous post it looks like Im going with a scope on my .30-06.  Ive decided its gonna be the Leupold VX-1 2-7x.  Now, Ive got a standard weaver base on right now and could easily get quick detach rings.  But I think I want to get a cleaner look and use two piece turn in mounts and rings.  Leupold makes them for the Encore, so has anyone any poinion of these mounts/rings?  Also, is it really necessary, especially on a hunting rifle, to lap the rings?  I can get a Wheeler lapping kit for about $25, but is it really worth it?  Also, if anyone has a similar set up, what height rings do you use for your set-up that gets the scope way down on the barrel but still allowing for acceptable hammer clearance (I have a Virgin Valley hammer offsett on.)
Thanks for any advice,
Brian M.

[Tad Houston]

I lap all my rings now except for the Burris signature. After the first couple of times i lapped, i could see where the contact with the scope was, and in many cases it was not much and all on one edge of the ring only. This condition can cause slippage, bad ring marks, and undo stress on the scope tube. I highly recomend lapping. Now i do it so much, i'm wearing out my lapping rod! Next i need to invest in a 1" reamer from brownells. Also the wheeler kit come with two short rods that make installing and aligning DD rings a snap.

 Hope this helps- Tad

[New Hampshire]

Hey Tad   ,
I kinda figured it would be worth it to lap the rings.  I guess Ill pick up that Wheeler kit when I order the scope.
Brian M.

[Thomas Krupinski]

Brian,

I am using the Weaver bases and rings on the Encore rifle barrels and the standard Redfield single dovetail bases with Luepold, Redfield and Burris bases on the pistol barrels.

I find that the Weavers mounts are easier to switch between barrels by recording the number of clicks it takes to return to zero.