Q: I have booked a safari to Namibia for plains game and Cape buffalo. I am taking just one rifle, a Winchester Model 70 Super Grade in .375 H&H for everything up to eland and buffalo.
The .375 H&H wears a Swarovski 3-9×36. Like you, I am a great fan of Swarovski scopes and bought three of these 3-9x36s on your recommendation. In fact, I am copying you again by taking along an extra 3-9x scope which I will sight-in using quick-detachable mounts. Then if anything happens to put the scope on the .375 out of commission, I can quickly change it over.
Can you let me know which brand of QD mounts you recommend?
Helmut Kaltmann
A: Today’s riflescopes are marvels of dependability. Unfortunately, mechanical ruggedness is no guarantee you won’t experience scope problems in the field, particularly when they are getting rough treatment carried in a rack on the back of a hunting vehicle. Unforeseen accidents can have the same effect.
The problem isn’t serious, however, if your rifle has a quick-detachable (QD) mount which enables you to replace the damaged scope with the spare you brought along, fitted with the same QD rings and already sighted-in for your rifle.
In my opinion, QD rings and mounts are necessary insurance when you are on an expensive safari.
My rifles are equipped with Leupold’s QR quick-release mounts with one- or two-piece bases. I prefer the latter.
The rings feature twin locking levers integral with the base that are used to alternately secure or release the specially designed rings. Each ring attaches to a projecting mount stud with a precisely machined indent.
To mount the scope, the two studs are inserted into matching holes in the base. When each lever is pivoted forward, an eccentric on the lever shaft engages the stud, pulling the ring down and forward to lock it solidly to the base.
There are a number of excellent QD mounts available, but the Leupold QR system is simple and rugged and the scope retains its original zero, allowing a spare to be carried in case replacement is needed in the field.
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