As the title states I’m looking for advice on a one piece cantilever mount for a 1" scope. I’m going to use the scope for accuracy / preferred ammunition testing across a few platforms, but it will ultimately end up on a JP LRP-07. It doesn’t matter if it is quick disconnect or not, but what does matter is that it’s light weight, robust, and machined to tight tolerances so that it will not mark, or damage the scope tube. I’m concerned with value, not cost. If I needed a 30mm mount I’d purchase a Nightforce Unimount, but I need something for a 1" tube. The best I’ve come up with is the Bobro mount (I prefer Bobro over other QD products from Larue, ADM, and others, but that’s not the subject here). I also like the JP mount, but it offers very little weight savings (just over 1 ounce) and I’m not keen on the use of inserts. The Aero Precision Ultralight mount is very interesting, but it doesn’t have a track record (that I’m aware of), and I’m concerned the design may not provide adequate eye relief in all cases. So is there anything else I should be looking at that might be a better choice then the 7.4 ounce Bobro mount (which meets my criteria for being robust and precision machined)? Thanks.
Leopold Mark 2 is a nice option. Rock solid mount but not QD.
“Tuck your strings folks because life isn’t fair!”
Badger Ordnance has came out this year with their version of the 30mm Nightforce Unimount. I believe it is right around 4 oz’s in weight, 1.4" inches high and 4.65" inches long and priced around $200. These guys http://www.gggaz.com also offer mounts and 30mm to 1" ring reducers that fit their rings or the rings on the new Badger mount
http://shootersmagazine.com/badger-ordnance-new-products-for-2013
http://www.gggaz.com/scope-mounts-and-accessories/integral-ring-bases.html
I think the Bobro, Mark 2, and untested Aero Precision mounts would be at the top of my list. I would add to those the QD-S mount from American Rifle:
http://www.americanrifle.com/M10/default.asp
It’s expensive ($299) but by reputation their quality is terrific, and it … well it’s another option. Reviews at Snipers Hide have indicated that ARC rings basically never damage scope tubes. I do not have personal experience with this mount.
I’d probably get the Bobro and call it good.
wahoo95: Thank you for the suggestion. I wasn’t aware of this Leupold product, which is indeed a viable option. The height is perfect, it’s half the price and it’s 1 ounce lighter. The only potential issue is eye relief. I need to come up with a means of objectively identifying the maximum eye relief I will need.
Biggy and SomeOtherGuy: Thank you for the suggestions. I can’t seem to connect with the Badger Ordinance web site right now, but I currently use their products and will definitely check out their mount. I have a pair of ARC rings and agree with everything stated. Unfortunately I don’t believe their (two ring) mount is cantilevered, which is unfortunate. I’ve actually been planning a call to the owner, who I’ve enjoyed speaking with in the past, to encourage the development of a cantilevered mount. Thanks again for the input.
I am pretty sure the new Badger 30mm mount is now available but as of yesterday it still was not up on their web site .
Whatever mount you chose I would get 30mm and bush down to 1". It might save you some $$ in the future. GH
After considering all of the suggestions that were made I’ve decided to go with the Bobro. I may well sacrifice some future versatility (which could result in cost) down the road by not using bushings in a 30mm mount, but I’d prefer 1" machined rings for this application. I’ll also be giving up a rather material weight savings by passing on the Aero Precision mount, but I like the Bobro track record and the versatility the additional cantilever forward will provide (the additional cantilever forward benefit applies to the ARC QD-S as well). Thanks to all who took the time to provide input, it helped with finalizing my decision.