aluminum vs steel scope base

[fredhorace77]

i understand what ur getting at. but like i mentioned earlier i believe this is more theory than actual physical proof. if a action flexs any significant amount the threads for the scope bases and the threads for the action screws would be damaged upon their removal. i have never seen the threads on any action come out all damaged up from the action flexing from a long string of firing. and i do agree that a stiffer action does contribute to better accuracy. im just saying that a steel or aluminum or plastic or whatever material scope bases, and those little fine threaded screws are not going to make a significant difference on a savage action that the OP was referring to.

 

[fredhorace77]

I remember an article in Precision Shooting where the flex was measured.

if u can remember what issue this article is in let me know please. id be interested in reading it. im a long time avid reader of this mag. sure hate that its gone.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I can't remember what I did 5 minutes ago...

 

[dkhunt14]

Watch a video off slow motion firing. I have seen barrels moving an inch or more. Matt

 

[Syncrowave]

if u have flex and its greater than the strength of those screw threads it doesnt matter what the scope base is made out of, those screws are going to tear out.

if it flexes, the screws are going to be in shear, not tension, at least in every scope base i've ever seen.

 

[fredhorace77]

if it flexes, the screws are going to be in shear, not tension, at least in every scope base i've ever seen.

school me on this. whats the difference between shear and tension?

 

[dkhunt14]

If you don't think a barrel moves and the action and barrel are not being stressed Look at the video on the Varminter and Hunting forum right here. Go to the thread about the lead sled and go to page 3 and click on the link and watch the video. Watch the stock and barrel when they slow it down. The one the barrel whips like a noodle. On another the barrel and stock bend. Matt

 

[OIF/OEF]

There was a guy that shot a Remington 700 SPS at the range all the time and man after he fired the barrel vibrated like crazy I could barely shoot next to him from laughing so hard that thing moved a half inch or better and vibrate for 3 to 5 seconds it was funny. It still shot pretty good once he let it stop moving. Guess he should have had a steel base huh. Just kidding on the base

 

[gaboon]

Wasn't there thread/opinions a while back here??

 

[carlsbad]

Unless I'm trying to take ounces off of a rifle, I will normally use steel bases only because they are stronger and can withstand something totally out of your control. If the aluminum bases were made out of 7000 series aluminum, I would use them every time. Most of the aluminum bases are extruded which puts you into the 6000 series which is still good but not up to steel strength.

Indeed. There are lots of choices in AL rails. I like the steel ones. If you need to cut weight, go with 7075 aluminum which has a yield strength equivalent to mild steel. There is more difference between 7075 aluminum and cheap aluminum than there is between 7075 aluminum and steel.

 

[johara1]

Let us consider a Bat 1.530 glued and screw in to a stock……. i would say that is very rigid, so what effect would a scope mount aluminum or steel scope mount matter? I think none, but a 700 action screwed in with a heavy barrel a screwed and pinned steel mount may……… jim

 

[Syncrowave]

if it flexes, the screws are going to be in shear, not tension, at least in every scope base i've ever seen.

school me on this. whats the difference between shear and tension?

 

[M-61]

if it flexes, the screws are going to be in shear, not tension, at least in every scope base i've ever seen.

school me on this. whats the difference between shear and tension?

A link you may find interesting:
http://www.arp-bolts.com/p/technical.php......hit on Common Failures....excellent pics and explanation of the above. Syncrowave's great sketches in photos.

 

[fredhorace77]

ty for the link

 

[LHSmith]

Dkhunt14 and Zfast are correct. There have been several articles through the years in PS magazine relating to one piece bases increasing rigidity. April 2011 issue, article by Norman E. Johnson entitled "Precision Fitting the One Piece Scope Rail/Base: "Tests have further proved, that the effects of a properly installed, one piece scope/rail base, does indeed, add an element of strength and rigidity to a rifle receiver. This becomes even more apparent of the repeater style action with magazine cutout. But all are affected to some degree. This is convincingly proved by precisely measuring barrel muzzle deflection as axial pressure is applied between two firmly mounted scope rings. There is measurable motion there. The one piece base tends to dampen action vibrations as well."

 

[fredhorace77]

Dkhunt14 and Zfast are correct. There have been several articles through the years in PS magazine relating to one piece bases increasing rigidity. April 2011 issue, article by Norman E. Johnson entitled "Precision Fitting the One Piece Scope Rail/Base: "Tests have further proved, that the effects of a properly installed, one piece scope/rail base, does indeed, add an element of strength and rigidity to a rifle receiver. This becomes even more apparent of the repeater style action with magazine cutout. But all are affected to some degree. This is convincingly proved by precisely measuring barrel muzzle deflection as axial pressure is applied between two firmly mounted scope rings. There is measurable motion there. The one piece base tends to dampen action vibrations as well."

finally someone that knows what they are talking about (referring to another member here that has tried to convince me of his opinion thru name calling and cursing in pm's) and has the proper reference documents for proof. thanks so much for the info. ill see if i can find that particular issue. I sure miss that magazine. Thanks again LHSmith .