[hoser]

Browning 1885 rings - High, Med, or Low? Scope suggestions?

I usually like my scope rings low. Someone suggested getting high rings so hammer access is easier, but I usually hate the look and feel of raising my cheek.

How are yours set up and do you have any photos? I'm looking at a 270.

 

[Red Pepper]

I have medium rings on my Winchester 1885 High Wall Hunter. Having a scope with a smaller diameter eye piece helps with hammer access (this is the Leupold Vari-X II 2-7 X 33). See attached photo.

 

[hoser]

Leupold 3.5 x 10 power Vari-XIII with 50mm objective

The one I'm looking at getting has a Leupold 3.5 x 10 power Vari-XIII with 50mm objective on HIGH rings. Do you think I should pass on the scope and rings and get something more compact with lower rings?

 

[Red Pepper]

If you can try it, do so. You may like it. I'm not personally inclined towards bigger scopes and larger objectives (which usually require high rings). I originally mounted an impressive looking Burris 8-32 target scope on my rifle, but it overwhelmed the sleek feel of the rifle so much I pulled my 2-7x33 off another rifle and put it on the 1885. I really like this combo; the rifle is comfortable and well-balanced with the light scope on top, and it does all I need it to do. Of course, if the rifle you're looking at is a good buy, you could purchase the combination, sell the scope, and buy a smaller/lighter scope and a different set of rings.

 

[hoser]

If you can try it, do so. You may like it. I'm not personally inclined towards bigger scopes and larger objectives (which usually require high rings). I originally mounted an impressive looking Burris 8-32 target scope on my rifle, but it overwhelmed the sleek feel of the rifle so much I pulled my 2-7x33 off another rifle and put it on the 1885. I really like this combo; the rifle is comfortable and well-balanced with the light scope on top, and it does all I need it to do. Of course, if the rifle you're looking at is a good buy, you could purchase the combination, sell the scope, and buy a smaller/lighter scope and a different set of rings.

Got pix? I may start a thread looking for scope suggestions for the 1885!

 

[Red Pepper]

Here are photos of my Winchester 1885 Hunter with the Leupold 2-7x33 and the Burris 8-32x40.

 

[hoser]

Here are photos of my Winchester 1885 Hunter with the Leupold 2-7x33 and the Burris 8-32x40.

Nice. I do think I like the slimmer profile scope. I may even go low mount rings. Do you think the low mount would make it tough to access the hammer?

 

[Red Pepper]

I don't know if low rings would work on not, but you obviously want to be able to access the hammer quickly and with certainty. My head is down on the stock with this set up.

 

[hoser]

Yeah, maybe mediums would work, but high ones always look funny to me personally.

 

[Red Pepper]

I don't care for high rings, either (one reason I don't like large objectives). Medium rings have worked well for me in this case (I would normally use low rings myself in a bolt action or similar).

 

[38anup]

On my 223 with weaver bases and medium height rings i can go up to a 42 mm objective. Even with a leupold vx1 3x9x40 i cant get to the hammer with gloves on, with my fat fingers . i would post picture but my camera is in my sons care...miles away