IRONHEAD61

I have a .44 Super Redhawk, 7.5" barrel, ruger scope mounts and a 2x Leupold.

How close to zero will the scope be if it is removed then attached again?

Thanks,

North country gal

I regularly take scopes and red dots on and off my short guns as my needs change. As long as you don't remove the rings from the scope or loosen the rings on the scope - in other words leave the scope and rings intact as a unit - you'll always be close when you replace the scope/rings back on the base or, in this case, the barrel. Worst case scenario is that I have to fine tune a click or two on the adjustments to get back to where I want things. Not a big deal.

Iowegan

IRONHEAD61, A while back, I bought a stainless MK III Slabside competition model that came with a steel Ruger base and Stainless steel Ruger rings ... the same exact rings that are used on a SRH. I mounted a 2x scope, took it to the range, and sighted it in. Out of curiosity, I removed the scope (rings stayed attached to the scope like North country gal said) then put it back on to test for "repeatability". When I fired it ... the holes were off about 4" to the side. In theory, this should be more repeatable so I again removed the scope and checked the mount slots and ring claws very close. Turned out there were some sharp edges and galling from when the factory machined them. A few minutes with a jeweler's file and I had both mating surfaces cleaned up. This time I had to loosen one ring on the scope tube to make sure the rings seated perfectly in the bases. After that, I again sighted the gun in, took off the scope, replaced the scope, then fired it again. Bingo! perfect repeatability. I have since taken the scope off to shoot with iron sights many times and it still holds zero just fine when I put it back on.

I don't know if this is a common problem with Ruger rings and bases but just for grins, I would give them a good inspection and clean up any galls. Also, when you mount the rings, make sure they are flush with the base and the mount screws are tight. No doubt, if you get on those mount screws with a big honkin' screwdriver, you could over torque them and pull the scope off to the side. I use a highly sophisticated calibrated method ... a quarter in the slot and turn it as tight as I can with my fingers. Works for me, but then this is only a 22.