Aluminum versus steel scope base

tpcollins · December 15, 2009, 06:49 PM

I plan to mount a scope on a T/C Triumph muzzleloader and I've seen (2) different bases. One is aluminum for about $15, the other is a steel Warne Maxima for about $45. I would think the aluminum base should be sufficient BUT these bases are about 4 1/2" long and all (4) mounting holes are on one end. This leaves almost 2 1/2" of the front base "laying" on the barrel with no attachment screws. Is the aluminum base still as good as the steel one? Thanks.

LukeA · December 15, 2009, 07:18 PM

They should have the same functionality in that application. The aluminum will flex more under recoil, but each will return to the same position it had prior to the shot.

tpcollins · December 17, 2009, 03:45 PM

"The aluminum will flex more under recoil, but each will return to the same position it had prior to the shot".

*******************************************************

Is it normal for a base to "flex" and be assured it will return to the same position? Thanks.

LongRifles, Inc. · December 17, 2009, 04:26 PM

"Chad, anything worth making is worth making out of steel."

-Bo Clerke, smart old bastard and one hell of an M.E.

fineredmist · December 17, 2009, 04:58 PM

Use the steel on a heavy recoiling rifle and the will last. The aluminum will not hold up under heavy recoil and you could be wearing the scope.

December 15, 2009, 06:49 PM	#1
tpcollins Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 558	Aluminum versus steel scope base I plan to mount a scope on a T/C Triumph muzzleloader and I've seen (2) different bases. One is aluminum for about $15, the other is a steel Warne Maxima for about $45. I would think the aluminum base should be sufficient BUT these bases are about 4 1/2" long and all (4) mounting holes are on one end. This leaves almost 2 1/2" of the front base "laying" on the barrel with no attachment screws. Is the aluminum base still as good as the steel one? Thanks. __________________ What direction did that last shot at Kennedy come from? Last edited by tpcollins; December 15, 2009 at 06:58 PM.

December 17, 2009, 03:45 PM	#3
tpcollins Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 558	"The aluminum will flex more under recoil, but each will return to the same position it had prior to the shot". ******************************************************* Is it normal for a base to "flex" and be assured it will return to the same position? Thanks. __________________ What direction did that last shot at Kennedy come from?

December 17, 2009, 04:26 PM	#4
LongRifles, Inc. Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2009 Location: Black Hills of S. Dakota Posts: 195	"Chad, anything worth making is worth making out of steel." -Bo Clerke, smart old bastard and one hell of an M.E. __________________ LongRifles, Inc. "More than a business, This is a lifestyle." www.longriflesinc.com

December 15, 2009, 07:18 PM	#2
LukeA Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2009 Posts: 542	They should have the same functionality in that application. The aluminum will flex more under recoil, but each will return to the same position it had prior to the shot.

December 17, 2009, 04:58 PM	#5
fineredmist Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2008 Location: Wethersfield, ct Posts: 128	Use the steel on a heavy recoiling rifle and the will last. The aluminum will not hold up under heavy recoil and you could be wearing the scope.