Many species of game animals can be hunted throughout North America, ranging from the Gulf of America to the Arctic, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. There are also many types of terrain that hunters might encounter while pursuing their game. Because of this, there are different types of firearms and calibers hunters can choose from to ensure they have the right tool for the job. In other words, ethical hunters will always use the correct gun, caliber, and ammunition to ensure that they are able to make a quick, clean, and ethical kill.
For the average hunter, hunting rifles can be broken down into three categories. The first category is relatively small caliber firearms and carbines for medium-sized game animals in brush country, with shots ranging from 100-150 yards. For example, in Texas and Louisiana, it is still common to see .30-30 Win lever action guns or .243 Win bolt action firearms for hunting white-tailed deer.
The second category of firearms include calibers with very high ballistic coefficient (BC), traveling at supersonic speeds, at long distances. These types of firearms are used to take medium to large game animals found in open or semi-open terrain. For example, these include .264 Win Magnum for taking pronghorns on the open prairie, or a .338 Win Magnum for elk in forested mountains and open dells.
The third category of firearms are the big-bore firearms used in semi-open terrain to thick cover for large and dangerous game animals. This category ranges from .375 H&H Magnum to the big 4’s and 5’s to the Nitro Expresses. For example, these would include using a .45-70 Govt for hunting large-tusked feral hogs in thick cover, or the world-renown hunting and firearms expert Elmer Keith’s favorite, .450/400 NE for brown bear in Alaska.
Of the three categories of firearms, it is the first and third category that gives the hunter an opportunity to greatly enhance the versatility of their firearm. This is done by replacing their traditional scope mounts with a quick-release scope mounting system. Like any type of mechanical system, there are pros and cons of using quick-release (detachable) scope mounts.
Even though there are pros and cons, there are more benefits than liabilities when utilizing these mounts. Quick-release scope mounts allow you to quickly remove a scope, enabling the shooter to use his or her iron sights. The scope then can be remounted on the rifle, maintaining the sighted-in zero.
If you have ever gone into the brush after a wounded animal or followed a blood trail, and needed to take a quick follow-up shot, you know what I mean. Being able to quickly remove your scope in a situation like this, you have a wide range of view for a quick snapshot using the rifle’s iron sights. This can mean the difference between having a hog for your freezer or quickly stopping a charging one to prevent an unsafe encounter.
I have used several types of quick-release mounts and have found that there are two brands that outperformed the others for speed, convenience, and accurately returning to zero when the scope is remounted. Both companies, Alaska Arms and Talley Manufacturing, provide exceptional customer service. Additionally, there is no guessing if you are purchasing their products, they will ask the right questions to ensure that there is no time wasted from receiving the right base and rings to get into the field.
Alaska Arms, LLC
Alaska Arms is the first place I go when looking for quality hard to find quick-release scope mounts. Their specialties are CZ quick-release mounts, Heym quick-release mounts, Ruger 77 quick-release mounts and Ruger No. 1 quick-release mounts. The owner, Morris Melani, personally guarantees that his quick-release systems will return to zero.
Alaska Arms is in Big Lake, Alaska, where they know a lot about harsh conditions, large calibers, massive recoil and large animals, most with large claws and teeth. In an environment like that, you had better have a solid built piece of equipment that will not let you down. These mounts are so secure that I do not think the infamous Alaskan brown bear could rip the scope off the rifle’s receiver.
According to Melani, if you happen to make a mistake and order the wrong parts for your firearm, all you have to do is contact him and arrangements can be made to return the parts, and new ones will be sent out. He makes it very clear that he wants you to get the right set of base and rings to make your hunts a success.
When you purchase these quick-release scope mounts from Alaska Arms, you are given very easy installation instructions. As long as you follow these instructions, your mounts are strongly secured to the rifle, and your scope will be guaranteed to return to zero when removed and re-installed. I have tested these claims and can attest to the validity of these claims. This means that you will have confidence in your equipment. If you have confidence in your equipment, you will have confidence in your shot placement for a successful hunt.
Talley Manufacturing, Inc. 
Talley Manufacturing produces many quick-release scope mount options for most makes and models of rifles. To their credit, Talley Manufacturing is one of the few companies that make quick-release scopes for lever-action rifles. Not only does this company produce quick-release mounts and rings, but they also manufacture picatinny rails, fixed mounts and rings, lightweight alloy scope mounts, and even one-piece base and rings for an even stronger attachment.
Talley Manufacturing is located in Santee, South Carolina. With a team of 30 employees, they manufacture and distribute all their products in-house. The quick-release scope mounts and rings are set on solid steel bases so you know that your optic will return to zero, no matter how many times you remove and re-install your scope.
According to Talley Manufacturing, many of their customers travel to Africa where they may be hunting several different types of animals. Customers will use their quick-release scope mounting systems for several different scopes to change out for the different types of hunting. This eliminates the need for taking multiple rifles for different types of hunting. It is easier to take multiple scopes than multiple guns. Additionally, customers use their quick-release scope mounting systems to carry back-up scopes in case one gets damaged during traveling or while on a hard trekking hunt.
Most hunters will put a lot of thought into their rifle and scope combo while allowing the person who is mounting the optic to make the decision for you, or use whatever parts are “on the shelf.” Many hunters cannot even tell you the brand of their base and rings. The most expensive rifle and most expensive scope will not hit the mark if there is not a solid connection between the two. Many times, the culprit is inferior base and rings that result in inconsistent accuracy and poor performance.
When you do your research on the perfect rifle and scope combo for that once in a lifetime hunt, do not settle for a substandard base and rings. The stress on these components can be tremendous depending on the caliber you are shooting. Remember, it is usually how much attention you give to the details that make the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed.
