Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles best mounts for a NXS on a Montana??

Jordan,I've heard of a recoil lug in picatinny rails but I don't understand how it works. I guess I've never seen one.

Jordan,I've heard of a recoil lug in picatinny rails but I don't understand how it works. I guess I've never seen one.

Off the top of my head...

These rails have recoil lugs (M700 applications):
Seekins
NF
Badger Maximized
TPS XP
Precision Armament
Xtrema Hardcore Gear
Near

No Lug:
LaRue
McCann
Warne Mountain Tech
Warne
Talley

I am going to mount a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10X42 on my Kimber Montana. I've been debating with myself whether I should use Talley Lightweights or go with a Picatinny rail and rings. The whole purpose of the NF is to eliminate any possible scope issues ,so I'm leaning toward a good rail and ring set up. How it looks is way down on the list but I don't mind cutting down on unnecessary weight or bulk if I'm not sacrificing dependability. I've not used a lot of rail and rings before so I would appreciate some suggestions of what would be best.

Right now I'm thinking of ordering either the Nightforce or Talley picatinny rail and some Nightforce light weight rings. I would go with the Burris extreme tactical signature rings but I was concerned that the extra width might limit my mounting adjustment on the short action.

Right now I use Talley lightweights with a 1" scope in mediums because the height of the mediums align with my eye better than the lows. I'm willing to consider any other ring options though if there is something better ,or that will fit the set up better.

Yes,I know it will add considerable weight to the Montana but I'm tired of wondering if I'm having scope problems or something else. I've been chasing my tail with this rifle,sometimes shooting one hole groups and sometimes 3" groups,and sometimes one hole groups to different POI without a scope adjustment or ammo change on the same day. Formidilosus has been generous enough to loan me a NF NXS to try the reticle and see how I like it on this rifle. If I like it,I'll order one. At least I'll know if I'm having some other issues other than scope and mounts. If the NF doesn't get me sorted out,I'm either going to rebarrel the Montana or get a Fieldcraft but I think I'm done with light weight unreliable scopes.

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on mounts,and even pictures of your set up if you have something similar to what I am wanting.

It beats remembering what a Kimber Montana is, and does best, here... it's a featherweight HUNTING RIFLE.

Even if a rail system gave some incremental improvement in group size (compared to Talley LW's) on a 20-lb match rifle, can YOU actually use that extra precision shooting a Kimber Montana? Be honest with yourself. I've put a shïtload of rounds through my 7 WSM Montana and as much as I love the rifle, there are just some limits with such a light rifle and a mere mortal behind the trigger.

That's what I mean by don't overthink this. Talley LW's are a great setup in my experience: are simple, are strong, are very light, and cheap! And I seriously doubt they'll limit anybody in any meaningful way compared to a rail. But the rail setup will cost a lot more, weigh a lot more, and basically goober-up a fine featherweight rifle... for no real reason IMHO IME.

Talley LW all the way.

Agreed Jeff, but remember, those aren’t “tacticool”.. a guy really needs @ 20 oz scope and I-beam mounts to support it. Those 500 yard shots are demanding.

Agreed Jeff, but remember, those aren’t “tacticool”.. a guy really needs @ 20 oz scope and I-beam mounts to support it. Those 500 yard shots are demanding.

Interesting. I’ve had at least 25 pairs. Never an issue. But I do lap them, and use a torque wrench.

Nah to add that stuff to get up to that 7-7.25 pound you have mentioned you prefer as well.

Of course I can get by with lesser scope and have for years. Problem is now that I have used scopes that don't require a couple adjustment click everytime I check "zero" its hard to go back to the ones that do. Epsecially when I always have those other rifles that are lighter if needed.

I do have like 4-5 pairs of Kimber Talley's of various sizes if anyone want to buy them. $30 each shipped....some 30mm some 1", some black, some silver, some lows, some mediums.

I've had a bunch of them, only the 2 cracked. I don't lap and only use 2 fingers on the short end of the wrench to tighten alternating screws so there is a chance I over-tightened...but nothing else has ever failed and the same technique is used. That rifle lived (still lives) a hard life as it lives in an ATV boot and is used/carried/driven every day. The DNZ mounts which replaced the LW's are still good.

I actually prefer dots, as they're a "set and forget" proposition. However, I certainly "get" wanting a scope that tracks perfectly, like the NF. For what I do a light Leupold with a CDS is fine. Yes I do prefer a 7 - 7.25lb rifle, but I don't like the weight sitting on top. I prefer it out front in the barrel, not awkwardly perched on top in the middle of the rifle like Dolly Parton and her bolt-on's. And of course, a lighter scope really negates the need for heavy mounts. A 20 oz scope up high is subject to a lot more forces than a 12 oz one and for sure it's smart to use a more stout mount.

We all find our way to the same end differently for sure... use what you wish, go forth and slay beasts. This is all fun and games anyway, and if it isn't then psychoanalysis is in order.