Hey guys, as stated on my other post, I finally decided on my next rifle. It' s the Tikka Whitetail Hunter, stainless w/ laminated stock, in .270 winchester. It should be here in about a week.

My question is regarding rings for it. The dealer I' m buying it thru says that the Tikka rings are pretty high rings, and since I' m only going to put a 3-9x40 scope on it, he suggests using seperate bases that they have, and low rings (with the bases he' s using, low rings would give me enough clearance for the 40mm objective).

I' m torn because I' ve heard so many good things about the Tikka ring set-up. But, I can see where rings and separate bases might allow for more room to move the scope back or forward for proper eye relief.

Which do you like, or would get?? The Tikka rings run about 40 bucks. Same price as separate bases and rings.

Go for the Sako/Tika optilock bases & rings, you won' t regret it. They are rock solid, the plastic inserts are like the Burris Signature rings. No lapping. Firm even grip on the tube. They really do make installing and sighting the scope a breeze. Doing no more than screw everything in place, I was on the paper first shot. I wish all rifle manufacturers did the same thing. They' re more expensive than standard bases and rings but are well worth it.

I have a 3x9 40mm scope on my Whitetail Hunter with low rings. The stated clearance would be good for a 55 - 63 mm objective. It looks fine.

I' m assuming a 1" tube. Look for ring part numbers S1300924 (blued) or S130R924 (stainless) and bases part numbers S1320916 (blued) or S132R916 (stainless). If your local dealer doesn' t have them, they' re in stock at www.tjgeneralstore.com.

Go for the Optilocks, CalNewbie is right on the money.

If not definitely Leupolds.