Who makes the finest bases and rings? I want a set that you can drop, spit on, bury in the mud and shoot a gazillion times with a 99mm hoodoo magnum and still stay where they were intended. Who's the best?

Leupold steel bases and rings get my vote. I have 'em on several rifles and I am delighted with them. Solid and attractive.

I personally don't care for aluminum; the added strength of stell justifies the extra weight, IMHO.

Badger. But get ready to pay 250 dollars for a complete set. Another is ARM's. They are all Mil specs

For rings and bases designed for "normal" hunting firearms. IE... not tactical or 50 BMG. Warne is very hard to beat. Talley is also another very excelent set up with the dual recoil shoulders on their bases that their rings fit between. Be prepared to pay for Talley though.

Well in 48 years of hunting, I have never had a problem with Weaver rings and bases. From 22 RF to my 416 Rem mag. In all weather and even in the worst of conditions, I have never been able to get one to fail. I like the Millet windage adjustable rings.

Twenty dollars or for set of leupold bases, 20 dollars or so for a set leupold rings and you be set for as long you want to be. If you want to spend a little more, I'd lap the rings to smooth them out; i've been told it helps accuracy, but i'm not sure if it really helps out or not. I've also heard good things about warne. I just can't justify spending more money on something that isn't going to hold any more secure than leupold.

In my opinion Badger makes the toughest ones. They are not cheap at all. I paid $300 for a set of 30mm rings & the base for my 700P

I use Leupold bases and rings, and they have never let me down. Good luck.

For hunting rifles:

1. Talley
2. Conetrol
3. Gentry

I pick the 3 above because of qualityof construction, steel used and a strong design. For tactical rifles:

1. Badger


I pick Badger because reputation and they are endorsed by my Gunsmith. Thats all I need to know

Thanks everyone for all the good advice as usual. I've been using leupold ans sako bases and rings for years but I wondered what else was out there. Gentlemen, thanks for the education, BTW Ridge Runner, I ordered a 270 Allen.