NewB Axis question

[kimbrell224]

Hi all, I just bought an Axis in 6.5 Creedmoor for almost nothing that hasn't made it through break in yet. I've been reading around for some easy mods, but first, I need a scope. I'm seeing that there may be some clearance issues so I need some help deciding on good budget friendly scope/mount/rings. The gun has the Weaver base and scope installed. I've been looking at the Vortex Diamondback. I'd like to have an accurate setup but I'm not a bench shooter and it will primarily be used for hunting. Any help is appreciated.

[wbm]

My first suggestion would be a one piece base or an extended ring for the front. All the Axis actions are long and scopes, like my Leupold. and others do not have enough tube length to fit properly with the two piece bases.

[GunnyJC]

I agree with wbm. I recently bought an Axis and wanted to replace the Weaver scope that came with it with a Bushnell Banner 4-12x40 Dusk & Dark. The tube on the Bushnell is too short so I ordered a one piece base made by Weaver (Weaver Part No. 48347). Check the diameter of the rear eyepiece on the scope that came with it. If whatever scope you pick has the same diameter, you'll be good with the same height rings, since there is enough clearance with the original. As far as which scope would be best for you, that's in large part dependent on your wallet. I'm rather partial to Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dark scopes. They're pretty decent glass for the price. I've heard great things about the Diamondback Vortexes too though. They cost twice as much as Bushnells though. Being fiscally challenged, I stay with the lower costing equipment that will meet my needs. Some schools of though will say get the best glass you can afford. I expect you should get a lot of discussion on this one because there are so many opinions and preferences. Good luck.

[celltech]

I like the Talley mounts for my scopes. You can get the single or double extended set if you need more room for a short tube. I used a double extended on my Axis .243 to mount a Redfield 3-9x50.

[GunnyJC]

Come to think of it, I have a set of UTG Quick Detach Scope Rings that came with the Bushnell scope when I bought it on E-Bay. I've read a few reviews that seem pretty positive but, I haven't personally used them. I think I'll try them out when my base comes in and let you know.

[kimbrell224]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I think I’ve decided on the Vortex Diamondback 50mm based on reviews. Now, I just need to figure out which base and rings will work best.

[GunnyJC]

Good choice. 3.5-10? You'll have to post pics when you're done.

[kimbrell224]

Yes 3.5 - 10

[GunnyJC]

Sweet. Keep in mind, in selecting base/rings system the height from the top of the receiver to the bottom of the scope tube will need to be at least .484 inches for clearance of the 50 mm objective. The scope that comes with it has a 40 mm objective so bolt handle clearance shouldn't be a problem since you will be using the same height, or even taller base/rings system to clear the 50 mm. A 40 mm only needs .287 inches for clearance so you'll most likely be using a taller setup.. Should be a nice setup.

[kimbrell224]

Sweet. Keep in mind, in selecting base/rings system the height from the top of the receiver to the bottom of the scope tube will need to be at least .484 inches for clearance of the 50 mm objective. The scope that comes with it has a 40 mm objective so bolt handle clearance shouldn't be a problem since you will be using the same height, or even taller base/rings system to clear the 50 mm. A 40 mm only needs .287 inches for clearance so you'll most likely be using a taller setup.. Should be a nice setup.
^This is what I needed. Thanks.

[GunnyJC]

No problem. Make sure to measure the outside of the objective. If 51 mm you need .5 inches and if 52 mm you'll need .524 inches clearance.

[kimbrell224]

I’ve ordered my scope, EGW base and vortex pro high rings. I filled the butt stock with spray foam to quiet it down. I was going to do a trigger mod , but I checked it before I started and it’s 3.5# straight from the factory. I’m not sure if I wanna change that or not. I will probably epoxy the forearm to add strength. I can’t wait to shoot this thing. When it’s all said and done I will have a total of $420 in it.

[prdatr]

I'd shoot it first to see how it does. Epoxy probably won't do more than adding weight as far as accuracy goes. You already have a pretty good mousetrap.

[kimbrell224]

I'd shoot it first to see how it does. Epoxy probably won't do more than adding weight as far as accuracy goes. You already have a pretty good mousetrap.
So, epoxy won’t stiffen the forearm? I’ve read about putting Rockite in it but I can’t find it locally.

[ktmracer358]

So, epoxy won’t stiffen the forearm? I’ve read about putting Rockite in it but I can’t find it locally.I picked up some on eBay for 6 bucks shipped. All you should need is a pound

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[chewy1010]

I picked up two Vortex Crossfire II 6x24x50 with the dead hold reticle at Academy right before Christmas for $200 each. They appear to be really nice scopes however I only recently mounted mine on my Axis 6.5 Creedmoor. I initially was advised I would need the high Vortex Pro rings so I bought those and an EGW 0 MOA rail. After mounting the scope I found out I was actually able to use the medium height rings so I took the high rings back and exchanged them for the mediums. I think a lot depends on exactly how much forward or back you mount your scope. And nobody can tell you that but you. I suppose you can do as I did and start high to be safe and then decide if you might be able to go lower after you get it mounted. Luckily I bought local and was able to make an exchange relatively quickly. Good luck. Matt

[GunnyJC]

Good point chewy. I mounted a Bushnell Banner 4-12x40 on my Axis using the original rings that came with rifle mounting the Weaver 3-9x40. I had to replace the two-piece bases with a one-piece multi-slot base because the tube on the Bushnell is shorter as the objective bell starts to increase in diameter earlier. I was just able the existing rings. If eye relief would have been a half inch shorter, I'd have had to use taller rings.

[kimbrell224]

So I’ve got my Vortex 50mm scope mounted on a EGW base with high vortex pro rings. I do not like how high the scope sits. It appears to lower it I would have to give up eye relief. Is there a better option than the EGW base? It is the reason I need high rings.

[chewy1010]

There are some extended 2 piece base designs out there. I believe Talley makes some as well as Warne and others. If I remember correctly I actually gained eye relief because I moved my scope forward and then was able to lower it. Before the objective was going to hit the end of the EGW rail or either the barrel nut. Don’t remember which at the moment. Try a search for 2 piece extended scope rails. You’ll come up with a few. Unfortunately it means starting all over again if you go that route. Otherwise move the rings up a couple notches in the EGW rail and see if you don’t gain some clearance.

[CaptnC]

Break out the hack saw and take the the end off the EGW. I have 4 of their bases and I've done it to all of mine. Birchwood Casey makes Aluminum Black to re-black the cut off end...can't tell it was ever there.

I'm now using 30mm Vortex Low rings even with heavy barrels 50mm objectives...eye relief is now perfect