Hi guys! Is there any real-world difference between having "steel" base/rings and having "aluminum" base/rings? When is steel better than aluminum? How big is the actual difference? When is aluminum better than steel? How big is that difference?


Sorry, I'm a total newb when it comes to optics issues, and my questions are probably really dumb...


I want to shoot targets to about 1000 yards, and hunt out to perhaps 500-600 yards max. I want to have a rigid optics rig that can withstand some inevitable real-life abuse (such as accidental bumping of the scope on a tree, perhaps accidental drop of the rifle on the ground, firing recoil). FYI, I'm shooting savage trophy hunter 111 in 30-06, and have 6x46 SWFA SS scope.


Thanks in advance!