Scope mounts: Model 11 Trophy Hunter

[Solid]

I recently picked up a Model 11 Trophy Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor. It's my first rifle, and I'm excited for deer season. I understand I really ought to replace the scope mounts. Can someone recommend a good solution? I'm not looking for anything fancy. It just needs to work, and be budget friendly. Also, I don't own a torque wrench. Eventually I'll want to get one, but is it necessary to replace scope mounts?

Thanks in advance.

[big honkin jeep]

My old man always told me "If it aint broke..... Don't fix it"
Unless the scope is sliding fore and aft or moving around side to side or you plan on dropping the rifle from a helicopter and fast roping into the range, then the mounts that come with the package guns are an adequate match for the optics that come on them. They'll serve the purpose of hunting to reasonable distances and informal plinking just fine. I'd check to insure that the screws are tight before spending the cash on new ones unless you're going to upgrade the whole setup, glass and all.
There are much better mounts on the market but replacing package gun mounts unless you're going to upgrade the whole shebang is most likely frivolous in my opinion.

[Jester560]

I would recommend to remove all of the factorymounts, degree all of the threads and re-install the mounts using blue loctite. Other than that, the factory setup works just fine. If left alone, they tend to work loose under recoil. That is the reason why you need to break them down and re-install correcty.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T337A using Tapatalk

[Underdog]

The trophy hunter package has a decent scope, mine was a budget nikon but works just fine. The rings holding it on were really cheap, those got tossed in the trash. I replaced the 2 piece bases with a picatinny rail as I wanted more fore/aft adjustment on the scope, just my preference but the bases were fine that came on the rifle. I used a set of Leupold medium rifleman rings $20.00 at cabela's to remount the scope. So if your questioning replacing something with the optic mounting, go for the rings first as everything else is decent for general use. I don't have a torque wrench either, I just snug everything evenly and never overtighten and you'll be fine.

[Stumpkiller]

The steel bases are good. Remove and remount (one of mine was loose and I had to shorten a screw). I recommend Warne steel rings. I threw out the aluminum rings mine came with.

[Solid]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. It sounds like Loctite Blue is gonna be the best budget solution.

[Dave Hoback]

Like others I recommend leaving things as they are. Until you are ready to upgrade your scope. Which you will, EVENTUALLY! Is it the Simmons you’re rifle came with, or a Nikon? The bases & rings are fine for the stock glass...and vice versa. Stumpkiller mentioned Warne rings. And they are good. However, the Tactical series are their top of the line, and what I recommend when choosing Warne rings. But they do have an increased cost. Thing is, I would not spend the money on GOOD rings when you still have the stock 1” scope tube!! You will just have to spend the money again for 30mm or 34mm when you upgrade the scope. Which in time, you WILL! And while investing in a new scope and good rings, you will want to also invest in a 1-piece 7075-T6 billet base with Picatinny rail. And when it comes to top tier rings, you could go with looks, or honestly, just pin the names on a dart board and choose which ever you strike. They are all really good!