I would go with the Leupold dual dovetail system. I don't think there are much better ones on the market!

You did the right thing. Compare both inside and outside. The worst thing in the world is to have a scope that just doesent make it. The best thing in the world is a scope you like and have confidence in.

I like Burris Signature Zee Rings. They fit Weaver style bases. The Signatures have an insert that prevents ring marks on the scope, eliminates the need lap rings, and can be used with eccentric rings in the event you run out of adjustment while sighting in. The Signatures are available in the Double Dovetail style mentioned above.

I would NOT go with the Leupold STD style mount. I had one once and couldn't keep the rear ring tight on the bases. I replaced it with a set of Weavers (back in the early 80's) and haven't had a problem since. I also prefer 2 piece bases. I find that the one piece base gets in the way for loading/unloading in the winter.

I've never used Talley's but have read glowing recommendations for them (FWIW)

Dale

Just wanted to throw my input out here for ya! i recently purchased a TC venture in .270 caliber and put a 3-9x50 redfield revolution on it. I shot about 45 shells the other day and was shooting about 1" groups at 100 yards. The scope stays very bright in low light conditions and has the leupold guarantee. I got my scope and some very good millett bases for 240 dollars. The best thing about this scope is the illuminator lens system and the rapid target acquisition eyepiece, you can find your target very quickly and easily, i would compare this scope to a leupold VX-II and really dont understand why they are undercutting themselves. this is basically the same scope except for the gold ring. I actually spoke to a representative from leupold and he told me that there is no better person to be in competition with than yourself.

i would choose the bushnell elite,or redfield,i have a bushnell elite 3200 3x9x40 on my wifes 06,she has not hade a problem with it in the 7 years or so she has owned it.ans i have heard nothing bad about the revolution from redfield,since they started making them again.

i have a nikon monarch, a bushnell elite 3200, had another whose name escapes me, have two leupold M8's and will say this.

1. the nikon is by far the brightest and clearest. it's also the most finicky needing far more adjustment in the field to keep it clear and bright.
2. the bushnell is really nice when hunting in the rain and cold. you can laways see and don't need any stupid lense caps that slow down sudden jumped animal shots. if you hunt around dangerous game and may need a defensive shot, this feature cannot be overstated. also true if you still hunt, especially in the woods.
3. the leupolds, both, have never, not once, in 25+ years i've owned them needed to be adjusted after falls, drops, storage or any amount of weather. a feature that is not true of the other two scopes and one that also cannot be overstated.

as i believe in reliability being more important than any other single feature on a scope, if i buy again i'll spend the little extra to get a leupold...

as for rings, the burris zee rings or a similar weaver style ring is the most positive and durable form. on and off you hear of dovetails breaking when dropped or used on heavy recoil rifles. there's less steel on the base and thus less strength. millet also makes a nice weaver, they're cheaper and the weaver style offers the second most positive lock on the market (ruger being #1, but only available on ruger rifles)