Dugaboy1--

Thank you for your comments!!
I agree that the toughest secure scope setup with the lowest mass and the lowest height above the barrels should have preference.

If the standard scope rings and bases/scope is lower than the rail job it should get the nod if secure. It was my impression that the railmount was no different in height and much sturdier than the other configuration. If so I may be wrong.

A lighter low power variable Leupold may be satisfactory as it wouold have the 4" relief I like.The 1.5 x 5x variable or the 1.75 x 6 are pretty tough scopes although recoil from my rifles has broken no less than 5 Leupold scopes in the past.Hopefully the smaller lighter weight scope would hold up and not affect the regulation of the barrels at distance.

Thank you for your insight!