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I saw a set of Smithsons being mounted to a Mauser the other week and here's another couple of considerations re this mounting system for your application. When the scope is removed the "internal dovetails" (that the rings fit into) are a perfect recess to catch dirt and crud, which is why these rings are supplied with blanking plates to be inserted when the rings aren't in place. The fit between the ring and base is very fine and should the internal dovetail have any degree of dirt in it I think you might find there is a potential battle getting the scope attached quickly. So if you are predominantly going to rely on your irons and then attach the scope for a long shot, then you have to decide whether you want carry the rifle with or without the blanking plates inserted or not, and weigh up the obvious disadvantages of either option. The other thing you may or may not be aware of is that you either need 3 hands or be sitting down to remove the scope as the Smithson rings require both release buttons to be depressed simultaneously, (one on each ring) to disengage the dentent to enable the scope/rings to be slid to the rear to detach from the dovetailed base. Something- 3 rd hand, knees or a vise needs to be holding the rife while this is done. They are beautifully machined, the workmanship is faultless but the concept may not be quite so perfect. I think for someone who is going to carry his rifle in the bush relying on irons and occasionally attaching their scope an external dovetail is superior for the obvious reasons, they are easy to clean.
For the money you cant beat Talley QD's, which is why they are the most specified and used QD ring on custom rifles today. They are reliable, repeatable, look good and are as cheap as chips for what they do/are. If of course your rifle is not ever going to be exposed to any dirt or need the scope to be removed quickly to take on a wounded buff in the jesse, then then you might enjoy the quality of manufacture of the Smithsons afford. Hope this helps with your thinking.

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