Adding a DNZ Game Reaper mount to my Ruger American Rimfire project rifle was a logical upgrade. While I was perfectly content with the scope I had mounted on it, it did look a little chunky. That’s because the Vortex Diamondback Tactical has a 30mm tube, and I used some tactical-looking heavy-duty rings. I recently upgraded another rifle, and ended up with a spare Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42. This scope is a little smaller and a little lighter, yet offers the same magnification range. Rather than just get another set of 1″ rings, I figured the DNZ Game Reaper would be a better choice. From both a performance and aesthetic standpoint, it’s an upgrade.
DNZ Game Reaper One-Piece Rimfire Scope Mount
Each Game Reaper starts with a solid aluminum billet. They’re machined to be an exact fit to each rifle’s receiver. Traditional mounts and rings require more hardware, as well as introduce more room for tolerance issues. By utilizing a one-piece mount, there is less hardware, and alignment issues are virtually eliminated. The Game Reaper is also 67% lighter than comparable mounts. And it uses four times the threads plus precision socket-head cap screws. You’re not likely to find a lighter, or stronger setup. And it’s made in the USA.
The Game Reaper mount is available in 1″ or 30mm variations, and rimfire as well as short or long action centerfire options. Colors include black, silver, or APG-Camo. Height options are low medium, and high. Measured from the top of the receiver to the centerline of the scope tube, those equate to 0.94″, 1.06″, and 1.19″ in height. Total length of the mount is 4.29″, and the standard rings are 0.63″ in width. Note that this is for the rimfire version. Centerfire mounts will be different. depending on action type. Prices vary from $68.25 to $131.25, with the medium ones shown on my rifle being the former.
Package Contents
My DNZ Game Reaper mount came packaged with the mount, which is actually three pieces, as well as eight screws, and a 7/64″ wrench. All the screws are grade 8 hardened steel, with the ring screws being 1/2 long. There was also a card with the packaging that offered recommended torque settings for the mount as well as the ring screws. DNZ suggests 20 inch lbs for aluminum receivers, and 30 inch lbs for steel.
Installation
After clearing my Ruger American Rimfire, I went about removing the existing rings and scope bases. The Weaver #12 bases do the job, but at around $10 for the pair, they aren’t necessarily precision-made. When mounting rings to them, any small variance in tolerances gets magnified. These would be replaced with the one-piece mount, which offers perfect alignment. Once the bases were removed, I installed the Game Reaper. Each of the four screws was turned a bit at a time, to ensure they all got torqued down equally. Once there was a bit of resistance, I switched to my torque wrench, set at the recommended 30 inch lbs.
With the Game Reaper base installed, I set my scope on it, adjusted for eye relief, and carefully installed the top halves of the rings. After verifying that the scope was level and eye relief was correct, I tightened those 1/2″ long screws down, alternating sides as well as front to rear. Although DNZ recommends 35 inch lbs, Vortex recommends 18. So I went with the scope manufacturer’s spec. Had this been a centerfire scope, that 35 in lbs might apply. But for a low-recoil rimfire, they don’t need to be nearly as tight. A quick zero with my laser, and I was set for the range.
Range Time
I wasn’t expecting any noticeable difference in accuracy, for a couple of reasons. First, my indoor range isn’t long enough to challenge a rimfire rifle. At 25 yards, any decent rifle should put all the rounds through one ragged hole. Second, I still haven’t finished my ammo testing to find the preferred round for this rifle. So nothing groundbreaking here. But it certainly has a more classic look, and I’m looking forward to a weekend with some warmer temps so I can stretch things out to 50 or 100 yards. Most mornings have been 30 degrees or less, which isn’t ideal for testing. At least, not for me.
Conclusion
Even without objective data to demonstrate an improvement, I know the DNZ Game Reaper is an upgrade. By fully eliminating any possible alignment issues due to tolerance stacking between the receiver, scope bases, and rings, it removes one variable from the equation. And it looks better too, in my opinion. As far as pricing, those Weaver #12 bases plus a decent set of rings are nearly as much as the $68.25 price tag the Game Reaper carries. For the small price difference, it doesn’t really make sense to not go with the one-piece mount. It’s rare to get an improvement in performance and aesthetics for almost no extra cost, but DNZ managed to pull that off. So props to them. Check out their full line of mounts and other products at dnzproducts.com.
I’d like to thank DNZ for providing their Game Reaper mount for my testing and evaluation. It’s always great to share quality, American-made products with my readers.