UPDATE: DNZ has come through for me once again. I was looking to run a new scope on my Tikka T3 270WSM – the Premier Reticles Light Tactical 3-15 X 50. The DNZ (some say it stands for Dead Nutz) Game Reaper was my mount of choice.
Hard to believe but I actually had to drill out one of the screws from the existing crappy mount because the metal was so soft it stripped. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Game Reaper mounted to the four holes on the top of the Tikka receiver rather than the traditional method. This allows for a more secure mount and optic in my opinion.
I took a chance ordering the “Medium” height mount rather than the “High” and the Premier Reticles Light Tactical just clears. As indicated below, the Game Reaper is not a massive 4 or 6 screw mounting system. Instead it relies on extra-long 5/8″ screws with lots of thread holding the mount tight. This is a great-looking mount that looks correct on a traditional hunting rifle for sure. I have never failed to be pleased with DNZ products.
I might also add that the people at DNZ are great to work with (a special shout-out to Angie for the fantastic customer service). Love that they are “Made in the USA.”
PS. The Browning X-Bolt is still cutting sub-MOA groups with the DNZ mount…..
Original Review:
DNZ Products Game Reaper mounts are machined by Certified Machining in North Carolina. I have seen DNZ mounts at the range and heard good things about them but had never personally run a set. As a staff writer at Tactical Gun Review one thing I can never have enough of is quality mounts as we frequently swap out optics while testing new products. The Browning X-Bolt has a unique mounting system that limits the available choices of mounts. Tim Coggins of Certified Machining/DNZ Products was kind of enough to send me a set of the Game Reaper Medium Height Right Hand 1′ scope tube mounts (model 91500) for testing with a new Swarovski Z3 3-10X42 BRH.
Upon opening the package, it is immediately evident that the Game Reaper is a well-engineered superior mounting system. The mount is machined from billet aluminum – strong and light. It is a one-piece design that anchors to the X-Bolt with eight screws. Fit to the rifle receiver is outstanding with zero wiggle.
At first I was somewhat surprised that the scope rings were only secured with two screws per ring rather than the four I have grown accustomed to. It didn’t worry me that much as the rifle is a sweet-shooting .25-06 with light recoil. Then I noticed the extra-long 5/8″ screws provided – way more thread bite than the traditional scope ring screws.
Installation was a snap (as it should be). I removed the bolt, bore-sighted the scope, and torqued all screws down to 25 inch-pounds. Off to the range to sight in at 100 yards, then 200 yards. This particular rifle isn’t a high-volume rig and I only have about 20-30 rounds downrange. The Game Reaper has held zero perfectly and looks sharp. A couple of other shooters noticed the engraved “DNZ” and commented positively, having either owned a set or having heard good things about DNZ.
Update: I have now run the Game Reaper for about a month and report zero problems. I have double-checked all screws a couple of times and they are tight. Zero wiggle in either the scope or to the receiver. The Game Reaper is highly recommended.
by: Mike Coker
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- DNZ Game Reaper
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- DNZ Game Reaper
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- DNZ Game Reaper
Mike Coker
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I have a game reaper mount too. One ring had a small burr on the inside that would have scratched my scope for sure had I not inspected the mount. I assumed DNZ had better QC than that. For some reason I thought the stainless mount would look good on a black and fde rem 700 in a chassis. Will probably cerakote or even spray paint them. Have only used it once and I shot a nice cluster at 90 yards with one flyer aboit 1″ away, I claim as my fault. I would like to see how these stand up to drop tests etc.
I also use this bolt for my rifles, it is very good.
Does the Game Reaper for a Browning X-Bolt 7mm mag. fit both left hand and right hand rifles.(model # 97500 for 56mm scope)
I have a buddy who runs DNZ and they are great looking mounts. He is pretty happy with them. Guess I need to give them a try on next gun.