I have a Smith & Wesson 686 with factory drilled and tapped holes for optics. It has a 6" barrel and is heavy enough that 357 magnum loads do not kick all that much.

I want to mount a scope and try it for whitetail this year, and also am thinking of giving silhouette a try. Looking on line I see everything from Weaver bases that only cost $10 to more costly bases such as Leupold. I don't mind saving money but I don't want something that will not be secure, or will mar the gun.

Recommendations please?