PIA Mounting a scope on a Savage 111
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 10:29
Received a pre-accu trigger (flat back) Savage 111 in 7 mag a few weeks ago. It had a Simmons 3x9 scope, mounts and rings. I'm sure it was a "package deal" like Savage puts out occasionally. Not being to fond of that scope set up I ordered a Vortex 3x12x42 Diamondback HP to replace it, which was recommended by a guy who knows about this stuff. (other than just Leupold, Dillon, or Ford). Here's what I've run into so far. Number one, it would appear that new scope makers are (at least this one) making scopes with shorter body's than any of my "old" hunting rifle scopes (Busnell Elite 4200's, Redfield, and an old Bushnell Range Finder from 1970 that's sits atop my 06' from that date) The Savage Long Action is a really Looooong action, hence with the two piece mounts (Savage) on the rifle there's no way the Vortex will "fit". Just not enough room on the body. Well okay, easy fix, ordered a one piece picatinney rail mount so I could set the rings pretty much anywhere and also be able to get the proper eye relief. Base mount showed up yesterday, went in to the reloading room, rifle is just sitting there in the gun vise waiting for it's new set-up. I'm all excited to get this together and go shoot it . Get out the blue locktite, mount the rail to the rifle, perfect fit, torque to 20lbs, set the scope using the Simmons rings (pretty nice rings) get the scope level tighten the rings a bit, set the scope for good eye relief, tighten the rings. Looking really good. Oooops, variable ring won't turn. Hits the mount. Tried moving things about, no good, no way. Rings are to short. Couple ways to fix this (I THINK) go to a taller set of rings (not sure where that will leave me for shooting "form") or change over to a set of those "angled" mounts. Taking the rifle down to the local "gun store" today to see what "we" can come up with. This whole process is getting a bit irritating, and a bit expensive. No, I'm not putting the Simmons back on it...(besides, not sure I can get the rail off the rifle, cheesy cap screw heads will probably strip). Enough rant for today, just kinda bummed over this ordeal, looking stuff up, ordering stuff, waiting for stuff to arrive, installing stuff, stuff don't work....