Scope mounting problem - help

J

JimmyBCool

New member
Hello all,

I haven't been around for a long time (another story involving five months overseas in SE Asia) and hate to make my first return a call for help, but then I have no shame.

OK, I have two rifles and two scopes. The Leupold is on the bolt .308 and the US Optics is on the AR. Now everything in the world was fine and both were sighted in and shooting well. So, of course I just have to screw with it. I start thinking the bolt .308 is the more accurate of the two rifles and the US Optics is the better of the two scopes so why don't I combine the two and swap scopes?

First, I mount the Leupold on the AR. No problem. In fact, the smaller scope fits at a closer alignment with the bore geving better cheek weld. Ahh, this is going to be a peice of cake. But then, I can't mount the US Optics on the bolt gun. The thing is huge (this is a truly unique scope folks). So, I go to the store and buy some higher scope rings. Great, it fits. Off to the range.

Oops, silly me. I get to the range and am setting up when time comes to open the chamber. So I pull on the bolt and it won't rise high enough to open. The scope is still in the way. (very embarassing). Never occured to me to check that little thing.

So the real question is (If anyone is STILL reading this long winded story) - should I get higher scope rings to complete the match? Or, will this result in a scope too high for the rifle (ie; poor cheek weld and bore alignment)?

Opinions please.

James
 
We need more info. Brand and model of rifle, scope base and rings? How high are the rings you are using now? MWT
 
If you're just bound and determined to use THAT scope on THAT gun, what choice do you have? It should be obvious that at some point you will indeed lose your proper cheek-weld...Can you find higher rings at a gun store, such that you could do a quick test and then make your decision? I hope you're not stuck at a WallyWorld or such...

For what do you use the .308? If hunting, I'd be happy with the Leupold (I put a Vari-X II 3x9 on my '06 some 30 years ago.) on it. To me, the AR is too awkward for walking-hunting, so I'd leave a more target-suitable scope on it.

My $0.02, Art
 
I'm not sure it'll work with your set up, but here's an idea. In the 1960s a friend of mine got a rifle from Al Biesen. It was based on a Mauser action so the original bolt had to be cut off and a new one put on. When the gun was completed my friend mounted a regular 4x scope and the bolt would not open, much like your situation. Now it's hard to imagine the great Al Biesen making such a mistake but its true. Anyway to get back to your situation, instead of sending the gun all the was back to Biesen he had a local and very compentent gunsmith remove some of the steel from the bolt, much like Ruger does on theirs. That may be a costly job, but it might work for you.
 
If you go any higher you are going to lose your cheek weld. The only other solution if you go higher with the scope is to do something with the stock. If it is a fiberglass stock you can have the comb raised. You could sell the U.S. Optics and then buy a couple of leupolds with the money.
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

Well, I am somewhat determined to get this scope on this rifle. It is not for hunting (I don't hunt), just target shooting. I am trying to teach myself the art of scoped rifle shooting. Since this rifle (Steyr .308 bolt) is my most accurate and this scope the clearest and most precise I want to mate them. When the scope was on the AR the rifle gave out before the optics did (something about .223 that just won't group that well beyond 200 yards - plus I can't see the damn holes at that range even with a spotter scope).

Fortunately I live in the Phoenix area with a plethora of qualified gunsmiths. I will take this one in and consider different rings or cutting the bolt. If it gets too high then so be it - back to the Leupold and maybe I'll try the US Optics on the M14.

Thanks for the tips.

Jim
 
For target shooting as the primary use, you could just build up a pad to raise the height of the cheekpiece and thus maintain your "weld". It could be as simple and cheesy as folded cloth held on by stout rubber bands--you're limited only by your imagination...

:), Art
 
Art,

Good tip. I have some Leupold mounts on order (couldn't find high 30 MM mounts).

Once they are here I will remount the scope and then figure out something to raise the cheek a bit. But nothing cheesy. Heck, I got lots of time on my hands. Something will occur. Something with style (grin)

Thanks

James
 
I've occasionally seen ads for lace-on leather pads, although they seem intended for stocks without a raised cheekpiece.

You could use a child's wax modelling "clay"; make a model which gives you a good weld. Make a plaster mold and then make an epoxy/flock cast.

:), Art
 
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