Calling all McGivers - scope mounting on an old rifle

[fearless fostick]

I have a Remington Model 12 pump action 22lr rifle circa 1913. It fires well but I am tired of the iron sights. I bought an inexpensive tasco rimfire scope. I knew this was going to be a challenge as there are no rails or bases of any kind on the rifle. A gunsmith will drill and tap starting at $65. and going up with rings etc. The rifle is only worth $100. Has anybody mounted scopes to these old timers?
Thanks

 

[Lodi]

Yes, by drilling and tapping.

 

[scanner]

Not too many options for it. Drilling and taping is one, but on those small receivers you would be better to have dove tailed grooves cut along the top for a set of 22 tip-off scope rings. You can have the side of the reciever taped for a Weaver side mount, which was common in the old days, but looks kind'a clunky. Maybe think about a tang peep sight? Lyman made one, and so did Marble's, it folds down out of the way when you want to use the rear barrel sight. Might have to locate a used one, but maybe they still make it today for your gun? Take a look at their website. Your Rem should already have 2 holes drilled on the tang behind the reciever for a tang sight (also should be pluged now with two small screws).

Or you might want to think about up grading to a modern 22 rifle already tapped for a scope base, if the smithing work is going to be half of a new gun anyways.

 

[fearless fostick]

It looks like an upgrade may be the way to go!

 

[Raton57]

I have actually seen a mount glued on with JB weld on a old gun. Since a 22 has no recoil it dosn't take much to keep it on there.

 

[aletheuo]

Raton57... I tried the epoxy trick on a little Winchester 67. The scope flopped off on the first shot. Now, it wasn't JBWeld but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[BCRider]

As it happens I've got a Remington 12 that has an old Tasco rimfire scope on it. The mount is a 3/8 rail that attaches to a key "nut" that fits into the dovetail cut into the barrel for the rear open sight... which I don't have. Anyway, if you have one of the Tasco or similar make rimfire scopes that comes with the built in 3/8 dovetail mounts then it just attaches directly without any extra rings.

In looking around to see if I could find the same thing I've struck out. But I did find these which would work.

h ttp://www.adventuresinairguns.com/crosman-2piece-mount-459mt-p-163.html

There's nothing at all magical about JBWeld. It's just a decent epoxy with a rather godlike reputation which is largely undeserved. And I would not want to glue anything to a classic rimfire such as a Remington 12.