Lee Enfield - 3/8" dove-tail mount/base opinions?

K

kayaker1

CGN frequent flyer
GunNutz
Rating - 100%
65   0   0
Location
EDM
Hi all,

I have one of those weaver 3/8" dove-tail bases on my sporterized No.4. I have the scope in steel rings (a Bushnell Legend 2-7x).

While these bases/mounts are commonly used on Lee Enfields they seem a bit flimsy or am I over concerned?

How many of you have used this set-up without hassle (or with problems)?

My rifle has been accurate on the range with great shot-to-shot precision. However I have noticed a vertical shift in the groups between outings. It doesn't string shots, it groups consistently into 1.5-2" at 100m which I am happy with, there is never a horizontal shift, just typically high or low. I doubt the scope mounts are to blame or the groups themselves would open as shot to shot consistency would be poor. However these mounts are still a nagging concern.

Its a hunting rifle and I try to baby the rifle as much as possible to avoid knocking it, which is not an ideal situation.

Whats your opinion of these bases?
 
Last edited:
I doubt that the change in zero has anything to do with the mount, assuming that everything is snugged down. More likely the forend bedding.
 
bed?

I am thinking of giving it an epoxy bed job.

Do you guys bed just the action and under the knox-form or do you bed the whole barrel channel on LE's?
 
If you are talking about the Weaver TO1 one piece base,I've used one on a sporterized No5 since the early 1960s with no difficulties.I would suggest setting the base screws with blue locktite. The Weaver strap rings(tip- off style) do work with this base, but they put undue torque on the scope tube and tend to pull it out of plumb when tightened. I prefer the 2 piece split rings with screw on either side. I like the Redfield tip-off style 1 inch rings.
 
Thanks Purple,

yes its the Weaver TO1. I dont have weaver tip-offs, not fond of them either. Mine came with the rifle, they are the two-piece steel type and look alot like the Leupold 3/8" dovetail rings - very solid!

Good to hear that you have not had issues with yours. As I wrote, my rifle has been precise and groups well, it just tends to shift the whole group slightly up or down, so not typical of a loose or shifting scope mount (or the groups would be larger and inconsistent, which they aren't).

I will probably expoxy bed the forearm and see if it improves....
 
Let's see... Bed bottom of barrel shank, bottom of receiver, rear of recoil lug seats, rear of receiver against butt socket, a pressure pad near the tip of the forend.
 
tiriaq said:
Let's see... Bed bottom of barrel shank, bottom of receiver, rear of recoil lug seats, rear of receiver against butt socket, a pressure pad near the tip of the forend.
Click to expand...


Thanks Tiriaq,

I was going to do all of those except the pressure point at the tip of the forend....might try without it first and see how she does.

Cheers
 
Well - I suggest you follow Tiriaq's advice - a sported LE pretty well needs some foreend support. Otherwise, the forend is only secured in two small areas by the triggerguard, and prone to shifting.
Before getting into a big bedding job - check to see if there is currently any foreend pressure - a few pounds is good, and that the barrel is centred in the stock. Also, check to see if the rifle has the king screw bushing installed.
 
Thanks guys!

Yep, king screw bushing is there. Barrel has no pressure, it is free floated. Bedding a LE action is a little different to others with one piece stocks but I am keen to try it out!

I will certainly bed a pressure pad at the forend tip.

Cheers
 
I don't like it either though I have installed over 100. Ellwood epps has a replacement that is drilled the same as a T01 but takes full-width weaver dovetail. Get that and install-it; you'll need an offset ring at the back prolly.If I had my druthers, I'd make this unit out of steel and use weaver grandslams, but that's just me.
 
Mattimoose, I don't see the mount you mentioned on the Ellwood Epps website. What do they call it? Is it from a manufacturer whose name we'd recognise or do they make it themselves or have it made for them? Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom