Need advice - should I take a dremel to a Minox ZP8?

A

Astute Observer

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So here's the issue;

I just bought a really nice scope for a light bolt action rifle - a Minox ZP8. Absolutely love the optic.

However...

It's got a ridiculously massive throw lever - and I didn't think about how it would interact with the bolt of the rifle.

EuXZO6B.jpg


The bolt can only clear that throw lever on 1x if I use ultra high rings, and even then it's a pinch. If I had a 60 degree bolt it might not be a problem, but with a 90 degree bolt throw, it's really not pleasant. The height sucks, and even then there's like only a few mm of clearance for the bolt handle, and pinches when operating the bolt occasionally - I could see it catching a glove in cold weather. I know the easy solution would be "use ultra high rings and be careful working the bolt then" but frankly I hate having such a high purchase on the rifle, and even a lace-on check riser isn't high enough - I'd have to drill the stock and install a kydex riser.

So - here's the question. If you were in my situation would you:

  1. Dremel the throw lever off the scope? (I don't see myself selling it for years to come, I really like this thing.)
  3. Use ultra high rings and drill the stock to accept a kydex cheek riser, and suck up the height over bore issue?
  5. Use another scope entirely and try to find another purpose for the optic?
  7. Get a new rifle? (That's a tough one, I developed a load in the Ruger that shoots about .7 MOA, after a couple seasons of load development)


Anyways, I'm pretty disappointed that this didn't work out the way I expected... Not a very astute observation on my part. So, any advice is appreciated.
 
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I had to Goofle Search for your scope. I coughed a bit when I saw quoted price of $2,880.00. These are your belongings, but I wouldn't grind anything on that unit! A new stock will be a few hundred at most. New rings are no big deal.
 
Depending on what kind of Ruger it is you may be able to get a swept bolt handle for it. At least with the Anarchy outdoor ones it brings the bolt handle farther away from the rifle.
 
TheTooner said:
Modify the rifle's bolt handle?
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maynard said:
Install a Badger style bolt knob.
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I'll definitely look into this, thanks.

Rodder said:
...what kind of Ruger... Anarchy outdoor...
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It's a Ruger Scout. It shoots really well and it was my first rifle too so it's also for sentimental value. I wanted to put the best scope possible on my precious. I'll check out anarchy outdoors

Gatehouse said:
It only happens on 1x? Just leave it on 2x
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This is the simplest solution admittedly, but I really prefer shooting at 1x for really any target within 100m.
 
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A few already mentioned modifying the bolt to accept an extended/tactical-style bolt knob. Based on the clearance in your pic, I would say it is possible but the standard (easiest) method of installation is cutting the knob off and threading the handle shaft. This might not solve your problem using this method because you'd have about similar clearance issues, only that you have a long conical knob to grab.

The more labourious option would be to turn your knob down to size and thread it to accept a new knob, thereby giving you added length. But this might also create another problem in that the extra length might interfere with hand positioning or trigger finger depending on angles when turning down the shaft. It's a lot of trial & error work that might not be worth the effort.

It might be easier to get another optic for the Ruger Scout and another rifle for the Minox. :D
 
I’m all for modifying the bolt handle, take it to a smith and spend a few bucks, they might even be able to heat and bend it a bit and remove a pinch of wood on the stock for an even speaker profile.
 
Yeah looks like a modified bolt handle is Plan A.

If that doesn't work... Might consider a different optic. Though this one is, hands down, the best LPVO I've ever experienced, and I've played with quite a few.

That means I'd have to find a still-legal semi to buy, or maybe a lever action... Because I'm definitely not selling this scope and I intend to find a use for it.

Maybe it could work on a Tikka or a Sako, they have reduced bolt throw angle I hear.
 
I had a ruger scout once. I was absolutely in love with that rifle for years. I sold it because I could never really get over how rough the bolt was. It killed me to let it go, the stainless and laminate was beautiful. Once I got my hands on a tikka, I never miss that rifle. Accuracy fit and finish is miles above ruger quality. I still own several Rugers, I’m not knocking them in any way.
 
Once you grind that scope, there's no going back.
I'd adapt the rifle or even consider another space used up in the locker.
Go buy nudder ker-pow.

Grinding that scope will have t'uthers around you skratch'in thar Heuy, Leuy'n Dewy
awn yer sannititty.
 
Mikeyb128 said:
Once I got my hands on a tikka, I never miss that rifle.
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I looked at Tikkas last night - The only one I'm seeing with a 16" barrel is their suped up tactical version - and I haven't seen it for sale in Canada. Not really interested in paying a premium for a heavy chassis with all the AR parts, a simple stock with a 16" barrel would be preferred. One of the main reasons I love the scout, it's short barrel makes walking through dense bush far less frustrating.

Mikeyb128 said:
I could never really get over how rough the bolt was...
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Mine got really quite smooth over the years. It's not a like sliding on oiled glass, but now it's my smoothest bolt. As a mauser-type action it can still bind if you apply lateral pressure on it during the forward stroke, but I've trained myself not to do that.

But you all have made a solid case to not grind the throw lever off the scope. It's got a reprieve - for now, while I search out alternative rifles.
 
Winz said:
A few already mentioned modifying the bolt to accept an extended/tactical-style bolt knob. Based on the clearance in your pic, I would say it is possible but the standard (easiest) method of installation is cutting the knob off and threading the handle shaft. This might not solve your problem using this method because you'd have about similar clearance issues, only that you have a long conical knob to grab.

The more labourious option would be to turn your knob down to size and thread it to accept a new knob, thereby giving you added length. But this might also create another problem in that the extra length might interfere with hand positioning or trigger finger depending on angles when turning down the shaft. It's a lot of trial & error work that might not be worth the effort.

It might be easier to get another optic for the Ruger Scout and another rifle for the Minox. :D
Click to expand...

Proper Gunnutz solution.
 
Looks like a grinder and file, followed by a polishing wheel on your creatively re-shaped bolt handle/knob could give you the room needed at pretty much no cost. Just flatten the knob on the top, and maybe do a slight concave curve on the top of the handle ... did a similar "fix" on a 6.5 Swedish several years ago for the same purpose (avoiding stupidly high rings), and it turned out very well. Then again, any rifle deserving of a $2800 scope is also likely worthy of some professional gunsmithing. Either way, it seems to me that bolt handle modification is the best solution.
 
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