Sako mount base removal

jjohnwm

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I need a bit of help with a set of scope bases. I have an older Sako (Finnbear) that has what appear to be the standard tapered dovetails on the receiver. The gun came equipped with a set of Leupold/Redfield type rings, the turn-in at the front and the dual-opposed screw at the rear. These rings are mounted into a set of massive, nicely-finished steel bases that mate with the dovetails. Once the rings are removed, I can see no screws or other fasteners that hold the bases in place, but they are TIGHT. I can't get'em off!

What's the deal here? I have a different set of rings that I want to use with this rifle. Can anyone point me in the right direction to get these old suckers off? Thanks

John
 
Pop the bolt out, and check inside the receiver. See if there are fasteners tapped through and installed from the inside.

Other than that, there is a possibility that the base was installed with an adhesive.

Are you positive that the base is not integral? (maybe a dumb question, maybe not...)

Inside the action, and have a good look around with a light and a mirror, would be where I'd start.

Any chance of screw holes having been filled and finished over?


Cheers
Trev
 
The dovetail bases on the top of the receiver are tapered. The Leupold/Redfield type bases MAY be secured by friction. If you cannot find any evidence of hidden screws which might have been added, try tapping the bases toward the rear. You might want to warm the bases before tapping.
 
Sako Bases

What Tiriaq says. There are usually no screws holding these bases on. Use a punch (brass is best so as not to mark the bases) and tap them to the rear with a small hammer. Try them cold first - I've never had to use heat.

Your new bases should attach to the action in the reverse manner. Be sure you tap them on snuggly before mounting your rings and scope. Attachment screws are not required.

Regards
 
Thank you, gents!

Trev, I had already peeked into the bolt raceway with a mirror and found nothing. Tiriaq and Gunster, you were right. I had sort of concluded that they were held on by friction, but it seemed like such an insane idea that I didn't even mention it. Sure enough, a brass punch and a bigger hammer took them right off. I had to heat the rear one slightly.

I'm replacing them with Leupold ringmounts, which don't use bases. It always struck me as foolish to add the unnecessary complication of separate bases on a rifle with integral dovetails. This also allows me to quickly remove the rings in the field if my scope screws up and replace them with the nifty little Sako peep sight.

Once again, thanks very much. You learn something every day.:)

John
 
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