Scope bases for an Enfield Model 17 BSA sporterized conversion...
- Thread starter D-Man
- Start date
- Location
- Western Manitoba
D-Man - I have mounted a few scopes on BSA sporters - I believe there is almost always some variation in the grinds on top of those receivers - so, as per Post #4, you find Weaver or Parker Hale list that shows which bases to use for front and back - fasten securely, then check with straight edge - sometimes those two base are aligned - sometimes not - one or other "tilted" relative to the partner - that "tilt" can be front-to-back or side-to-side or both. Some times needs shim under a base for it to line up perfectly with the other - top edges of the bases should form a perfect plane with each other. Else, can "lap" the rings to make the bore centre lines of the scope rings concentric. Else can use the Burris rings with the nylon inserts - they seem a bit more "forgiving" when bases not exactly lined up. Was from the days when most scope mounting required "fitting" - not just screw on and considered "good enough". Not much to be gained with full length "rails" versus two piece bases - the rails will bend or distort if the receiver's grind has variation - end up with similar issue with the rings being mis-aligned.
There is / was a chart for Weaver bases - possibly on-line at Brownells (?) - it showed the Weaver bases hole spacing, nominal bottom radius, and thickness of the base - so sometimes get lucky and find a base listed that is .010" or .030" or whatever - thicker or thinner - that will fit and may correct misalignment. I have also removed a number of bases from pre-used rifles that I bought - had epoxy bedding underneath - visibly different thickness one side to other or front to back - as if previous installer had "bedded" that base to the rifle receiver to correct mis-alignment. I had a base that was "close", but not correct - I attempted to file the base to make it fit to that receiver - about two swipes too many and I ruined it for that purpose - so abandoned that attempt. But I think that could be done, with a good eye and steady hand, good holding fixture and sharp file(s).
There is / was a chart for Weaver bases - possibly on-line at Brownells (?) - it showed the Weaver bases hole spacing, nominal bottom radius, and thickness of the base - so sometimes get lucky and find a base listed that is .010" or .030" or whatever - thicker or thinner - that will fit and may correct misalignment. I have also removed a number of bases from pre-used rifles that I bought - had epoxy bedding underneath - visibly different thickness one side to other or front to back - as if previous installer had "bedded" that base to the rifle receiver to correct mis-alignment. I had a base that was "close", but not correct - I attempted to file the base to make it fit to that receiver - about two swipes too many and I ruined it for that purpose - so abandoned that attempt. But I think that could be done, with a good eye and steady hand, good holding fixture and sharp file(s).
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Thanks for all the input guys, I have Rem 700 bases and will work with them. Cheers...
