Scope mounting Question! Almost feel embarrassed to ask...

[alberta tactical rifle]

I guess your not to sure what bedding a scope base does, you don't JB weld it to the receiver to add "strength" as you state. Its done to get the rings inline together, if not done the rear ring will be lower than the front ring or vice versa. Thats not the most ideal way to mount an optic. It puts uneven stress on the scope.

IF the rail is made to precise tolerances that ACTUALLY FITS the action then there is no need to add bedding material to correct the now non existent gap between the action and the rear of the rail.

I fully understand that IF there is a gap between the rail and the action, BOTH will deflect slightly when the screws are torqued down, which WILL cause the rings to sit at opposite angles, thereby causing not only stress to the optic but potentially bending the scope tube slightly.
Shims were also created to solve the problem of rails or mounts that do not properly fit an action.
My point is that a scope mounting rail should NOT require band aid solutions to fit an action correctly.

And by the way YES an action that does have height differences from front to rear CAN be fixed so as to not require shims or goo between the action and rail.

 

[Trinimon]

I've read on a few forums that the rear receiver on the 700 is finished by hand hence why they are uneven. If this is true, that would explain why some bases need to be bedded on one rifle and not on another identical one.

I get what ATRS is saying ie manufacturers should have taken into account the uneven receiver height in their design but this wouldn't be worthwhile if the above is true.

 

[guntech]

Are you talking about the rear screws? They aren't in while its being bedded…. It would defeat the purpose of bedding the base.

I bed with the rear screws quite loose, the front screws almost loose ... just there to locate the base correctly with release agent( paste wax) on the action and screws. Then when it has cured clean it up, drill the screw clearance and tighten it down.

Factory actions and aftermarket bases seldom fit perfectly.

 

[Willybuch]

Back to your original question, if the screws for your rings stick out enough that you want to keep them away from the ejection port than I would go with that and mount them on the opposite side. Alternatively, you might also want to think about where is your bolt and your thumb going to be? Nothing like smashing your thing into an obstruction to realize you dun-goofed. Also as a reccomendation watch 8541 tacticals youtube video on bedding a base and installing a scope.