savage 16fss scope mount problem

[jed64]

I just bought a new savage 16fss in 223 and today received the Leupold one peice scope base and rings I ordered.  I know I have the right base because I checked with Leupold and Savage and the screws line up.  The problem I have is that the top of the recoil lug on the gun is just a hair higher than the top of the receiver.  Therefore, when I install the base the front sits up on the top of the recoil lug and makes the front of the base higher than the back ever so slightly.  Is this correct, it would seem to me that the base should sit on top of the receiver in the front and back and not overlap onto the recoil lug.  If the recoil lug was perfectly even with the front of the receiver I could see it wouldn't be a problem but mine is not.   Any help on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

[gunnut69]

Most times the front and sometimes the rear mounts are reversable.  If so perhaps you can reverse the front base and the problem will not be.  If this is not possible the you will have to remove a bit of metal to get the abse installed.  I always alter the cheapest companent so would remove enough from the abse to allow it to seat correctly on the top of the front ring.  Don't worry, the part of the base you will be grinding on is outside the 2 mounting screws and so will have no effect of the strength of the bases hold on your rifle.  A blip or two with the moto tool and all will be well.  Just remove enough to allow the base to sit flat and just far enough back on the underside of the base to provide certain clearance.