The Marlin receivers are also grooved. I went through the same hassle that you are going through with the cheap -@$$ed screw-in mounts that Marlin supplies.* And I went with the same suggestions everyone else here has mentioned......and none of them worked! Best bet is to go with the BKL Technologies Model 261 mount; this mount is designed to clamp into the receiver's grooves of Marlin bolt action rimfires . You'll pay a few bucks, but it'll be worth it!
Go right here:
http://www.bkltech.com/category_s/2.htm////note...those with a primitive server may have to do a "cut & paste" on this////
* - The Marlin 17VL I purchased in July of 2003 had the screw-in scope bases provided. However, the Marlin 982VS-CR I purchased in May of this year.....did not. (
) I have the afore-mentioned BKL 261 on both my 17VL and 982VS-CR and have nothing but high praise for them!
If you go with this mount, I'm quite sure you won't be disappointed!
Hope this helps.
Red