Author Topic: Scope Mounting Problems - Need Help (Read 730 times)

Extremesolo · « **on:** November 16, 2005, 02:47:27 AM »

I am trying to mount scopes on my 20 ga USH and my new .450. I bought medium zee rings since the scopes are both simmons WTE 1.5x6x32 and I figured that would give me more than enough room for clearance. I cleaned and polished both barrels last night and when I went to mount the scopes the hammer hits the eyepiece. Using the pre cut slots on the ultra scope rails I can not get the scope back far enough to clear the hammer. It hits by less than 1/16" but I cannot cock the rifle with the scope attached. I know I could buy higher mounts but I have more than enough clearance out front and I want to keep it as low as possible. How hard is it to cut a new slot in the rail? I need to move the very first groove back to give me clearance. There is not much room there for a new slot will cutting one here still give enough support for the scope since it will be on the very end. Is there a write up or explanation anywhere on this site for the best way to do this? Thanks, Andrew

mattparliament · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2005, 04:22:25 AM »

Have you considered the hammer spur attachment? That's what I had to do with all of my Handi's. It sticks out to the side about 3/4" while adding no height to the hammer. They are readily available from H&R, give them a call, should be able to have one for about $10. Good luck!

MSP Ret · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2005, 04:25:28 AM »

Andrew, I have filed new slots onto the H&R rails and it's very easy and quick. The rails are made of aluminum and file like butter. Go slow, be careful, and flile flat and square!!! Good Luck. If you don't think you can do it any local gunsmith should be able to do it for $10.00 or so. He might put it on his Bridgeport milling machine or just file it. If you can't find someone to do it for you you can send me the rail and I will file it out for you. Just mark it where you want the slot cut. I am still hoping to get up to my Maine camp and now plan to leave tomorrow morning sometime. I will be gone a week or so and will check for a post from you on how you made out. By the way, you could just move your scope back a bit, just barely enough for the hammer miss the scope. You will need a hammer extention on it to safely cock the hammer either way....<><.... :grin:

Extremesolo · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2005, 04:40:51 AM »

I have a hammer extension and I have the scope back as far as it will go with the current slots. The scope contacts the rings where the adjustment knobs are so it can not go back any farther and the hammer with the extension contacts the very edge of the eyepiece of the scope. I was trying to have everything ready at home when i got the barrels back from NEF so I could shoot them and be ready for rifle season which starts the Monday after Thanksgiving. It looks like i would have been better off waiting and getting high rings instead of the medium.

bajabill · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2005, 05:07:33 AM »

you want to locate the scope in the front to back location that is comfortable to shoot. Not where it wont hit something else. Get the taller rings, that will let you locate the scope where it should be located for your shooting posture.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2005, 05:51:10 AM »

I had to use high Sig Zees to mount the 1½-6x32 WTE on my 405 Winchester Target, the large ocular bell and power ring don't give you much choice.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2005, 06:19:24 AM »

I say put the side of a mill file to the rail, if it does not come out as you wish the rail can still be used, if it does come as you want your good to go. If you are handy at all it really is very easy, just go slow and don't rush. 5-10 minutes is all it should take. If you want to try but are unsure PM me and send me your phone number or I'll send you mine and I will talk you through it and stay on the phone with you while you do it to completion. I'll even help you pick the right file.
...<><.... :grin:

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2005, 06:38:13 AM »

MSP is right, I've worked over several weaver #82 rails to add slots, it's easy to do and doesn't have to be perfect, but in this case, for me anyway, it would not help, the position over the hammer was the problem.

Extremesolo · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2005, 07:10:35 AM »

Quick I am going to try to file it first and if that does not work I will just have to get different rings. Yours does not look bad at all with the extra height from the barrel to the scope housing.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2005, 07:26:39 AM »

I prefer the medium Burris rings, but sometimes they just don't work out. Dunno if you're using the signature zees, but Midway has em on sale now for $25 a pair.

Zeak · « **Reply #10 on:** November 16, 2005, 07:31:22 AM »

I have done the same as MSP with a mill file. I use one that is the same thickness as the groove to be cut and use the side of the file. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes and your done. Put alittle masking tape in the bottem of the rail and when file starts to rub it off you should be good to go. Making sure you have the groove square with the others is the hardest. I touch up the groove with alittle black paint also. Zeek

Extremesolo · « **Reply #11 on:** November 18, 2005, 11:02:52 AM »

Thanks for the help guys. I filed a new slot with no problems and the scopes will now fit fine. Thanks again.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #12 on:** November 18, 2005, 01:18:48 PM »

I am kinda late on this one...GLAD to hear it worked out good for you!! :grin:

I'll add this in case someone else needs to do this, I have found a super easy method to cut grooves in bases!!

If you have a DREMIL TOOL its easy!! It comes with a few bits, one is perfect for cutting grooves!! Its the 1/8" round bur.

Here is how I do it, remove the base and place in a vice. With a square, align the DREMIL with the square in the proper position for the new groove. turn on the tool and grind to the desired depth. this works especially well for the burris rings as the thru screw is actually round, not square as the factory grooves are. If you are careful, it will come out perfect!! Hit it with some alumi black or a Black Sharpie and your done!!

Good luck,
CW