Correcting base alignment

Steve N · Post by **Steve N** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 11:09 am

Perhaps someone can offer some advice here. I have a rail mounted on a Savage action that does not go on straight. Recently fitted a new scope that only has 40 MOA total windage and only had 5 MOA adjustment to the left remaining after zeroing. It was not so much an issue with the previous scope which had more windage but I wanted to upgrade... I have sorted this out by using Burris signature zee rings with plastic inserts but would like to use QD rings so that I can easily swap the new scope between rifles.
Is there a simple way to straighten up the base? Could I just open up the base mounting holes a bit, realign, and attach the base with the addition of some epoxy or similar to make it secure.
Has anyone else had this problem and have a satisfactory fix?
Steve

DenisA · Post by **DenisA** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 11:16 am

Steve, is it definitely the scope mount threads that aren't parallel with the action. The reason that I say is with the Savage barrel nut system, barrels can be locked up skew-if which will have the same effect. I've seen a few come from the factory this way.

You can generally see this by checking the evenness of the free floated barrel gap between the stock and barrel all the way along it's length.
It doesn't have to be much. I stand to be corrected, but I think a thou between the front and rear of the base generally translates to 1 moa.

Are you using a barrel nut?

Steve N · Post by **Steve N** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 11:24 am

Not really sure what the cause is Denis but the rifle did have the same issue with the previous barrel and does use a barrel nut just wasn't a problem due to the amount of windage I had on the old scope. I don't want to have to remove the barrel in the hope that it may sort out the problem and would rather just leave the Burris rings on.

Post by **AlanF** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 11:53 am

Steve,

Its not simple, but I've had bases made for my Barnards that are a sandwich type arrangement. In simple terms, its like splitting the top of the base from the bottom, and slotted holes allows the top to rotate slightly, to get a better alignment for the scope adjustment. What you could do is get the top of your current base faced off to a 20 MOA sloping flat surface, then put a thinned down length of piccatinny rail on top. The holes in the top part need to be slotted (laterally) both for the hole and the countersink.

Alan

johnk · Post by **johnk** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:30 pm

I've levelled a mount by packing with wire beat about to the right thickness in a couple of suitable spots, then, after applying release to the action. bedded it. However, this can only correct angular irregularity easily, not longitudinal misalignment. It takes a gentle hand not to overtighten the screws.

Steve N · Post by **Steve N** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 3:12 pm

John I have done similar myself to gain elevation by bedding a rail using JB Weld and a release agent. That worked quite well. In this case I am wondering if I could perhaps enlarge the mounting holes (maybe not the front one) enough to give a bit of wriggle room and secure with epoxy. Is it worth a try?
Steve

Brad Y · Post by **Brad Y** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 3:20 pm

Would be sending it back to the distributor and getting a refund or having them supply a satisfactory product myself Steve. Stuff like this shouldnt be sold for target rifles.

DaveMc · Post by **DaveMc** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 3:29 pm

Not with Burris rings but with other picatinny vs weaver misalignments I have had similar windage issues to the below.. There is a slight difference off one side and when I put the rings on back to front the windage went the other way. Try flipping the bases around first - you might find a combination that works.

http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com.au ... art-3.html

BATattack · Post by **BATattack** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 7:58 pm

Brad Y wrote:Would be sending it back to the distributor and getting a refund or having them supply a satisfactory product myself Steve. Stuff like this shouldnt be sold for target rifles.

I agree with Brad as a first option.

Second option IF you determine the barrel is straight to the action you could have the base mounting holes drilled oversize on the correct alignment and re tapped. If the barrel isn't straight the burris rings are probably your best bet so you can go back if you have a new barrel fitted straight.

DenisA · Post by **DenisA** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 8:08 pm

Steve, the cause of the problem has to be known beyond doubt before you start doing anything.

You'de be kicking yourself if you spent money and came to the conclusion that the fault was just a simple barrel reset.

Steve N · Post by **Steve N** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 9:12 pm

Thanks for the replies. I will look a bit closer to see if I can figure out where the problem is before doing anything drastic. In the meantime the burris inserts are doing a good job.
Steve