Scope mount issues

[Forestryguy]

I have encountered some issues with mounting a scope on a Winchester M70 Featherweight long action. This is my first one to mount myself. I am using the Leupold standard two-piece bases and standard medium rings. I have the scope as far back as possible without contacting the front mount, but I need it to move further back for proper eye relief. The rear piece of paper is where my nose is when I neutrally mount the rifle. The front one is where my nose is when I have proper eye relief in the scope on the lowest power.

Should I have the stock cut down or move to high rings to get more clearance?

 

[IdahoBeav]

Tighten it down and shoot it to see if it's uncomfortable. IMO, the "neutral cheek weld" method of determining the correct location for a scope is not a great method, and mounting scopes far back is a recipe to get your eyebrow or forehead to leak.

Otherwise, if you want to remain with Leupold mounts, you're going to have to go higher, which also affects cheek weld.