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.

 

[HandgunHTR]

You probably don’t want to hear this, but I would ditch the Leupold mounts and go with a rail and ring setup. It is much more reliable and much more adjustable.

 

[The Harbor Master]

You probably don’t want to hear this, but I would ditch the Leupold mounts and go with a rail and ring setup. It is much more reliable and much more adjustable.

I'm in this camp. I've used a couple different set ups with 2 piece bases and while they can be used effectively, the modularity of the picatinny base has served me much better.

Im far from an expert, but as the first poster said, maybe take it out and try it in various positions. You may find that using that set up in the field will be fine, and you won't need to bother changing anything. Good luck.

 

[rookieforever33]

As suggested try shooting it. If it doesnt shoot right I think you may need regular rings on a pic rail. I honestly dont think high rings will get you back much farther. If you're fiesty you could cut as much off of the front rail as possible but leave all mounting screws intact.

 

[49ereric]

I just bought a rail for that reason. Savage 110 06.

 

[SDHNTR]

Ring height does not adjust eye relief. You either need a scope with a longer tube, or you need different mounts. If you must stay with Leopold mounts (which suck btw) they do make an extended base to address the issue.

Edit, I see now what you are talking about in your pic. And you already have the extended bases. I’ve encountered this issue multiple times. Time to get out the file and/or take that base to a grinding wheel.

 

[sndmn11]

I would think a rail would have the same issue of the objective bell contacting. Maybe even worse.

I don't think higher rings will allow it to scoot back the 2" you are looking for.

Sometimes short scope tubes are a pain. Depending on where the front screw hole is, you can probably mill a bit of the mount down.

 

[Kilbux]

I’ve ran into this a few times on newer short bodied scopes. Not much to be done. Yes taller rings will allow you to come back a little but your cheek weld is trashed. Shy of restocking there aren’t a lot of options.

 

[Sadie]

I don't know why leupold makes the tunes so short on their hunting scopes. Maybe the short action craze?

 

[49ereric]

I don't know why leupold makes the tunes so short on their hunting scopes. Maybe the short action craze?

I assume one size fits all is cheaper to produce and streamlines their product line for more savings.

 

[Sadie]

I'm sure this is true but they are a little short for some of the magnum length receivers. At the moment I'm working on mounting one on a sako av. Ordered a rail from near manufacturing in Alberta .

 

[49ereric]

I'm sure this is true but they are a little short for some of the magnum length receivers. At the moment I'm working on mounting one on a sako av. Ordered a rail from near manufacturing in Alberta .

I ordered and have a rail for a 110E savage but need to install it. Eye relief issues.

 

[nphunter]

You just need the ext. rings from Leupold. I have them on several rifles. I hate running a rail and having my scope way up off the action.

https://www.sportsmans.com/hunting-gear-supplies/optics-binoculars-scopes-rangefinders/scope-rings-bases/leupold-30mm-medium-standard-ext-matte-scope-ring/p/305346

 

[wapitibob]

File the front of the mount, or get a rail, which will also likely require some filing of the front boss if the scope needs to move back much.

 

[doverpack12]

I see where the scope can’t come back before the bell taper will touch the base. You can gain a little with a file as others have suggested.

Looking at your tape/paper there is something going on with how the stock fits you or how you hold the rifle. Your back tape is waaayyyy back. The front tape seems much more normal.

How about a picture of how you shoulder the rifle?