Ken, I took in today a Mauser action, model 1908. Its stamped Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabriken BERLIN. I know it’s German and was made in Berlin. It has Weaver bases and rings with a Redfield Tracker 4x scope. The customer is out of windage adjustment. I tried to center the scope but it only has 5 turns total and at 2 1/2 centered it isn’t enough. I’m used to Simmons scopes and they have lots of adjustment. What do you think, Should I try a different scope? Thanks Gregg PS it doesn’t even have enough adjustment to collimate it.
OK since the scope and base and rings are already on the gun we can assume the customer wants these on his gun. (If he said you can change them then that is a whole different matter). So back to the Weaver bases etc. Take the scope off and make sure the rings are on correctly. Then take the bases off and you can machine or grind off the base ON THE ONE SIDE SO THE BASES WILL ROTATE IN THE DIRECTION YOU NEED THE SCOPE TO MOVE. That is in capitol letters so you see it is important to be sure which side you are altering. Take off from the edge where it touches the receiver and over past the screw holes so the base will not rock on the receiver. Be aware you will have to alter both bases. Make sure both bases are close to level and straight with one another, before you do any altering if one is off make them line up and then check them before you do any other alterations. Another thing that sometimes works but not always is to take the rings off and turn them around. This sometimes shifts the scope so it will collimate.
…I forgot the first basic thing to do and that is to check the barrel to see that it is straight and not bent. Do that before you alter anything. Ken
Reply:
Ken, The customer just want it fixed. Are there other rings and bases that are easier to adjust? As far as the BBL., Its been rebarreled to 358 win. and that’s all I can tell you about it. I don’t remember if BOB talked about checking straightness of BBls or not. I’ll have to research. But it shoots an excellent group. 1” wide by 1/2” high, and all three holes touch each other. Gregg
Answer:
A different base and ring configuration will have the ability to center the scope. The Leupold-Burris-Redfield series have the windage screws on the rear base so the scope can be moved with out the internal adjustments. S&K and Conetrol are both a favorite of mine and they are both adjustable on the front and rear rings and they have the added advantage of both rings holding the scope to take the recoil. (Not to mention they are very cool in appearance and sleek so they don’t snag on stuff). Otherwise just drift the bases as described earlier and make them work. Just so you know if you replace the bases and rings you will probably have to fit the bases to the receiver to make sure they fit straight and level etc.
Reply:
I know what you mean about appearance and nothing to snag on with the ring situation. I ended up fitting what he had. I found that the rear ring and base was way out of level and the scope wasn’t sitting in the rear ring even close to flat or flush. The first thing I did was fit it so it lined up and leveled with the front ring and base. Then the scope finally sat in the rings and looks level with the receiver. This also took up some of the windage problem. Next I fit the bases to take up the windage problem like you explained. Collimated it and now there is adjustment both left and right pretty equal. Ready for the range. And we’re getting hit with another snowstorm. Just can’t get outside this year and get anything done yet.
