Went to SWFA yesterday and picked up a 16x42 scope. Wanted an EGW base, but they were out so I got a Talley. The base is really, really long. Low scope rings would have worked and the scope had tons of clearance from the firearm, but the base was so long that the scope was bottoming out against the base on the muzzle end. Moving the scope further towards the muzzle would have run the other end into the base (the ring where you adjust for distance).

Are there any shorter bases for Tikka rifles where I could use lower rings? the scope sits too high to look at comfortably in the medium rings with the Talley base. Would be much more comfortable if it was lower.

10 minute easy fix. Cut, smooth off the end with a file and then touch up with a can of black spray paint.

Is that a hack saw?

I'm assuming it's not a pic rail.

Good point, not clear as he just mentioned "base" is too long.



Yes.

Yes it is a pic rail. Don't know enough about bases to get anything different. What other options should I be considering?

So I don't see why when the rear of the scope hits the rear ring, you don't just move the ring forward a notch in the pic rail.

patriot,

Sounds like trimming the front end of the pic rail as shown above should solve the issue.

FJG,

sounds like the bell on the objective end is hitting the muzzle end. Moving it forward enough to clear the pic rail on the muzzle end can cause the rear ring to hit bell of the ocular.

Had that exact problem on a long action myself. Fixed it as shown on the EGW base shown above.

fwiw - the EGW pic rail is too soft and the recoil of the 300 Win Mag and caused the rubbing to wear a gap on the rail.

Just ordered a NF steel rail to replace it.

The rear of the scope (distance adjustment ring) will hit the back end of the base with low rings if I try to move the scope forward enough so the objective end doesn't hit the base.

It's the angled part of the scope that's hitting the front end. So if I cut it back some as Jeff suggested, that would probably work. I'm a little frustrated that I'm having to modify a $50 scope base because I'm sure it'll look like carp when I'm done. But if that will get the low rings to work, then I'll go that route. I'd prefer if there was an option for the same price or less that didn't need to be modified. I have only snugged up the screws, so I don't see any issue with returning these to SWFA and swapping them out for something else.

I'll post an annotated picture here in a few minutes.

patriot,

it is easy to make a flush cut. Use a vise with a shop towel to hold it. After making the cut, smooth it off with a flat file, and then touch it up with black spray paint. No big deal.

I'd cut it down as needed.

I've paid $550 for a McMillan stock and had to file on the inside to get the trigger to fit. Just the way it goes sometimes.

Sounds good. Thanks for the help. I'll cut it down. I agree that sometimes you gotta do stuff you don't want. I just wasn't sure if there was an alternative.

I have an EGW base on my savage and have the same issue. I had to use medium rings to clear the objective and eyepiece. If I would cut the front and rear end off the base it would work with Low rings and still have ample gap between objective and barrel.

You're welcome. Good luck.

Please tell me you did that to mark the rail and you removed it to cut all the way through.

I just assumed that was the case as well. If Jeff had the guts to cut it while it's installed, my hats off to you!

On another rail, yes.

On this rail, no, the cheap Chicom screws supplied with the EGW base stripped out very nicely and I needed the rifle back in the lineup to go hunting.

As shown, masked off the areas of potential contact with padding and tape underneath.

Go slow, check often, and finished without a scratch to the rifle.

been there done that

We have 2 Tikkas that are wearing a DNZ one-piece mount/ring base. Best thing I've seen for a Tikka. On sale here for $39.95 .......

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/301112...-rings-tikka-t3

The last two scopes I mounted using EGW bases had the same problem. I cut the front of the bases off even to where the barrel meets the receiver. With a hacksaw. Smoothed the cut with sandpaper.

For around $4.00 extra you can order Torx screws with your EGW base. I highly recommend it.

I like that - I'll check it out at SWFA. Thanks!

I don't think the screws that came with the Talley mount were too bad.

SWFA usually can't compete with Midway on price. And Midway ships same day. FWIW.

I've already spent a bunch of $ there. It's not worth the hassle to go down there just for a refund and then put in a separate order somewhere else. For $25 difference, I'll just see if they've got the DNZ and if not, I'll get the low SWFA rings and move on.