Leupold Dual Dovetail Mount Question

[Prof]

Another really basic question : I purchased the Leupold Dual Dovetail scope rings and mounts for my Rem 700VS. The front base is reversable. The rear mount seems to overhang either the breech opening where you load the ammo or the rear of the action where the bolt comes out (sorry for using all these highly technical terms! ). Anyway, which way is it supposed to go? I understand that once the rear mount is on, then I use the front base one way or the other depending on how the scope will best fit in the rings. Right? Sorry to ask such a basic question but I couldn't find a picture of these mounts and rings on a rifle anywhere

 

[El Rojo]

It goes which ever way you want it to. If you want to have more space to move the scope forward or back depending on where your scope zoom and where the tube ends, set it one way or the other. I believe it can go either way. You just get to chose. Looking at an old picture when I used to have that mount, it appears I have it forward.

 

[SteelyDan]

Just checked my 700 ADL with the Leupold dual dovetails, and I set it up forward. So, normally, I'd suggest doing the opposite, but this setup seems to work fine. The rear mount does overhang the opening a bit, but it hasn't been a problem. Also, it looks like the mount might interfere with the bolt action if you set it up rearward, but I can't be sure without taking it apart.

 

[JJohnston015]

Just looked at mine (700 BDL, .30-06). Mine's forward, and it is immediately obvious that it *has* to be. Raise the bolt to the cock position and note that the root of the handle projects up about 1/8" above the rear bridge. You probably wouldn't be able to cock it at all if it the base were turned around.

The scope would also be way too far back even if you could turn it rearward.

No problems with loading and ejection.

 

[Prof]

Thanks, everyone! Following the consensus here, I set up the rear base forward and the front to the rear. That gives me a lot of room to move the scope around to get the correct eye relief. I appreciate the help!