Savage Rifle Help - Please!

[Prof]

I am soooo frustrated. I have a new Savage 12 Low Profile Varmint rifle. I have purchased two sets of STD mounts to put on it and both have been wrong! The first were for a 110 (my fault in ordering) but the second say "For 10/110 Round Top" which I assumed would fit since this has the Accutrigger and has a round receiver. But the back mount hangs out over where the bolt goes by an inch! That can't be right. In checking the Leupold "Mount Selector", I notice that the only model 12's they list are "Sporters" which this isn't. So, what brand/type mounts will fit this beast? I[m mounting a Leupold VX-II 4-12X40 scope. Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[ocabj]

Savage's website has a FAQ for mounts: http://www.savagearms.com/cs_scope.htm

That said, I've used the Leupold STD bases and the Ken Farrell (I currently use the Farrells now on both Savages), but will eventually try the TPS when I rebarrel my 308.

 

[Hot brass]

Go with the Farrell base. Solid, will not move. And is made for your gun. This is what I use on my FV12/.223.

Go here for Savage parts. http://www.savageshooters.com/sharpshooters/ScopeMounts.html

Take care.

 

[Prof]

I'm not acquainted with Farrell's. Who sells them online? Thanks.

 

[Prof]

Thanks for the mount reference Ocabj. However, one of the sets of Leupold mounts which they recommend are the ones I have. And, unless the rear mount is supposed to extend halfway out over the bolt, I don't think they are right for this rifle. I will take a look at the Farrell's as both you and Hot Brass recommended.

 

[Prof]

Thanks for the link, Hot Brass!

 

[ocabj]

Thanks for the mount reference Ocabj. However, one of the sets of Leupold mounts which they recommend are the ones I have. And, unless the rear mount is supposed to extend halfway out over the bolt, I don't think they are right for this rifle. I will take a look at the Farrell's as both you and Hot Brass recommended.

Which Leupold base do you have? 1 piece or 2 piece? If it's the 2-piece STD mount, then the windage/scope clamps should be over the ejection port. That's the only way it will fit. Don't worry, it won't interfere with the ejection of brass.

Sharp Shooter Supply is the best source for the Ken Farrell base and Savage parts. A little over $50 for the Ken Farrell. While I have not owned the TPS base, yet, it should be better in that it's shorter than the Farrell mount. Even with low rings, my scope objective is higher above the bore that you would expect. The TPS base costs almost the same as the Ken Farrell base.

Note: It's best to have the objective as close to the bore line as possible (without touching the barrel of course).

 

[Prof]

Ocabj: I have both the one-piece and two-piece Leupold bases. The holes in the one-piece don't line up. The two piece is exactly as you said: the rear base must be reversed to fit and the windage screws sit over the ejection port. That looks really screwy! Thanks for the links. I think I will also check out the TPS products. Appreciate your help!

 

[Master Blaster]

Numerous folks have had problems with the leupold bases fitting their new Savages. They will not stay put and you will be replacing them if you use them and shoot frequently. I have weaver mounts on mine after having the leupold screws pull out of my receiver under recoil (the soft screws leupold provided stripped). The weavers are much better and have been rock solid for 300+ rounds now. . I dont know why Leupold can't get this right. My first attempt to use the STD mount I discovered that the screws were too short for the front mount (three threads in the receiver) they stripped when I tried to tighten them a little. I the called Leupold and was told three threads of engagement was plenty by a knowledgeable young lady and her supervisor. But stubborn old me, I insisted they send me longer screws they reluctantly complied and I received new longer screws that put 4 threads in the receiver, that held for about 50 rounds until the screws stripped and pulled out of the receiver while I was shooting at the range. I talked to leupold CS again and they told me I was wrong so I must have imagined that this happened. No doubt I will get an angry reply from a leupold lover as a result of this post, but their savage mount is CRAP, and You will be sorry if you use it.

I went out and bought weaver mounts, the screws were beefier, and put about 8 threads into the receiver (front and rear mount is the same number weaver for the accutrigger per Savages website) I put Millet medium rings on and have had excellent results. I understand that the Ken Farrels are even better.

 

[Prof]

Thanks, Master Blaster! I noticed the difference in the screw length and wondered about that. I have decided not to go with Leupold on this one and try either the TPS, Farrell or, now, Weaver. I will give them all a look. I appreciate your input on this!

 

[hps1]

My 10FP has Leupold bases on it, and they do extend about 1/2" or so over the bolt opening in the receiver. While this is not necessary on the Burris 4.5-14 FFII on my rifle, it may be necessary for scope rings to clear the objective and ocular bells and/or turret on other scopes.

Can't remember the base numbers but have had no problems with the Leupold bases on my rifle (I mounted the scope and used Locktite on the threads, and must add that my rifle is only a .223. Wouldn't expect any troubles holding a scope on the mouseguns. ) Also can't remember if I used the Leupold screws that came with the bases or if I substituted longer screws when I mounted the scope.

I do agree w/ Master Blaster that three threads are a bit skimpy! Any rate, the overhang of the bases does not present a problem.

Regards,
hps

 

[wintermute76]

Another vote for the Farrell base. I have one on my 10FP-LE1 with Burris Signature Zee medium rings. No problems at all.