Scope Mount Help

[Packman]

Hi folks,

I have a Marlin Model 60 that is just a blast to shoot, but I've had it with the scope. It's a real cheap 4x20 tasco, mounted to the dovetail. Today, it backed off the dovetail rail under recoil. I've been wanting to put a halfway decent scope on this thing for a long time, and today was the last straw. I'd previously talked to a gunsmith in my club about drilling and tapping the receiver, and he told me to pick out a scope and rings/mount first.

So, I went to the local Dicks, and found a scope I liked. It's a BSA Sweet 22, 3-9 variable with a 40 objective. I'm pleased with my selection, so let's avoid the scope discussion, 'kay?

Now I need a base and rings. The guy at the counter suggested a Leupold Dual Dovetail mount and rings. I've talked to him at some length, and he knows his stuff, so I decided to go with his suggestion. However, there's a problem...

Leupold doesn't list the Marlin Model 60 on their "fit list." So, I have no idea what base and rings to get. Does anyone know what the proper selection would be for this gun and scope? The barrel of the scope is about 20 mm in diameter.

If that doesn't work, I'm certainly open to other suggestions for rings and base.

Thanks in advance.

Packman

 

[Maverick223]

This seems to be a persistent problem on the M-60s (my theory is that it is a result of the groove being constructed of relatively soft Al. rather than steel), but one that is usually easily corrected with a good set of steel tip-off rings (like Millet Angle-Loc, Warne, Leupold, or Burris). They tend to provide more "bite" and resist sliding under recoil much better IME. If all else fails RWS (the air rifle manufacturer) makes a full length 1-pc. tip-off mount (with rings) that provides much more clamping area. I haven't tried it but I would be surprised if it didn't work as advertised.

 

[Packman]

Thanks Maverick. That makes a lot of sense to me. The scope I had was an aluminum, so I'm guessing it just didn't have the grab to hang on.

I'm thinking I would like a more solid base than even a set of steel tip-offs, though. The scope I got is pretty good sized, and it has some nice capabilities, so I'd really like it to stay put for sure

 

[GunTech]

Several airgun makers also offer recoil blocks that fit on the dovetail and prevent the scope from moving. You might be able to use one of these. It will require drilling a hole in the receiver.

BKL also makes one piece ring/base sets and weaver bases with a long clamping area.

 

[Maverick223]

Here is the RWS mount that I mentioned earlier. The 1in. ring version is out of stock, but I am sure you can find it elsewhere. I haven't used one, but can't imagine this working loose even with the largest of scopes. It has pretty good reviews to boot.

 

[Stasher1]

There's a 6 page discussion on gunandgame.com about accessories for the Marlin 60/795...

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/marlin/82869-marlin-60-795-accessories.html

 

[Uncle Mike]

Like GunTech suggested, BKL makes the best mount for aluminum dovetails, get yourself a 'full length' mount such as the one GunTech has pictured. BKL also offers the full length models with integral rings, along with several different heights.

You can get the BKL mounts at 'Pyramid Air'.

www.bkltech.com/category_s/2.htm

www.pyramydair.com/a/Accessories/Mounts_bases_rings_levels_and_scope_stops/1-piece_mounts/3_8_and_11mm_dovetails/1_rings/54

 

[WNTFW]

Rimfire Technologies makes one for the 60.
There is some name change or something of a split up of the company. I don't know the new name at the moment.

Rings alone on my 60 wouldn't hold a scope without slipping sooner or later. Usually sooner.

I found the new site:
http://www.diproductsinc.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=125157&CAT=3603
http://www.diproductsinc.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=125158&CAT=3603

I have this mount. It is pretty low profile. The other thing is it allows me to use weaver rings and not the 3/8" rings. I can swap a scope between a centerfire and the 60 if need be. (Provided ring height works.)

I would shy away from drilling and tapping the receiver on a Marlin 60.

 

[DukeNukem]

I use this on my Marlin 795. No slipping at all. http://www.amazon.com/UTG-Airgun-Me...SJVQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1288395011&sr=8-5

Same thing under the Leapers branding. http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Leapers_Accushot_1_Pc_Mount_w_1_Rings_3_8_Dovetail/805


Credit Rimfire Central for steering me to that mount. http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=217

 

[Norrick]

I had a cheap pair of leupold rifleman rings. They were standard 3/8'' grooved receicer and they worked great. They were made out of aluminum and gripped the steel mount very well.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=138906

you an get them in black as well.

 

[Maverick223]

They were made out of aluminum and gripped the steel mount very well.

Problem is the M-60 is an Al. receiver, and therefore an Al. mount as well. IMO this is the downfall of the M-60, and the cause for its prevalent mounting problems. I have a couple with steel dovetails and they have never moved, but the Marlins just seem to like to walk on me. That said, it is still a great rifle, and a fairly simple fix (I have never had/messed with one that required D&Ting the receiver anyway).