Scope rail loose on new rifle

[Shinbone]

I have a new Marlin lever action 30/30 with a scope that I was given as a gift. The scope rail is a bit loose. Can I just turn the screws to tighten it up? Is there a reason it would be loose from the manufacturer? I wouldn't think it would be part of lining up the scope. The rings are tight on the rail.
Thanks.

 

[kev74]

You can snug them up, but a bit of thread lock (red or blue) on the screws will help keep them from working loose when you start shooting.

I'd be willing to bet the scope wasn't zeroed in from the factory or at the gun shop. Its likely that it wasn't even bore sighted. And if it was, it got goofed up when the screws loosened. So, don't be afraid to fix what needs fixing - you're still going to need to sight in the gun.

 

[Shinbone]

Thanks for the quick reply. Ok, I'll do that.
My wife bought this for my birthday. I'm so surprised. She was worried I wouldn't like it.

 

[The Gunman]

Just a note:

Open the action before you put the thread lock on and tighten the screws, if it leaks down into the closed action it can be a problem.

Make certain the screws are not to long and drag on the action before you put on the locker. I know that means fixing it and then taking it apart to put the thread locker on. If they are a bit long, thread a thin piece of metal and run them in, file or sand them to length. When you remove them it will break the burr from filing.

 

[Shinbone]

Actually it's going back to Marlin since this is a new rifle. The scope cross-hairs also are a bit off the axis of the scope. The scope appears to be mounted correctly and not turned at all.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I don't understand sending it back to the manufacturer for loose screws. Is there another problem with it?

 

[rcmodel]

I agree.

You would be better off doing it right yourself, with Blue Loctite.

If Marlin didn't mount the scope right the first time, I doubt they will do it right the second time if you send it back either.

rc

 

[kanook]

I've looked and can't find where Marlin offers a 30-30 with a scope from the factory. I probably overlooked it.

 

[MichaelK]

Sending back to the maker for a loose screw is obsurd. I had to mail a rifle back for repair and it was a PITA! Do it yourself. After you take off the mount, clean out the screw holes with a Q-tip wetted in solvent. I like acetone. The very best way to make sure the threads are oil-free is to clean with acetone, then gently flame both the screws and the holes.

It's extremely flammable, so make sure the container is put away before doing this. Once dry, the locktite can be applied, and you're done.

You can do a better job of bore sighting your Marlin yourself. Un-screw the lever screw, drop out the lever, and the Marlin's bolt will pull right out. Mount your boltless rifle in a rest and look down the barrel from the breech at some distant target, a fence post for example. Now adjust your scope till it points at exactly the same spot you're looking through the bore. Slip the bolt back in, insert the lever, and do a function check. You're ready now to take the gun to the range for a final test. Bet it will be on the paper on your first try.

 

[Shinbone]

Yes. I guess I didn't mention this...one of the screws or holes was stripped and also there is the scope problem.

 

[Claude Clay]

perhaps this gun was a store special combo package.
like Dicks or Cabelas

striped screw holes would than not be the gun manufactures fault

bring it back to who sold it to you.

 

[Shinbone]

I did today. They are returning it for repair.

 

[ranger335v]

"My wife bought this for my birthday. I'm so surprised. She was worried I wouldn't like it."

I know a hundred guys who would love to have a wife like yours!

 

[Shinbone]

I bet. It makes me feel very grateful for her. Of course, I am even if she hadn't done that. I don't mean to lecture, but I find that if I honor and respect her, I get the same back. We've been married for 26 years.

 

[Averageman]

I have never

Heard of this on a new rifle. I can understand the screws being loose and the scope canted in it's rings...but a stripped screw is pretty obvious in Q/A, Q/C.
As someone who is seriously considering purchasing a Marlin soon, I don't like the sound of this and would like to know more.

 

[Shinbone]

When I first opened the box and took the rifle out of the plastic bag it was in, I noticed the scope was loose. I thought at first it was just the rings, but then noticed that the rail was loose and not the rings. So I removed the scope/rings, tightened all the screws I could and noticed that one would not tighten.
If I had been at the dealers and looked at the firearm, I would have noticed this right away. But I don't think my wife would have known what to check for on a purchase like this. That's the only downside to it.

 

[RoostRider]

For the record (not your concern now since it's going back to the manufacturer)....

Blue Locktite.... not red.... red Locktite is much much stronger than blue, in fact, so strong that it often takes heat to remove it.... red is for things that you never want to move again, or that you can easily hit with a torch if you need it off.... (read- nothing on your gun)

 

[atblis]

You don't need to use a torch. A little heat from a soldering iron works fine. Blue is probably more appropriate though. Or purple even.