Question About changing scopes.

[Eddie3412]

I have an old 300 savage lever action that was my grandfathers. I like the gun and want to change the scope on it this year which I havn't done before. Are the scope mounts made specifically for each gun or do they make universal mounts I can get? I would like to get a scope online and do it myself to learn how, can someone give me a few pointers.

Thanks
Eddie

[Sam22]

Well, if there are mounts on the gun now, they might not need to be replaced. Good mounts (weaver makes the good ones) are like $50. They are specific to each gun, and you also have to decide what height you want, and if you want shoot through (so you can still use open sites). If it were me, I would put a LOW power variable scope on it, with the lowest mounts I could fit. You need to be sure you can mount the scope so the hammer clears cleanly, if you can push the hammer into the eye reticle it's too close, that savage is a lever action right? That way when the gun comes up, you get the fastest target acquisition. When you go to higher mounts or shoot through mounts you tend to have to spend a little more time looking for the animal in the scope. This is not a long range round, so you aren't going to be able to out-shoot even at 4 power. If your looking to mount a inexpensive scope I would go with the Nikon pro-staff 2-7, or whatever the low power one is. I have one on a winchester 30-30, and it works very well.
If your set on mounting it yourself you can, just remember that cross threaded mounting screws can cause big problems, and different receivers use different threads, the mounts should come with the right ones. You will also need to bore site the scope somehow, if you don't you are going to waste a bunch of bullets sighting in. Hope this helped...

[trailwart]

since you state you want to change the scope just make sure what you get fits the scopoe rings you have, or you will have to buy new rings. i swap scopes from gun to gun and i never touch the mounts, i just loosen the scope rings

[Sam22]

I suspect your going from a 1" scope to a 1" scope. That's tube diameter, and for a shorter range rifle, that's pretty standard, but you might want to check if you have a really old one, I think they made some smaller ones way back.

[Eddie3412]

The scope on it now is a old Tasco, It might have even been made for that rifle. If it has a 1" tube does that mean I can put any scope on it with a 1" tube and keep the rings and mounts?

[skipper34]

Yes, you can mount another 1" scope no problem. In fact, that is what I would do since the mount is already on the gun. If the gun is a Model 99, it deserves a good-quality scope. That is one fine firearm.

[Eddie3412]

Thanks Skipper that makes things alot easier. It is a model 99, my father gave it to me this year and his father gave it to him 30 years ago. I have other rifles but I would like to try it out opening day this year.

Thanks

[Skibum]

Thanks Skipper that makes things alot easier. It is a model 99, my father gave it to me this year and his father gave it to him 30 years ago. I have other rifles but I would like to try it out opening day this year.

Thanks

Nice. A very worthwhile tribute.

[skipper34]

Just as a sidenote, for a good-quality scope I would recommend the Leopold Rifleman model in either 2-7 or 3-9. I have these on my Encore muzzleloader barrel and on the 30-06 barrel. They are very fine scopes for about $200.

[glockman55]

And make sure you tighten all the mounting screws on the mount while you have the scope off.. Good Luck.
I even put a little loctite on the screws..can't hurt..

[bigslick]

I don't want to hijack the thread, but i am in the same situation with the same gun. :lol: My question is if I loosen the scope rings, and don't touch the mounts, and switch scopes, will I still need to get it bore sighted, or is there a chance I will still hit paper after the switch? Thanks for any input.
Godspeed,
bigslick

[skipper34]

There is a chance, but when you change scopes, you are essentially changing far more than just the scope. The scope may line up with the bottom rings, but you are putting different pressure on the ring mount screws when you re-tighten them. The new scope may not nest perfectly in the rings, therefore when you tighten the screws, you are putting stress on the new scope in different places than the original scope. Believe it or not, this does make a difference in point-of-impact. Rifle accuracy is based on duplication, just like in archery. To sight in a new scope, I always shoot at a target at 25 yards. This is especially handy if you do not have access to a bore-sighter. In the case of the Model 99, you would have to use a bore-sighter or shoot at close range to get your shots on the paper. I try to achieve a 3-shot group at 25 yards which is about 2 inches high. Then when I move to 100 yards, I most often can print a target at about an inch high. I may have to adjust for windage, but usually I can get it close at short range. This will also help to save ammo while sighting in.

[Hunter333]

I would recommend checking in to www.muelleroptics.com (http://www.muelleroptics.com) Not only are they a site sponsor but they have some darn fine scopes for the money. I am sure that Rich would be more than willing to help you in any way that he can as he is a member here as well. Also, whatever you decide, get that scope on there ASAP and do some shooting before heading out.... Opening day is not too far away. Keep us posted! That is very cool, getting a gun that your dad and his dad have used!!

[Sam22]

you should bore site it. and if your not familiar with sighting in new scopes, do a forum search, some great tips on here. 16 clicks is an inch at 25 right guys?

[bigslick]

Thanks for answering my question.

[eddiejohn4]

You should have no probs learning to mount your own scope.Make sure you level the scope in the mount. you can use a carpenters line level to accomplish this( buy at home depot or lowes) Take off caps and place the line level on the top. You will always need to bore sight a new scope after mounting.Make sure you tighten rings evenly and use lock tight or similar product.

Good luck :)