Bummer, I hate it when that happens. Perhaps you can get some sort of picatinney or tactical multi-slotted one piece base? Millet makes one that fits various Savages. Or perhaps a Talley lightweight scopemount (where the base and lower ring half are one unit) that can be flipped around for shorter tubed scopes. There are tons of scopes out there...just depends on your wants, needs and budget. Good luck.