I have a Marlin 512 Slugmaster, which is a 12-ga slug gun (rifled barrel). I bought an inexpensive scope for it the other day (used Weaver K4, 4x38), but I found that it is not really usable with the gun in its current configuration. I purchased the K4 because I got a smoking good deal on it and Weaver is renowned for the accuracy of their adjustment knobs (so as not to make sighting in more expensive than it has to be). The ONLY scope mount that the Slugmaster will take is this Weaver:
Notice how narrow the space is between the two rings. That means you cannot move the scope very far towards or away from the muzzle before the adjustment knobs hit one of the rings. The K4 is a very normal-sized scope with average eye relief, but because of the position of the taps on the receiver (too far forward IMO) and the limited space between the rings, I cannot slide the scope toward the breech enough to get a good FOV without doing some
serious rubbernecking. And that is without the added layers of bibs and coat, etc…just in a t-shirt. This is just a picture from the internet to give you an idea. This is the same gun I have but the scope pictured is much smaller, but the objective lens on this one is as far back as I can get mine to go:
In order to fix my problem, I need a scope that has the adjustment knobs well forward of center. The problem is, I only paid $75 for the K4 in almost perfect condition, it’s pretty much the exact scope I was looking for (accurate adjustment knobs being top of the list), and I don’t want to spend much more than that (and I would have to sell the K4). I also don’t want to lose 38mm FOV to something smaller.
So, I am thinking that I should have the threads for the scope base moved back an inch or so, unless there is another solution. This would probably leave two threaded holes exposed once the base was moved back towards the breech, and the holes are drilled all the way through the receiver to the channel where the bolt slides back and forth. The exposed holes probably won’t be an issue though. Not sure I can get this done quickly though, as I’m sure all the gunsmiths are slammed at this time.
What would you do?