I just lay mine on the floor ,looks like the barrel and stock,action are about a 75degree when the holes are lined up,start the pin in and knock on in with a mallet I put a piece of wood between so I wont scratch up the action.My is pretty hard to get in because it is over sized. If yours is that tight you shouldn't need an over sized pin. after cleaning I put the rifle back together first before I put the scope back on.I use weaver basses and rings.
Did have a scope to break last year but I think it was from shooting 150 grs of T-7 in it.Kicked like a mule too.