Mounting a scope, but NOT on the receiver

[AirScopes]

By the end of next week I expect to have my second recoilless shooter in the RWS54, which I decided I needed. Both that and the BS4 I have mount the scope to the rail. I would think 2 things about that:

1) depending on the weight of the scope rig, there might be an effect on how the recoilless action performs -- especially if it was designed to behave according to the weight of the action without a scope!

2) while some of my purpose is to batter a scope, there may be times I want to just shoot the rifle, and offer the scope I mount the same relief from recoil that I get.

I was wondering if anyone had experience with a mounting solution that attached the scope to something other than the receiver?

[Bullit]

I mounted a Scope on my shotgun with one of those saddle mounts that use the pins on the receiver.  A guy said it wouldn't hold but I made him eat his words. 3" magnums, no problem.....

Before I mounted it, I put tape on the inside surfaces to help hold tight and not scratch.

[s10gto]

Thats an interesting point on the recoil. With the 54 the shooter feels nothing but the scope get all kicked around. Also if it was a heavy scope set-up I would think it would take a little more force to get the rail system moving.

The only thing with mounting it a nother way (like the stock for example) would be I think your POI would be all over the place. On the 54 the receiver can move around in the stock.

I got a 54 I shot open sites so it makes sence what your saying.    Now you got me thinking.  

Dustin

[AirScopes]

Now you got me thinking.

There are also problems with 'saddle' mounting as the side-lever is in the way on both guns. I'm so curious I might have the action out of the stock before I even shoot it. I'll be curious to see how close the extra 48 stock I have is to fitting, as if it is close enough I might try rigging something pre-historic to it and swap the whole stock when I want to shoot without busting a scope.

[s10gto]

The 48 stock maybe too narrow. Here you can get a good look at the rail system.
   http://www.eddiecolwell.tzo.com/RWS-54.htm

[Bullit]

Sorry, I was thinking Cantilevered for you, and didn't mention that.
Of course, you'd have to install inserts for attaching screws.

You bring up a great note on the repeatability of the 54s movement.  Hmmmmm.

[AirScopes]

Have a query in to UMAREX about getting a stock to experiment with -- if they have any damaged stuff this would be a great opportunity to unload one to a willing buyer.

s10gto -- that is an awesome article! I'm already considering mods on the 54 according to some of the stuff he has there.

kymike, I'm going to need to take a good look at the real-estate before I try anything.. My guess is it'll be ugly first  ;-)

[AirScopes]

Got another wind in looking for a solution from this discussion... what do you think of adapting/bolting on a TL-M47SR to the stock, and adding a MNT-978.



If I am thinking of that right, it would let me easily remove a scope that was side-mounted, and wouldn't be a huge eye-sore...

[ac12]

Is that like the side mount for the M14/M1A ?
Although you will have to reinforce the side of the stock to take the weight w/o shifting the scope. 
And then maybe bedding the lower receiver so it can't move.

[AirScopes]

Is that like the side mount for the M14/M1A ?

Together that is what the result would be similar to, but more like an AK47 sidemount. It may be that another add-on rail will work... this rail seems specifically for the AK47, so the notching may not be necessary for other applications... I just can't seem to find info on the quick release type -- if it is a standard like dovetail or weaver...

But, yes, I think it would require pretty much bolthing the rail THROUGH the stock and being sure the seated part of the receiver can't move..

I just hate making things uglier ;-)

[Bullit]

http://www.weaveroptics.com/rings_bases/mountingsystems/convertamount.aspx

This is a Weaver Unit.  This is what I used. It's stout for me.
 
I can see this working if "inset" the base unit into the stock, in front of the trigger...since you have to address the centering of the scope over the chamber. The thickness is about 3/16"  I hand set my top mount on my RWS 52, and it looks pretty close.

For screws, I'd look into setting 2 or 3 threaded inserts to the stock if you don't wanna go all the way thru the stock.  McMaster Carr sell many good ones in different sizes for reference.  I'm sure you could find a few, rather than buying 50pcs.

Hope this helps (A little).

[Karl der Grosse]

kymike, do you have pictures?

[Bullit]

What kinda pics you looking for Karl?
The link has a good pic of the 2 piece assembly.
Mines on my 1187

[Bullit]

Karl,
I gotta idea, give me a day and I should have some pics for everyone.

[Atchman2]

I'd just be concerned that a firearms mount would tear up with the recoil of a springer.  It would have to be very strong for it to hold I think.  

The other thing is how consistent is the barrel movement on the 54? If it doesn't come exactly back to the same spot, wouldn't that cause you to miss? 

I'm not sure what the sights are like on a 54, but it might be a candidate for a peep sight of some sort. 

[Bullit]

Atchman2,
My previous posts addressed these items.  This request for an alternate mounting has been posted under a couple other forums....

The thought that a 3/16" aircraft aluminum, would "tear up" isn't warranted. It just isn't.

My attempt will be to show pics to help this man and the others who've asked.

I guess it'll probably be best to start a new post, so that someone who hasn't been following can get updated, and save duplication of issues.

I'll do my best Karl....

[AirScopes]

kymike, ever get those pictures of the idea?

Speaking of idea I just had one and I'll need to have a better look at the stock to work out details of the design, but I am wondering if this can be done with only slight modification of the stock in a fairly inconspicuous place... I have a line on a second-hand stock that I can work on. It would be an interesting contraption if I can get it to work! Definitely had an outside-the-box thought on this one. Regretfully I'll have to get the pieces custom made.

Any volunteers? I can design, but I am no machinist!

[AirScopes]

You still have an issue jolting the scope. I'd rather isolate the scope from the action.