There was a lot of talk on the old MT about how Marlin quality control had slipped in recent times. Now I know why.
I had started to install the scope rings on my new 917V when I noticed that the front base has no groove cut across it to enable me to mount the scope ring. I kinda wonder how they could have overlooked this little detail - and how many other people have experienced this - getting ready to enjoy a new rifle, only to find that the company screwed up in such a basic way.
Now I've got to call Marlin and wait to have them send out a replacement base, providing they haven't made all of them so defectively. In the meanwhile, if I want to use my new rifle any time soon, I'll probably have to go out and get a set of rings for grooved receivers - which won't be of much use to me when Marlin straightens out this latest screw up and sends me a proper base.
This is so frustrating!!!