Low mounted scope, anybody modify the release lever to get it lower?

[workin man]

This past weekend I finally started my scope mount project on my 45-70. I'm using a modified Weaver #62 base, which has a much lower profile than most of the other available mounts (low enough to remove the scope and see the iron sights without removing the rail). I'm mounting a Burris, Fullfeild II, 2x-7x-35mm scope. I modified the hammer extension (uncle Mikes) rather than the hammer itself to get the extension lower, then bobbed the top of the hammer flush with the top of the extension. I have the scope sitting low enough for my needs, but it is a bit further back than I would like as far as eye relief. I am currently clearing the release lever by 1/16th" or less, I can gain almost another 1/8" by grinding off some material on the extension, but I don't think that will make a significant difference in how much I can move the scope forward. Has anybody cut away the rear edge of the release lever to allow futher butchery of the hammer? I'm going to give the rifle a try as it is, but looking for input in case I need to push the scope further forward. As it is now, if the scope was any further forward, the top of the hammer catches on the power ring when you try to cock it.

Jim

[quickdtoo]

Yup, done all that in the low profile hammer mods 2 in the FAQs, I'm using Burris Zee extra low rings on my 35 Whelen Improved and an old style hammer which is much lower than modern hammers, trim away on the back of the release lever, it'll work fine. I was gonna try the hammer extension on the left side like my BLR has been for the last 27yrs, but it just doesn't feel right on the Handi.

Tim

[carbineman]

I have used the 62 Weaver rail on a couple of 30-30 Toppers and found that the Leupold scopes have a smaller ocular than some other manufacturers, and can aid in scope positioning and lowering as well. I have another with a Weaver V3 that works ok as well. The Leupy's I used were of the 20mm objective variety.

[JerryKo]

Tim,

Have you tried sighting on iron sights  with that new stock?

It looks great BTW.

Jerry

[quickdtoo]

Thanks, haven't yet Jerry, but I'll mount one up on a sighted barrel and see how it works for ya. 

Tim

[cwlongshot]

Personally I haven't seen a need to get the scope lower then a lo set of good rings.... This can be achieved with no mods, of you choose a handi friendly scope.

CW

[workin man]

Thanks for the replies. My scope choice was determined by budget, or more accuatetly lack of budget. I was looking at using a Tasco world class 2x-7x-32mm that I have sitting un-used at the moment or stealing a Bushnell banner 1x-4x-32mm off my slug gun. Just before Christmas, one of the local gunshops put the Burris on sale at $150 Canadian, regular $340 ( scopes are incredibly expensive in Canada), and my wife bought it for me as a Christmas present. The mods I've made at this point have taken around 1/2hr, including filing on the Hammer extension, bobbing the hammer and modifying the Weaver 62 rail to fit the Handi. It would be great to stick a Leupold 1x-4x-20mm on it, but one of those costs more than a mortgage payment, so its not going to happen anytime soon.

Tim, I stopped reading the hammer mods 2 after you mentioned replacing the hammer with the older style. I seem to recall you saying you had a hard time finding one, finding one at a dealer who ships to Canada would be like winning the lottery. I will take a closer look at that thread now that I know you have some details on modding the release lever, although I think it should be pretty staightforward.

Thanks again guys, Jim

[quickdtoo]

Tim,

Have you tried sighting on iron sights  with that new stock?

It looks great BTW.

Jerry

Betcha thought I forgot....but I didn't!!  I don't think most people could use the factory sights with the new style syn stock, the comb is just too high, it would work with the WGRS peep and taller front sight tho.

Tim

[spikehorn]

You could try a traditions muzzle loader hammer spur they are threaded, you would have to drill and tap the hammer.

[JerryKo]

Tim,

Have you tried sighting on iron sights  with that new stock?

It looks great BTW.

Jerry

Betcha thought I forgot....but I didn't!!  I don't think most people could use the factory sights with the new style syn stock, the comb is just too high, it would work with the WGRS peep and taller front sight tho.

Tim

Thanks and no I didn't.