old forward mount scope & having to "settle for"?

[Gallahad]

I have been researching for literally a few years on a cost effective forward mount scope for handis, that is solid, and looks decent. in short, the ONLY "scope" that I have found that will work in all shooting positions is the nikon buckmasters 1x20. I researched the shotgun scope thing, and none of them REALLY have enough eye relief to be mounted forward of the hammer, and still hold comfortable shooting position. Ive done the same with pistol scopes, and scout scopes. all start too far out for Good positioning. 
           I will not use a red dot, battery powered, dont trust em. the nikon is without magnification, but has 4-14" eye relief, and a nice clear sight picture. My problem is going to be mounting one. I thought about trying to find a base that had the right contour, and drilling new holes. making a 7" long rail instead of using extension rings. any thoughts, suggestions welcome. Id like to have dnz make a custom, but cant afford the $300 

[spikehorn]

How far in front of the hammer do want to mount it? I have a 45-70 that I took a weaver #82 base and made new slots in it and was able to mount a Simmons pro diamond 4X32 shot gun with low rings and in front of the hammer so no spur is needed, I just used the existing scope mount holes.

[Urny]

My wife's .30-30 has an older Japanese made Tasco World Class Compact 4x that has 6" eye relief and works very well.  In the past it has carried a BSA 2.5x20 that also has 6" eye relief and works as well.  The newer version of the BSA has only 4" eye relief and won't work acceptably mounted ahead of the hammer.  Grandson Zack's .243 has a Bushnell 1.75x4x32 with the circle-x reticle, also with 6" of eye relief.  Bushnell's number for that one is 711436. 

Bushnell also lists a 3x9, #713947, with 6" ER, but we haven't tried that one yet.  Midway lists this and the 711436 in stock.

We did get a Leupold 2.5x20, 4.9" ER, and found that the 6" is definitely needed in order to maintain a comfortable shooting posture. 

Keeping the ocular lens ahead of the hammer is a decided advantage. My .223 HB has an old steel tube Weaver 3x9 mounted high and farther back, and is clumsier than the forward mounted scopes.  Someday I'd like to try a red dot scope, a reflex sight, and a pistol scope on our NEF's.

[Gallahad]

I have found that for hunting I really should have between 7 and 9" of eye relief if the point you measure from is the breech face. why the range? Well, critters don't act like range targets, and sometimes I get so contorted in a tree stand youd never want to call it a "shooting position" and I must shoot different than most, cuz 6" makes me really strain my neck forward. thanks for the suggestions. I have put nc star pistol scopes on, and they worked, but not exactly how I wanted, tried weaver scout, with OK results, still not happy. the bushnells might be a lot brighter, but I don't know about the eye relief. all my mounts were 82's Im gettin tired of cutting those grooves! 

[PHATINJUN]

You may be able to get one of those real long Picannty SP? rails I have seen them 18" long or even longer. You would have to drill your own mount holes and maybe put a screw out front for support. I think Cheaper than Dirt or even The Sportsmans Guide had them. Kurt

[spikehorn]

I know you said you didn't trust red dots because of the battery issue, but Tru glo makes a really good 2X red dot. I use a couple of these and just carry a spare battery in my wallet. Truly the biggest issue with red dots for me was training myself to turn them off.

[gcrank1]

Even with a 4" ER, mount just forward of the hammer and keep both eyes open; you will lose some 'field of view' from being out of the rated eye relief but with both eyes open you are aiming with the center/crosshair intersect anyway?

[rdlange]

I've used the Tru Glo 2x on an air gun.  It worked fine.  I liked the extra magnification.  It's better than most red dots.  I just don't like red dots.

I have found similar that lower power scopes give you longer eye relief.