XS Scout mount -

Sorry this isn't sitting on a savage, but the basis of the question goes for all makes i suppose.

Anyway, i have a Marlin 336 SS and i picked up (second hand) a XS Scout rail for it.
the problem is that it dosen't fit.

now i've measured it to a .444 marlin and it fits that (could be for the 1894/95's), but not my .30-30, the holes are to close together on the dovetail rear sight. The pics include the front screw on the dovetail groove not sitting in properly (just for the pic)
The distance on the mount is 140mm from first rear hole to the front hole and 120mm on my rifle.


Question 1
Is it safe to just use the scouts rear screws to secure the rail in ? It sits firm wih no movement with the rear screws only. But will this hack recoil and the weight of a scope ?

Question 2
Can i drill a new hole for the front screw into the rail ? Without cracking the mount ?

Thanks for your time, and again sorry for not being "savage specific"
[img width=600 height=450]http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/Medic_01/IMGP1350.jpg[/img]
[img width=600 height=450]http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/Medic_01/IMGP1352.jpg[/img]
[img width=600 height=450]http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/Medic_01/IMGP1353.jpg[/img]
[img width=600 height=450]http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/Medic_01/IMGP1354.jpg[/img]

I dunno about 30-30, but I bought one of those for my Dad for his 450 Marlin, and with any kind of decent sized scope that would be a no-go for recoil and inertia.

I personally would drill a hole in the right spot, looks like you have plenty of room to do so (20mm). It might be a little ugly but you won't have your scope popping up and giving you plastic surgery. For that matter, we crawl around in the bushes where we hunt, it would suck to miss a shot because a branch pulled your scope mount off the barrel.

Regards,
Brian in CA

Thanks Brian

necro post but relevent,

have you called Them. XS sights has fenominal customer service and will make every effort to make sure their products wokr for you. So if you haven't let them know im pretty sure they will make it right.

I'm sorry but I don't have an answer for you either BUT you can go over to marlinowners.com. I found them very helpful and polite.