Like baker is trying to say. The ring screw is supposed to pass through the slot on the bases.

With the ring loose slide it forward until you hit the front of the slot and tighten it to the base. Repeat for the second ring. Then set your scope in, level it and set eye relief before torqueing the rings to the scope.

But do yourself a solid and shop for a one piece base. Egw makes a great valued one. At the very least get a weaver one piece base. It will save your scope from ring marks and help assure its aligned right.

I just ordered one for my 300wsm. Tried used two piece bases but ran out of horizontal room to zero on the scope.
My new Warne 20 moa base will be here in a day or two.