2nd Shot Expert Advice Please!

[DLSJR]

I’m just glad this happened nearly 2 months before your hunt and not just a few days before. And that you weren’t injured more than happened.

 

[Scott CWO]

I’m just glad this happened nearly 2 months before your hunt and not just a few days before. And that you weren’t injured more than happened.

Yes for sure!

I just figured out the problem. I went to the Talley website and learned this:

“Not sure if you have older Dakota factory bases? The slot where the scope ring sets down in should measure .750″ front to rear.”

Seems that Talley made bases and rings for Dakota years ago that are slightly different than the current models. I had never heard this and put the newer rings on the older bases! They went on and tightened down but not enough to withstand repeated recoil. I guess I might have a ding on my forehead for a few weeks due to this! Oh well, I’m just glad I figured it out now!

 

[Altitude sickness]

What a shame Dakota didn’t add the mount slot for mount indexing and additional hold.

 

[Berettaco]

Really glad you figured that out. It’s a terrible thing to not have trust in your rifle setup, especially a nice rifle like that traveler.
Bonus - it’s a cheap and easy fix

 

[uplander01]

Dakota bases and standard Talley rings don’t match up perfectly. Dakota rings are shorter front to back, which when using talleys can lead to thinking you have the scope rings properly seated on the bases, but they’re not. That would also lead to the bent screw.

 

[uplander01]

I typed that reply before I read second page,…I would check the scope for straightness, tubes can bend under such a scenario.

 

[Challer]

The quick release lever appears bent. That just is not right. I’d probably replace these Talley bases

 

[Philip Glass]

I am so sorry this happened Scott. There are several points here that make me cringe. First the scope, I'm sure you've seen my video, but it will work. Second QD rings that I quit using years ago due to scopes getting off. I think maybe we've just all read too many story books because I've never heard of anyone needing to take one off. After hearing of you being injured by one I really don't want them! Finally the custom ammo that seemed to be pushing the limits must have been part of the problem. I've had clients on safari with me have an issue with that company.

 

[AZDAVE]

Scott glad you figured pout the problem. Like @Philip Glass I gave up on QR rings a number of years ago. (still have a couple old sets on the shelf) I would get the rings sorted and then (since you don't reload) would get a box of federal or barnes and shoot for zero.

 

[roklok]

So glad you figured it out !! That is a shame the Talley bases and rings are different, who would have thought ? As far as having quick detach rings ? I am a safari newbie having a grand total of one African hunt under my belt, but I am really glad I had quick detach rings, Warne in my case, on my .375 on that hunt. I actually removed my scope on two occasions, then later made a good shot on a wildebeast at 300ish yards, proving the zero repeatability. I also have quick detach rings on my other .375 I use for hunting here in Alaska, it also gets removed frequently as extended periods of rainy foggy weather is not conducive to scope use when moose or bear hunting in the willows.

 

[Goat416]

Yes for sure!

I just figured out the problem. I went to the Talley website and learned this:

“Not sure if you have older Dakota factory bases? The slot where the scope ring sets down in should measure .750″ front to rear.”

Seems that Talley made bases and rings for Dakota years ago that are slightly different than the current models. I had never heard this and put the newer rings on the older bases! They went on and tightened down but not enough to withstand repeated recoil. I guess I might have a ding on my forehead for a few weeks due to this! Oh well, I’m just glad I figured it out now!

After making the adjustment to the ring base, I didn’t have any issues with my scope when firing the rifle. It was a fairly simple fix.