remember this J.C. Higgins model 50 that I picked up for 300 bucks? As mentioned it is in wonderful shape-stripped it down and made a wish list and did notice the scope mount holes. Originally it had the factory drilled and now has a complete set of extras---looks pretty sad on this rifle. Is their a remedy for this like I don't know maybe silver solder the holes and for appearance sake start over? Just a question. I am conversing with Penny over at PacNor for a .375/.338 chamber at present but an seriously unpleased with the extra holes. any ideas? Live with it? Naw, come on, there has to be something else that can be done. appreciate the help.

tig up the extras.. poof!! on you will know they are there...

or, you really hate the thing, send it to me

jeffe

Proper size screws can be loctited into the holes and cut off, filed as close as possible and stoned down they are quite a good fix, but can be noticed if looked for closely. Are the extra holes under the bases? I would be very careful welding them in any way, you COULD screw up the heat treating of the action.

Another option to the Tig would be to chamfer the edge of the screw hole about .030 deep. Screw in a plug that is a bit tall (sans the slot) and peen into the chamfer. File and stone off the excess and the hole is gone. If it is well peened in, it is difficult to make out.

Good luck!

Are the extra holes visible while the proper scope mounts are installed?

I would just use plug screws and either peen them or dress them with a file. After doing this, there shouldn't be much that shows after bluing.

now there is enough options given so what is up asthetically? I know what appears to be some gouged screw holes in the weaver two peice mounts and their has got to be far nicer scope base to fit the existing homejob. The drilled and tapped holes in the receiver are straight but their too are some ugly holes-seems like the fellow used a counter bit over the threaded holes both in the base rail and receiver. Probably not a big deal but to me I do not recall seeing this kinda work done. Is there some info on measuring the drilled hole to match to some Talley bases as that is my preference instead of the gaudy looking weaver bases and also the screws and hole are larger than what I have seen being used- what size do them large caliber rifles have for base screws? pretty strong maybe these are them and does Talley offer some various sizes for this that is in question? 8x? threads?

I have had good luck with Scrollcutters method.

It really depends on where the extra holes are located. On the Springfield 1903 action that Jim Dubell did for me the extra holes were off sort of to the side of the action. These had been improperly filled filled previous to my obtaining the action. In this case Jim recommended a set of custom bases made wide enough to hide the extra holes. Giving the Springfield a kind of square bridge effect.

Worked very well.

If your scope bases cover them, I wouldn't worry about it.

Silver soldering as you suggested will work fine.

Good Luck--Don