I have a old Savage 99 that has a big ugly side scope mount. The action has two holes drilled and tapped and two holes drilled for pins to mount the scope base. I would like to remove the base and have the holes filled.

What is the best way of filling the holes, welding? If welded, will the holes still be noticable after the gun is reblued? Who does this type of work and what should I expect the filling cost to be?

Thank you, Tony

Can't comment on cost, Plug screws would be the easiest route. If you should weld them Tig welding would be your best route. I hope the Savage 99 is a steel receiver??? and not cast. ER70S6 Filler rod works well on steel and is nearly invisible after blueing. The key to making a repair invisible is proper shaping and polishing after the weld. Blueing highlights imperfections, not hide them.

I'd give Alan Harton a shout in Houston. A master with the tig without question. Most fills such as your will leave a slight discoloration when blued. The work he has done for me was always case colored by Doug Turnbull which completely hid the weld.