anyone ever cut up machine a redfield base (or steel weaver type) to fit the dovetail on a mauser? essentially replacing the claw bases for other?

Would there be enough room for the rotating dovetail? If so, this seems like a viable alternative, a VERY viable alternative! I think the Weaver-style bases are ugly, very ugly and awkward-looking, but the Redfield might trip my trigger. Also you might consider the Sako or Brno dovetail system(s).

I usually go another way, fabbing new rings to fit the original claw bases, but doing it that way is a PITA and usually the scope choices are limited to small objectives no larger than the typical 2x-7x.
Regards, Joe

Joe,
i think you can make the base "proud" and be able to rotate in ... i will be looking at this very closely this summer

eaw makes a dovetail base for their swing mounts to adapt them to rifles that originalt had claw mounts so i'm sure you could make something similar for a redield base