Browning Buckmark scope base screws

[westinman]

Had this buckmark for a while but always had a problem with the 2 screws that hold the scope mount to the gun. It can't be too tight otherwise the slide doesn't move. Too loose and the sights aren't stable. Anyone else have this problem or it's just me. Anyone try using a very thin washer ? Also, I'd really like a reduced power recoil spring but can't find anyone selling one. Anyone know or do I have to start cutting coils ?

Thanks in advance !

[toby]

Just file down the ends of the screws slightly round them off an retry take off one to two threads as needed. Make sure they will thread in easily before cranking them in and stripping out the gun or the screws.

[ojisan]

"It can't be too tight otherwise the slide doesn't move."

There are a few different scope mounts for the Buckmark with varying dimensions.
I do believe that the Buckmark frames also vary slightly at the height of the rear tower where the rear mount screw goes into.
If you tighten down the screws on a low mount or low tower gun, the mount can flex down causing the slide to bind.

To check for this, attach the mount using the front screw only.
Tighten the screw all the way.
The mount should be rigid / solid.
(If it has any movement then the mount screw is bottomed out in its hole and this needs to be addressed).
Check for a gap between the top of the rear tower and mount.
If there is a gap, placing a small washer (or spacer as needed) under the scope mount and on top of the tower.
Add whatever thickness is needed to make the mount lay flat at both front and rear mount points and not bind the slide.

From there you can check to be sure the mount screws are not bottoming out in their holes.
My Buckmark came with cone shaped star washers on the original screws.
You may or may not want to use these, or add another one.
I always go for the deepest thread depth I can.

The mount screws will loosen more often if the mount is not flat and fully supported at both ends.