After posting this in the M-94 section, I thought it might be better to post on this "general" forum.

I've been shooting for three decades, and always mounted my own scopes, but never experienced this particular problem...

I have a Winchester M-94 Timer Scout 30-30. It came from the factory with the Lever Scout scope mount installed. At this point, the gun has not been fired.

I also have a Leupold IER 2.5x scout scope with German #4 reticle that was used on a previous firearm. I purchased Warne QD rings to mount the scope on the Timber Scout. Upon tightening the rings, the reticle broke.

Leuplod repaired the scope free of charge. Upon the 2nd attempt to mount the scope, the reticle "bent" (but didn't break) upon tightening the screws. So the scope will go back to Leupold again. (It worked fine when mounted to the barrel of a 12-ga slug gun.)

I suppose the problem is the scope, the rings, or the base. Perhaps tightening down the scope puts undue stress and torque on the scope tube somehow. (Scope tube has rings marks, but no other obvious exterior damage.) I contacted XS Sights, and they want me to send the rifle to them for evaluation. They claim no similar issues have been reported. I also wonder if the rings are imperfect.

Not eager to send the rifle to XS Sights, I'm tempted to try Leupold QRW rings.

Any suggestions on what the cause might be?

Any suggestions on what the cure might be?

Anyone experienced similar issues?

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks

Please don't double post.