The "sattel"(sp)was mainly to avoid piercing the reciever ring,but it does look much better than a simple dovetail.On scopes with an ocular bell,high mounting is necessary to give room for the scope to tip enough for removal.On more modern mounting,the forward base is mounted in a "sattel"(SP),which is soldered to the barrel ahead of the reciever ring.This allows the front ring to be attached to the ocular bell,which keeps the scope from tipping so much.On older high mountings,if lowered,not only would the bolt handle have to be altered,the tang and stock may have to be altered(notched).This may not be desirable.When new front rings come from the factory,they are already fit to,and come with the plate.They know what radius they used in making the cuts and they are forced together with hydraulics.The fear feet are cut to length and the notches are cut after the required heigth is determined (after fitting the front ring)by bore sighting with an adjustable block under the rear of the scope.This block is used to determine how long to make the foot.The notches are cut so that they stand"proud" of the slot in the rear base,by the width of a "scribe line".The"slide",not the notch, is filed to fit it up.This takes any movement out of the lock up.The rear of the "feet" have to have enough clearence to swing in and out.On soldered bases/sattels, a "skim"cut is made,dovetail finish cut,to make everything square to the bottom of the reciever;before fitting the rings.Hand filed rings/claws can work if carefully done,but usually work better if not removed and replaced after sighting in.They can return to zero for a while,but "play" will likely show up sooner or later.
Mike
