M14 Forum

7.62Spark · December 12th, 2011, 01:39 AM

Some time ago, I replaced the piece of scrap metal known as the Generation 4 steel mount from Springfield Armory with a Bassett Machine picatinny rail scope mount. Unlike the SA scrap metal, the rifle (Springfield Armory Standard M1A) shoots well and the scope and mount hold a zero, but this mount has eventually come loose on me. I have tired following the instructions that came with the mount, but it seems that the mount still comes a bit loose after around 100 rounds or so.

As far as I can tell, the threads on the mounting bolt and in the receiver are intact, so this does not seem to be an issue. I even tightened the bolt slightly after using that lifting method, and the mount still eventually came loose. I removed the mount when I got home that day, and I still do not see any damaged threads.

Have I done something wrong here, or do some people experience this mount eventually coming loose as well? I know Bassett does not recommend it, but I put some blue Loctite on the threads this time, and I am going to see how this works out for me (this is not a huge issue for me, as I can still use my iron sights with this scope mount).

gmbellew · December 12th, 2011, 04:21 AM

Check to make sure there is no oil on the mount or receiver threads.

saw filer · December 12th, 2011, 06:19 AM

heard a lot about SAI mounts on here,my Gen. 4 mount has served me well so I don't quite get the scrap metal stuff but maybe i'm just lucky. a friend has 4 M1A's SAI mounts and 1 has a Basset. he has had the same trouble with Basset? he has now locktited his and will check at range this week BTW his shoots loose in way less than 100 rds.

saw filer · December 12th, 2011, 06:53 AM

forgot to say my gen.4 mount is alum. I bought it before joining this forum. I have no doubt I would have bought a Basset had I been a forum member and read all the posts on here. nor has my friend given up on his Basset. anyway mine ain't broke so I'm not going to fix it.

Whatsinaname181 · December 12th, 2011, 07:27 AM

mine never shoots loose. try what gmbellew said about ensuring your threads and reciever are dry. i shoot the heck out of mine and it always stays put.

tonyben · December 12th, 2011, 07:41 AM

The only thing I can think of is that the thread hole may be too big but still tapped. I do know there were some receivers that had bad mount holes and minimal threading. I believe those holes would strip out when torqued down with mounts like the Sadlak and the SEI version.

Call Bill Bassett and get his opinion. If you can, check the size of the hole in the receiver.

I think receivers that had bad bolt holes were made somewhere around 2001 to 2005, but I'm not quite sure. It's just what I remember reading a couple of years ago.

Tony.

Charlene32 · December 12th, 2011, 09:20 AM

check the small steel pen inside the mount. my mount came loose on me too and it was because the steel pen came loose.

7.62Spark · December 12th, 2011, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whatsinaname181

mine never shoots loose. try what gmbellew said about ensuring your threads and reciever are dry. i shoot the heck out of mine and it always stays put.

I will keep this in mind, as I probably use too much Lubriplate on my rifle as it is, and I have seen Lubriplate over the end of the mounting bolt that appears to be flush with the inner part of the left receiver when locking the bolt back. Prior to reinstalling the mount, I wanted to make sure the hole in the receiver was dry and clean, so I wiped the threads down with some Q-Tips. There appeared to be some dirt on the Q-Tips, so something is definitely getting in there (perhaps old Lubriplate).

It probably also does not help that I will sometimes use a patch soaked with Break Free CLP to wipe the inner parts of the receiver clean when I do decide to replace the Lubriplate, so this is probably playing a role as well (the wet patch goes over the part of the bolt that appears to be flush with the inside of the left side of the receiver).

redlegagent · December 13th, 2011, 04:14 AM

I use a Bassett mount on my loaded SA. I installed it per instructions using the weight of the rifle and it has yet to work free. I check it periodically just to make sure. Due to my zero, I also can look "under" the mount and still use my iron sights if need be so I've never had to remove it. I applied no oil to the threads when I installed it. Worse case scenario, blue Lock-Tite should hold it solid.

drshame · December 13th, 2011, 06:11 PM

FYI:

Per Bill B.....a LITTLE CAREFULLY applied extra torque may help...after making sure the mounting threads and receiver are as clean as possible...and fully degreased.

Call Bill and ask..he's great to speak with.

:)

bonekrusher · December 16th, 2011, 05:34 PM

I am in the process of installing my basset mount, I went with a weaver 1" medium top mount 49041, I am using a Nikon buckmasters 4.5-14X40 SF scope, I dont really like the way the rings fit, they look like they are too small, when i put the ring screw in, it looks like it would put to much torque on the screw and it may break, can anyone reccomend a decent set of weaver scope rings that would mount this securely but dont cost an arm and leg. I am mounting this on an M1A loaded with walnut stock and SS barrel.

Al Mack · January 25th, 2012, 09:53 PM

Your mounting bolt may be a tad to long. Look at it from in side the rail where the bolt rides. If the tip of the bolt is shiny, trim it back 10 to 15 thousandths. That fixed it for me.

jens5 · January 26th, 2012, 06:38 AM

After cleaning, take a Q-tip with alcohol and apply to receiver threads and bolt threads of the Bassett. Let dry. If your receiver hole is within spec, the mount should not shoot loose. Re-cap: No lube on a fore mentioned parts, Dry with alcohol.