Can not get my Vortex quick release levers to fully catch

[Reindeerfloat11]

Hi. New here and have various newb problems. I have an older (2012 or so) Leupold Mark IV (I think) mounted to my Tikka T3Vortex Optics Precision Quick-Release Extended Cantilever 30mm Riflescope Mount - 2-Inch Offset. I cannot get one of the two the quick-release levers to completely close. I have tried loosening the reverse side nut and rotating, etc, but no dice. Is this maybe better as an AR mount, or is it just defective? This is the stock Tikka rail and seems well machined.

I am sure many of you would recommend individual mounts, and I’m thinking of going with Nightforce and moving this mount to my AR, but that is beside the point that it won’t close / catch.

Here it is fully closed when off the gun (attached), and the problem when on the rail.

While you’re at it, I am looking at upgrading to:

NightForce 12-42x56mm Precision Benchrest Illuminated Riflescope, .125 MOA NP-R2

with

Nightforce Optics 34mm 1.44" Center Height Ultralite Unimount - 20 MOA A257

But not sure about the clearance.

Also thinking about the Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50 Riflescope with EBR-2B Reticle, .10 MRAD Turrets RZR-520

But all of the above require me to fix the current mount.

Any thoughts / recommends? Thanks for having me.

 

[flyright]

Looks like an adjustment issue to me. But, you said you tried loosening the adjustment screw on the offside of the lever that will not close - I think? Also, the BR NF scope you mention has a 30mm tube and will not work with the 34mm mount referenced.

 

[SnowMan]

I never had really good luck with QD mounts, seemed like they would always come loose and there would be little annoying problems. Quit using them and life got easier. Probably operator error, but that was my experience.

 

[Arc Light]

I've used the same ADM made mounts without issue. But adjusting them just right can be a bitch. I bet @The King is right. The nut is not seated properly it looks like from your pic. Can you try and push the nut out and turn it and see if it will seat completely? Otherwise, I bet if you contact Vortex they will take care of you. Their CS is second to none.

 

[Reindeerfloat11]

I didnt want to back the reverse side nut out because the pressure seemed like it would cause it to strip. Ill contact Vortex, and see if my local shop can help.

What I'd like to do is move this mount to my AR, and get NF mounts on my .308.

What do you guys think of the Vortex Razor or NF I mentioned, vs my old Mark IV?

Thanks. (sorry for my carpal-tunnel typos in OP - went over this a dozen times)

 

[Arc Light]

I had a problem once with one of the QD levers on one of my ADM mounts (same as yours).

I emailed them about it and someone responded quickly. They sent me a replacement lever and bolt at no charge. I bet Vortex would do the same.

 

[B y r o n]

Hard to tell from the second picture but is it possible that the rear lock bar is hitting the mount for the level?

 

[Reindeerfloat11]

Vortex did respond:

“
Thank you for choosing Vortex Optics and for reaching out. When you were loosening the nut on the opposite side, you were pushing in on the lever so the nut popped out correct? Did you loosen it all the way and it still wouldn't tighten?

That mount will work very well on some bolt rifles, it really depends on the model of the rifle. For instance if your Tikka is the Tac A1 that is a good option for a mount. If you have something that only has a section of rail over the action then I would probably go with 2 piece rings instead. Let me know if you have questions.
Best regards...”

I did try that, though I could try harder. I just don’t want to strip the reverse side nut. My Tikka does only have rail over the action, so even though this cantilevered mount does fit, perhaps this is the problem. I don’t see how the rail could be warped but maybe.

1. would you guys recommend better independent rings for the Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50 for this section of rail and this rifle? An explain what I can do with this scope?

2.Maybe it’s just time to get a A1 in 6.5 Creednore. I’m not slow to sell here yet but...anyone want to trade a T3 with a super rare Roedale FDE Viperskin with the Leupold thrown in for their stock T3x TAC A1? Or other 6.5? My rifle basically looks like the attached, except I have Atlas bipod.

Thanks for helping a new shooter out.