There's been lots of talk about Stith mounts this week around here. Here's some photos of a different style mount that I picked up from 300Jimmy last month. It's a Miller Kodiak Dream Mount from the 50s.
The mount was advertised as being almost universal in its application, and this is almost true. It seems to fit just about any rifle that has a rear sight dovetail and side ejection. It uses a dovetail block in the rear sight dovetail (similar to a Stith) and tension from a spring steel bar to force the rear saddle down onto the receiver. Like a Stith, it requires no extra holes.
After a lot of hemming and hawing, I decided to try it on my 1930s Savage 45 Super Sporter in 30-30. Installation was pretty simple (thanks to the instructions provided by Mike and Steve). I removed the existing rear sight and tapped in the dovetail block:
Then I slid the spring steel mount over the dovetail block and pivoted the mount up and over the receiver, letting the spring tension settle the rear saddle in place:
When it's in place, the mount seems really rigid, and it sits nice and square. I feared that there wouldn't be enough eye relief with the old Weaver K2.5, but even though it sits further ahead than I would prefer, it still works fine.
I just mounted this today and haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but I'm pleased with the way it looks and handles with the scope in place. I may have to take it out to the woods this season.
Rod