I like to use the Leupold STD, 2 pc scope bases that have the two windage screws in the rear. However, since 1980 ( I was a Weaver man before then) I have never found a proper fitting screwdriver, tool, anything that actually "fits" their slot! I almost always end up "Boogering up" the slots , sometimes have to replace them. Does anyone know of a certain screwdriver, where to get it and/or an alternative tool? When they are properly set up,I have never had one give me trouble, on hard kickers too. Please, HELP!!!

Wheeler Gunsmith Tool Kit has the screwdriver that fits...😎

https://www.google.com/search?q=whe...iw=1024&bih=666#imgrc=-kBI3XGxZlmkdM

Or use a quarter or Chuckie Cheese token held in pliers. Won't booger if it slips because it's soft. Ain't gotta be that dang tight.

Never had an issue with these, on rifles up to .270-.30/06 class, btw.

I have a large Craftsman screw driver that I have used for that purpose for many years. It is not a perfect fit, but works fine and has not messed up the slots on the screws.

I ground my own using a big screwdriver. First I “smushed” modeling clay into a windage screw to get a feel for the curvature of the slot, then used my grinder to approximate the pattern. After that I ever so slightly rounded the corners. Came out well.

Brownells item # 080-430-430WB
This is ground to a perfect fit for Leupold. There is a different bit for Redfield. That's how precise the sizing is.
Brownells has exactly what you want
Cheers,
Rex

I've been using them but with a one piece base for 38 years with neri a problem, but you're correct, I've never seen a screw driver that really fit them, except maybe one of my big long ones with a really thick blade. But that blade is kind of wide for them and I really can't center the screw driver in them.

I've got the Wheeler kit but none are really that wide.

I use a large S&K screwdriver.

I also had a large wooden handle one from long ago.

With them one needs not tighten farmer tight.

Brownells sells the the perfect fit 1/4" drive bit

I’ve been using a Canajun Cariboo Quarter, don’t think a Loonie or Toonie quite fits.

B-Square used to make a wrench that fit the windage screws in Redfield turn--in bases, their part number T1011.

It appears that they have been discontinued, you could contact B-Sqaure and see if they have any left in inventory.

Thanks guys. I will order the one from brownells!!! Hot dog.

Had to go Home Depot so picked up a 7" Husky with a 5/16" wide blade. worked swell. $6

Yep Jim Knight. I have the B-Square kit too but the one I have doesn't have the screw driver tip thick enough to fill the slot either. I do have a big screw driver of the size you listed that fllls the gap in the screw slot, Whlle not perfect the blade is thick enough but it's pretty wide and so it's a bit awkward to turn.

As often occurs on the "fire there is a lot of overthinking going on - Pappy had the answer and it is by far the cheapest and most convenient one.

Back in the day when those mounts were designed they had the large slots so that they could be tighted/loosened with pocket change - a quarter or 50 cent piece, or use a "Loonie" if you are Canadian.

Take a look at a lot of the older 22 rifles, they too were fitted with a screw head large enough to allow the barreled action to be removed from the stock using a quarter.

drover

I believe you need a hollow ground tip screwdriver. All that really means is it is not tapered like a standard screwdriver.

I didn't know adjusting these screws was so complicated....

Normally, they're not, ha. These had their new thread seal stuff on the threads, and they were becoming super tight before they gripped the slot in the rings base. The new Husky screwdriver fixed it!

I used to use a quarter on Weaver Rings too, way back in the 70's when I willy nilly swapped/removed the one scope I had. It went from my deer rifle to my .22 as I had need. With resulting rezeroing each time. Back then, "swamp rabbits" ( a big hare we had in the south) sold for $2.75 gutted at the Wild Meat & Fish Market down by the river, there in Liberty, Tx. Since I had a young family, I counted on a lot of rabbits to help with extras, ha. But, I liked to shoot my handloads whenever I got a day off ( rare indeed) so it went back and forth.

You’d think by now it’d be a Torx head.

The new ones 'do" have a torx socket right in the center, combined with the slot. I like them gorilla tight, especially on magnums, so the big screwdriver works well for that.

Torx actually works better for Gorilla tight than the big screwdriver.

100% accurate. Just don't cheap out on the Torx driver.

Last time I ever used those bases was on a 700 Custom KS Mountain rifle in 375 H&H. Sheared one of the screws off from the recoil. Leupold set me up with QR rings & bases instead.

Worth it's weight in gold......

I agree. I have 2 screw drivers that are perfect for this use. I keep one in the range bag. You dont want to go too tight because it will bend the screw and weaken it.

I mill screwdrivers to fit with a carbide endmill.
I have a huge collection of garage sale screwdrivers.

Every year I buy a lot of big game tags and build a lot of rifles.

Two weeks ago I was building a $45 [low cost is the theme] hunting rifle.
It is a 300 Sav Arisaka.
I drilled and tapped.
The old Rem700 action take off scope I am mounting is a 1992 Leupold vari x IIc 3x9x40 that I am counting as $0 cost.
Just to bore sight the old scope, I made this coin based screwdriver at .085" x 0.5" with a 0.6" radius.

I have also used the QR setup, it does indeed work well. I also had a set of Dual Dovetail mounts that were stout on a light weight 300 RUM. I just use the STD as I like to swap scopes sometimes, just for giggles or experimenting with loads. I agree, I turn them in until I feel it has 'stopped" . I have twisted off a lot of stuff ( but I have big hands and an OCD attitude about my rifles, ha)

Another vote for the Leupold QR bases and tings. I've used them exclusively ever since they were introduced about 30 years ago, as long as there was a base available for the rifle in question. Never had an issue and I can carry a small compact backup scope already sighted in when I hunt remote areas.

I just installed a new Leupold set of quarter turn bases.....I'll look hard and long for someone else's in the future!!!