While transforming my Tikka T3 Varmint into a semi-custom shooting machine I will keep the board updated on my observations. 

Last night I went to mount my Zeiss 6.5-20, 50mm scope using the factory supplied rings.  The outside diameter of the scope objective is 56mm per Zeiss specifications.

When laying the scope in the base rings the objective diameter touched the barrel.  My solution was to shim the objective side of the scopring base with some tape until the scope was not touching the barrel.  I now have it about .010 above the barrel.  This is a temporary installation because I have on order the EGW 20 moa base and rings from EGW. 

My next step in to hit the range for the break in.

Later