Squirrel gun thread got me thinking about pulling my savage 22 i won at the fbu banquet at the NTA in Illinois a few years ago. Put a Bushnell banner scope on it but I really hate the mount system for it. Its pretty touchy trying yo install.

Any better brackets to use?

A couple of places make a picatinny rail that will clamp in the grooves pretty secure. I've used on some Rugers and Marlin 60's it seems to work realy well.

You could have it drilled and tapped if they make a rail for it

the Later MKII Savages were drilled and tapped for weaver bases.

if you have an issue with the typical rimfire 3/8 grooves holding zero then taking it for a drill and tap to use a weaver base would make the most sense

I have a Marlin that only has grooves I didn't have an issue with it holding zero but I like that rifle with the Peep sight I have on it now better than with an optic , the stock is better shaped for shooting irons and it makes for a lighter easy to handle and carry gun without an optic

Not so much about holding zero... Just holding the scope to the rail...

I had a Banner on a .22 about 30 years ago. Was a 4x with a 1” tube. Was worthless unless aiming into the sky. Could not see a squirrel on the ground or against a large tree trunk. Hope they are better now.

Most 22's (and 22 mags) use the grooved receiver for scope mounts. I have never had any troubles with mine coming loose.

That 3/8” mount system varies greatly in quality depending on manufacturer.
I have encountered some that were junk.
Leupold makes one that I have on a few rifles.
They installed securely, zeroed properly, and have never moved.
(Remember to use Loctite green.)
I learned long ago to rely on Leupold quality.

Yea you have to probably buy a better set of 3/8 dovetail rings. Some of those 3/8” rimfire rings like stated are pure junk and just won’t hold tight on the grooved receiver. Try leupold rings #54289