tc contender scope base problem

[eaa52]

I just traded for my first Contender. It had three barrels. I kept the 30-30 and sold the other two. One had a Lobo scope on a rail base. When I tried to remove the scope, it would not clear the base with the end of the scope. I finally had to unscrew the focal end to slide it out. Is this how they should work and did I just mess up this scope. It is old but in good shape. Any help will be greatly appreciated since I plan on putting the scope back on a new barrel.
Thanks

[moparmagnum]

I'm not sure I understand why you had to remove the bell on the scope to get it out of the rings. As for compromizing the integrity of the scope, you might have. All scopes are filled with nitrogen gas to eliminate moisture and this prevents fogging on the inside of the scope. If you have taken off the bell, you have released the nitrogen.

[eaa52]

I was worried that may be what would happen. The reason I did that was the scope would not slide out of the rails in either direction so I could not get it off the base.

[jszy]

?????? :blink:

I've done a lot of changing and switching of scopes/bases/rings on my 4 contender barrels, and I can't picture what you're talking about?