IIRC, pushing back on the front of the scope is how most if not all of the old-timers did it. I seem to recall a mention of Harry Pope's use of this method, and also the practice of twisting the scope's tube the same way each time, to remove any 'lost' motion in the rotational-alignment mechanism (Pope rib).

A new snugly-fitting alignment pin and a recoil spring will preclude this problem in most cases, at least for the 22RF.
Regards, Joe

You can lead a man to logic but you can't make him think. NRA Life since 1976. God bless America!