If only you knew how to mount a rifle scope on the Picatinny rail correctly, it would completely change the hunting scenario. With the increasing popularity and benefits of this rail, this becomes must knowledge that every hunter or shooter has to have.
While considering a mounting system, Picatinny stands apart because of being the strongest one that you can use. In addition, this rail offers gigantic parts and a good bearing surface. Both of these may make you feel like it will be the most difficult one to mount the scope on; the actual scenario is the opposite.
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However, firstly you need to know about the various types of scope mounts you can get access to. The variety is pretty huge, allowing you to choose the right one for yourself.
What Are The Different Types Of Rifle Scope Mounts?
One-Piece Mount
If asked for a rifle mount that has been in use for the longest time, you will hear most of the hunters say one-piece mounts. These are pretty simple, and there is no need to align the scope. Besides this, they are pretty easy to mount, making them a good option for beginners. However, they are on a heavier scale. Thus, you may require a base to keep them in place.
Scope Rings
If you are looking for a cheaper option to mount on your rifle, you can go for the small and light scope rings. A set of two scope rings attach to the trifle to help the scope. Though you may find them a bit difficult to attack, they can offer you a good amount of freedom.
Weaver Scope Mount
Did you know that the scopes were drilled into the rifle before the scopes were invented? With the scope attached in such a way, one was stuck with a single type of scope forever. However, things changed drastically with the introduction of weaver scope mounts as they were and still are the original mounts.
If you think they are not efficient or popular today, it is time to re-think. Not only are these still in use, but they are also one of the most widely used types of mounts. In addition, there are various slots in these, offering you excellent holding of the scope’s rings.
Picatinny Scope Mount
With the weaver scope mounts, one issue hinders their working. It is the non-uniformity present among the rails to the slots’ width. So keeping this issue in mind, the Picatinny rails were made. One can say that this mount is the upgraded or the better version of the weaver scope mounts.
These are basically support for you to mount the rifle scope (or any other accessories) on your rifle. They are one of the best rails you can get your hands on as they offer wider slots that are deep enough to mount your scope.
The thickness offered by these is as same as you would expect from a 2-piece mount. Other than this, the spacing is pretty standard but is extended towards the whole length, giving this rail an upper hand.
Dovetail Scope Mount
These are not as popular as the Picatinny or the weaver ones; they still deserve their place in the discussion of best mounts. These can slide on and off, allowing you to change the optic pretty easily. You also get a mechanism that will lock in the optic.
Tip-Off Scope Mount
This type of scope mount is just a different type of the dovetail one. The rings of it fit on the mount mentioned just before. You also get the advantage as tip-off mounts can perform even after they are loosened, allowing the user to tip off the ring.
STD Scope Mount
If you are looking for mounts that can fit individual rifles, go for this type. There are both mountains and ring systems in this mount. Thus, making many hunters feel like having a complex base system that requires a lot of refinement and adjustment.
Integral Mount
As you can guess with the name, it is a scope mount that offers you a base along with the rings in one piece. Though it is directly mounted to the rifle, not all the rifles can take it well. However, these can perform the best if used on bolt-common action. So if your rifle is of this kind, then getting this one shall be a good choice.
Offset Mount
If you need to mount your scope farther than the other ones, offset mounts can help. These mounts have enough space to set up larger optics or modern sights. Previously many hunters had the sight right in front of their face and too close for taking the proper aim. With such mounts, this is no longer an issue.
20 MOA Scope Mount
For the long-distance shootings, you need a good space that will allow vertical adjustments to the sight. Therefore, it becomes necessary to know about such factor as it is responsible for the bullet’s drop off in the trajectory. These mounts start from a lower point, letting you make more vertical adjustments.
Quick Detach Mount
You can pretty much get the idea of their functioning by the name. You get to remove the optics without any delay and change them with a blink of an eye to sue another one. So, you can use a single gun but with a vast variety of optics to choose from if you have the quick-detach mount with you.
Why Should You Be Using A Picatinny Rail In The First Place?
Since you know the purpose it will serve, you must be wondering why you should be using it instead of other options. Unlike other rails, the Picatinny one has a locking bar to minimize contact with the surface.
If you have suffered from canting, you can throw that worry away. In addition, these rails offer you close spacing of the recoils, making them really easy to adjust. Both these qualities help you have better or enhanced grips and vision while shooting or hunting.
Another factor for you to invest in these rails is the property not being loose even if they are used continuously. Once mounted, you do need to frequently check neither the mounted scope nor the rail, as they tend to stay intact.
Mounting A Rifle Scope Of The Picatinny Rail
Now that you know why you should be choosing the Picatinny mount over others, here is the guide you would need to mount it accurately. Before starting the process, you need the correct tools for the same purpose.
Screws: These are needed to fix the rings.
Torque Drivers: These are required to fasten the rings correctly.
A Gun Cradle Or Vise: If you do not want those slips during the time you are mounting the rifle, this is needed to secure the rifle.
Bubble Levels: To keep your scope in line, you need to make horizontal and vertical adjustments. You would need these for the same.
Alcohol And A Cloth: If the system needs cleaning, you can use this to do exactly just that.
Mounting A Rifle Scope On Picatinny Rail: Steps To Follow
- First, remove the bolt from the rifle to unload it. After this, you need to pull the toggle back to the standard position.
- To keep the rifle secured, make use of the gun cradle.
- As the lower side of the rings needs to be fixed first, you must separate both sides, upper and lower.
- Do not get confused between the two ends. You can mark the one you have fixed with some tape.
- Now you can put the lower rings by loosely screwing to the rail. You must not tighten the screw because some adjustments will be made later on.
- You need to check whether the scope is in the correct position or not by putting it on those partially screwed rings. Ensure that your eyes are relaxed or relieved before you go further on to adjust the rings. Then, make the changes that you feel are necessary for a better experience.
- You need to use the manual you received with your mount to check what is the ideal gap between the left-back and the front rings. As every model has its own specific gap recommendation, no value is pre-defined.
- Now, if you feel like it is the right position, tighten the screw of the ring. You need to be extra careful during this step and try putting the scope on it again and make the needed adjustments.
- If everything is in its place, it is time to fix the upper sides of the rings on the scope and again screw them lightly.
- Keep the magnification power to the minimum, and make some adjustments with the vertical crosshair.
- Finally, all there is left to do is secure the scope by tightening the rings. Now you have your scope ready to use.
Conclusion
Among the great variety of scope mounts, if you have chosen to go for the Picatinny one, this guide will surely help you mount your scope correctly and that too really easily. All you need to do is be attentive while carrying out the whole process, and there shall be no issues to face.
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