Types of Scope Mounts – A 2022 Guide

The most menial-looking components in a setup can sometimes be of extreme importance for the overall performance.

Scope mounts are a piece of equipment that fits true to this fact. With their importance mostly observed by pro shooters.

This article will cover in detail, the ins and out’s of scope mounts. So you’ll walk away with all the knowledge you need or may need on the topic. 

Scope Mount Terminology and Common Concepts

It is important to get familiar with some technical and non-technical terms to get a better understanding of the topic. 

Weaver Rail

The weaver rail is a flat rail setup that was founded in 1930 by William Ralph Weaver. These rails have horizontal slots with a width of 0.180 inches or 4.57mm. However, the spacing of slot centers is not consistent. This is a very common rail setup historically and is still prevalent to some extent today. 

Picatinny Rail

Similar to the weaver setup, the Picatinny rail setup was developed in the 1990s. Also known as the MIL-STD-1913 rail, this is the standard rail setup of the U.S Military. The slots have a width of 0.206 inches or 5.03mm and a consistent gap of 0.394 inches or 10.1mm between slot centers. 

This can be seen as an advanced and refined version of the weaver rail setup. Weaver devices will fit on Picatinny rails. Whereas the reverse is not always possible. 

Dovetail Rail

Tube Size

The middle portion of an optic scope tube where the mounts grip the scope. The diameter of this tube is called the tube size. The most common tube sizes are 1 inch (25.4mm), 30mm, and 34mm. 

Mount Height

The gap between the point where the mount is clamped to the rifle and the base of the scope ring is called the mount height. Scope mounts come in low, medium, and high rise variants for height. The choice of height depends upon the objective bell size, bolt lift angle, and a few other factors. 

Integral Mount

These scope mounts are a single piece setup that includes the rings and mounting base as one unit. So you do not have to install a base or adapter first and then the rings. These help with quickly switching scopes on a rifle. 

Quick Attach/Detach Mount

These types of scope mounts have a lever or knob arrangement on the side that allows you to quickly attach/detach them. Mostly without needing any tools. 

Bolt Lift Angle

This is the angle at which the bolt in a bolt-action rifle has to be lifted to cycle the action. Bolts with full 90-degree lift angles can collide with the scope in some rifles. Hence requiring the adjustment of mount position or height. 

Eye Relief

The gap between your eye and the scope eyepiece at which you can comfortably see your target. It can be fixed or variable. 

Cheek Weld

This refers to the position of your cheek on your rifle’s stock. Some rifles have an adjustable cheek weld. Making positioning of the eye more comfortable with scopes. 

Flat Top or Round Top

Some scope rings come with a small piece of weaver/Picatinny rail built on their head to accommodate extra optics or accessories. Whereas most have normal round tops. 

Ring Space

The distance between the rings on a single piece (cantilever) scope mount. While most scopes fit here, some may not. 

Types of Scope Mounts

Scope mounts come in a wide variety of designs. Each of them has its own benefits which will be discussed further in the article. But first, make yourself familiar with these varieties. 

Each of these mounts can either be a weaver, Picatinny, or dovetail scope mount. Except for an exception called the Leupold scope mount. The mounts designed for rail setups have recoil lugs in their bases that fit like a jigsaw into the rail slots.

Single Piece Mounts (Cantilever Mounts)

As the name suggests, these mounts feature a single piece construction that attaches to the base. These mounts are considered a bit more stable because the rings are pre-aligned and do not sway away even under pressure. 

Integral Mounts

This is a simpler solution that houses the scope mount and the base in one unit so you can install it directly over the rifle’s receiver. Without having to buy the base and the scope mounts separately. Switching these types of mounts is time-consuming. But on the contrary, it is a more stable setup. 

Offset Mount

An offset mount positions the scope slightly forwards, backward, or sideways than the position of the base. This helps get more rail space, especially when any other optics are being used in conjunction with the scope. 

20 MOA Mount

These mounts are rails that are slightly angled and help the shooter increase the maximum adjustment range for elevation on their scope. This mount itself is a very detailed topic for discussion and is used very rarely for extra and ultra long range shooting. If you aren’t a pro sniper, you should probably leave this topic untouched. 

Leupold Scope Mount

It is a standard non-weaver style mounting system and also one of the oldest setups. These mounts are designed to fit individual rifles. The front ring twist-locks into the base and the rear ring can be adjusted laterally to offer more refinement. This mount setup is preferred by hunters and also long range shooters. 

Co-witness Mount

Any type of scope mount that allows the shooter to also use the iron sights with the scope is called a co-witness mount. However, The vertical level of alignment may differ from design to design. 

Pros and Cons of Single Piece Mounts

Single piece mounts are a hassle-free setup that is easy to install and widely preferred by short range shooters. Especially with assault and modern sporting rifles. 

Pros of Single Piece Mounts

Some of the benefits of single piece mounts include:

Rigid and Strong

Single piece mounts are made from a single unit of metal. This design set up is very durable and you do not have to make alignments. These mounts usually have four or more screws that hold the setup together. Making factors like recoil and rough handling more negligible for disturbances. 

Easy to Switch 

A one-piece setup doesn’t need alignment and can be removed from the scope as a single unit. You can also carry the scope attached to the mount. Some models come with a quick attach/detach base. Hence making switching easier. 

Adjustable Variations

Some single piece scope mounts have knobs that allow you to adjust for windage and elevation. Hence these also work as a 20 MOA mount. 

Cons of Single Piece Mounts

Pros and Cons of Two Piece Rings

Two piece rings, as the name suggests, is a combination of two metal rings that are separated in semi-circles along the horizontal or vertical axis. 

Pros of Two Piece Rings

Suit Most Firearms

Since these are two individual rings that can be positioned anywhere along the rail base. Two piece rings suit most firearms and allows you to make the most out of your rail space. Whether the rifle is a long action, long barrel, or short action short barrel. These rings are not rigid in terms of rail space. Plus, they also don’t interfere with clearing and ejection on rifles. 

Suit Most Scopes

Another benefit of having individually positioning rings is that you can use them with almost every scope having an appropriate tube diameter. Some scope rings also come with ring spacers to suit two tube diameters. 

Affordable and Lightweight

These rings are often very inexpensive due to the low amount of material and complexity involved in their construction. 

Pros and Cons of Weaver Mounts

Weaver mounts are the oldest rail-based system of mounting scopes on rifles. Their design was revolutionary at the time they were introduced and is still used with many rifles. 

Pros of Weaver Mounts

Works with Picatinny Rails

One big advantage of these mounts is they work with Picatinny rail systems which are more widely used and standard rail systems on rifles these days. This means your weaver mounts will suit a lot of different rifles. Except for those having dovetails. 

Offers Easy Mounting/Dismounting

Weaver mounts with quick detach functionality can be mounted or dismounted from the rifle in an instant. Additionally, long weaver rails offer a lot of fore and aft space to adjust the scope according to your requirements.

Strong and Inexpensive

These mounts are strong, lightweight, and very inexpensive. These can be mounted on a long rail or two weaver slots that hold the mount very firmly. 

Cons of Weaver Mounts

Non-standardized Design

The spacing between the grooves on a weaver rail is not constant. This means that you cannot mount standard Picatinny mounts on a weaver rail. This can be a problem when switching scopes on different rifles.

Canting Problems

Weaver mounts are subject to a bit of canting because Weaver rails rely upon hex screws for locking the mount into place. Rather than locking bars. This may cause the scope assembly to cant a bit.

Pros and Cons of Picatinny Mounts

The latest and most standardized version of scope mounts. Picatinny mounts are used by the Military and also by most civilian shooters for their versatility. These are an advanced version of Weaver rails. 

Pros of Picatinny Mounts

Standardized Design and More Space

Picatinny rails feature a standard and uniform design with equal spacing between the recoil lugs. This means that you can easily position the scope through the rail and can also extend it by adding an extension attachment. Picatinny rails are found on most rifles these days. Which allows for better chances of interchangeability. 

Better Stability

Since Picatinny mounts use locking bars to attach with the rail. The entire setup is very stable and also very resilient to cant. Even under stress or harsh maneuvers. The close and uniform recoil lug spacing delivers more even and precise adjustments. 

Cons of Picatinny Mounts

Not Versatile

A Picatinny mount will work only with Picatinny rails. Neither weaver nor dovetail. This means that you can only use these mounts with rifles that have a Picatinny rail. While not a very big problem with Picatinny becoming the standard mounting mode these days. But still a gripe for some specific situations. 

Pros and Cons of Leupold Mounts

Leupold mounts are the oldest type of mounts used for attaching a scope to the rifle. These are also called Redfield style mounts. 

Pros of Leupold Mounts

Very Stable and Adjustable

These mounts attach directly to the rifle’s receiver. These are very stable and the rear mount almost always has windage adjustments to further complement the internal settings of the rifle scope. 

Low Profile Design 

Leupold mounts have a very slim and low profile design that allows the scope to stay closer to the rifle. The lack of any rail setup between the gun and scope is the main reason for that. 

Cons of Leupold Mounts

Prone to Canting

The front ring being able to rotate presents a minor problem of canting. Especially under the influence of recoil or external pressure. However, that’s not a common phenomenon with these mounts. 

Time-consuming Installation