Types of Rifle Scope Mounts

Types of Rifle Scope Mounts Identifying the various types of rifle scope mounts will give you a good idea of what you need when purchasing and mounting a scope.

The rifle scope mount is the most important part of the rifle/scope combination. Sure, you should have the best glass possible, and a rifle with barrel and action built for accuracy. But a scope that is mounted incorrectly can cause a lifetime of whiffs. And frustration to the point where you’re ready to sell the whole setup because you can’t figure out why you’re shooting all over the target. On the contrary, a properly mounted scope can help you shoot tight, consistent groups at long distances.

Below we’re going to discuss the various types of rifle scope mounts. Some folks like to take their rifle and scope to a gun shop and have it mounted there. And that’s totally fine. 

However, if you are a DIY’er and need a little more information about the “how,” we have you covered. Not only do we have the proper mounting tools available on our website, we’ve also dedicated an entire page to mounting a rifle scope, chock full of FAQs, videos, and product suggestions to make the process seamless. If you’re ready to mount your rifle scope, simply click HERE.

If you’re still trying to figure out what base you need for the rifle/scope combination, hopefully the information below will get you one step closer to shooting tight groups. 

Rifle Scope Mounts

When you buy a new scope for your rifle or vice versa, you are essentially faced with two different types of mounts: one-piece mounts and scope rings with bases. Oftentimes you’ll find that one-piece mounts are designed for AR/MSR platforms. However, they can also work well with the traditional rifle and scope pairing. The biggest problem shooters face using a one-piece mount with a bolt-action rifle is the bolt hitting the mount when it’s flipped up. For this reason, you’ll need to make sure the one-piece mount is narrow enough so that it doesn’t hang over the edges of the rifle.

Scope rings and bases are the more classic option. It’s likely that some of the older rifles in your gun safe are mounted with rings and bases. Rings are a great option for the bolt-action rifle. They are sleek and fit the rifle flush, and therefore won’t get in the way when you’re working the bolt. 

One-Piece Mounts

One-piece mounts are fairly simple and straightforward to use. They allow you to quickly mount and dismount the scope as you may on a tactical rifle. We work with Warne, for example, to develop our one-piece RESPONSE mounts for the tactical rifle scope. It’s built using lightweight precision-machined 6061 aluminum and works well with any brand of rifle scope atop a Picatinny or Weaver rail. So if you have a black gun you’re considering mounting either a red dot or BDC scope on, the one-piece mount is the best option.

Rings & Bases

Scope rings are primarily designed for the bolt-action rifle. This is because they won’t get in the way of the bolt’s upward movements. First, the bases of the rings screw in flush to the top of the rifle. Then the scope is seated, and then secured with the rings. 

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The Warne Steel Rings we use on our one-inch scopes fit Weaver style cross slot or Warne bases and are capable of withstanding the heaviest of recoil. They are also really lightweight. 

After you’ve chosen rings for your new rifle scope, you aren’t finished quite yet. Next you’ll need bases, which most often come in either the Weaver or Picatinny style. As mentioned, we like the Weaver design, which is one of the strongest and most versatile mounting systems available today. They are low profile and give your firearm a sleek look while withstanding heavy recoil. Picatinny rails have a higher profile and deeper grooves. 

While you can sometimes cross up the two - one base with the other’s rings - it’s wiser and easier to simply match brands. Again, there are many options to consider. And we’d suggest pairing your rifle scope with the rings and bases recommended by the scope’s manufacturer.

Dual Dovetail

The Dual Dovetail system was created by Leupold. It uses a twist-and-lock action to ensure the bases have a strong connection with the rifle. They are a steel construction that’s able to withstand heavy recoil from big-calibers rifles. The Dual Dovetail bases are easy to install and will remain in place until you’re ready to remove them. 

Off-Set Mounts

The off-set mount is designed for older AR rifles. The mount positions on these older models can cause you to set the scope too far back. This will make it hard to see through the scope as you have minimal eye relief. A scope that is positioned too far back can also potentially result in a bump on the forehead from the recoil.

The off-set mount’s rings are located forward of the mount position while the base is mounted directly to the receiver. The forward position of the rings will grant you more eye relief. And allow you to put a scope on that old AR15 or M16 rifle. 

With ammo prices and availability being as they are, properly mounting your rifle scope effectively is crucial. These days not many hunters want to shoot two boxes of shells trying to find the zero. Check out the video above of TRACT co-founder Jon LaCorte explaining how to mount a scope. You may find that the process is not too terribly difficult as long as you have the right tools.

If your objective is to mount your rifle scope as low as possible, this “Scope Ring Height and Clearance Calculator” is very helpful. It will help you figure out if the scope and ring combination you're using will clear the barrel of your rifle when fitted. The calculator takes into account usage of Butler Creek scope covers as well as the scope mount for traditional bolt rifles.

As always, if you have questions, we’re available to help you answer them. If you know the type of rifle scope mount you need and are ready to mount it yourself, simply click HERE to visit our page devoted to helping you through the process.

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