scope mount

Article summary

telescopic sight mounted on a dovetailed rifle receiver via two scope rings and ring mount, both with a Picatinny rail interface. Scope mounts are rigid implements used to attach (typically) a telescopic sight or other types of optical sights onto a firearm. The mount can be made integral to the scope body (such as the Zeiss rail) or, more commonly, an external fitting that clamp onto the scope tube via screw-tightened rings (similar to pipe shoes). The scope and mount are then fastened onto compatible interfaces on the weapon. Words such as mounts and bases are used somewhat loosely, and can refer to several different parts which are either used together or in place of each other as ways to mount optical sights to firearms. Attachment interfaces for scope mounts vary according to weapon design and user choice. Traditionally scope mounts are fastened onto firearms via tapped screw holes (usually on the receiver) and/or clamps (onto the barrel or stock). Since the mid-20th century, dovetail rails, where the mount is slid over a straight dovetail bracket with an inverted isosceles trapezoid cross-section and fixed tight in position with clamping screws, became more common due to the ease of installation and removal.…

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