How to Choose Scope Mount?

Types of Scope Mounts

First, you need to determine the type of scope mount that will be most compatible with the chosen firearm. For example, for rifles based on the AR-10 and AR-15 platforms, due to the design of the upper receiver, cantilever monoblocks are used for mounting optical scopes. Such mounts ensure convenient scope placement according to the shooter's eye. Cantilever monoblocks have reduced weight and correspondingly less rigidity compared to traditional monoblocks, so they are not often used with high-energy calibers.

For high-precision bolt-action rifles, it's most effective to use a monoblock mount for the optical scope, which will provide the most reliable holding for the optic, withstand recoil, and prevent shifting. A distinctive feature of monoblocks, compared to separate rings, is the ability to be made with an tilt, significantly expanding the range of vertical scope adjustments. Monoblock scope mounts have many advantages and can be considered the most reliable construction for holding the scope on the firearm.

Rings for optical scope are used when the direction of sleeve ejection does not allow for mounting a monoblock, as well as depending on the shooter's personal preferences. A particular feature of such an scope mount is the ability to adjust individual rings on the Picatinny rail to any distance from each other.

Quick Detach (QD) Scope Mounts are an ideal choice when different scopes need to be swapped on one rifle. Quick-detach scope mounts ensure reliable and repeatable installation of the optical scope on the firearm. DAVIKA manufactures quick-detach scope mounts and cantilever quick-detach scope mounts for used on AR-10 and AR-15 type rifles.

Diameter of Optical Scope Mounts

The diameter of the scope mount should correspond to the diameter of your scope optic's tube. The most common diameters are 30, 34, 35, and 36 mm.

Tilt of the Monoblock

Monoblock Scope Mounts with a tilt are used for shooting at very long distances and also at the caliber's limits. For beginner shooters, it's usually recommended to initially choose a non-tilted mount for the optical scope.

DAVIKA monoblocks scope mounts can be made without tilt or with a tilt of 3, 6, or 9 MIL. When choosing a monoblock scope mount with a tilt, attention should also be paid to the presence of a tilt on base Picatinny rail.

Height of the Optical Scope Mount

To select the minimum height of the scope mount, the external diameter of the optic's objective should be divided by 2. The obtained value will be theoretical.

For a more accurate height selection, consider:

• the height of the base Picatinny rail and its tilt
• tilt of the monoblock scope mount
• rifle construction
• possibility of mounting lens hoods and caps on the optical scope
• anthropometric data

Classic bolt-action rifles typically use scope mounts with minimum or medium height (30 or 34 mm), long quad rail rifles limit the use of low mounts, so medium or high mounts for optical scopes are installed (34 or 38 mm). For rifles based on the AR-10 and AR-15 platforms, due to their design, the most convenient option would be scope mounts with maximum height (38 mm).

The height of DAVIKA scope mounts is measured from the upper surface of the Picatinny rail to the center of the optic's axis and is 30, 34, or 38 mm. For monoblocks with a tilt, the height is measured at the back plane of the mount.