How to choose a mount for a rifle scope?

How to choose a mount (or monoblock) for a rifle scope?

The mounting for the optical sight is an important component of a modern high-precision shooting complex. The mounting must ensure a reliable connection between the rifle and the optical sight and correspond as closely as possible to the area of application of the weapon.

Quick-release mounting with extension MSM-04

Types of optical sight mounts

First of all, it is necessary to determine the type of mounting for the sight that will be most compatible with the chosen weapon. For example, for rifles built on the basis of AR-10 and AR-15, due to the design feature of the upper receiver, monoblock with offset for optical sight is used. Such mounts can provide a convenient position for the sight in relation to the shooter's eye. Offset monoblocks have a reduced weight and, accordingly, lower rigidity of the structure compared to classic monoblocks, which is why they are not often used on calibers with high energy.

For high-precision bolt-action rifles, it is most effective to use a monoblock for the optical sight, which will provide maximum reliable retention of the optical sight, withstand recoil, and prevent shifting. A feature of monoblocks, compared to separate rings, is the possibility of manufacturing them with an incline, which significantly expands the range of vertical adjustments for the sight. The monoblock mount for the optical sight has many advantages and can be considered the most reliable design for holding the sight on the weapon.

Rings for optical sights are used when the direction of cartridge extraction does not allow for a monoblock to be installed, as well as depending on the personal preferences of the shooter. A feature of such mounting for optics is the ability to shift individual rings on the Picatinny rail any distance from each other.

Rings for the RMS-01 scope

The mounting for the optical sight with a quick release system (QD) is the ideal choice when it is necessary to switch different sights on one rifle. The quick-release mount provides a reliable and repeatable installation of the optical sight on the weapon. DAVIKA manufactures quick-release mounts for optical sights and quick-release mounts with offset for optical sights that are used on AR-10 and AR-15 type rifles.

Diameter of the optical sight mounting

The diameter of the optical sight mount must match the diameter of your optical sight tube. The most common diameters are 30, 34, 35, and 36 mm.

Tilt of the monoblock for optics

"Monoblocks for optics with tilt are used for shooting at very long distances, as well as for shooting at the caliber limit. For beginner shooters, it is usually recommended to first choose a mounting for the optical sight without tilt."

The optical monoblocks of DAVIKA can be made without tilt, or have a tilt of 3, 6, or 9 MIL. When choosing a mounting monoblock with tilt, it is also necessary to pay attention to the presence of tilt on the Picatinny rail.

Height of optical sight mounting

To determine the minimum mounting height for the optical sight, the external diameter of the output lens of the optical sight should be divided by 2. The resulting value will be theoretical.

To select the height more accurately, it is necessary to consider:

the height of the Picatinny rail and the tilt;
the tilt of the monoblock for the optical sight;
the construction of the rifle;
the possibility of mounting a sunshade and caps on the optical sight;
anthropometric data.

On classic bolt-action rifles, optical sight mounts with a minimum or medium height (30 or 34 mm) are usually used. Rifles with a long forend limit the use of low mounts, so medium or high optical sight mounts (34 or 38 mm) are installed on them. For rifles built on the basis of AR-10 and AR-15, considering the specifics of their design, a mount for optics with a maximum height (38 mm) will be convenient.

The height of the mounts for DAWIKA optical sights is measured from the upper plane of the Picatinny rail to the center of the optical axis of the sight and is 30, 34, or 38 mm. For monoblocks with a tilt, the height is measured at the rear plane of the mount.