Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials. |
rails vs rings? |
Post Reply |
Author | |
daveco
Optics Apprentice Joined: January/15/2015 Location: Missouri Status: Offline Points: 94 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: January/15/2015 at 03:05 |
Hey, I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to all things rifle, although I do hunt a bit.
I have been looking at scopes, and noticed a rifle scope that came in two versions, one version had a rail(or long vertical metal for attaching to a rail) on its bottom and the other version was a regular tube. What is the benefit of the rail, and are they popular? I'm sure this is a stupid question, but it probably won't be my last.
|
|
Skytrash
Optics Apprentice Joined: October/07/2014 Location: Florida Status: Offline Points: 79 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Most rifles come from the factory pre-drilled for bases and rings, and this works pretty good for most hunting scopes. The problem some shooters encounter is that there is very limited play when mounting the scope, it can only slide an inch or so forward/backward on the rings, and if your using a longer/larger benchrest type scope, you may not be able to get it mounted where you want it (forward or backward). Having a rail on the gun gives you more room to adjust your mounting system forward or backward by simply sliding the bases on the rail. Having a rail also makes it easier to swap out scopes. You can leave the rings on the scope, and quickly transfer it to another rifle that also has a rail. |
|
I wish I was now, what I was, when I wished I was what I am now.
|
|
cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Welcome to Optics Talk.
Skytrash summed it up nicely. I've used and like both. Rails can be canted to increase elevation for a scope's usefulness when shooting long range. Some would argue a Picatinny rail is a more rigid mounting solution than a conventional 2 piece rings. The only gripe I have is that rails make loading and unloading via a bolt action rifles loading/ejection port a hassle. Especially while wearing gloves. I don't know. I run Talley lightweight rings on everything now and don't miss the rails.
|
|
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
|
|
daveco
Optics Apprentice Joined: January/15/2015 Location: Missouri Status: Offline Points: 94 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Your picture is a European type mount. They are not even readily available or used much in the US.
|
|
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.
"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
|
cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Egg-xactly right. I thought you were referring to this type of rail. |
|
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
|
|
RifleDude
MODERATOR EVIL OPPRESSOR Joined: October/13/2006 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 16337 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Another advantage to a scope with a Euro style rail is having it ensures that your reticle is perfectly square with the rifle (and if it isn't, your reticle wasn't installed square inside the scope), since the rail prevents canting the scope.
The disadvantage: besides additional cost, railed scopes are not very popular in the US, for whatever reason. Consequently, there aren't very many mounts available for a given rifle; depending on the rifle, maybe none. |
|
Ted
Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle. |
|
cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I totally missed this part....Mea Culpa. Didn't have my minimum 6 cup coffee quota when I read it. Carry on.
|
|
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
|
|
daveco
Optics Apprentice Joined: January/15/2015 Location: Missouri Status: Offline Points: 94 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks, fellas! I wasn't clear in my text, originally, sorry.
|
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |