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rails vs rings?

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daveco View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote daveco Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: rails vs rings?
    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.
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Skytrash View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Skytrash Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2015 at 06:17

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.

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cheaptrick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2015 at 06:55
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.   
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daveco View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote daveco Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2015 at 13:28
Thanks, guys!

So, the benefit to a scope like in the image below, is for switching out and movement forward and back?


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supertool73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2015 at 13:50
Your picture is a European type mount.  They are not even readily available or used much in the US. 


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cheaptrick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2015 at 14:04
Originally posted by supertool73 supertool73 wrote:

Your picture is a European type mount.  They are not even readily available or used much in the US. 



Egg-xactly right. I thought you were referring to this type of rail. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2015 at 15:13
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.
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cheaptrick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2015 at 15:50
Originally posted by daveco daveco wrote:

 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.  

I totally missed this part....Mea Culpa. Didn't have my minimum 6 cup coffee quota when I read it.  

Carry on. 
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daveco View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote daveco Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2015 at 17:32
Thanks, fellas!  I wasn't clear in my text, originally, sorry.
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