Do you know what’s the best way to attach your scope to your rifle?
Yes, you’re right. It’s a scope mount.
The scope mount holds your scops steady against the violent recoil when you shoot. Your scope, your mount and your rifle must be perfectly aligned for optimal recoil absorption.
If you are a newbie and want to understand about types of scope mounts that are ideal for you, then go through this article. As I have curated a list of 7 different types of scope mounts ideal for your shooting purposes.
You would also go through a mini-guide on how to choose scope mounts in the end of this article.
7 Types of Scope Mounts
#1. Single Piece Scope Mount
Single piece or One piece mounts are popular because they are simple and sturdy. You need not align the scope if you are using a single piece mount that makes them so handy.
Since you can easily set up yourself and you don’t have to get everything dialed in just right.
However, one piece mounts are a little heavier than other mounts and you may also need a rail base to install them.
Pros of Single Piece Scope Mount
- Rigid and Robust
- Easy to install
- Better Canted Options
Cons of Single Piece Scope Mount
- Heavier in weight
- Little expensive
Best for – High recoiling systems
#2. Two-Piece Rings Scope Mount
If you are looking for a smaller and cheaper alternative of one-piece mounts, then two-piece rings are good to go. These are also called Scope rings.
Another plus point is that the scope rings are lighter in weight.
In a two-piece rings mount, you attach 2 small rings to your rifle that hold the scope. The scope rings allow you more freedom than one-piece because you can tilt the scope if you are doing long-distance shooting.
On the contrary, two-piece rings are not as easy to install as the one mounts.
Pros of Two Piece Rings Scope Mount
- Light in weight
- Inexpensive
- More freedom in long distance shooting
Cons of Single Piece Rings Scope Mount
- Not easy to install
- Takes time to adjust canted options
Best for – Hunters who need light scope mount with quick access to chamber
#3. Dovetail Scope Mount
Dovetail scope mount allows you to change the optic without any hassle because you just slide on and off.
The scope is called a dovetail because if you look at the end, their trapezoidal shape seems like a dove’s tail.
You can slide the optics onto the end and then you can hold them with the locking mechanism available. Despite being easy to use, the Dovetail scopes are less popular than Picatinny or Weaver mounts.
Pros of Dovetail Scope Mount
- Built-in windage adjustment
- Inexpensive
Cons of Dovetail Scope Mount
- Compatibility issue
Best for – If you are looking for inexpensive scope mount
Also read – Best Air Rifle Scope For Night Shooting
#4. Weaver Scope Mount
If you are looking for a tough and reliable rifle mount, go with the Weaver scope mount. Weaver scopes are among the most commonly used rifle mounts. These are extremely easy to attach and install the scope to your rifle.
In Weaver scope, you get a one or two-piece rails with slots cut into it that are usually ⅞”. The slots can hold your scope rings and you get numerous mounting places thanks to so many slots available.
But these scopes are not always compatible with all equipment because there’s no uniformity among weaver rails as to the width of the slots.
These are also affordable.
Pros of Weaver Scope Mount
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Low height
- Sturdy
Cons of Single Piece Rings Scope Mount
- No uniformity among other rails
- Not compatible with other rings & mounts
Best for – Shooters who want a very low profile mount
#5. Picatinny Scope Mount
The problem of variations in the weaver rails was resolved in the Picatinny rail. Which means, the Picatinny scope mount design is derived from the original weaver mount to overcome the flaws in weaver design.
You have a wider and deeper slot for your rifle. You get uniform specifications and tolerances in the Picatinny mount providing you a universal system.
In other words, The Picatinny bases are perfectly spaced down the whole rail that allows them to fit all standard scopes.
Pros of Two Piece Rings Scope Mount
- Standardized rail
- Better compatibility
- Can be used with Weaver rings & mounts
Cons of Single Piece Rings Scope Mount
- Heavier
- Little expensive
Best for – Switching the mount between firearms quickly.
#6. Leupold Scope Mount
The Leupold scope mounts come in two types – a single piece or two-piece.
The Leupold mounts are popular for their sleek shape and robustness. They are reliable for hunting and long-range shooting.
However, the Leupold scope base is not easy to detach and use on another gun. You have to separate the top half of the system in order to remove your scope which makes it cumbersome.
Pros of Leupold Scope Mount
- Sleek shape
- Sturdy build
- More freedom in long range shooting
Cons of Leupold Scope Mount
- Not easy to install
Best for – Hunting and long-range sports shooting
#7. 20 MOA (Minutes of Angle) Scope Mount
Another scope mount ideal for shooting long distances is 20 MOA (Minutes of Angle) scope mount. You require space to adjust your sights vertically to gauge the decline in your bullet’s trajectory.
To sort this out, you can use a 20 MOA scope mount that is tilted downward as it heads to the front of the barrel. That provides you more room vertically to adjust your sights.
Pros of 20 MOA Scope Mount
- Canted downward giving more room to adjust sight
Cons of Single Piece Rings Scope Mount
- Not ideal for shooting 500 yards or less
Best for – Long distance shooting
Check out – Best Scope For Air Rifle Target Shooting UK
Things to Consider While Buying Scope Mounts
#1. Ring Size
You have to match the tube diameter (also called ring size) of the scope before buying scope mount. There are two sizes – 1 mm scope and 30 mm scope.
You require a ring size similar to that of your scope to avoid incompatibility issues later on.
#2. Ring Height
You should make sure that what ring height you require which comfortable in your shooting stance.
There are 3 options – Medium, High and Extra High.
#3. Switching the Optics
If you like to switch your scopes between different arms, then go with quick detach mounts such as Picatinny.
#4. One-piece or Two-piece
If you want a strong, sturdy and but easy to install mount, then go with one-piece. If you need lighter mount that won’t obstruct with your rifle’s action and ejection port, then go with two-piece mount.
#5. Adjusted Elevation
If you need adjustable windage or elevation, then you need a scope that provides you that adjustment. Your scope can maintain optical zero easily using the mounts that have built-in windage adjustment such as Dovetail or 20 MOA.
Final Thoughts
Hope you have better understanding about your scope mounting system. Selecting the right rifle scope mount isn’t that difficult.
First finalize the type of scope you want to use so that you can calculate the correct mount size and rings you require for the best fit.
However, I recommend Picatinny rails and mounts as they have standardized system and better compatibility with other mounts and rings.