If you are planning to use a riflescope, you are faced with the question of how to attach it to the firearm. You have two options:
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rings for a picatinny rail – if you already have one on the firearm, this is your only option
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rings for a dovetail – mounting directly onto the rifle without an additional rail using screws
Picatinny rail: a tailored solution
The Picatinny rail serves as a universal mechanism for mounting optics and tactical accessories.
Using the right rings, you can solve the riflescope mounting very elegantly and even combine it with other optics (e.g., an offset red dot).
Picatinny rings are produced by many manufacturers in numerous variants, allowing you to find a solution tailored directly to your needs.
You can choose rings with quick-detach (QD) mechanisms, which allow you to comfortably remove the scope and move it to another firearm with a Picatinny rail, or rings with classic screws. You have a choice of various heights and scope tube diameters.
Are picatinny rings the best choice for you?
If your firearm has an integrated or additionally added picatinny rail, then there is nothing to think about. The advantage of picatinny rings is their versatility (you can easily move them to another firearm with a picatinny rail) as well as easy mounting and dismounting.
For some types of older CZ models, a picatinny rail is not manufactured (for example, older CZ rimfire rifles, including CZ Brno, CZ 452, and others). Although a rail from newer models could theoretically be mounted, it would block the ejection of the cartridge case. The ejection port on older models is located in a slightly different position, and the rail would cover it.
However, the dovetail on both older and newer models remains the same, so mounting a riflescope on older models can be solved using
dovetail rings.
Advantages of mounting on a picatinny rail
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various mounting heights
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option to choose a quick-detach (QD) mechanism
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various inclinations (MOA)
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choice between one-piece mounts or two separate rings
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versatility – you can easily move the rings to another firearm equipped with a picatinny rail
Is it worth getting a Picatinny rail for my riflescope?
First and foremost, consider whether a Picatinny rail will provide you with real practical benefits. If you do not use additional optics or tactical accessories, are not looking for further variability, and simply want to install a
scope and not worry about it further,
dovetail rings might suit you better.
Before installing a picatinny rail, consider its following characteristics:
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higher axis above the barrel
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more components – picatinny rail, mount, riflescope – meaning more joints that can loosen or become misaligned
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higher weight of the entire mechanism
Conclusion
If you already have a Picatinny rail on your firearm and enjoy its countless options for variability, attaching a riflescope using Picatinny rings is exactly for you.
If you do not have a Picatinny rail, consider whether your intended use of the rifle requires its installation. If you are looking purely for a way to permanently mount a riflescope to your firearm,
dovetail rings with a simpler mechanism might satisfy your requirements.