{"id":1579,"date":"2021-05-18T19:18:56","date_gmt":"2021-05-18T19:18:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/?p=1579&#038;fishpig=1621364893&#038;preview=true"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:37:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:37:22","slug":"types-of-rifle-scope-mounts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/types-of-rifle-scope-mounts\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Rifle Scope Mounts"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/types-of-rifle-scope-mounts\/#Types_of_Rifle_Scope_Mounts\" >Types of Rifle Scope Mounts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/types-of-rifle-scope-mounts\/#Rifle_Scope_Mounts\" >Rifle Scope Mounts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/types-of-rifle-scope-mounts\/#One-Piece_Mounts\" >One-Piece Mounts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/types-of-rifle-scope-mounts\/#Rings_Bases\" >Rings & Bases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/types-of-rifle-scope-mounts\/#Dual_Dovetail\" >Dual Dovetail<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/types-of-rifle-scope-mounts\/#Off-Set_Mounts\" >Off-Set Mounts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Rifle_Scope_Mounts\"><\/span><b>Types of Rifle Scope Mounts<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Types of Rifle <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"Scope\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"197\">Scope<\/a> Mounts Identifying the various types of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/accessories-toric-rifle-scope\/\">rifle scope mounts<\/a> will give you a good idea of what you need when purchasing and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/how-to-most-common-mistakes\/\">mounting a scope<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/finding-the-perfect-6-5-creedmoor-rifle-scope\/\" title=\"Finding the Perfect 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Scope\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"453\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle scope<\/a> mount is the most important part of the rifle\/scope combination. Sure, you should have the best glass possible, and a rifle with barrel and action built for accuracy. But a scope that is mounted incorrectly can cause a lifetime of whiffs. And frustration to the point where you\u2019re ready to sell the whole setup because you can\u2019t figure out why you\u2019re shooting all over the target. On the contrary, a properly mounted <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/best-spotting-scope-for-long-range-shooting\/\" title=\"Finding the Best Spotting Scope For Long Range Shooting\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1561\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope can help you shoot<\/a> tight, consistent groups at long distances.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Below we\u2019re going to discuss the various types of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/scope-sighting-made-simple\/\" title=\"Scope Sighting Made Simple\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1391\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle scope mounts<\/a>. Some folks like to take their <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/videosview\/toric-34mm-4-25x50-long-range-rifle-scope-features-and-benefits\/\" title=\"TORIC 34MM 4-25X50 Long Range rifle scope features and benefits\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1639\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle and scope<\/a> to a gun shop and have it mounted there. And that\u2019s totally fine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, if you are a DIY\u2019er and need a little more information about the \u201chow,\u201d we have you covered. Not only do we have the proper mounting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/accessories\/tools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">tools<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> available on our website, we\u2019ve also dedicated an entire page to mounting a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/sean-utley-reviews-the-toric-22-45x65-spotting-scope\/\">rifle scope<\/a>, chock full of FAQs, videos, and product suggestions to make the process seamless. If you\u2019re ready to mount your rifle scope, simply click <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/help.tractoptics.com\/p\/5GBO-4DJ\/mounts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">HERE<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you\u2019re still trying to figure out what base you need for the rifle\/scope combination, hopefully the information below will get you one step closer to shooting tight groups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rifle_Scope_Mounts\"><\/span><b>Rifle Scope Mounts<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When you buy a new <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/videosview\/toric-34mm-4-25x50\/\" title=\"Introducing the TORIC 34MM 4-25X50 Extreme Long Range Rifle Scope\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1665\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope for your rifle<\/a> or vice versa, you are essentially faced with two different types of mounts: one-piece mounts and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/benefits-of-a-side-focus-adjustment-on-a-riflescope\/\">scope rings<\/a> with bases. Oftentimes you\u2019ll find that one-piece mounts are designed for AR\/MSR platforms. However, they can also work well with the traditional <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/moa-vs-mrad-rifle-scopes\/\" title=\"MOA vs MRAD Rifle Scopes\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1864\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle and scope<\/a> pairing. The biggest problem shooters face using a one-piece mount with a bolt-action rifle is the bolt hitting the mount when it\u2019s flipped up. For this reason, you\u2019ll need to make sure the one-piece <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/what-you-need-for-an-air-rifle-competition\/\" title=\"Air Rifle Competition What You Need?\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1767\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mount<\/a> is narrow enough so that it doesn\u2019t hang over the edges of the rifle.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Scope rings and bases are the more classic option. It\u2019s likely that some of the older rifles in your gun safe are mounted with rings and bases. Rings are a great option for the bolt-action rifle. They are sleek and fit the rifle flush, and therefore won\u2019t get in the way when you\u2019re working the bolt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"One-Piece_Mounts\"><\/span><b>One-Piece Mounts<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One-piece mounts are fairly simple and straightforward to use. They allow you to quickly mount and dismount the scope as you may on a tactical rifle. We work with Warne, for example, to develop our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/accessories\/ar-msr-mounts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">one-piece RESPONSE mounts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/toric-2-5-15x44-30mm-eagleman-mrad-scope\/\">tactical rifle scope<\/a>. It\u2019s built using lightweight precision-machined 6061 aluminum and works well with <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">any <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">brand of rifle scope atop a Picatinny or Weaver rail. So if you have a black gun you\u2019re considering mounting either a red dot or BDC scope on, the one-piece mount is the best option.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6uSPpTs1X8U\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Rings &#038; Bases<\/b><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/the-best-air-rifle-scopes\/\" title=\"Best Air Rifle Scopes\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1770\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Scope rings are primarily designed for the bolt-action rifle<\/a>. This is because they won\u2019t get in the way of the bolt\u2019s upward movements. First, the bases of the rings screw in flush to the top of the rifle. Then the scope is seated, and then secured with the rings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><figure id=\"attachment_1584\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1584\" style=\"width: 383px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1584\" title=\"Types of Rifle Scope Mounts\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Warne-1inch-Graphite-Rings.jpg\" alt=\"Types of Rifle Scope Mounts\" width=\"383\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/05\/Warne-1inch-Graphite-Rings.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/05\/Warne-1inch-Graphite-Rings-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/05\/Warne-1inch-Graphite-Rings-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/05\/Warne-1inch-Graphite-Rings-96x96.jpg 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 383px) 100vw, 383px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1584\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Types of Rifle Scope Mounts<\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/accessories\/1-rings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Warne Steel Rings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> we use on our one-inch scopes fit Weaver style cross slot or Warne bases and are capable of withstanding the heaviest of recoil. They are also really lightweight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After you\u2019ve chosen rings for your new rifle scope, you aren\u2019t finished quite yet. Next you\u2019ll need bases, which most often come in either the Weaver or Picatinny style. As mentioned, we like the Weaver design, which is one of the strongest and most versatile mounting systems available today. They are low profile and give your firearm a sleek look while withstanding heavy recoil. Picatinny rails have a higher profile and deeper grooves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While you can sometimes cross up the two &#8211; one base with the other\u2019s rings &#8211; it\u2019s wiser and easier to simply match brands. Again, there are many options to consider. And we\u2019d suggest pairing your rifle scope with the rings and bases recommended by the scope\u2019s manufacturer.<\/span><\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dual_Dovetail\"><\/span><b>Dual Dovetail<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Dual Dovetail system was created by Leupold. It uses a twist-and-lock action to ensure the bases have a strong connection with the rifle. They are a steel construction that\u2019s able to withstand heavy recoil from big-calibers rifles. The Dual Dovetail bases are easy to install and will remain in place until you\u2019re ready to remove them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Off-Set_Mounts\"><\/span><b>Off-Set Mounts<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The off-set mount is designed for older AR rifles. The mount positions on these older models can cause you to set the scope too far back. This will make it hard to see through the scope as you have minimal eye relief. A scope that is positioned too far back can also potentially result in a bump on the forehead from the recoil.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The off-set mount\u2019s rings are located forward of the mount position while the base is mounted directly to the receiver. The forward position of the rings will grant you more eye relief. And allow you to put a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/rifle-scopes-and-extremely-cold-weather\/\" title=\"Rifle Scopes and Extremely Cold Weather\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1587\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope on that old AR15 or M16 rifle<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With ammo prices and availability being as they are, properly mounting your rifle scope effectively is crucial. These days not many hunters want to shoot two boxes of shells trying to find the zero. Check out the video above of TRACT co-founder Jon LaCorte explaining <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/videos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"how to\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"373\">how to<\/a> mount a scope. You may find that the process is not too terribly difficult as long as you have the right tools.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your objective is to mount your rifle scope as low as possible, this <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mil-rad.com\/scope_ring_calculator?fbclid=IwAR2VmF4QMcXaV1HhbWWJ-UTqjSfMHWovKj9iQqBwTcPRqvqnQVcdAmRCFPM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cScope Ring Height and Clearance Calculator\u201d<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is very helpful. It will help you figure out if the scope and ring combination you&#8217;re using will clear the barrel of your rifle when fitted. The calculator takes into account usage of Butler Creek scope covers as well as the scope mount for traditional bolt rifles.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As always, if you have questions, we\u2019re available to help you answer them. If you know the type of rifle scope mount you need and are ready to mount it yourself, simply click <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/help.tractoptics.com\/p\/5GBO-4DJ\/mounts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">HERE<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to visit our page devoted to helping you through the process.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><figure id=\"attachment_1547\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1547\" style=\"width: 728px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/r2.dotdigital-pages.com\/p\/5GBO-4VS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1547 size-full\" title=\"Types of Rifle Scope Mounts\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Long-Range-Shooting-Guide-728x90-1.png\" alt=\"Types of Rifle Scope Mounts\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Long-Range-Shooting-Guide-728x90-1.png 728w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Long-Range-Shooting-Guide-728x90-1-300x37.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Long-Range-Shooting-Guide-728x90-1-600x74.png 600w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Long-Range-Shooting-Guide-728x90-1-150x19.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1547\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Types of Rifle Scope Mounts<\/figcaption><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Types of Rifle Scope Mounts | TRACT design and engineer performance-grade optics without the added retail costs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12162,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2275,2257,2259,2265,2273],"tags":[2325,2958,3004,3058,3077,3189],"class_list":["post-1579","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accessories","category-how-to-fix-adjust","category-hunting-rifle-scope","category-rifle-scope","category-tractoptics","tag-accessories","tag-optics","tag-rifle","tag-rifle-scopes","tag-rifles","tag-shooting"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1579"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1579\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11443,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1579\/revisions\/11443"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12162"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}