Scope Mount Question

[Keith B]

Can one of you experts tell me what the difference in the 3/8" dovetail vs. 3/8" Weaver mount is? My father-in-law ordered a red-dot scope that listed 3/8" mount, but thought that was for his rimfire rifle, but turns out it is too large and apparently for a Weaver style base. Even though the mount says 3/8", it seems wider than 3/8".

(As you can tell I never was a scope guy. LOL)

[A-R]

I"m no expert in this area, but I THINK dovetail refers to those older style scope mounts that were cut into the receiver so to speak, little notches running length of the receiver? And Weaver style is a cross-clamp style similar to Picatinny?

I'll now wait patiently for someone who knows what they're talking about to correct me

[gmckinl]

dont remember the numerical sizes but, a cheap red-dot I bought had an adjustable base - narrow setting for 22 scope rails (perhaps this is your "dovetail") and wider for a weaver base. no other changes to the base to accommodate the different mounts.

[smyrna]

Can one of you experts tell me what the difference in the 3/8" dovetail vs. 3/8" Weaver mount is? My father-in-law ordered a red-dot scope that listed 3/8" mount, but thought that was for his rimfire rifle, but turns out it is too large and apparently for a Weaver style base. Even though the mount says 3/8", it seems wider than 3/8".

(As you can tell I never was a scope guy. LOL)

I've never heard of 3/8" Weaver. But, basically a lot of .22 rings (or rimfires or air rifles in general) will fit two slots running the length of the receiver like austinrealtor described. These grooves in rimfire receivers fit rings that clamp down to about 3/8". There are exceptions to the .22 setup described above. Some older rimfires aren't grooved. And, .22 rifles such as the CZ bolt actions use proprietary rings. What kind of .22 does he have?

Weaver mounts on the other hand, actually fit receivers that are drilled and tapped, and then the mount is actually screwed to the receiver with machine screws. Weaver rings clamp down to the Weaver mount and not directly to the receiver. Weaver rings will clamp down to a much wider dovetail, about 3/4".

[Keith B]

Can one of you experts tell me what the difference in the 3/8" dovetail vs. 3/8" Weaver mount is? My father-in-law ordered a red-dot scope that listed 3/8" mount, but thought that was for his rimfire rifle, but turns out it is too large and apparently for a Weaver style base. Even though the mount says 3/8", it seems wider than 3/8".

(As you can tell I never was a scope guy. LOL)

I've never heard of 3/8" Weaver. But, basically a lot of .22 rings (or rimfires or air rifles in general) will fit two slots running the length of the receiver like austinrealtor described. These grooves in rimfire receivers fit rings that clamp down to about 3/8". There are exceptions to the .22 setup described above. Some older rimfires aren't grooved. And, .22 rifles such as the CZ bolt actions use proprietary rings. What kind of .22 does he have?

Weaver mounts on the other hand, actually fit receivers that are drilled and tapped, and then the mount is actually screwed to the receiver with machine screws. Weaver rings clamp down to the Weaver mount and not directly to the receiver. Weaver rings will clamp down to a much wider dovetail, about 3/4".

He was looking to mount one on a Remington nylon 77. After doing more research I think we can get a tip-off or 3/8" dovetail to Weaver adapter rail for 77 and he can mount the other one on a 10/22.

I was kinda going by the fact the add for the red dot scope said 3/8" Weaver mount and thought it would fit the dovetail, but was wrong. Am betting it was typo and 3/4" Weaver would have been right.

Thanks for the feedback guys!