icon

March MADNESS Sale | Up to 50% OFF | 1st Mar - 31st Mar | Head Into Our Clearance Zone

  • Call us on 1300 948 683
  • Help
    • Club Membership
    • E-Gift Card
    • Track Order
    • Buying Guides
    • Contact Us
Xhunter Australia
Club VIP
Member
0
Call us on1300 948 683

images March MADNESS Sale | Up to 50% OFF | 1st Mar - 31st Mar | Head Into Our Clearance Zone

  • Hunting
    • VIEW ALL Hunting
    • Big Game
      • VIEW ALL Big Game
      • Trail Cameras
      • Duck Decoys
      • Dog Tracking And Training Supplies
      • Game Callers
      • Field Bags
      • GPS
      • ATV Gun Racks
      • Wind Meters
      • Camo Netting
    • Edge Tools
      • VIEW ALL Edge Tools
      • Knives
      • Machetes
      • Axes
      • Multitools
      • Sharpeners
      • Sheaths
    • Archery
      • VIEW ALL Archery
      • Bows
      • Arrows
      • Bow Accessories
      • Archery Accessories
  • Shooting
    • VIEW ALL Shooting
    • Gun Slings And Swivels
      • VIEW ALL Gun Slings And Swivels
      • Slings
      • Swivels
      • Mounts
    • Protective Gear
      • VIEW ALL Protective Gear
      • Glasses
      • Earmuffs
      • Earplugs
      • Safety Kits
    • Snap Caps
      • VIEW ALL Snap Caps
      • Plastic
      • Metal
    • Sling Shot & Pocket Shot
      • VIEW ALL Sling Shot & Pocket Shot
      • Sling Shot & Accessaries
      • Pocket Shot & Accessaries
    • Clay Target Throwers
      • VIEW ALL Clay Target Throwers
      • Hand Held
      • Automatic
    • Targets & Chronographs
      • VIEW ALL Targets & Chronographs
      • Animal
      • Paper
      • Metal
      • Clay
      • Shooting Gong
    • Rests
      • VIEW ALL Rests
      • Door Mounted
      • Benchrests
      • Quad
    • Recoil Shields
      • VIEW ALL Recoil Shields
      • Recoil Pads
      • Shoulder Pads
    • Bipods, Monopods & Shooting Sticks
      • VIEW ALL Bipods, Monopods & Shooting Sticks
      • Sticks
      • Monopod
      • Bipod
      • Adapters
    • Muzzle Brakes
    • Grips
    • Accessories
    • Firearm Parts
    • Holsters
  • Optics
    • VIEW ALL Optics
    • Rifle Scopes
    • Red Dot Sight
    • Binoculars
      • VIEW ALL Binoculars
      • Waterproof
      • Porro Prism
      • Roof Prism
    • Spotting Scopes
      • VIEW ALL Spotting Scopes
      • Compact Monoculars
      • Straight
      • Angled
    • Bore Sights
    • Range Finders
    • Night Vision
    • Accessories
      • VIEW ALL Accessories
      • Scope Covers
      • Scope Levels
      • Covers
      • Mounts
      • Rings
      • Rails
      • Bino Harness And Bag
  • Reloading
    • VIEW ALL Reloading
    • Gun Case Preparation & Cleaning Tools
      • VIEW ALL Gun Case Preparation & Cleaning Tools
      • Case Tumblers
      • Case Trimmers
      • Reloading Chamfers, Deburrs And Reamers
      • Cartridge Cases
      • Concentricity Gauges
      • Gun Case Sonic Cleaner
    • Reloading Books
    • Reloading Dies
      • VIEW ALL Reloading Dies
      • Seating Dies
      • Full Length Sizing Dies
      • Neck Sizing Dies
      • Reloading Dies Accessories
    • Reloading Measures & Dispensers
      • VIEW ALL Reloading Measures & Dispensers
      • Case Gauges
      • Powder Scales
      • Powder Tricklers
      • Powder Funnels
      • Reloading Calipers, Micrometers & Comparators
      • Reloading Blocks
      • Powder Dispensers
    • Reloading Presses
      • VIEW ALL Reloading Presses
      • Bullet Pullers & Collet
      • Priming Tools
      • Shellholders, Shellplates & Bushing
      • Reloading Press Accessories
    • Reloading Kits
  • Gun Cleaning
    • VIEW ALL Gun Cleaning
    • Kits
      • VIEW ALL Kits
      • Rifle
      • Shotgun
      • Pistol
    • Chemicals
      • VIEW ALL Chemicals
      • Cleaners
      • Bore Paste
      • Rust Removers
      • Wipes
      • Lubricants
      • Protectants
      • Packs
    • Gunsmith Tools
      • VIEW ALL Gunsmith Tools
      • Hammer Punch Sets
      • Screwdrivers
      • Wrenches
      • Trigger Pull Gauges
    • Tools
      • VIEW ALL Tools
      • Brushes
      • Patches
      • Picks
      • Cleaning Cloth
      • Rods
      • Bore Guides
      • Mops
      • Jags
      • Ropes & Boresnakes
      • Stations
  • Storage
    • VIEW ALL Storage
    • Gun Cases
      • VIEW ALL Gun Cases
      • Rifle
      • Shotgun
      • Pistol
    • Gun Bags
      • VIEW ALL Gun Bags
      • Rifle
      • Shotgun
      • Pistol
    • Gun Safes
      • VIEW ALL Gun Safes
      • Up To 4
      • Up To 8
      • 8+
    • Ammunition Boxes
    • Gun Backpacks
    • Range Boxes And Bags
    • Accessories
      • VIEW ALL Accessories
      • Ammo Holders
      • Waist Bags
      • Gun Socks
      • Trigger Locks
  • Clothing
    • VIEW ALL Clothing
    • Headwear
      • VIEW ALL Headwear
      • Caps
      • Camo Face Masks
    • Shirts
      • VIEW ALL Shirts
      • Long Sleeve
      • Short Sleeve
      • Camo
      • Plain
    • Jackets
      • VIEW ALL Jackets
      • Hooded
      • Insulated
      • Scent Control
      • Waterproof
      • Windproof
    • Ghillie Suits
    • Vests
      • VIEW ALL Vests
      • Clay Target
      • Duck Hunting
      • Ambidextrous
      • Right Hand
      • Left Hand
    • Shorts
    • Boots & Footwear
    • Gloves
    • Pants
    • Hunters Clothing Packs
      • VIEW ALL Hunters Clothing Packs
      • Men's Packs
      • Women's Packs
      • Kids Packs
  • Lights
    • VIEW ALL Lights
    • Flashlights & Torches
      • VIEW ALL Flashlights & Torches
      • Rechargeable
      • Weapon Mounted
      • Waterproof
      • Handheld
      • Packs
      • Keychain
      • EDC
      • Multi-Colored
    • Headlamps
      • VIEW ALL Headlamps
      • Waterproof
      • Rechargeable
      • Cool White
      • Warm White
    • Spotlights
      • VIEW ALL Spotlights
      • Handheld
      • Work
      • Vehicle Mounted
      • Light Bars
    • Accessories
      • VIEW ALL Accessories
      • Remote Control
      • Batteries
      • Traffic Wands
      • Chargers
      • Lens Filters
      • Mounts
  • Outdoor
    • VIEW ALL Outdoor
    • Fishing
      • VIEW ALL Fishing
      • Lures & Baits
      • Kits
      • Rods
      • Reels
    • Camping
      • VIEW ALL Camping
      • Tents
      • Air Beds
      • Cookware
      • Tools
      • Hygiene
    • Survival
      • VIEW ALL Survival
      • Rope
      • Tools
      • Kits
      • Distress Signals
      • Lighters & Fire Starters
      • Paracord
      • Waterproof Bags
      • Heaters
icon Club VIP Member icon Acount Help
  • icon Hunting
    • Big Game
      • Trail Cameras
      • Duck Decoys
      • Dog Tracking And Training Supplies
      • Game Callers
      • Field Bags
      • GPS
      • ATV Gun Racks
      • Wind Meters
      • Camo Netting
    • Edge Tools
      • Knives
      • Machetes
      • Axes
      • Multitools
      • Sharpeners
      • Sheaths
    • Archery
      • Bows
      • Arrows
      • Bow Accessories
      • Archery Accessories
    Vortex Diamond Back Hd 12 X 50 Binocular #vodb217

    Vortex Diamond Back Hd 12 X 50 Binocular #vodb217

    11
     

    RRP $585.75 $570.00

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $142.50 with Info

    Sytong Sightline Digital Clip-On Night Vision Rifle Scope - 3.5X Illuminator #ht-66

    Sytong Sightline Digital Clip-On Night Vision Rifle Scope - 3.5X Illuminator #ht-66

    11
     

    RRP $1,139.00 $990.20

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $247.55 with Info

  • icon Shooting
    • Gun Slings And Swivels
      • Slings
      • Swivels
      • Mounts
    • Protective Gear
      • Glasses
      • Earmuffs
      • Earplugs
      • Safety Kits
    • Snap Caps
      • Plastic
      • Metal
    • Sling Shot & Pocket Shot
      • Sling Shot & Accessaries
      • Pocket Shot & Accessaries
    • Clay Target Throwers
      • Hand Held
      • Automatic
    • Targets & Chronographs
      • Animal
      • Paper
      • Metal
      • Clay
      • Shooting Gong
    • Rests
      • Door Mounted
      • Benchrests
      • Quad
    • Recoil Shields
      • Recoil Pads
      • Shoulder Pads
    • Bipods, Monopods & Shooting Sticks
      • Sticks
      • Monopod
      • Bipod
      • Adapters
    • Muzzle Brakes
    • Grips
    • Accessories
    • Firearm Parts
    • Holsters
    Proshot Clay Pigeon Thrower - Double #00166

    Proshot Clay Pigeon Thrower - Double #00166

    11
     

    RRP $79.90 $60.00

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $15.00 with Info

    Atac Pro Door Mounted Shooting Rest

    Atac Pro Door Mounted Shooting Rest

    11
     

    $61.90

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $15.47 with Info

  • icon Optics
    • Rifle Scopes
    • Red Dot Sight
    • Binoculars
      • Waterproof
      • Porro Prism
      • Roof Prism
    • Spotting Scopes
      • Compact Monoculars
      • Straight
      • Angled
    • Bore Sights
    • Range Finders
    • Night Vision
    • Accessories
      • Scope Covers
      • Scope Levels
      • Covers
      • Mounts
      • Rings
      • Rails
      • Bino Harness And Bag
    Bushnell 10X 42 H2O Waterproof Roof Binocular

    Bushnell 10X 42 H2O Waterproof Roof Binocular

    11
     

    Nice set of eyes!

    Phillip Hutchison walawuru5344211
    15 February 2020
    Works fine, a bit heavy but not a ymterribke thing. I have a wide face so they aren't super ergonomic for me. Function was perfect however!
    (5)

    RRP $253.00 $219.95

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $54.99 with Info

    Bushnell Banner2 3-9X40 Bdc Rifle Scope - W Doaqbr + Rings #burb3940Bs11

    Bushnell Banner2 3-9X40 Bdc Rifle Scope - W Doaqbr + Rings #burb3940Bs11

    11
     

    RRP $228.00 $197.70

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $49.42 with Info

  • icon Reloading
    • Gun Case Preparation & Cleaning Tools
      • Case Tumblers
      • Case Trimmers
      • Reloading Chamfers, Deburrs And Reamers
      • Cartridge Cases
      • Concentricity Gauges
      • Gun Case Sonic Cleaner
    • Reloading Books
    • Reloading Dies
      • Seating Dies
      • Full Length Sizing Dies
      • Neck Sizing Dies
      • Reloading Dies Accessories
    • Reloading Measures & Dispensers
      • Case Gauges
      • Powder Scales
      • Powder Tricklers
      • Powder Funnels
      • Reloading Calipers, Micrometers & Comparators
      • Reloading Blocks
      • Powder Dispensers
    • Reloading Presses
      • Bullet Pullers & Collet
      • Priming Tools
      • Shellholders, Shellplates & Bushing
      • Reloading Press Accessories
    • Reloading Kits
    Epic Shot Ammunition Case Ammo Box / Dry Box - Weatherproof Small And Medium Set #00592

    Epic Shot Ammunition Case Ammo Box / Dry Box - Weatherproof Small And Medium Set #00592

    11
     

    RRP $54.95 $39.95

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $9.99 with Info

    Atacpro Electronic Brass Case Tumbler Reloading Kit - With 2Kg Treated Corn Media #00142

    Atacpro Electronic Brass Case Tumbler Reloading Kit - With 2Kg Treated Corn Media #00142

    11
     

    $129.95

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $32.49 with Info

  • icon Gun Cleaning
    • Kits
      • Rifle
      • Shotgun
      • Pistol
    • Chemicals
      • Cleaners
      • Bore Paste
      • Rust Removers
      • Wipes
      • Lubricants
      • Protectants
      • Packs
    • Gunsmith Tools
      • Hammer Punch Sets
      • Screwdrivers
      • Wrenches
      • Trigger Pull Gauges
    • Tools
      • Brushes
      • Patches
      • Picks
      • Cleaning Cloth
      • Rods
      • Bore Guides
      • Mops
      • Jags
      • Ropes & Boresnakes
      • Stations
    Atacpro One-Piece 34" Stainless Cleaning Rod .22 Cal

    Atacpro One-Piece 34" Stainless Cleaning Rod .22 Cal

    11
     

    $34.95

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $8.74 with Info

    Atac Pro 4Pc 12G Shotgun Cleaning Brushes Set

    Atac Pro 4Pc 12G Shotgun Cleaning Brushes Set

    11
     

    $19.95

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $4.99 with Info

  • icon Storage
    • Gun Cases
      • Rifle
      • Shotgun
      • Pistol
    • Gun Bags
      • Rifle
      • Shotgun
      • Pistol
    • Gun Safes
      • Up To 4
      • Up To 8
      • 8+
    • Ammunition Boxes
    • Gun Backpacks
    • Range Boxes And Bags
    • Accessories
      • Ammo Holders
      • Waist Bags
      • Gun Socks
      • Trigger Locks
    Spika Premium Gun Safe - Medium Fire Resistant Up To 12 Guns #sfabh

    Spika Premium Gun Safe - Medium Fire Resistant Up To 12 Guns #sfabh

    11
     

    RRP $1,617.00 $1,405.80

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $351.45 with Info

    Lokaway Dbl Door High Security Pinned Digital Gun Safe - Up To 25 Guns #lokddd-Hsp

    Lokaway Dbl Door High Security Pinned Digital Gun Safe - Up To 25 Guns #lokddd-Hsp

    11
     

    RRP $1,593.00 $1,384.65

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $346.16 with Info

  • icon Clothing
    • Headwear
      • Caps
      • Camo Face Masks
    • Shirts
      • Long Sleeve
      • Short Sleeve
      • Camo
      • Plain
    • Jackets
      • Hooded
      • Insulated
      • Scent Control
      • Waterproof
      • Windproof
    • Ghillie Suits
    • Vests
      • Clay Target
      • Duck Hunting
      • Ambidextrous
      • Right Hand
      • Left Hand
    • Shorts
    • Boots & Footwear
    • Gloves
    • Pants
    • Hunters Clothing Packs
      • Men's Packs
      • Women's Packs
      • Kids Packs
    Xhunter Neck Gaiter Balaclava Face Mask Shield - Camo #0715

    Xhunter Neck Gaiter Balaclava Face Mask Shield - Camo #0715

    11
     

    RRP $15.00 $5.00

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $1.25 with Info

    Spika Mens Tracker Long Sleeve Shirt - Biarri Camo #hcl-Tkc-1A

    Spika Mens Tracker Long Sleeve Shirt - Biarri Camo #hcl-Tkc-1A

    11
     

    RRP $87.00 from  $82.66

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    See Buying Options

    or 4 payments of $20.66 with Info

  • icon Lights
    • Flashlights & Torches
      • Rechargeable
      • Weapon Mounted
      • Waterproof
      • Handheld
      • Packs
      • Keychain
      • EDC
      • Multi-Colored
    • Headlamps
      • Waterproof
      • Rechargeable
      • Cool White
      • Warm White
    • Spotlights
      • Handheld
      • Work
      • Vehicle Mounted
      • Light Bars
    • Accessories
      • Remote Control
      • Batteries
      • Traffic Wands
      • Chargers
      • Lens Filters
      • Mounts
    Acebeam Tactical Far Throw Distance Torch - 1000M 1500 Lumens With 21700 Battery #l18

    Acebeam Tactical Far Throw Distance Torch - 1000M 1500 Lumens With 21700 Battery #l18

    11
     

    As good as torches twice the price

    Yazan Almasri 205131392152
    13 June 2021
    I've bought this unit with a spare battery and I never had to use the second battery. Very long range and focused beam. Never over heated. It exceeded my expectation and it's a great value for money.
    (5)

    $119.95

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $29.99 with Info

    Fenix 1500 Lumens Long Range Rechargeable Hunting Flashlight - Usb Batteries Included #ht18

    Fenix 1500 Lumens Long Range Rechargeable Hunting Flashlight - Usb Batteries Included #ht18

    11
     

    RRP $213.00 $185.20

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $46.30 with Info

  • icon Outdoor
    • Fishing
      • Lures & Baits
      • Kits
      • Rods
      • Reels
    • Camping
      • Tents
      • Air Beds
      • Cookware
      • Tools
      • Hygiene
    • Survival
      • Rope
      • Tools
      • Kits
      • Distress Signals
      • Lighters & Fire Starters
      • Paracord
      • Waterproof Bags
      • Heaters
    Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle Insulated Flask - Matte Black 1 Litre #88411

    Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle Insulated Flask - Matte Black 1 Litre #88411

    11
     

    RRP $80.00 $69.55

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $17.39 with Info

    Gerber Portable Suspension-Nxt Multi-Tool With Pocket Clip - 4.25 Inch When Close #30-001364

    Gerber Portable Suspension-Nxt Multi-Tool With Pocket Clip - 4.25 Inch When Close #30-001364

    11
     

    RRP $76.00 $65.80

    VIP Specials Click to view details

    or 4 payments of $16.45 with Info

  • Home
  • Our Blog
  • [Hunting From Scratch 01] How to choose the right mounting rail? Weaver vs. Picatinny vs. Dovetail

[Hunting From Scratch 01] How to choose the right mounting rail? Weaver vs. Picatinny vs. Dovetail

Author: Wayne Mossy   Date Posted:11 September 2020 

The terms rail, mount, and base are all used interchangeably. 
A rail allows the shooter to add a sight or accessory to their firearm, and there are many types of mounting rails on the market today, from 3/8" dovetail mounts to mil-spec Picatinny rails to the slew of proprietary rails used by individual manufacturers. Much to the chagrin of the modern shooter, very few of these styles are interchangeable and some styles are just about impossible to differentiate by eye. Luckily, there are only three main styles to worry about: 3/8" dovetail rails, Weaver rails, and Picatinny rails make up the lion's share of the market, and all other styles are either antiquated or manufacturer-specific, and beyond the scope of this article. 
Most modern firearms incorporate at least one type of mounting rail into their design, or are constructed such that a mounting rail can be installed without too much effort. On rifles and shotguns, a rail is usually placed above the receiver for mounting a sight, while handguns will usually have a rail under the barrel for mounting a flashlight or laser sight. The style of this rail can vary between manufacturers and even between models, as a "traditional" model .22 rifle may have a 3/8" dovetail mount while a "tactical" version of the same rifle may feature a Picatinny rail in the same place. If you are uncertain, it is always a good idea to check with your manufacturer before purchasing a sight or accessory to ensure that your new purchase will fit your firearm's rail. However, a little bit of knowledge can go a long way, so below you'll find explanations of the appearance, usage, and limitations of the three most common styles of rail.

3/8" (9.5mm) dovetail, "tip off" rail
3/8" dovetail rails, sometimes call tip off rails, consist of two thin parallel grooves and are used almost exclusively on rimfire rifles and air rifles. 3/8" dovetail rails are a common, standardized style within the rimfire industry and are inexpensive to machine into the firearm's frame.

Picture

Weaver rails
Weaver rails and Picatinny rails are visually similar but are not always interchangeable. Although both rail types have slots cut perpendicularly across the rail (recoil grooves), both the size and spacing of these slots differs between Weaver and Picatinny rails. 
Weaver rail slots are 0.18" across and there is no standard measurement for the spacing between the slots. Weaver accessories are thus designed to be flexible in terms of slot spacing, with the most common example being scope rings, which can be placed at many points along the scope's body to accommodate the unevenly spaced Weaver slots. Weaver slots are also smaller than Picatinny slots at .180" (Picatinny rail slots are .206"), and for both of these reasons, accessories intended for a Weaver rail will fit a Picatinny rail. However, when installing a Weaver accessory on a Picatinny rail,  slot the accessory's crossbolt in the recoil groove and then push all the way to the front before tightening, to ensure that the smaller 0.180" crossbolt does not creep forwards in the groove as the firearm recoils.

Picture

Picatinny rails
Picatinny rails are also called tactical rails and MIL-STD-1913 rails. Some Picatinny rails have a center groove cut down the length of the rail, but this center groove is not specified in MIL-STD-1913, the government standard which governs the specifications of Picatinny rails, which can be found here. The purpose of this center groove is to allow the routing of wires under a rail cover to support flashlights or other electrical equipment, and occasionally to allow the use of iron sights on weapons where the top rail's placement interferes with the sight picture.
Picatinny rail slots are 0.206" across and the slots are spaced evenly at 0.394" center to center. As a result, Picatinny accessories require the slots to be uniformly spaced, so they will usually not fit on Weaver rails. However, many scope rings that market themselves for use on Picatinny rails use a crossbolt sized for the smaller 0.18" Weaver rail, so that they can be used on both Weaver and Picatinny rails interchangeably. These mounting systems should be slotted into the recoil groove and then pushed all the way to the front before tightening to ensure that the smaller 0.18" crossbolt does not creep forwards in the groove as the firearm recoils.

CVA Picatinny Rail - Scout and Hunter - Talley Manufacturing : Talley  Manufacturing

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Google+

Leave a comment

Comments have to be approved before showing up

Xhunter Australia
Want to stay in the loop?

We'll keep you updated with the latest deals, so that you'll never miss out!

Get Connected

Join our social networks

Join our social networks

Popular Categories

    • Hunting
    • Shooting
    • Optics
    • Reloading

Service

  • Buy-Back
  • Clearance Zone
  • My Account
  • Track Order
  • Resolution Centre

About Us

  • About Us
  • Our Blog
  • Contact Us

Information

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shipping & Delivery
  • Returns Policy
  • Security Policy
  • images
  • images
  • images
secure ssl

Copyright © 2022 Xhunter Australia
ABN: 29166184809

Afterpay

Shop Now. Pay Later.
Always interest-free.

Add your favourites to cart

Select Afterpay at checkout

Log into or create your Afterpay account, with instant approval decision

Your purchase will be split into 4 payments, payable every 2 weeks

All you need to apply is to have a debit or credit card, to be over 18 years of age, and to be a resident of country offering Afterpay

Late fees and additional eligibility criteria apply. The first payment may be due at the time of purchase
For complete terms visit afterpay.com/terms