I have read where some folks really love the rail mount system for scopes.
I have some questions:
1. Can a rail mount go on any rifle?
2. I'm a Swaro whore. Does the Swarovski make rail mounted scopes only - in other words, can you convert a ring mount system to a rail mount system? Does the rifle have to be preset for a rail system?
3. What's the difference on rail v mount? I read where they are easier to install. I've just never had a problem before.
4. From what I've also read, the scope sits up higher. Is that just make it more of a preference thing? Again, I've never had a problem before.

I ask your professional advise b/c I'm looking to purchase a .280 for sheep hunts and anything that might give me an edge or help - I'm all ears. Also just want to learn.
Thanks again.

Also, any suggestions on a good manufacturer for a mountain .280? Saw one recently for sale but it got scooped up faster than I could type.

What kind of gun should it be?

Here in Europe You get a mount for nearly any gun for rail mounted scopes.

BUT there is a difference: the old prism rail, which was OK, but does not have the real advantages

OR

at Swarovski: the SR-rail: You could instalate very easy with just 2-3 screws. it is the toughest kind to mount a scope, does not give stress to the scopes body and if You ever want to swap, just 2-3 screws and You go on the next gun...

I guess mounts are hard to find in the US for that one, but if You tell me your gun, I could have a look here...

It depends on what kind of scope mounts You compare - it may be that the scope come up to 5mm higher, yep

No, Cou could mount a ring on a scope with rail.
Swarovski produces also scopes without rail, but the advantages are on the rail system!


Here is my gun, with a rail mount out of Titanium on a Remington 700... Very, very lightweight...

http://www.titanium-gunworks.c...um-scope-mounts.html

quote:

Originally posted by bluefin:
1. Can a rail mount go on any rifle?

You can mount a scope with a rail on any rifle for which you can find a suitable mount. Swaro manufacturers an adapter for their SR (internal rail) system, that will allow you to mount the scope on a Weaver type base. That should pretty much cover any current as well as most past US production type rifles. I believe there might be one for Ruger integral mounts as well...

http://www.cameralandny.com/op...?page=swarovski49360

quote:

2. I'm a Swaro whore. Does the Swarovski make rail mounted scopes only - in other words, can you convert a ring mount system to a rail mount system? Does the rifle have to be preset for a rail system?

As Scubapro mentioned, you have to choose whether you want a ring mounted or a rail mounted scope. Swaro makes scopes for either ring or rail mounts. You can't convert either into the other. But as long as you get the correct set of mounts for the scope in question, you should be good to go.

quote:

3. What's the difference on rail v mount? I read where they are easier to install. I've just never had a problem before.

Ease of mounting for me is a secondary issue. After all, how often do you (re-)mount a scope on a rifle? Once done, it normally takes a while before you need to do it over. But yes, it is easier to mount a scope with one of the new "internal rail" systems like Zeiss (the original) Swaro or S&B.

To me, the real advantages of the new, internal rail mount systems are: no chance of crushing the scobe tube with rings, no worry about alignment of reticle, larger leeway for mounting scope (mount can sit below center adjustment towers), no ring marks on scope when removing from current rifle.

quote:

4. From what I've also read, the scope sits up higher. Is that just make it more of a preference thing? Again, I've never had a problem before.

Yes, that is a possible drawback. It really depends on the mount you use. I have presonally never used the Swaro adapter for the SR rail, so I don't know how high it mounts the scope. 99% of my rail mount scopes go onto Blaser rifles (or at least European rifles), and in Europe mounts (and scope objective bells) are typically higher than what is commonly used in the US.

I personally don't subscribe to super-super low mounts, believing you get used to the mount height you happen to shoot a lot. So as long as there is a connection between stock and cheek, it does not necessarily have to be high on the cheekbone - in particularly not if you are used to shoot a more upright position. In fact, some of my US friends shoot scopes mounted so low I physically can't use their rifles. So scope height, to a certain degree, is a personal matter, although many seem to follow the herd braying "lower mounts, lower mounts".

- mike

Thanks for the replies. Very helpful.
Couple more questions:
1. Once a rifle has a ring mount, is it a big deal to then change it to a rail mount system? In other words, does it mess up the integrity of the rifle part where the rings once sat? Won't you have to drill more holes?
2. With the higher elevation of the rail mount, do you find it challenging to ship two rifles together? The rifle case I use is tight as is.

quote:

Originally posted by bluefin:
1. Once a rifle has a ring mount, is it a big deal to then change it to a rail mount system? In other words, does it mess up the integrity of the rifle part where the rings once sat? Won't you have to drill more holes?

If you have to change bases, you would attempt to find bases matching your rifles - including holes matching what is drilled and tapped into your receiver. If you want to change bases, you unscrew one set and mount the next. It would be the exception that you'd have to drill and tap the receiver again.

quote:

2. With the higher elevation of the rail mount, do you find it challenging to ship two rifles together? The rifle case I use is tight as is.

The higher mounts probably don't register in the dimensions relevant to whether you can fit 2 scoped rifles in your case. In any event, it is a bad idea to use a case so tight your scopes have to be mashed against the walls of the case. In that event, perhaps a new, larger case might be called for?

- mike

The only disadvantage I can think of with a rail mount is you can't not alter the "cant" of the scope on the rifle.

As I understand it, if the top of the reciever or the bases are out of "true" slightly, then there is no way to compensate for that with the scope...

It shouldn't be a problem with high end factory guns, but on some of the cheaper rifles from Winchester, Ruger and Remmington for instance, quality control has been somewhat hit and miss in the past..

Regards,

Peter

quote:

Originally posted by bluefin:
Thanks for the replies. Very helpful.
Couple more questions:
1. Once a rifle has a ring mount, is it a big deal to then change it to a rail mount system? In other words, does it mess up the integrity of the rifle part where the rings once sat? Won't you have to drill more holes?
2. With the higher elevation of the rail mount, do you find it challenging to ship two rifles together? The rifle case I use is tight as is.

With most scope mounts, it is not a big deal: the "lower parts" stay on the rifle as the "upper parts" stay on the scope - all you need the is different "upper parts" for a rail mount - swap on and go....