I'm having a 416 Rigby built on a double square bridge action with claw scope mounts. I am/was going to use a Leupold 1.5-5x, due to the way the scope must hinge forward for removal. But also thinking about using a rail mounted scope (like a Swarovski Z6) instead.

My questions are:
1) how sturdy are rail mounted scopes
2) would this mounting system work properly in claw mounts
3) would this system look OK on a classic DGR
4) any other comments suggestions are welcome

Rail scopes are secured crosswise at the underside or through the rail. Hence, a scope cannot slip as in rings. There's no risk of denting/stressing the tube by overtightening screws. Also, there's no need to level the scope in the rings as it's always mounted square. As for looks and claw mounts compatibility, here's a pic of my FN O/U in 9,3x74R :

On Andre's picture, note how close to the objective end of the scope the front mount must be placed - otherwise it won't allow the scope to to be angled forward, which is necessary for the claw mount to work.

Andre's scope allows this, as it has a straight tube (i.e. no objective bell). If you want a rail mounted scope to work in a claw mount, you have 3 options:
1) use a scope with a straight tube like Andre's
2) find a scope with a rail under the objective bell (I'm doubtful these are produced any more - they used to be quite common 10-20 years ago).
3) use a ring around the objective bell for the front mount - these rings can be somewhat problematic.

Best option if you want a rail mounted scope is to go with a straight scope tube.

I have used rail mounted scopes up until .375 H&H, and have had no problems with them not holding up under recoil. The new Swarovski system may be even stronger than the Zeiss internal rail system I used - the Swaro rail mount adds teeth to the equation.

- mike

quote:

Originally posted by mho:
The new Swarovski system may be even stronger than the Zeiss internal rail system I used - the Swaro rail mount adds teeth to the equation.
- mike

That's correct, the new Swarovski rail's underside is completely striated (like a micro picatinny in reverse), negating the need for cross screws through the rail, a delicate operation best left to the craftsman. Accordingly, one is able to mount the scope by himself. I've mounted another (new) Swaro 1,25-4x24 on my Blaser 9,3x62.

MHX

Take a look at the Swarovski Z6, 1-6 with the illiminated circle dot reticle.

I especially like the new way the "switches" on the illuminated reticle work.

As a plus the rear objective has some give to it, should the scope hit you in the head.

In the old days, a rail scope would fequently have a small rail on the objective (if it were larger than tube diameter) Newer scopes don't seem to have that. The solution is to use a ring on the objective and utilize the rail in the rear...this isn't all that bad.and probably contributes to solid mounting..personally, I like rails, especially the new systems by Swarovski, S&B. Zeiss...Just wish they would get together and make them all the same

Hi MHC,

well, the rail mount is by far the best way to mount any scope. best rails are coming with best scopes: Zeiss is well, but Swarovski is better due to it´s teeth which transfer the recoil by their shape and not by friction: absolutely the best.

Send me a picture of your action / gun and have a look at my scope mounts:

http://www.titanium-gunworks.de/express-montage/titan-montagen.html

They are made from Titanium, and are plasma coated...

Best regards,
Klaus

I had a Zeiss Diavari a while back that had the short rail on the objective bell.

Weagle

@ weagel:

Yep, but that´s the old style rail, having nearly nothing with modern rails, because you have to drill and maschine before mounting your scope, with the new Zeiss VM or Swaro SR rail you just have to fast 2 or 3 screws and it is perfect!

That's right, things have become much simpler and more economical with the new rails as one can mount the scope by himself at a fraction of the cost of installing the old style rails. This was an exacting and expensive process which only the best craftsmen could master. If you look at my double rifle pictured above, you'll notice that the bases have been handfitted and soldered atop the rib, before rebluing. Also the rail prism had to be drilled perpendicular (NB.: the scope is held in a special fixture) to allow for the cross screws. Probably the most secure but certainly the most expensive mounting. OTOH, my Blaser R 93, using the new rail system, was no more difficult to scope than when using conventional ring mounts. BTW, it's even easier considering that, thanks to the rail, the scope will always sit square on the receiver.