While looking at claw mounts for my Mauser M98, by Recknagel and EAW-Abel, I came across this site:

http://www.zp-einhakmontage.de...ent.php?changelang=2

They make ready-made Suhler Claw Mounts (both the rings and the bases as complete sets), so buying further rings for a second scope seems straight forward.

But the most interesting product is the Contra Claw Mount, essentially a reversed claw mount, allowing both the front and rear rings to be attached to the central body tube.

However, the Suhler-type has the front claws facing forwards and the back claws facing backwards; while the Contra-type has both the front and back claws all facing backwards.

I was wondering whether anyone has any experience of these specific mounts, and whether anyone thinks the all-backward-facing Contra-claws have disadvantages when mounted on a hard-kicking big-bore (compared to the well proven stability of the Suhler-type forward & backward claws).

Wow those are cool! I love the look of claw mounts, how much are they do you know yet?

Red

I sent the link to my gunsmith; he was very impressed by the Contra Claw, and will be ordering a set to have a closer look.
In particular he liked the low-slung double-allen bolts mated to thin and flat rings; really secure but also very sleek.
And their Formula 1 pedigree bodes well for their quality. Really looking forward to checking them out.
I've sent them an e-mail; will post back here when I know prices for the different models.

Very cool. I really like that Contra mount. Any idea on pricing or where to order?

Can these bases be screwed to a receiver or must they be soldered in place?

In the picture at the bottom of this page, it looks like at least the rear base can be screwed.

http://www.zp-einhakmontage.de...content.php?idcat=50

Whatever the cost of the parts, be sure to factor in something extra for the handfitting required to make them work.

I've never figured out why you can't buy pre-fitted claw mounts/rings. After you fit the ring's feet to the base and then harden them, they are a matched set . If they made them to fit factory rifles and m-98's using the normal screws instead of soldering, I would buy some!

quote:

Originally posted by lee440:
I've never figured out why you can't buy pre-fitted claw mounts/rings. After you fit the ring's feet to the base and then harden them, they are a matched set . If they made them to fit factory rifles and m-98's using the normal screws instead of soldering, I would buy some!

They seem to have specific fittings tailored for some popular rifles:

http://translate.googleusercon...8Op_-s_vQY4bxOGRkKfA

that mannlicker withthe single claw in back is sweet !!!!!! me want!

I am sure they are manufactured to high tolerances and all that good stuff, but you cannot look at any claw system like "regular" scope mounting systems. EVERYTHING would have to be manufactured EXACTLY right on a tight specified range or the things won't work. Just like you can't buy pre-made quarter ribs, you cannot buy claw mounts that are "plug and go." Manufacturing tolerances of every link in the chain would have to be dead on. They are a whole 'nother beast than a standard Leupold or Talley system. I have seen enough terribly user-installed redfield/Leupold/Weaver/Talley rings and bases to write a very funny book. Try to have users install claw systems themselves and we could get some super-ninja-turbo-kickass funny chapters to that book.

"ready made" claw systems sounds really cool, but I just can't see it happening any time soon.

A lot of folks overlook that the front ring (or attachment) must be very near the front of the scope. This point may end up over the front ring on a short scope or way out on the barrel with a long scope.

Therefore: that is where the front foot (base) must go. Means perhaps a quarter rib or at least some sort of base to attach the front foot.

Some years ago, a "backwards" claw mount was offered where the "claws" were on the rear basew. ""viola" you could now attach the front base to the receiver ring. Therefore something akin to "regular" bases

The downside is that the scope had to be pivoted down at the rear and that usually meant you had to take out the bolt to avoid interference . That sorta compromised all the QD avantage.


Some of you may remember Hubert Hecht from Sacramento, CA. he was a 7th generation German gunsmith and had forgotten more about claw mounts than most of us will learn.

He claimed a very good gunsmith could install two sets of "simpler" claw mounts a day...most took an entire day and longer.

Thanks to CNC, the front claw and foot are pretty well fitted from first rate companies such as Recknagel, so the process is speeded up a bit. So...yes, you have a "set" and they come numbered.

Components are VERY expensive and you need LOTS of parts just to cover the most common applications. And..yes, they make bases to fit 98 and many others that are made to be screwed on...just like a regular base