Rifle Scope Mounts

Scope Mounts for Picatinny and Weaver

The choice of mount depends on the scope's tube diameter, rail type, desired mounting height, and whether you need quick detachment and reattachment.

Here you will find ring mounts from Rusan and Nieload in both steel and aluminum, for Picatinny and Weaver rails, and in diameters from 25.4 mm to 40 mm.

Ring diameter - choose according to your scope

The scope's tube diameter determines which ring diameter you should choose. The most common tube diameters are 30 mm (standard for most modern hunting scopes), 34 mm (typical for long-range and target scopes), 25.4 mm (1 inch, often on older or compact scopes), and 36 mm or 40 mm (larger scopes for long-range or night optics).

Always check the scope's tube diameter in the specifications before choosing a mount. The tube diameter is not the same as the objective lens diameter (the large lens at the front).

Quick Release vs. Screw Mount

The mounts are available in two variants: Quick Release (QR/QD) and screw mount.

Quick Release mounts have levers or handles that allow the scope to be detached and reattached without tools. The advantage is quick switching between optics or quick access to mechanical sights. A good QR mount maintains zero upon reattachment (Return-to-Zero), so the scope is precisely in the same place every time.

Screw mounts are fastened with screws and require tools for detachment and reattachment. They are typically lighter and have a lower profile, and they are a good choice if the scope is permanently on the rifle.

Picatinny vs. Weaver

Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913) and Weaver are two different rail types that resemble each other but are not identical. The difference lies in slot width and slot spacing. A mount for Picatinny does not necessarily fit on a Weaver rail, and vice versa.

Choose a mount according to the rail on your rifle. If you are unsure whether your rail is Picatinny or Weaver, you can read more here: Picatinny vs. Weaver

Mounting Height

The mounting height determines how high the center of the scope sits above the rail. The correct height depends on the scope's objective lens diameter and the rifle's design. The scope must sit high enough so that the objective lens does not touch the rail or the rifle, but low enough so that you get a natural and comfortable sight picture.

Our mounts are available in several heights. Generally, the larger the objective lens diameter, the higher the mount. For a scope with a 50 mm objective lens, a higher mount is typically required than for a scope with a 42 mm objective lens.

Material - steel and aluminum

The mounts are available in steel (blued) and aluminum (anodized 7075-T6). Steel is relevant when you prioritize maximum rigidity and strength - especially for powerful calibers, heavy optics, or frequent detachment and reattachment. Aluminum is relevant when you want low weight without compromising strength and precision.

Both materials are suitable for hunting and shooting. The choice depends on the weight of your optics, your caliber, and how much total weight you want to accept on the rifle.

Torque settings

The ring screws (the screws that hold the scope in the rings) must be tightened to the correct torque to avoid damaging the scope's tube. For Rusan mounts, the recommended torque is 1.8-2.0 Nm. For Nieload mounts, it is 2.5 Nm with weak threadlocker.

Always use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Too high a torque can deform the scope's tube and affect the internal mechanics.

Night optics and flexible setups

A Quick Release mount is particularly practical if you switch between day sights and night optics. With a QR mount, you can quickly change scopes without tools and with high repeatability.

Many modern thermal and digital night vision devices have larger tube diameters (34 mm, 36 mm or 40 mm), which require mounts of a corresponding size. Always check the tube diameter of your night optics before choosing a mount.

You can read more about the topic here: Picatinny and night optics, why the system makes sense

Find the right scope mount

Start with the scope's tube diameter, then choose the rail type (Picatinny or Weaver), and decide if you need Quick Release or screw mount. See the selection above, and contact us if you are unsure about the right combination for your rifle and scope.