Introduction
The history of mounting scopes on rifles goes back to the year 1776 when Charles Willson Peale, famous for his paintings of revolutionary leaders, came up with an idea to fix a telescope to a rifle. This setup led to an injury from the ‘scope’ as the recoil would hit Peale in the eye. This was the early beginning of improving the concept of riflescopes as we know them today. By 1837, telescopic sights or primitive versions of riflescopes, were first being used on military and a few sporting rifles. These early models were basic in design and not very advanced technologically; however, they introduced many benefits to users, hence they gradually started to develop.
Accordingly, the designers of these early ‘scopes’ also had to think about creative ways of attaching them to rifles, leading to the development of the first scope mounting systems that came in the form of rings. This was, of course, long before any standardized solutions were available on the market. In 1855, Syracuse in New York for example, became recognized for William Malcolm’s production of some of the earliest riflescopes, varying in lengths of 610 to 762 millimeters (24 to 30 inches) and magnifications suitable for the guns’ range at the time. They also started to develop innovative mounts that played a crucial role in the practical application of their riflescopes. The early mounts varied in design a lot, including the typical external adjustment type with two screw turrets for precision, and the Malcolm Type C mount, which allowed for a primitive windage and elevation adjustments.
In Europe, early standardized solutions for scope mounts appeared in the 20th century, notably with Suhl Claw Scope Mounts. These mounts, prevalent in central Europe, especially in Germany and Austria, were known for their extraordinary repeatability and reliability. However, their high price, the need for front mounting base placement on the barrel, and quality variation due to gunsmith skill led to a decline in popularity over the last few decades. In English-speaking regions, these are called German Claw mounts, while in central Europe, they are referred to as Suhl mounts.
Such innovations laid the foundation for the development of scope mount systems as we know them today. The demand for more sophisticated mounting systems grew rapidly due to the technological advancements and tactical requirements of the World Wars, as well as the increasing popularity of mounting optics on hunting rifles after the Second World War. Fast forward to today, and users can choose between thousands of mounting systems, from standardized solutions like Picatinny rails to specifically designed mounts.
With such a vast array of mounting systems available on the market, it’s understandable that users might feel overwhelmed when trying to determine which scope mounts are compatible with their rifles. This article aims to clarify these compatibility questions as well as tackle the topic of interchangeable relationships, helping users understand which scope mounts can be used across various rifle models.
Terminology
Before we dive deep into the world of scope mounting, let’s get comfortable with some of the terms we will be coming across in this article.
Scope Mounts
The scope mounts are technical solutions that allow for fastening the scope or another optical device onto compatible interfaces on the firearm. A scope mount typically refers to the entire assembly required to attach an optical device, like a scope, to the mounting surface of a firearm. This can be achieved in various ways.
Mounting Surface
In the context of firearms, the term ‘mounting surface’ refers to the specific area on a firearm where scope mounts or other accessories can be attached via mounts. This surface is primarily located on the top end of the receiver but may also be found on the sides or other parts such as the stock or barrel. Mounting surfaces vary in shape and form, encompassing standardized types like Picatinny, Weaver, or dovetail rails.
Especially on rifles, the mounting surface can also be drilled and tapped, and may differ in the distance between holes, radiuses, and the height of the front and rear ends of the mounting surface (BHU), depending on the rifle type and model. Unique mounting surfaces also exist and are typically custom-designed by rifle manufacturers. Examples of such manufacturers include Blaser, Merkel, or Sako, whose rifles require specially designed scope mounting solutions specific to their mounting systems.
Receiver
The term “receiver” refers to the part of a rifle, shotgun, or other firearm (but not a handgun) that houses the main components needed to fire the weapon, such as the bolt or breechblock. This is where these components are secured, often needing pins or other attachments to hold everything together. In most cases, the top of the receiver serves as the main mounting surface.
Mounting Standard
In the context of this article, a “mounting standard” refers to a set of specifications derived from the mounting surfaces of popular rifles that have influenced industry practices. Each standard is based on the premise that certain rifles, such as the Remington 700, have become benchmarks due to their widespread adoption and the compatibility of their mounts across various models. This approach helps clarify which mounts can be universally used, simplifying the selection process for users looking for compatible scope mounts.
Interchangeability
The terms ‘interchangeability’ and ‘interchangeable’ describe the capability to swap or replace mounting systems between different models of firearms without requiring custom fitting. Specifically for riflescope mounts, it means that the mounts are designed to fit various rifles with the same mounting surface directly. This allows users to use the same scope mount on different rifles as long as the mounting surfaces are compatible.
Picatinny rails, for example, as a standardized surface, allow for broad interchangeability between mounting systems (rings, mono-blocks, etc.). This means that any scope mount designed for a Picatinny rail will fit as long as the rifle is equipped with one. In contrast, for dovetails, the criteria for mounts to be interchangeable typically include matching the width and shape (flat or rounded) of the dovetail. With drilled and tapped surfaces, several criteria must be met, such as matching hole spacings (ABC), radiuses, and BHU, which are described in more detail below.
A, B, C Distances
For a clearer understanding and visual representation of the specific mounting surface of certain rifle features, we use technical drawings as seen below. Each drawing includes several variables that determine whether scope mounts are interchangeable between two rifles.
With mounting surfaces that have drilled and tapped holes, the process is slightly more complex because these designs can vary more in their dimensions and hole spacing. A key metric in these scenarios is the distances between the holes on top of the receiver, which are marked as A, B, and C in our sketches. These distances are among the first criteria to be met for interchangeability.
A Distance
The ‘A’ distance refers to the space between the holes at the front end of the receiver, which is nearest to the barrel. This measurement is crucial as it determines how the front part of the scope mount fits onto the receiver.
B Distance
Letter ‘B ‘ describes the measurement between the middle holes of the receiver, that ‘connect A and C points. It helps to explain how the central part of the scope mount aligns with the mounting surface on the rifle.
C Distance
The ‘C’ distance is the measurement between the holes on the rear end of the receiver. This distance is important as it affects how the rear part of the scope mount attaches and aligns with the receiver.
A1 Distance
The ‘A1’ distance refers to the spacing between the outer holes at the front end of the receiver, nearest to the barrel, when more than two holes are present. This measurement is essential for ensuring that the scope mount, particularly in configurations with multiple attachment points, fits correctly and securely onto the receiver.
C1 Distance
The ‘C1’ distance measures the space between the outermost holes on the rear end of the receiver. This distance is crucial for the correct alignment and secure attachment of the rear part of the scope mount, when the receiver has more than two holes at the rear end.
Radius
In classic geometry, the term radius describes the distance between any circular object’s center and its furthest boundary or edge. In scope mount interchangeability, the term ‘radius’ refers to the curvature of the mounting surface on the firearm. We differentiate between the front and rear radiuses, designated in our sketches as R1 and R2.
R2 is the radius at the front end of the mounting surface, near the barrel, while R1 is the radius at the rear end. The R1 and R2 do not need to match between the rifles 100% but can vary within certain limits and still allow scope mounts to be interchangeable.
BHU
Finally, another important variable is the BHU acronym which refers to the height difference between the front and rear end of a rifle’s mounting surface. Many rifles have varying heights at these points, requiring scope mount bases to compensate for this difference to keep the scope level once installed. We determine this height difference in millimeters. When there is no difference in height between the rear and the front, the BHU is marked with 0 mm. Like with radiuses, some variation in BHU is acceptable for scope mounts to be interchangeable across different mounting surfaces.
Negative BHU
Negative BHU refers to a situation where the height of the rear end of a rifle’s mounting surface is higher than the front. This is contrary to the more common setup where the front is elevated relative to the rear. The Mauser 66 is a notable example of a rifle with negative BHU.
One-piece vs. Two-piece Scope Mounts
For scope mounts to be interchangeable between rifles, it’s essential that the distances on the mounting surface match. There is, however, a difference between one-piece and two-piece scope mounts regarding interchangeability.
For one-piece mounts to fit on a rifle, mounting surfaces on these rifles must match in every dimension.
Two-piece mounts must match in all dimensions except the B distance. B distance can vary because two-piece mounts can be installed and adjusted closer or further apart.
One-part vs. Two-part Scope Mounts
It’s also important to distinguish between one-part and two-part mounts as well, which are different from one-piece and two-piece mounts.
A one-part design integrates the ring and base into a single piece of material, resulting in two separate pieces for the front and rear, each crafted from a single piece of raw material.
Two-part scope mounts design means that both the front and the rear pieces of the mount consist of a separate base and ring. The components are usually joined together with screws. With a higher number of parts in the assembly, there is a higher chance of failures due to the additional points of potential weakness or misalignment. Despite that, two-part scope mounts are a popular choice among firearms users.
One-piece + One-part Scope Mounts
One-piece + one-part scope mounts consist of both the lower and upper assembly fused into a single component. An example of this is the ERA-TAC Ultra Light mount. These mounts are typically more robust due to the absence of separate parts, leading to enhanced stability and fewer points of potential failure. This integrated design simplifies installation and minimizes alignment issues, making it a sturdy and reliable choice for securing a scope to a rifle.
One-piece + Two-part Scope Mounts
One-piece + two-part scope mounts feature a single lower base that extends along the rifle’s mounting surface but has two separate rings for attaching the scope. The INNOMOUNT mounting solutions are a typical example of this type.
Two-piece + One-part Scope Mounts
Two-piece + one-part mounts consist of two separate and solid one-piece rings, such as those offered by Talley Systems. Each ring is individually mounted to the rifle, providing flexibility in terms of placement along the mounting surface. This type of mount is beneficial for rifles with non-standard or varying receiver lengths, as it allows for greater adjustability in the spacing between the rings.
Two-piece + Two-part Scope Mounts
The two-piece + two-part configuration is a common solution where each mount consists of two pieces – a base and a ring. An example is the MAKFIX system. This setup involves four separate components (two bases and two rings), which offers the highest level of adjustability in terms of positioning and alignment. While this design allows for fine-tuning the setup to the shooter’s preference, it also introduces more potential points of failure and requires careful installation to ensure proper alignment and secure mounting.
Mounting Standards
This article will name specific mounting standards based on the mounting surfaces of popular rifles that have historically influenced them. For example, the Remington 700 is one of the most popular bolt action rifles, and many other rifles share its mounting surface. Because of this, their scope mounts—whether one-piece or two-piece—are interchangeable. Given the Remington 700’s popularity and the wide availability of compatible scope mounts, its mounting surface is often seen as an industry standard.
Therefore, we will create a mounting standard and name it “Remington 700” in this article. Each mounting standard will have a list below showing rifles that have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable. This means that the rifles may or may not have the same B distance as the rifle determining the standard, but they always share all the other parameters of the mounting surface such as A and C distances, radii, and BHU, which means that all two-piece scope mounting solutions between them should be interchangeable.
The sub-articles will explain individual one-piece interchangeable groups within certain mounting standards. The same approach will be applied to other mounting standards.
Defining Interchangeability: The Mounting Standard Criteria
Although there are numerous manufacturers in the market, many have chosen to replicate the mounting surfaces of their rifles from one another. This often occurs when specific rifle models gain significant recognition and popularity. One such example is the famous Remington 700 rifle and its mounting surface. Once the rifle achieved global popularity, the demand for corresponding scope mounts increased dramatically. Seeing an opportunity, many smaller or less recognized manufacturers decided to adopt the same mounting surface for their rifles so that more scope mounts would be available for it, which would in turn boost their recognition.
Moreover, some manufacturers adopted this strategy to avoid the need to design and manufacture unique scope mounts for their rifles. Instead, they rebranded existing mounts as suitable for specific rifle models, effectively cutting costs.
Mounting Standard vs. Mounting Surface
A “mounting surface” refers to the specific area on a firearm onto which the optics are physically attached using mounting systems. It is typically a part of the rifle’s structure, such as the top of the receiver, and can feature various configurations including rails like Picatinny, Weaver, or dovetail, or could be drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
A “mounting standard,” on the other hand, is a set of specifications or norms that define how mounting surfaces should be designed to ensure compatibility across different firearms and accessories. It encompasses the dimensions, spacing, and other technical details that manufacturers adhere to so that scopes and other attachments can be interchangeably used on rifles conforming to the same standard. For example, the “Remington 700 Standard” would specify the criteria that other rifles would need to meet to use mounts designed for the Remington 700.
Scope Mount Interchangeability: Understanding Acceptable Tolerances
In determining the interchangeability of scope mounts across different rifles with drilled and tapped surfaces, it’s necessary to meet specific criteria. However, it’s nearly impossible for all parameters to match perfectly 100% of the time; therefore, there are minor tolerances allowed in certain measurements such as the BHU and radiuses that enable scope mounts to still be considered interchangeable.
For instance, if the alignment holes are consistent and two rifles share the same spacings but do not have the exact same BHU or radiuses, small variations in these parameters are acceptable, which means that the mounts can still be interchangeable between the two models. An example of this is the Remington 700 LA mounting standard, which has scope mounts that are interchangeable with the Howa 1500 LA, despite having different rear radius. The Remington 700 LA has a rear radius of 51 mm, while the Howa 1500 LA has a rear radius of 60 mm.
In practice, it has been shown that the scope mounts can be fitted between the two without major issues. There might be a slight gap between the inner or outer side of the receiver surface and the radius of the mounting base, but typically, the center screws of the mount will tighten it securely in place.
Furthermore, differences in radiuses or even BHU heights can often be compensated for by adjusting the turrets and reticle on your scope. In our evaluation, tolerances of approximately 0.5 mm in BHU height and 9 mm in radiuses were found to be within an acceptable threshold and are unlikely to cause significant concerns for users.
A Closer Look at Mounting Surfaces
Drilled and Tapped
Over the years, rifle manufacturers have introduced a variety of different mounting surfaces on different rifle models. One of the most used is the classic drilled and tapped top of the receiver, which usually has four or more holes where the scope mounts are screwed in. Certain rifle models may also have more or less than this number of holes. Popular configurations include pairs of three holes at the rear and three at the front, combinations of two and one, and in some exceptional cases, only two holes for attaching mounts. However, the prevailing standard typically consists of four holes, with two on the front and two on the rear mounting surface.
For scope mounts to be interchangeable between different rifle models featuring a classic drilled and tapped mounting surface, certain specific conditions must be met. First, the rifles must share identical technical parameters of the mounting surface such as ABC distances, the radius of the front and rear mounting surfaces, and the BHU (Base Height Unit). When these conditions align, it indicates that the same scope mounts designed for one rifle can be successfully used on another rifle with the same characteristics. Essentially, this means that if two rifles share the same mounting surface specifications, the same scope mounts can be applied interchangeably to both.
Below, you will find a comprehensive list of different mounting standards for rifles with a drilled and tapped surface. This list will help determine which scope mounts are interchangeable across various rifle models.
Remington 700
Remington 700 has a huge list of rifles with two-piece scope mounts interchangeable. This means that all these rifles may or may not have the same B distance as the Remington 700, but they do share all the other mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
Below is a list of all rifles that have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Remington 700 mounting surface.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Remington 700 mounting standard here:
Browning BAR
Browning BAR has a wide range of rifles with two-piece scope mounts that are interchangeable. These rifles may have different B distances from the Browning BAR but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the listed rifles below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Browning BAR.
Below is a list of all rifles that have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Browning BAR mounting surface.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Browning BAR mounting standard here:
Mauser 98 Commercial
The Mauser 98 Commercial rifle is a development from the numerous post-World War II Mauser models and lacks the bulb on the receiver, which was used during the war for faster reloading with stripper clips. The rifle has a wide range of rifles with two-piece scope mounts that are interchangeable. These rifles may have different B distances from the Mauser 98 Commercial but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
This means that the listed rifles below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Mauser 98 Commercial.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Mauser 98 Commercial mounting standard here:
Carl Gustaf 2000
Carl Gustaf 2000 is a Swedish bolt-action rifle that has a wide range of rifles with two-piece scope mounts that are interchangeable. These rifles may have different B distances from the Carl Gustaf 2000 but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the listed rifles below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Carl Gustaf 2000.
This means that the listed rifles below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Carl Gustaf 2000.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Carl Gustaf 2000 mounting standard here:
Marlin 336
The Marlin 336 is a lever-action rifle first introduced in 1948, and it remains in production due to its enduring popularity. It has a long list of rifles with interchangeable two-piece scope mounts. This means that while these rifles may not all have the same B distance as the Marlin 336, they do share all other critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Marlin 336.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Marlin 336 mounting standard here:
Winchester 70
The Winchester Model 70, first introduced in 1936 as a successor to the Model 54 has a long list of rifles with interchangeable two-piece scope mounts. This means that while these rifles may not all have the same B distance as the Winchester Model 70, they do share all other critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Winchester Model 70.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Winchester Model 70 mounting standard here:
Mossberg 500
The Mossberg 500 is a pump-action shotgun that was designed by Carl Benson in 1961. Quite a few rifles have interchangeable two-piece scope mounts wth the model 500. This means that while these shotguns may not all have the same B distance as the Mossberg 500, they do share all other critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Mossberg 500.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Mossberg 500 mounting standard here:
Bergara BA13
Bergara BA13 can share two-piece scope mounts with quite a few rifles. This means that while these rifles may not all have the same B distance as the Bergara BA13, they do share all other critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Bergara BA13.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Bergara BA13 mounting standard here:
Krico Model 700
The Krico Model 700, introduced in 1962, is a bolt-action rifle and several rifles have interchangeable two-piece scope mounts with the Model 700. This means that while these rifles may not all have the same B distance as the Krico 700, they do share all other critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Krico Model 700.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Krico Model 700 mounting standard here:
Steyr Mannlicher Classic
The Steyr Mannlicher Classic is a series of Austrian-made push-feed bolt-action rifles, originating from the 1903 Mannlicher Schönauer model and succeeded by the Steyr Mannlicher CL II in 2014. Several rifles have interchangeable two-piece scope mounts with the Steyr Mannlicher Classic. This means that while these rifles may not all have the same B distance as the Steyr Mannlicher Classic, they do share all other critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Steyr Mannlicher Classic.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Steyr Mannlicher Classic mounting standard here:
Thompson/Center Arms Omega
The Thompson/Center Omega is a muzzleloader that was introduced in 2002 and has a wide range of rifles with two-piece scope mounts that are interchangeable. These rifles may have different B distances from the Thompson/Center Arms Omega but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the listed rifles below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Thompson/Center Arms Omega.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Thompson/Center Omega.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Thompson/Center Omega mounting standard here:
Remington Four
The Remington Four is a semi-automatic rifle produced from 1981 to 1987 and has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Remington Four model but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the listed rifles below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Remington Four.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Remington Four.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Remington Four mounting standard here:
Remington 710
The Remington 710 is a push-feed bolt-action rifle and the predecessor to the Remington 770. Like Remington Four, the model 710 has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Remington 710 model but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the listed rifles below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Remington 710.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Remington 710.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Remington 710 mounting standard here:
Savage 110 Flat Back
The Savage Model 110 flat-back is a long-action bolt-action repeating rifle that was first introduced in 1958 by Savage Arms and has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Savage 110 Flat-Back model but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the listed rifles below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the 110 model.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Savage Model 110 flat-back.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Savage Model 110 flat-back mounting standard here:
Steyr Mannlicher Luxus
The Steyr Mannlicher Luxus, introduced shortly after the M72 in 1972, is a bolt-action rifle that has a long list of rifles with interchangeable two-piece scope mounts. This means that while these rifles may not all have the same B distance as the Luxus models, they do share all other critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Steyr Mannlicher Luxus.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Steyr Mannlicher Luxus mounting standard here:
Knight Disc
he Knight Disc is a muzzleloading rifle produced by Knight. A few rifles have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Knight Disc. This means that while these rifles may not all have the same B distance as the Knight Disc, they do share all other critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Knight Disc.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Steyr Mannlicher Luxus mounting standard here:
Winchester Model 52
The Winchester Model 52, introduced in 1920, is a high-quality bolt-action rimfire target rifle that has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Winchester Model 52 model but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the listed rifles below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Winchester Model 52.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Winchester Model 52.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Winchester Model 52 mounting standard here:
Winchester Model 100
The Winchester Model 100 was introduced in 1961 and produced until 1973. It has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Winchester Model 100 but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Winchester Model 100.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Winchester Model 100.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Winchester Model 100 mounting standard here:
Mossberg MVP
The Mossberg MVP series consists of bolt-action push-feed rifles that have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Mossberg MVP but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the MVP.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Mossberg MVP.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Mossberg MVP mounting standard here:
Mauser 4000
The Mauser 4000 is a push-feed bolt-action rifle that was manufactured from 1969 until 1975 and has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Mauser 4000 but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the model 4000.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Mauser 4000.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Mauser 4000 mounting standard here:
Browning X-Bolt SA
The Browning X-Bolt series, introduced in 2007, includes bolt-action centerfire rifles available in several action lengths. The SA has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Browning X-Bolt SA but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Browning X-Bolt SA.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Browning X-Bolt SA.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Browning X-Bolt SA mounting standard here:
Savage Mark I
The Savage Mark I is a single-shot bolt-action rimfire rifle, best known for its customizable features, including the patented AccuTrigger. It has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Savage Mark I but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Mark I.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Savage Mark I.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Savage Mark I mounting standard here:
Remington 600
The Remington 600, produced from 1964 to 1968, is a push-feed bolt-action rifle and the predecessor to the Remington Mohawk 600. The model 600 deviates from the norm by having only three drilled and tapped holes for scope mounting, arranged with one hole on one side and two on the other.
This unique setup means the Remington 600’s one-piece scope mounts are only compatible with a few rifles that share this specific hole pattern.
All the rifles listed below should have one-piece scope mounts interchangeable with Remington 600.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Remington 600 mounting standard here:
Zastava 85 Mini Mauser
The Zastava M85 Mini Mauser, introduced in 1985 and not to be confused with the AK-pattern Zastava M85, is a controlled feed, bolt-action rifle that was imported to the USA under the designation Remington 799. It has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with a few other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Zastava M85 Mini Mauser but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the M85.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Zastava M85 Mini Mauser.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Zastava M85 Mini Mauser mounting standard here:
Husqvarna 1900
The Husqvarna 1900, later known as the Carl Gustaf 1900, is a bolt-action rifle first produced by Husqvarna Vapenfabrik in the 1960s and manufactured until 1979. It has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Husqvarna 1900 but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the 1900.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Husqvarna 1900.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Husqvarna 1900 mounting standard here:
Verney Carron Speedline
The Verney Carron Speedline, introduced in 2016, is a manual-repeating rifle that has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Verney Carron but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Speedline.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Verney Carron Speedline.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Verney Carron Speedline mounting standard here:
Anschutz 1780
The Anschutz 1780 is a bolt-action rifle and a part of Anschutz’s top range of bore hunting rifles. It has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Anschutz 1780 but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the model 1780.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Anschutz 1780.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Anschutz 1780 mounting standard here:
Voere Tirolering
The Voere Tirolerin, introduced in 2009, is a deluxe lightweight bolt-action rifle that can share two-piece scope mounts with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Voere Tirolerin but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Tirolerin.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Voere Tirolerin.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Voere Tirolerin mounting standard here:
Roessler Titan 16
The Rössler Titan 16 is a straight pull bolt action rifle featuring 16 locking lugs that can share two-piece scope mounts with various other rifles. These rifles may have different B distances from the Roessler Titan 16 but share other critical mounting parameters like A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that the rifles listed below should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Titan 16.
The rifles listed below should feature two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Roessler Titan 16.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within the Roessler Titan 16 mounting standard here:
Steyr Mannlicher Model SL
The Steyr Mannlicher SL, produced from 1967 to 1996, is a bolt-action rifle with six rear locking lugs and a 60° bolt throw. The Model SL has two-piece scope mounts that are interchangeable with the Steyr Mannlicher Model L. Although these two rifles may have different B distances, they share other critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU. This means that they should have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable between themselves.
Below is a list of rifles that have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Steyr Mannlicher SL.
Currently, we are not aware of any rifles that share one-piece scope mounts with the Steyr Mannlicher Model SL.
Winchester XPR
The Winchester XPR is a bolt-action centerfire rifle, first introduced in 2015. It is available in two action lengths, short action (SA) and long action (LA), and has two-piece scope mounts interchangeable across both versions. While the SA and LA versions may have different B distances, they share critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
This ensures that the two-piece scope mounts can be used interchangeably between the short action and long action models of the XPR.
Currently, we are not aware of any rifles that share one-piece scope mounts with the Winchester XPR.
Kimber 8400
The Kimber 8400 is a bolt-action centerfire rifle line that includes two models: the 8400 WSM and the newer 8400 Magnum. It features two-piece scope mounts that are interchangeable across both versions. Although the WSM and Magnum versions may have different B distances, they share critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
This compatibility ensures that the two-piece scope mounts can be used interchangeably between the short-action and long-action models of the 8400 series.
Currently, we are not aware of any rifles that share one-piece scope mounts with the Kimber 8400.
Sauer 202
The Sauer 202 series, manufactured in Germany, consists of two versions: the Standard and the Magnum. The two-piece scope mounts are interchangeable across both versions. Although the Standard and Magnum versions may have different B distances, they share critical mounting parameters such as A and C distances, radiuses, and BHU.
This ensures that the two-piece scope mounts can be used interchangeably between the short-action and long-action models of the 202 series.
Currently, we are not aware of any rifles that share one-piece scope mounts with the Sauer 202.
Dovetails
Some receiver tops feature a dovetail mounting surface that can be either flat or rounded, particularly common in 11 mm dovetails or 3/8-inch dovetail on the US market. The 12 mm dovetail is mostly used on break-barrel rifles, while a few rifles come with 14.5, 16.5, or even 19 mm dovetails.
3/8″ Dovetail
In contrast to the more popular 11 mm dovetail in Europe, the 3/8″ dovetail is the standard among dovetail designs in the United States.
Below, we have provided a list of rifles that are equipped with the 3/8″ dovetail.
11 mm Dovetail
The most often used dovetail is the 11 mm model; it is more frequently and widely recognized than even the Picatinny rails. It is mostly present on air rifles, small caliber (rimfire) rifles, and few centerfire rifles used for tactical and sporting purposes.
There are two main styles of 11 mm dovetails in the market: rifles with a flat top and those with a round top, such as many Anschutz models or certain Savage rifles. This distinction is crucial as it affects the compatibility and stability of mounted scopes.
Below, we have provided a list of rifles that are equipped with the 11 mm flat top dovetail.
Below, we have provided a list of rifles that are equipped with the 11 mm round top dovetail.
Keep in mind that scope mounts made for rifles with rounded tops can usually be used on rifles with flat tops. Mounts designed for flat-top dovetail rifles, however, are incompatible with receivers that are round-topped in design.
12 mm Dovetail
The 12 mm dovetail is another popular mounting surface option, commonly found on break barrel rifles. The 12 mm dovetail eliminates the need to drill holes in the receiver for screws in order to attach the scope. The way to secure scopes is to clamp them onto the dovetail firmly enough to stop them from recoiling.
Below, we have provided a list of rifles that are equipped with the 12 mm dovetail.
14.5 mm Dovetail
Czech drop barrel rifles—such as the Brno 500, 611, ZH, Super, and Browning Erice, among others—are the main manufacturers of 14.5 mm dovetails. This dovetail design is usually 4 cm long, but it can occasionally be longer. It is grooved onto the back top end of the barrel.
Below, we have provided a list of rifles that are equipped with the 14.5 mm dovetail.
16.5 mm Dovetail
The 16.5 mm dovetail is common on many popular rifles like the Tikka T3, Brno ZKM 611 and 617, and others. Many rifles with a 16.5 mm dovetail also have a recoil cutout for added stability and recoil resistance. This cutout is usually positioned horizontally or on the rear left side of the mounting surface. For example, the Tikka T3 has the recoil groove atop the receiver between mounting holes, while the CZ 527 has it on the left side of the rear mounting surface.
Below, we have provided a list of rifles that are equipped with the 16.5 mm dovetail, regardless of the individual differences in design.
Although the rifles listed above all feature the 16.5 mm dovetail, there are structural differences in the design of the mounting surfaces that prevent scope mounts from being universally interchangeable among them. To clarify these distinctions, we have grouped the rifles into specific categories within the 16.5 mm dovetail range.
For individual lists of 16.5 mm dovetail groups, see our article below.
19 mm Dovetail
The 19 mm dovetail is commonly found on Czech centerfire rifles such as the CZ 550, 537, 557, and Brno ZKK 600, 601, 602. Like all dovetail designs, it has a wider upper side compared to the lower side, allowing for secure mount installation without the need for screws to penetrate the receiver. Additionally, the 19 mm dovetails often feature a recoil cutout for improved resistance against recoil and are positioned on the left rear side, not extending to the top of the mounting surface.
Below, we have provided a list of rifles that are equipped with the 19 mm dovetail.
Picatinny Rail
Another increasingly popular design in recent years is the integrated Picatinny rail on top of the receiver, which may extend the full length of the receiver or consist of two separate pieces at the front and back. Typically, these Picatinny rails are integral parts of the receiver and are not removable. The integrated Picatinny solution has become very popular because it offers extensive compatibility with various scope mounts. It’s also why many users opt to install a Picatinny rail on a classic drilled and tapped receiver—to expand their options for readily available scope mounts. This makes the Picatinny rail one of the most universal mounting solutions currently available on the market.
There are two-piece and one-piece Picatinny rails. For one-piece systems, it’s important to consider the length of the rifle’s action to ensure the mounting system matches the action’s length and is not too short.
Rifles That Are Equipped With Two-Piece Picatinny Rail
Below, we list rifles that come equipped with a two-piece Picatinny rail.
Rifles That Are Equipped With One-Piece Picatinny Rail
Below, we list rifles that come equipped with a one-piece Picatinny rail.
Weaver Rail
The Weaver rail system is commonly mounted on top of the rifle’s receiver. As the Weaver standard gained global popularity, many rifle manufacturers integrated the Weaver rail directly into the receiver. This integration can appear as a two-piece rail with slots at the front and rear or as a full-length rail, similar to Picatinny.
Rifles That Are Equipped With Two-Piece Weaver Rail
Below, we list rifles that come equipped with two-piece Weaver rail.
Rifles That Are Equipped With One-Piece Weaver Rail
Below, we list rifles that come equipped with one-piece Weaver rail.
Rifles That Are Equipped With Drilled and Tapped Weaver Rail
Some rifles come equipped with a two-piece Weaver rail that also feature additional drilled and tapped holes on the flat surface of the receiver.
Below, we list rifles that come equipped with Drilled and Tapped Weaver Rail.
Rib Mounting Surface
Shotgun ribs are often found on shotguns and combination rifles. They can be ventilated to reduce weight and dissipate heat or solid to prevent dirt and water ingress. The surface is usually machined or chequered to prevent glare, improving the shooter’s focus on the target.
The firearms listed below all feature the RIB mounting surface.
Unique Mounting Surfaces and Scope Mounts
Some rifles feature completely unique mounting standards developed by their manufacturers who prefer to produce proprietary scope mounts, specifically designed for optimal functionality with their rifles. Such designs often offer benefits of quick and easy installation, a low optics setup compared to more common mounts, and most notably, repeatable and easily detachable systems that generally retain the zero of the scope after reinstalling it. One of the most popular rifle brands with such a unique mounting surface is the European manufacturer Blaser.
Unlike universal mounting solutions like the Picatinny rail, these unique mounting surfaces are specific to each brand, which means the scope mount systems are not interchangeable among different groups of manufacturers in most cases, which is likely one of the biggest downsides. On a positive note, the mounts might be interchangeable between certain models within the same brand, although this is not always the case. Unique mounting systems are growing in popularity in Europe, while the Picatinny rail continues to be a dominant standard in the US.
Blaser Saddle Mounting Surface
The saddle mounting surface from Blaser has an easy-to-use yet reliable design for installing scopes on rifles. The mechanism works with all single-barrel Blaser versions and employs four notches on the rearmost end of the barrel.
The rifles listed below all share the same Blaser saddle mounting surface.
Sauer ISI Mounting Surface
The Sauer ISI rail system, introduced on the Sauer 202 GTI and Sauer 303 rifles, allows for easy detachment and reattachment with 100% repeatability. This system features an integrated rail that supports either two separate rings or a one-piece mount. It’s mainly used on the Sauer 303 but is also found on some Sauer 202 rifles.
The rifles listed below all share the same Sauer ISI mounting surface.
Sauer SUM Mounting Surface
The Sauer Universal Mount (SUM) system, originally for later Sauer 303 rifles, ensures easy and accurate scope mounting and has been integrated into newer Sauer 404 models.
In 2022, the SUM system was updated, creating two versions. The new SUM mounts are compatible with both new and older Sauer 404 models, but mounts made before 2022 are not compatible with newer rifles due to changes in recoil notches and stoppers. The updated mounts feature two angled recoil stoppers instead of the single straight stopper, improving fit and security.
The rifles listed below all share the same Sauer SUM mounting surface.
Merkel Mounting Surface
Many Merkel break barrel rifles, such as the K5, feature a specific mounting surface with four dovetail-like notches on the sides and a recoil notch at the front. Similar to the Blaser saddle design, the Merkel mounting surface ensures repeatability, allowing users to remove and reattach optics without needing to zero the scopes again. This mounting surface is also found on several Fabarm models, including the Asper and Dual AL.
The rifles listed below all share the same Merkel mounting surface.
Mauser M03 Mounting Surface
The Mauser M03, made from 2003 to 2020, is a bolt-action rifle with a steel inner chassis and available in synthetic and wooden stocks. It features six locking lugs for enhanced precision and a takedown option for quick barrel changes.
The M03 has a unique mounting surface with special two-point triangular slots designed specifically for this model, ensuring secure mount attachment. No other rifles use this exact mounting surface.
The rifles listed below all share the same Mauser M03 mounting surface.
INNOGUN Mounting Surface
INNOGUN, established in the early 2000s by Christian Scherpf, a former Blaser engineer and passionate hunter, is known for its innovative designs. The company’s journey began with the creation of a double-barrel combination rifle, introduced at the IWA fair in Nuremberg in 2010.
Both INNOGUN rifles, the Hybrid and the Impuls, feature a unique scope mounting surface on the receiver, designed for the INNOMOUNT systems. This mounting surface includes two flat plates for side clamps and two inner recoil notches, ensuring a secure fit and 100% repeatability in scope attachment.
The rifles listed below all share the same INNOGUN mounting surface.
Brno BO 803 Mounting Surface
The Brno BO 802 and BO 803 rifles both feature a lever mechanism for barrel operation and a receiver design with two drilled and tapped holes for scope mount installation. These holes are uniformly positioned, ensuring scope mounts are compatible and interchangeable between them. Both models have an automatic safety on the action tang and adjustable set triggers on the rifle barrels for enhanced shooting precision. The BO 802 includes a second trigger for the shotgun barrel, while the BO 803 features free-floating barrels for potentially improved accuracy. Both rifles allow for the interchangeability of barrels and scope mounts.
The rifles listed below all share the same Brno BO 803 mounting surface.
Browning Phoenix Mounting Surface
The Browning Phoenix is a semi-automatic shotgun that operates on a gas system, using combustion energy to cycle shots and a return spring to load the next cartridge. The receiver has four special notches for attaching scope mounts, which are not interchangeable with Merkel mounts. It features a transversal-type safety inside the trigger guard, adjustable for left-handed shooters, with a visible red indicator when ready to fire. The shotgun also has a single, crisp trigger and a tubular magazine that holds up to three cartridges.
The rifles listed below all share the same Browning Phoenix mounting surface.
Heckler & Koch MP5 Mounting Surface
The Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun, developed in the 1960s, features a side bore mounting system on the receiver for easy attachment of scopes using the standard H&K quick-detachable scope mount. It operates on a selective fire and delayed blowback system with a fixed, free-floating, cold hammer-forged barrel. The MP5 uses 15-round steel magazines and includes a rotating diopter drum rear sight and a hooded ring front sight, both adjustable for windage and elevation. Its three-position fire mode selector allows for semi-automatic, 3-round burst, and fully automatic modes.
The rifles listed below all share the same Heckler & Koch MP5 mounting surface.
Heckler & Koch SL6 Mounting Surface
The H&K SL6 is a semi-automatic rifle featuring a delayed roller-locked bolt system. It has two square cutouts on the top of the receiver for mounting scopes. The SL6 includes a ventilated wooden handguard, a hammer-forged polygon barrel and chamber, adjustable rear drum aperture sights, and a front hooded blade sight. It comes with a standard 4-round magazine, with optional 10-round extended magazines. Additional features include a foldable bolt handle and a safety lever on the left side of the stock. Production of the SL6 ceased in 1991.
The rifles listed below all share the same Heckler & Koch SL6 mounting surface.
Krieghoff Semprio Mounting Surface
Krieghoff introduced the Semprio Repeating Rifle in 2007, with an updated version released in 2013. Models produced between 2007 and 2013 feature four holes on top of the receiver for mounting, along with side grooves. Newer models, from 2013 onward, have removed these holes and only feature the side grooves and two recoil notches.
Scope mounts designed for the side grooves are interchangeable between both older and newer Semprio models. However, mounts that fit the drilled and tapped holes are only compatible with the older versions produced before 2013.
The rifles listed below all share the same Krieghoff Semprio mounting surface.
Integral Ruger No. 1 Mounting Surface
The Ruger No. 1, introduced in 1966, is a single-shot rifle using a Farquharson-style hammerless falling-block action, suitable for powerful cartridges. It features a unique mounting surface with a quarter rib and integral scope mounting notches. This design ensures scope mounts are interchangeable between different Ruger rifle models sharing this standard.
The rifles listed below all share the same Integral Ruger No. 1 mounting surface.
Sako-Dovetail Mounting Surface
Since World War II, Sako has produced hunting rifles with a unique tapered dovetail mounting surface. This system, featuring a wide front and narrow back with a rear recoil notch, is a hallmark of Sako rifles, ensuring consistency across models over decades. This design allows for interchangeable scope mounts between many older and newer Sako rifles.
Sako separates their action lengths for different calibers, marking them as XL, L, M, SM, S, and XS.
You can see individual one-piece interchangeable groups within Sako-Dovetail mounting standard, depending on the action length here:
The rifles listed below all have Sako-Dovetail mounting surface and will thus have interchangeable two-piece scope mounts.
Schultz & Larsen Mounting Surface
Schultz & Larsen, founded in the mid-20th century by Viggo and Børge Schultz and Jørgen Larsen, is a Danish manufacturer known for producing high-quality firearms used by many Olympic and international shooters, setting several world records.
Some of their bolt-action rifles, like the later Model 97 DL, transitioned to the Slide & Lock mounting system in the 2000s. This system features bases milled into the receiver for secure and repeatable scope mounting, whereas earlier models had only pre-tapped holes for mounts.
The rifles listed below all share the same Schultz & Larsen mounting surface.
Steyr Luxus Swing Mount Rail Mounting Surface
The Steyr Mannlicher Luxus series, which succeeded the earlier Luxus L/M/S models discontinued in 1996, remained in production until around 2020. The series features a receiver made from anodized aluminum alloy and a twisted barrel profile. Steyr offers the latest generation of Luxus models in two action lengths, available with either a Picatinny rail or a pre-mounted Swing Mount Rail, designed for different caliber groups. Despite varying side-positioned ejection ports, the rails on top maintain a consistent length, ensuring scope mounts are interchangeable between the two Luxus models.
The rifles listed below all share the same Steyr Luxus Swing Mount Rail mounting surface.
Steyr Monobloc Mounting Surface
The Steyr Monobloc rifle, introduced in 2019, features a unique design integrating the barrel and action into a single block of steel, hence the name “Monobloc.” The receiver is equipped with four grooves for mounting—two at the front and two at the rear. These grooves accommodate Steyr’s tilt-up scope mount system, ensuring a stable and secure attachment of optical sights.
The rifles listed below all share the same Steyr Monobloc mounting surface.
Strasser RS 14 Mounting Surface
The Strasser RS 14, a straight-pull bolt-action hunting rifle introduced in 2014, is known for its accuracy and reliability. It features an LS barrel exchange system for quick caliber swaps and a unique mounting surface. The RS 14 has a 560 mm (22 inches) barrel and an overall length of 1040 mm (41 inches), with options for wood or synthetic stocks.
The rifles listed below all share the same Strasser RS 14 mounting surface.
Chapuis ROLS Mounting Surface
The Chapuis ROLS is a straight-pull bolt action rifle known for its efficient modular design, allowing easy barrel removal with an Allen key. It features a circular locking ring with seven locking lugs to handle pressures up to 123,000 psi, enabling caliber swaps, including magnum calibers, by changing the bolt head. The rifle has a single-stage trigger with a 3.5 lbs pull weight, dual ejectors, and a rotary detachable magazine with a 4+1 capacity, released by a two-step button process. The receiver has grooves for scope mounts and a recoil notch, with a manual cocking lever on the bolt housing for safety.
The rifles listed below all share the same Chapuis ROLS mounting surface.
Scope Mount Evolution: What’s Next
The topic of scope mount interchangeability is complex and continues to evolve with new developments in firearm models. Such a dynamic environment means that the list of interchangeable scope mounts is likely to grow as the industry advances. The primary challenge still lies in the various parameters that need to align for mounts to be interchangeable, especially on rifles with classic drilled and tapped mounting surfaces.
There is, however, a strong shift toward more universal mounting systems like integrated Picatinny rails or unique standardized surfaces from manufacturers such as Blaser or Merkel, which are becoming increasingly popular in Europe for their ease of use and reliable zero retention after reinstallation.
We aim to keep our information up-to-date and accurate; however, given that some of the data is based on technical analysis, there could be inaccuracies. If you have any additional information on scope mount interchangeability that you could share with us or if you find any discrepancies in our content, please contact our team at [email protected]. Your feedback is invaluable and will help us enhance and refine our resources to better serve the community.
Thank you for reading!
What a fantastic piece of work.
Congratulations.