Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have gathered answers to the questions we receive most often about Picatinny rails, mounting and ordering. If you cannot find the answer to your question below, please do not hesitate to contact us — we are always happy to help.
RAIL SELECTION AND FIT
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Which Picatinny rail fits my rifle?
You must select the rail based on your rifle model, model variant, and the measurements provided on the product page. Many rifles come in various action lengths, and two rifles from the same manufacturer do not necessarily use the same mount. Start by finding your rifle brand in the shop, then check the model, action length, and A/B/C measurements. If you are unsure, we are happy to help before you order.
Read the detailed guide here
Does a Picatinny rail fit all rifle models?
No. Picatinny describes the profile on the top of the rail where the mount is attached. The underside of the rail must still fit the specific rifle, the shape of the receiver, and the placement of the screw holes. Therefore, you must choose a rail designed for your rifle model.
Can I choose a Picatinny rail based on caliber alone?
Caliber can provide an indication, but it should not be the sole basis. Many rifles are divided into Short Action and Long Action, and the caliber often follows this division, but there may be exceptions. Always use the rifle model, action length, and A/B/C dimensions as a check before ordering.
What do Short Action and Long Action mean?
Short Action and Long Action usually describe the length of the rifle's receiver. Short cartridges like .308 Win are often housed in Short Action, while longer cartridges like .30-06 Springfield are often housed in Long Action. However, some manufacturers use more uniform system lengths across calibers. Therefore, always check the product page for compatibility and the measurements of your own rifle.
What are the A/B/C dimensions of a Picatinny rail?
A/B/C measurements are the measurements that show the distance between the screw holes on the rail and the receiver of the rifle. They help you check if the rail physically matches your rifle. These measurements are especially important if you are unsure about the model variant, action length, or if the rifle has been modified previously.
How do I measure if a Picatinny rail fits my rifle?
Use a caliper and measure the distance between the screw holes in the top of the action. Then compare your measurements with the A/B/C measurements on the product page. The rail must match the hole spacing, model, and contact surface. See also our guide to A/B/C measurements.
My rifle is not on the list. How do I find the right rail?
If your rifle model is not listed in the shop, do not guess based on brand or caliber alone. Please send us the rifle model, any model variant, and your measurements between the screw holes, and we will help assess the possibilities. In some cases, a compatible rail exists under a related model, but this must be checked before purchase.
How do I choose the rail length for my purpose?
Rail length primarily concerns the amount of space you have for scope mounting, eye relief, and any additional equipment. A longer rail can offer more flexibility in optic placement, while a shorter rail keeps the setup more compact. Always choose based on rifle model and fit first, then use the rail length to assess if it suits your optic and shooting position.
Can I use a Picatinny rail on a .22 LR rimfire rifle?
Yes, if the rail is made for that specific rimfire rifle. A .22 LR rifle often has a different receiver, different screw holes, or an integrated rail profile than a centerfire rifle. Therefore, always choose based on the specific model, for example, Ruger 10/22, Tikka T1x, or another rimfire rifle model.
What is the difference between a Picatinny rail and dovetail or integrated scope mounts?
A Picatinny rail has transverse grooves on the top, allowing you to use Picatinny-compatible mounts. Dovetail and integrated grooves are milled directly into the rifle and have a different profile. Always choose a solution made for your specific rifle and its mounting system.
MOA AND DISTANCE
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What does MOA mean on a Picatinny rail?
MOA describes the tilt of the rail. A 0 MOA rail is flat, while a 10 or 20 MOA rail tilts slightly forward to provide more elevation adjustment in the scope. Tilt is especially used when shooting at longer distances. For general hunting, 0 MOA is often the most obvious choice.
Should I choose 0 MOA, 10 MOA, or 20 MOA?
Choose 0 MOA for general hunting and normal distances where the scope's internal adjustment is sufficient. Choose 10 or 20 MOA if you shoot at longer distances and need more elevation adjustment in the optics. If in doubt, start by assessing your typical shooting distance and the scope's adjustment range. Read more in our guide to MOA cant.
When do I need a 20 MOA rail?
A 20 MOA rail is particularly relevant for long-range shooting, where the bullet trajectory requires significant elevation adjustment in the scope. It can help make better use of the scope's adjustment range. For normal hunting distances, it is rarely necessary unless you have a specific optic or a particular need.
MOA AND PRECISION
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What does MOA cant (e.g. 20 MOA) mean?
MOA stands for "Minute of Angle" and is a unit of measurement used to describe angles in shooting and weapon mounting. One MOA corresponds to an angle of 1/60 of a degree, which at a distance of 100 meters is approximately 2.91 centimeters. When we talk about MOA cant on a Picatinny rail, such as 20 MOA, it means that the rail is angled so that it cants with a rise of 20 MOA from the rear to the front. This cant helps adjust the scope in a more downward direction relative to the rifle's barrel.
The purpose of an MOA cant is primarily to allow for greater upward adjustment in the scope, which is especially important for long-range shooting. When shooting at very long distances, the scope often needs to be adjusted far upwards to compensate for bullet drop. If the rail is completely flat, you risk running out of upward adjustment in the scope before reaching the necessary distances. A 20 MOA rail thus cants the scope forward and downward, which effectively moves the zero adjustment downward and provides extra leeway to adjust the sight upwards for long shots.
It is important to choose an MOA angle that suits your needs. For general hunting and shooting at moderate distances, a flat rail without cant is often sufficient. But if you plan to shoot at distances of 300 meters or more, a rail with a 20 MOA cant can be an advantage, as it provides a better opportunity to fully utilize the scope's adjustment range. When mounting, ensure that the scope can be mounted correctly on the canted rail and that the rail fits your rifle. Overall, the MOA cant is an important technical detail that improves the precision and usability of your optical sight for long-range shooting.
What is the difference between 0 MOA and 20 MOA — when do I use which?
The difference between 0 MOA and 20 MOA refers to the angle a Picatinny rail or mount has relative to the rifle's barrel, and it significantly impacts the scope's adjustment capabilities. MOA stands for Minute of Angle, which is a unit of angular measurement where 1 MOA equals approximately 2.9 cm at a distance of 100 meters. A 0 MOA mount is completely straight and parallel to the rifle's barrel, meaning the scope is aligned with the barrel without any tilt. A 20 MOA mount, on the other hand, is angled downwards with a tilt of 20 MOA, which means the scope points slightly downwards relative to the barrel.
The purpose of a 20 MOA mount is to provide additional upward adjustment in the scope, especially at long distances. When shooting at very long ranges, you often need to aim the scope higher to compensate for the bullet's drop. A 0 MOA mount can mean that you quickly run out of upward adjustment because the scope is already in a neutral position. With a 20 MOA mount, you practically get more upward clicks because the extra tilt means the line of sight starts a little lower relative to the barrel, allowing you to compensate for bullet drop over longer distances.
So when do you use which? If you are shooting at short to medium distances, for example under 300 meters, and do not need extreme upward adjustment, a 0 MOA mount is often sufficient and simpler to work with. If, on the other hand, you are a hunter or sport shooter who often shoots at long distances over 400-500 meters, or if you use a scope with a limited adjustment range, a 20 MOA mount can be a great advantage. It allows you to utilize the full adjustment range of your scope and thereby improve accuracy on long shots.
It is important to choose the mount that suits your needs and equipment, as an incorrect choice can limit your ability to adjust the scope correctly. In practice, you can also find mounts with other angles such as 10 MOA or 15 MOA, but 0 and 20 MOA are the most common. If in doubt, it can be a good idea to consider what distances you usually shoot at and what scope you are using, so you get the best combination for your hunting or shooting situation.
What is the relationship between MOA cant and the maximum adjustment range on a rifle scope?
MOA, which stands for Minute of Angle, is a unit of measurement used to specify precision adjustments on rifle scopes. One MOA is approximately 2.91 centimeters at a distance of 100 meters, meaning that when you turn the adjustment turrets on your scope by 1 MOA, the reticle moves approximately 2.91 centimeters on the target at 100 meters. MOA inclination refers to how much the rifle scope can be adjusted in height (elevation) and sideways (windage) in MOA units. The maximum adjustment range on a scope indicates how many MOA the scope can collectively move from the lowest to the highest setting.
The relationship between MOA inclination and maximum adjustment range is therefore direct. If a scope has a high MOA inclination, for example 1 MOA per click, and can be adjusted 60 MOA up and 60 MOA down, it means that the total elevation adjustment range is 120 MOA. The same applies to windage adjustment. This range determines how much you can compensate for distance, wind, or other factors affecting the bullet's point of impact. A large maximum adjustment range is particularly important in long-range shooting, where the bullet can drop many centimeters over long distances, and where precise fine-tuning of the sight is necessary.
It is also important to note that MOA inclination per click determines how finely you can adjust your sight. A scope with 0.25 MOA per click provides more precise control than one with 1 MOA per click, because you can adjust in smaller increments. However, the overall maximum adjustment range depends on how many clicks the scope can be turned in both directions. Therefore, when choosing a scope for specific purposes such as hunting or sport shooting, one must consider both the total range of adjustment available and the fineness of these adjustments.
In short, MOA inclination and maximum adjustment range are related in that the inclination indicates the degree of movement per click, while the maximum adjustment range indicates the total movement you can achieve on the scope in MOA, which together determine both precision and applicability at different shooting distances.
What is "return to zero" (RTZ) and why is it important?
Return to zero, often abbreviated as RTZ, is a function or feature primarily found in adjustable scope mounts and some types of rifle sights. The meaning of RTZ is that after you have made an adjustment to your sight or scope, for example, in elevation or windage, and subsequently reset the adjustment back to the starting point, the sight will return precisely to its original zero position. This means that your sight or scope is not only adjusted in one direction, but you can confidently return to the original calibrated position without losing your initial sight setting.
This is particularly important in hunting and sport shooting, where temporary adjustments often need to be made to adapt to different distances or shooting situations. Without the RTZ function, it can be difficult or impossible to return precisely to the original setting, which can lead to missed shots or the need for repeated calibrations. With RTZ, you can quickly and accurately adjust the sight, for example, to compensate for wind drift or distance, and then return to the original setting when changing targets or situations.
Technically, RTZ is achieved through mechanical stops or click systems in the mount, ensuring precise zeroing. Many modern mounts and rifle scopes offer RTZ as a standard feature, as it increases precision and makes it easier to work with adjustments under various conditions. For hunting, it also provides a great advantage, as you can quickly adapt to changing conditions without the risk of losing your baseline adjustment. Therefore, RTZ is an important feature for both hunters and sport shooters who desire reliability, precision, and flexibility in their equipment.
MATERIAL AND QUALITY
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Should I choose a steel or aluminium Picatinny rail?
Steel is often chosen when maximum stiffness, robustness, and a bit of extra weight are desired in the setup. Aluminium is often chosen when low weight is more important, for example, on a lightweight hunting rifle. Both materials can work well if the rail is correctly manufactured and fits the rifle. Choose based on rifle, caliber, optics, and use. Read more in our guide on steel and aluminium.
Is an aluminium rail strong enough for hunting?
Yes, a good quality aluminum rail is more than sufficient for many hunting purposes. It keeps the weight down and works well with common hunting calibers and optics. However, for very heavy optics, strong recoil, or rough use, some choose steel for extra rigidity and robustness.
Is a steel rail better for powerful calibers?
For powerful calibres, many choose steel because the material provides high rigidity and great resistance to stress. However, this does not mean that aluminium is automatically incorrect. The right solution depends on the quality of the rail, the use of the rifle, the weight of the optics, and the manufacturer's recommendations.
What's the difference between the various brands of Picatinny rails?
The difference typically lies in material, surface treatment, design, MOA variants, finish, and the manufacturer's mounting instructions. Some brands focus on steel and maximum robustness, while others offer lightweight aluminum rails. First, choose the rail that fits the rifle, then compare material, cant, and manufacturer's specifications.
What do QPQ-treated steel and hard-anodized aluminum mean?
QPQ is a surface treatment for steel, used to increase wear and corrosion resistance. Hard anodizing is used on aluminum and provides a harder, more resistant surface. Both treatments aim to protect the material and increase durability, but they are used on different material types.
INSTALLATION
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Is it difficult to install a Picatinny rail yourself?
For many, it is a manageable task if you work calmly and use the right tools. The most important thing is to clean the mounting surfaces, check that the rail is level, use the correct screws, and tighten according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you are unsure or if something doesn't fit naturally, you should stop and contact us or a gunsmith.
How do you properly mount a Picatinny rail?
First, check that the rail fits the rifle. Clean the contact surfaces and threads, place the rail on the receiver, and check that the holes align. The screws should be able to catch the thread without resistance. First tighten gently, then to the manufacturer's specified torque. See our guide to mounting a Picatinny rail.
What tool should I use for assembly?
You should at least use the correct bit or wrench for the screws and a torque screwdriver to ensure the screws are tightened correctly. A caliper is useful for checking A/B/C measurements before purchase. Avoid using the wrong tools, as this can damage screw heads or threads.
How tight should the screws be tightened?
The screws must be tightened according to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific rail. There is no single universal value that applies to all rails, and different manufacturers may specify different mounting methods and torques. Always use a torque screwdriver and follow the instructions that come with the product.
Should I use threadlocker or oil on the screws?
This depends on the manufacturer's instructions. Some rails are mounted with oil on screws and contact surfaces, while others are mounted with thread locker on the screws. Therefore, do not use thread locker as a general rule. Always follow the instructions for the specific rail, and immediately remove any excess residue if the manufacturer recommends thread locker.
Do screws come with the Picatinny rail?
In most cases, suitable mounting screws are included with the rail. Always check the product page to see what is included. The screws should thread naturally without being forced. If they bind or feel incorrect, stop the installation.
What do I do if the screws don't fit or bind?
Stop the assembly immediately. Screws must not be forced in, as the thread in the receiver may be damaged. Check whether you have the correct rail and screws, and whether the rifle may have been modified previously. Contact us or a gunsmith before proceeding.
What do I do if the rail is not flush with the rifle?
If the rail rocks, binds, or is not level, do not force it down. This can create tension in the rail or damage the mounting. Check the model, hole spacing, contact surface, and any impurities. Stop the installation and contact us or a gunsmith if you are in doubt.
SCOPE MOUNTS AND ACCESSORIES
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Do my existing scope rings fit a Picatinny rail?
It depends on the type of rings you have. Rings and mounts made for Picatinny will usually fit a Picatinny rail. Weaver rings can in some cases be used, but not always as an optimal or permanent solution. Always check the mount's specifications before combining it with a new rail. Read more in our guide on Picatinny vs. Weaver.
What is the difference between Picatinny and Weaver?
Picatinny and Weaver are similar, but the slots are not the same. Picatinny has a more standardized profile with fixed cross slots, while Weaver can vary more between manufacturers. This means that mixed use does not always provide a secure or optimal fit. If in doubt, choose mounts that are clearly marked for Picatinny. Read more in our guide on Picatinny vs. Weaver.
Does a Picatinny rail make my scope mount higher?
Yes, a Picatinny rail can raise the optics slightly because the rail is placed between the receiver and the scope mount. How much this affects it depends on the rail, rings, and scope size. If you want to keep the scope low, the ring height should be chosen with the rail taken into account. Read more in our guide to mount height.
How do I ensure correct eye relief with a scope and Picatinny rail?
Eye relief depends on the scope, rings, rail, and your shooting position. A Picatinny rail often offers more flexibility because the mount can be moved between multiple slots. Never permanently mount the optic before you have checked that you can get a clear sight picture in a natural shooting position. If there is too little adjustment space, a longer rail or a different mount may be relevant. Read more in our guide to mount height.
Can I use night vision or thermal scopes on a Picatinny rail?
Yes, the Picatinny system is practically designed for those who want to change optics on their rifle, and both thermal sights and digital sights are made for Picatinny mounting. The most important thing is that the rail, mount, and optics are compatible, and that there is enough space for correct eye relief and operation. Always check the optic's mounting requirements and the manufacturer's recommendations before choosing a rail and mount.
HELP, RETURNS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
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Can you help find the right rail?
Yes. Please send us the rifle model, model variant, possible caliber, and your measurements between the screw holes if you are unsure. The more information we receive, the easier it is to point you in the right direction. It's better to ask before buying than to guess. Contact us here.
What do I do if I ordered the wrong rail?
Contact us before you attempt to mount it. If the rail does not fit, do not force it or modify it. We will help determine if it is the wrong model, wrong action length, or a different variant of the rifle.
Can I return the rail if it doesn't fit?
It depends on the condition of the item and our current return policy. Contact us as soon as possible if you discover that the rail does not fit. You are welcome to loosely place the rail on the rifle to check the fit, but avoid tightening it. Marks from screws, oil, thread locker, scratches, or other signs of use may mean that the item can no longer be sold as new and therefore incurs significant depreciation.