I'M CONFUSED

[JIMSPD9]

While looking for a red dot sight for my AR platform. I see adds that say Weaver type mount on one kind.

Then the next one will say it fits Picatinny rail mount.

My AR has the removeable A-2 carrying handle. I always called that a Picatinny rail.

Are Weaver and Picatinny rails the same thing?

JIM S.

 

[arizona98tj]

Dimensionally, Weaver and Picatinny rails are not the same. The major difference is the spacing of the slots.

This page on Brownells site explains it quite well.

 

[mapsjanhere]

The practical difference is the slot width. Picatinny slots are wider than Weaver. So every Weaver base fits on both Weaver and Picatinny rails. The same wouldn't be true for Picatinny bases, which is why you don't see any of those offered.

 

[JIMSPD9]

ENLIGHTENED

Thank you Gentlemen


JIM S.

 

[danco]

The practical difference is the slot width. Picatinny slots are wider than Weaver. So every Weaver base fits on both Weaver and Picatinny rails. The same wouldn't be true for Picatinny bases, which is why you don't see any of those offered.

Exactly. Weaver mounts will fit any Picatinny rail. Picatinny mounts won't necessarily fit Weaver rails...

~Dan

 

[arizona98tj]

The same wouldn't be true for Picatinny bases, which is why you don't see any of those offered.

They are offered. I own one. But since I don't have a Weaver rail, it isn't an issue for me.

 

[Edward429451]

Interesting. I wondered the same thing.