QD scope mounts

[Mattv]

I’m after new mounts to be able to interchange 3 different scopes, day, night vision and thermal, between 2 different rifles both with picatinny rails whilst holding zero. The thermal and night vision have different rifle profiles built in for changing zero between rifles and I’m hoping the day scope I can manually adjust the turrets back once I’ve learnt the clicks required. I’ve narrowed my search down to Innomount, Sphur and Tier 1 that I like the look of. Innomount suggest that moving between rifles and obviously potentially slightly different tolerance picatinny rails that the innomount Zero should be used although trying to find that for sale in the UK is challenging. The other two brands I’m not sure how they cope with potential small sizing discrepancies between two rifles.
I’ve had a good look through google but does anyone here have real world experience of doing this with either of these three mounts, not hearsay from down the pub or best friends aunties step son half removed opinion?!

 

[jthyttin]

Picatinny spec is clear, but very few manufacturers follow it (be it cost or competence...)

If you can get rails for the two rifles from same manufacturer, odds are any adjustable QD mount will work.

I don't see adjusting mounts between rails as satisfactory solution (too many variables).

If you can live with non-QD mounts and tighten them with torque wrench, most rails that somewhat resemble picatinny will work (this would be similar to adjusting QD mounts for optimal fit on each rail).

 

[Mattv]

Picatinny spec is clear, but very few manufacturers follow it (be it cost or competence...)

If you can get rails for the two rifles from same manufacturer, odds are any adjustable QD mount will work.

I don't see adjusting mounts between rails as satisfactory solution (too many variables).

If you can live with non-QD mounts and tighten them with torque wrench, most rails that somewhat resemble picatinny will work (this would be similar to adjusting QD mounts for optimal fit on each rail).

Unfortunately I can’t have two rails from the same manufacturer, I’ve got a Near rail on my Sako and a Tikka rail on the tikka. I guess I can have a measure up with my calipers and see what if any tolerance differences there are between the two. The innomount zero looks to use a self torque thumbscrew, and they even advertise it as the mount to switch between different rifles.

I agree that I also don’t think adjusting the qd mounts per rail is a satisfactory option. I just want the option to be able to take the day scope off and replace with thermal/nv as it gets dark with minimal faff.

Currently I’m using both rifles and then you have the hassle of two sets of ammo to carry, two rifles and mods to clean etc and as a full time keeper it’s something I’m doing almost daily

 

[Snowball71]

Have a look at american defense qr...

 

[NickJ]

I’m after new mounts to be able to interchange 3 different scopes, day, night vision and thermal, between 2 different rifles both with picatinny rails whilst holding zero. The thermal and night vision have different rifle profiles built in for changing zero between rifles and I’m hoping the day scope I can manually adjust the turrets back once I’ve learnt the clicks required. I’ve narrowed my search down to Innomount, Sphur and Tier 1 that I like the look of. Innomount suggest that moving between rifles and obviously potentially slightly different tolerance picatinny rails that the innomount Zero should be used although trying to find that for sale in the UK is challenging. The other two brands I’m not sure how they cope with potential small sizing discrepancies between two rifles.
I’ve had a good look through google but does anyone here have real world experience of doing this with either of these three mounts, not hearsay from down the pub or best friends aunties step son half removed opinion?!

@JH83

 

[AnthonyR]

Just had a good look at the Innomount Zero as I was sent 2 by mistake, they don't look quite as neat as a traditional Inno but the self torque thumbscrews work really really well and would work well if you switch between makes of rifle/rail.

Liked them a lot.

 

[Alexj]

I have the need to do almost the same as you. I swap a thermal between three rifles on different manufacturers picatinny rails. I don't think difference intolerance between rails is a problem, especially if you use a one piece mount. The mount always indexes against the front of the same ridge and edge (I mark the location on each rifle), point of impact stays consistent too.
The only faff with some QD mounts seems to be the need for a screwdriver for tension adjustment, I could see this being a PITA if the rails vary much (the same thing makes the Blaser mounts awkward). One mount I like is the Sports match OP91, good value, available in different heights and the QD handles/knobs spin up to tighten, so don't require additional adjustment. Being a bit paranoid, I did check machining alignment and it was perfect.

 

[jthyttin]

I’ve got a Near rail on my Sako and a Tikka rail on the tikka. I guess I can have a measure up with my calipers and see what if any tolerance differences there are between the two.

I don't believe you can use calipers to check how two different rails conform to picatinny spec. And then there is the mount itself (does it conform to the spec).

I'm not sure of right terminology (not being a native speaker) but the "datum points" are on the slopy part of rail and there is certain relations between measurements.

Practical example, you have two rails that conform to spec, and two QD mounts one conforming and another not. It's completely viable that the conforming mount will tighten to both rails with "equal pressure" on the QD lever. And the non-conforming mount will be too tight on one rail and loose on another.

 

[Alexj]

I don't believe you can use calipers to check how two different rails conform to picatinny spec. And then there is the mount itself (does it conform to the spec).

I'm not sure of right terminology (not being a native speaker) but the "datum points" are on the slopy part of rail and there is certain relations between measurements.

Practical example, you have two rails that conform to spec, and two QD mounts one conforming and another not. It's completely viable that the conforming mount will tighten to both rails with "equal pressure" on the QD lever. And the non-conforming mount will be too tight on one rail and loose on another.

I agree about the varying amount of mounting tension between different rails being a problem on lever actuated mounts. It's one of the good things about the Sports Match mount.

A

 

[Mattv]

I have the need to do almost the same as you. I swap a thermal between three rifles on different manufacturers picatinny rails. I don't think difference intolerance between rails is a problem, especially if you use a one piece mount. The mount always indexes against the front of the same ridge and edge (I mark the location on each rifle), point of impact stays consistent too.
The only faff with some QD mounts seems to be the need for a screwdriver for tension adjustment, I could see this being a PITA if the rails vary much (the same thing makes the Blaser mounts awkward). One mount I like is the Sports match OP91, good value, available in different heights and the QD handles/knobs spin up to tighten, so don't require additional adjustment. Being a bit paranoid, I did check machining alignment and it was perfect.

I hadn’t even considered sports match. How does the inconsistencies of tightening the handles torque affect their use or is it negligible? All standard mounts say the clamp screws should be torqued etc for accuracy.

 

[Mattv]

Just had a good look at the Innomount Zero as I was sent 2 by mistake, they don't look quite as neat as a traditional Inno but the self torque thumbscrews work really really well and would work well if you switch between makes of rifle/rail.

Liked them a lot.

Where did you find the Zero as I’m struggling to find anyone in the UK selling them? Have you had a go using them or did you send them back?

 

[Alexj]

I hadn’t even considered sports match. How does the inconsistencies of tightening the handles torque affect their use or is it negligible? All standard mounts say the clamp screws should be torqued etc for accuracy.

I cant say I have noticed any variation in performance, I just do it as consistently as I can by hand, the lever shaped retention screws are not very long, so you can't get them too tight.
When tight, you can pull on the lever to rotate and align it so that it doesn't offend the eye.

 

[PhilSN12]

Between all my weapons I use American Defence, Burris & Warne, all QD mounts. They are all on dedicated weapons, holding normal optics and I have never had an issue with any of them returningto zero. My Hik Micro Thunder 2 has the standard mount due to the variations in piccatinny rails; even from the same manufacturer. Once zeroed, I mark the position of the optics mount on the piccatinny rail with a sliver sharpie. The thermal goes through the same process with each weapon having its own profile, but the same torque setting when fitted. Each weapon is again marked with the silver sharpie so all return to zero when in use. When out shooting and I switch from glass to thermal I have a set of Fixits Sticks with one of their torque wrenches fitted. Not cheap, but worth the outlay for peace of mind.
Hope this helps.

 

[fizzbangwhallop]

I’ve been using Recknagel poly-levers on several scopes for a lot of years now…. Never had a problem across multiple rifles and they’re in and out of the safe without scopes on.

Mine are the horizontal ring split but I’ve never had my hands on the later horseshoe ring version. They come in a good range of heights too!

Going sideways, to my ‘brick’ nv/thermal scopes… I only ever tighten those with a thumb wrench to avoid over-tightening them…never had a problem with the poi’s on those either.

Cheers

Fizz

 

[Indlovu]

I’m after new mounts to be able to interchange 3 different scopes, day, night vision and thermal, between 2 different rifles both with picatinny rails whilst holding zero. The thermal and night vision have different rifle profiles built in for changing zero between rifles and I’m hoping the day scope I can manually adjust the turrets back once I’ve learnt the clicks required. I’ve narrowed my search down to Innomount, Sphur and Tier 1 that I like the look of. Innomount suggest that moving between rifles and obviously potentially slightly different tolerance picatinny rails that the innomount Zero should be used although trying to find that for sale in the UK is challenging. The other two brands I’m not sure how they cope with potential small sizing discrepancies between two rifles.
I’ve had a good look through google but does anyone here have real world experience of doing this with either of these three mounts, not hearsay from down the pub or best friends aunties step son half removed opinion?!

Good morning from Frankfurt,

Your requirement is akin to the way our family situation has evolved. When I started hunting here, my focus was on a QD solution for my (only) rifle: to switch between a stalking scope and a driven hunt solution - whilst holding zero. Knowing that my son (and eventually my daughter) would also qualify as hunters within a few years, and the associated costs that would be heading my way, I looked to find a mounting platform that would ideally allow switching multiple optics across multiple rifles - whilst holding zero! We have three rifles (2 Merkel Helix and a Heym SR30) and 5 scopes, three of which are classic stalking/high seat “variable-by-56” scopes, along with 1-6x24 and a red-dot for driven hunt applications. All five optics are regularly switched to-and-fro and hold their zero!

Our solution is the Dentler mounting system, typically consisting of two parts: a Dentler mounting rail (Germ. Montageschiene) fixed to the optic, and a Dentler Basis (Germ. Grundschiene Basis) connected to the rifle either directly or via Weaver/Picatinny. In my case, this is the solution for my (our) primary rifle. 100% reliable for me since 8 years.

Both our other rifles (in your case, @Mattv , your 2nd rifle) are fitted with the Dentler Basis Vario (Germ. Grundschiene Basis Vario), which is an adjustable base! With all our optics sighted to the primary rifle, all we did was put one of the scopes on the 2nd (respectively, 3rd) rifle and proceed to sight it to said 100m - by only adjusting the Basis Vario, not the scope’s turrets! 100% reliable for my kid’s rifles since 5 (and 3) years. Happy days.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

Links:
1. Dentler (there must be an English version too)
2. Optics Trade’s English video explaining Dentler Basis
3. Optics Trade’s English video explaining Dentler Basis Vario

 

[AnthonyR]

Where did you find the Zero as I’m struggling to find anyone in the UK selling them? Have you had a go using them or did you send them back?

You can order them directly from Innogun in Germany.

Innogun got my order mixed up with another UK delivery but we sorted it out with each other, so I don't have the mounts. I have a couple of original Innomounts and I like them a lot because you can chop and change ring sizes and heights easily but if I was buying again I would 100% choose the Zero for the additional ease of changing between different rifles.

Watch out for custom charges & VAT on orders over 135 euros, the other party got charged £115 for 2 Zero mounts!!!

 

[PhilSN12]

I have an Innomount on my back up nightvision, which came from my Trail XP50. They are great bits of kit and you get what you pay for.
However, if you need a two piece mount that returns to zero, look at the Warne mounts. They do the same job but around half the price, no frills, just good engineering.

 

[idp]

I’ve just done this for my C50 between 223 and 17HMR. I got Britannia QD mounts and they are working a treat. Not a perfect fit so just remember to push them forward before tightening. There is a good diagram as well to help work out which height you need...

 

[Mattv]

I have an Innomount on my back up nightvision, which came from my Trail XP50. They are great bits of kit and you get what you pay for.
However, if you need a two piece mount that returns to zero, look at the Warne mounts. They do the same job but around half the price, no frills, just good engineering.

It’s a one piece mount that I’m after as I really wouldn’t trust qd two piece mounts returning to zero. Do you change between rifles or just switch scopes on the same rifle?

 

[Mattv]

You can order them directly from Innogun in Germany.

Innogun got my order mixed up with another UK delivery but we sorted it out with each other, so I don't have the mounts. I have a couple of original Innomounts and I like them a lot because you can chop and change ring sizes and heights easily but if I was buying again I would 100% choose the Zero for the additional ease of changing between different rifles.

Watch out for custom charges & VAT on orders over 135 euros, the other party got charged £115 for 2 Zero mounts!!!

That’s crazy, I might see if optics warehouse or another retailer would be able to get them in with a shipment of standard mounts. I don’t mind paying for decent mounts but I’m not overly keen on ridiculous custom charges. It’s really strange why no one here seems to stock Zeros but plenty of standards.