Elcan question - what 'generation' is it?

[canucklehead]

Hey guys,

I just traded a guy on this site for an Elcan, made in '03, and claimed to be the 4th gen mount.

I have no reason to doubt this, but is there any way to tell what 'generation' the mount is?

The reason I ask is the fact that there is a 3 stamped on the side of the mount, kinda like a 3 inside a scope reticle. Is this then a 3rd gen mount?

Also, I've looked EVERYWHERE for a list that explains the difference between the mount generations, and came up empty. Any help?

It's going to be a range queen rifle, so I won't be beating the piss out of it, but would like to know what to watch for if something goes south...
Thanks!

 

[HeadDamage]

Is there a spring in the middle of the mount that pulls the upper and lower halfs together?

 

[canucklehead]

Well, there is a spring in the middle, but not sure what way it pulls/pushes.

You can see about a coil and a 1/2 from the side view....

 

[HeadDamage]

Sounds like you've got a 4th gen then.

 

[IDPACONVERT]

Also the knobs are Alloy, not plastic

 

[canucklehead]

I'm guessing it's a 4th gen - the spring is there, and the knobs are alloy, not plastic!

Thanks guys!