Rimfire dovetails - Measuring

A

Airmad

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GunNutz
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Hello. Where do i measure to determine the size of a dovetail? There are 3/8" and 11 mm and Weaver dovetails. Is the measurement between the bottom of the grooves, or over the tips?
What should the actual measurements be?
Thanks.
 
There are many configurations Europe measures differently than most others. Using a CZ as an example measured at the top (The widest part) the 11mm will be approx .430" and the 3/8 will be .500"
In the north american situation's change as most measure the narrowest area at the bottom and this isn't easy to get a true measurement as the calipers really don't fit well in the groove to get a precise repeatable reading. . Another dilemma in the mix not all dovetails are cut at 60 deg. Just my 2¢. Bin there done that.

R
 
Thanks for your help guys. It's nice to have so many knowledgeable guys out there willing to help.
Cheers.
 
Been down this road.

N. American 3/8" are cut at 45 degrees.

European 11mm are cut at 60 degrees as mentioned.

They do not work well even though some may say their rings are interchangeable. Get the correct rings to fit the dovetail you have.

The other thing to bear in mind is that most 3/8 are on a rounded receiver whereas the 11mm are on a flat rail. You will be needing rings that are curved in order to fit the rounded receiver on a 3/8 dovetail.

CD
 
Assuming you are measuring it to determine what rings to buy, there are rings out there as well that fit both. The side clamps flip depending on which grove you have i.e which fits best. Sometimes you can simply google the firearm to see what it has. What are you checking?
 
It is a Norinco Mauser clone .22. I have determined that it has 11mm dovetail. I had rings but they were too short for the scope, but I had an 11mm to Weaver adaptor that raised it up enough, and simply used a set of Weaver rings that I had.
Thanks.
 
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