Understanding weaver / picatinny

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ghostntheshell

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From what I've read, in a nutshell: weaver will fit picatinny, picatinny won't fit weaver (with occasional exceptions to rules).

So, if one wanted to install Burris zee signature rings onto a picatinny rail, it *should* fit.

Now, my REAL question is this:

For competition purposes, are guys mixing and matching their weaver rings with picatinny rails
Or is simply a better idea to get picatinny rings for a picatinny rail and the same for weaver set ups?
 
For competition purposes why would you mix and match the two. The whole point of precision is consistency so why add a variable. Both systems have quality components so there's no need to mix and match. While I'm sure you can hammer a square peg through a round hole why not just use stuff that matches. Go Weaver Weaver, or Picatinny Picatinny and not worry if things 'should' fit.
 
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Only difference is the picatinny is a milspec rail (MIL-STD 1913), so the slots are evenly spaced all the way down. The weavers slots can be anywhere they want really, they will typically have 2-3 grooves and a longer blank spot then more grooves or something. As far as i know, the dovetails angle and the width is the same. Only reason i can see that picatinny hardware wouldnt fit on weaver rails would be if there was two cross bars on a sight or something they more than likely wont line up to the more "random" spacing of weaver bases. Scope rings normaly have only one bar each so they can be placed wherever you want. You will not have any trouble with missmatching in most applications
 
I'm fairly certain that the actual width of the slots themselves is not quite identical on the two formats. That's why there are a considerable number of mounts and rings that only fit on one, not the other. That said, I don't remember which one is the bigger one!:redface:

As stated above, this is the "precision" forum. If you are assembling a precision firearm, why on earth would you #### around with getting stuff to sort-of fit? Get components that are designed and manufactured to be compatible. Are you going to buy a .300WinMag rifle and then try to shoot .308 in it? After all, they will chamber/fit...sort of...
 
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Burris Zee's will work just fine on a picatinny rail. You may have to spread the rail clamp just a hair to get them to slide on, but they will go. Also, once the cross bolts are in, but not tightened down, push the ring to the front of the slot, so the crossbolt is bearing against the base. Works just fine. A word of caution though- don't overtighten the Burris crossbolts, as they can break.
 
MPwolf you are dead on about Burris crossbolts being week, for me they are way overated rings made, I had one set and got rid of them to use burris on a Tactical or F class rifle is a waist of time & money
 
manitou210 said:
MPwolf you are dead on about Burris crossbolts being week, for me they are way overated rings made, I had one set and got rid of them to use burris on a Tactical or F class rifle is a waist of time & money
Click to expand...


Well thats a strong statement for sure! I have used these burris rings for years on many different tactical/target rifles. Never-ever had a problem.

Every product Made by man will fail given the right conditions or circumstances. My guess is the cross
Bolt had a flaw in them (maybe a temper issue with a certain lot). More likely than not its a case of tightening the cross bolts with WAYYYY to much torque.

I have used nightforce/Mark4 rings many times and like them well enough. They are much stronger than the Burris rings, but I dont Plan on abusing my $5000.00 + tactical rifles. That would be silly. The Knightforce and Mark4 rings dont come within a mile of the versatility of the burris style. Both have thier place in "my" gunsafes.
 
mpwolf said:
Burris Zee's will work just fine on a picatinny rail. You may have to spread the rail clamp just a hair to get them to slide on, but they will go. Also, once the cross bolts are in, but not tightened down, push the ring to the front of the slot, so the crossbolt is bearing against the base. Works just fine. A word of caution though- don't overtighten the Burris crossbolts, as they can break.
Click to expand...

Also - be sure to remember to put the crossbolts in. And tighten them, too! ;-)

P1100933-cropped-1200px.JPG
 
You know, that does tend to help, although the rifle did produce this group, in spite of the substandard mounting job. It does drive home my point about the rings being snug on the rail! For refrence, those are 1 moa grids.

photo-24.png
 
I'm of two minds about the Signature Zees. The crossbolts are soft. I've twisted two heads off in the last 10 years. On the plus side, the offset insterts are the cat's ass for centering up a scope's adjustment, and that can be a huge help if a shooter is faced with a less than perfect mounting holes, among other things. Also, I can attest that the rings can save a scope if it happens to be run over by a minivan!

Something to think about- Your rifle may well start out perfectly straight, but a friend arrived at CFRC's in Ottawa 2 years ago with a bent rifle. Best guess is the case was run over by a baggage cart somewhere between Vancouver and Ottawa. All of a sudden his windage was off by 10 minutes or so. A set of offset inserts would have solved his problem.
 
Thanks for the replies folks.
I understand the weaver / picatinny compatibility issue now.
I have also come up with this:

Burris xtb base / Burris rings
Ken farrell base and rings
TPS base and rings

I really don't know anything about lapping rings and such. I am sure I could find a qualified gun smith somewhere to do it.
But the Burris set up is something I could easily do myself - but reviews on the xtb base are vague.

Thanks again for the replies folks.
 
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