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445:"ZEISS revolutionised riflescope mounting? The introduction of the ZEISS inner rail in 1990 meant that gunsmiths no longer needed to perform the laborious tasks of gluing and drilling the mounting components to attach them to the riflescope. Since the patent expired in 2008, the ZEISS inner rail is now offered by almost all prominent European manufacturers."
109:(Light Metal). Compared to ring mounts, this type of mounting rail permitted mounting without putting compression on the internal mechanics of the scope. The system allowed the shooter to place the scope at their preferred height and correct eye relief (distance to the eye), as well as the opportunity to easily move the scope between different firearms.
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The Zeiss rail system can be found on some models from scope manufacturers such as Docter, Leica, Minox, Meopta and
Schmidt & Bender, and sometimes only on high end models. Often the manufacturer will offer these models in two variations; one for traditional ring mounts, and another for the Zeiss
165:
Compared to the older prism rail, the Zeiss rail does not require any drilling, and therefore provides easier mounting to the user, as well as improved aesthetics. Compatible scopes have an internal dovetail rail where two or more 45-degree wedge nuts can be slid in. For example, EAW uses wedge nuts
415:
The Convex rail has been offered by
Schmidt & Bender since at least 2005, and has also been marketed under the name LMC (Light Metal with Convex rail). Contrary to the Zeiss and Swarovski rails, which ensure a levelled reticle, the S&B Convex rail instead allows the user to tilt the reticle
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Like with traditional ring mounts, the diameter of the scope tube itself also affects the distance from the bore to the crosshair. Mainly, a larger main tube will increase the total height by half the main tube difference (a 36 mm tube will thus typically sit 3 mm higher than a 30 mm
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A Zeiss rail system typically adds height to the scope body, but also gives the possibility for a slimmer scope mount so that the total scope height can become comparable to a traditional ring mount. The added scope body height due to the rail piece on the scope itself contributes about 5.5 mm
223:
Inner rail mounts can allow for more variations in placement on the firearm. With ring mounts, the scope adjustment knobs can put restraints on the placement of the scope. In comparison, the inner rail mount gives the user more freedom to slide the scope forwards or backwards. The stepless dovetail
214:
On ring mounts, overtightening of the rings is not an uncommon mounting error. This can squeeze the otherwise round tube and put stress on the inner workings of the scope, resulting in either temporary or permanent damage to its mechanical and/or optical properties. In comparison, inner rail mounts
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There are also examples of rifle scopes that have been sold exclusively for Zeiss rail mounts (i.e. no option for a ring mount version). These include the Zeiss
Victory Diarange laser rangefinder scope and the Zeiss Varipoint iC models. In late 2017, Blaser released their Infinity iC (illumination
116:
The Zeiss rail system was introduced in 1990 as an option on all Zeiss ZM/Z riflescopes, the top-of-the-line riflescope offered by Zeiss at that time. The system was later offered on the new top of line VM/V models. For these reasons, some sources have referred to the Zeiss rail system under names
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dimensions and personal preference. In general, a higher scope mount can give better recoil control, while a lower mount can give the firearm better balance. Especially the cheek rest and scope height together play an important role for comfortable shooting. Some cheek rests or scope mounts have
847:"The convex hollow rail. Our hollow rail with a convex outer surface, offered on all Zenith models, is distinguished by elegant lines, and allows the use of reliable slide-in mount fasteners. This innovative rail also makes it possible to tilt the scope up to 1° to the left or to the right."
112:
However, the standard prism had an aesthetic drawback in that the scope rail had to drilled on the side for attachment screws. In case the rifle scope was to be used on different guns, new holes often had to be drilled. A motivation for developing the Zeiss rail was to avoid such drilling.
249:
Scopes with rail mounts do not grip around the main tube. The same rail mount can therefore be used for different scopes regardless of their main tube size. Therefore the user does not have to worry about the main tube size and compatibility with existing mounts when purchasing a new
232:
When using ring mounts, marks on the scope tube can occur. This can happen even when ring mounts are mounted with proper torque if for example either the ring mount or the scope tube itself are slightly over or undersized. Since inner rail mounts do not have rings, ring marks are
215:
are designed to be tension-free and not put stress on the main tube. After placing the wedge nuts inside the rail, the scope mount is then attached from the outside with a force from a 22.5 degree angle on each side, resulting in a self centering design.
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Scopes made for other systems, such as ring mounts or other inner rail mounts, are not compatible with the Zeiss rail. Before purchase the user has to decide which system to use. These inner rails are an integral part of the scope body and can not be
349:
The construction height of a scope mount is an important factor contributing to how high the scope will sit on a rifle. "Construction height" typically refers to only the height contribution from the mount itself, and is typically provided by the
354:
manufacturer. Low Zeiss rail mounts typically have a construction height between 7–9 mm (0.28–0.35 in) for traditional bolt action hunting rifles, but can be up to 23 mm (0.91 in) for modern bolt and
408:
Convex rail. The three systems are not compatible. While the Zeiss rail has a stepless dovetail shaped mounting surface, the
Swarovski SR rail has a finely toothed rail, and the S&B Convex has a smooth convex rail.
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424:) to the left or right. Since 2016, Schmidt & Bender has also offered the Zeiss rail system as an option on some of their hunting scope sights under the name LMZ (Light Metal with Z-rail).
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Swarovski applied for patent on their SR rail system in 2002, and introduced to the product to the market in late 2005. The
Swarovski SR rail is also used by Kahles, a Swarovski subsidiary.
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The extra material on the underside of the scope body increases stiffness and robustness. While this also increases the weight of the scope itself, it also allows for a lighter mount.
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tube, all else being equal). The height contribution from the scope body, that is from the bottom of the scope body to the center of the reticle, is typically provided by the
263:
Inner rail scope mounts are currently offered by far fewer manufacturers compared to ring mounts. For some time they have only been offered by high end
European manufacturers.
823:
Wild und hund, das jagdmagazin zeit 1894, 19/2005, Sieben auf einen
Streich, page 92. "Schmidt & Bender Zenith 2,5-10x56 FD [...] LM mit Convex-Innenschiene"
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368:(0.22 in) to the total height. This can be treated like a constant term which can be added to adapt traditional scope height equations for the Zeiss rail system.
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53:. A patent was granted in 1992, and the patent expired in 2008. The mounting system is now also offered on sights sold by other major manufacturers, such as
530:
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Before the Zeiss rail, many
European scope manufacturers used to offer a single type of standardized ringless mounting solution known as
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shaped mounting surface gives more flexibility in adjustment of distance to the shooter's eye in order to get the proper eye relief.
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Aftermarket mounts compatible with the Zeiss rail system are offered by several well known manufacturers such as
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HEYM Pivot mount catalogue (10.2003), mounting solutions for
Schmidt & Bender convex rail (Convex-Schiene)
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Compared to ring mounts, the rail mount can hold on to the scope in stronger recoil forces without slipping.
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Compatible mounts are offered in different configurations, depending on the mounting opportunities on the
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A ringless mount gives the firearm a different look which is preferred by some as being less protrusive.
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Victory
Diarange riflescopes from ZEISS – with integrated laser rangefinder | ZEISS United States
555:
494:"Rail mount models (Zeiss Inner Rail Standard) are available (1-4x24 IL ZR and 2.5-10x50SF IL ZR"
24:
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Victory Varipoint iC riflescopes from ZEISS – with illumination control iC | ZEISS International
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bolt action rifle fitted with a Zeiss Victory Diavari 3-12x56 telescopic sight with Zeiss rail.
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100 Years of Carl Zeiss riflescopes 1904 – 2004 Milestones and Pioneering Achievements, page 2
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manufacturer, along with the ~5.5 mm constant term due to the rail piece on the scope.
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with M5 or M4 threads. The scope mount is then attached using simple hand tools like a
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Video: Installation of a riflescope and mount using the Zeiss rail system (YouTube)
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Uronen Precision Secondary Sight Mount for the C-More RTS2 -The Firearm Blog
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Blaser Infinity 2.8-20x50 IC vs Swarovski Z8i 2-16x50 - Rifles Scopes Expert
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Drawing of scopes with Zeiss rail (left) and ring mount (right), both with
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85:. The system has so far seen most use on the European high-end market.
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The height placement of the scope on a rifle should be matched to the
310:, Virtus, and Ziegler. Both two-piece or monobloc mounts are offered.
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is of interest for ballistics calculations, like when constructing a
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Control) line of scopes which also only uses the Zeiss rail system.
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Zeiss Varipoint series telescopic sights using the Zeiss rail system
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533:"Rail models work with standard rail bases for “Z” or Zeiss rails."
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Blaser Infinity: three new riflescopes for hunters - all4shooters
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Video: Discussion about the Zeiss rail mounting system (YouTube)
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306:, EAW, Henneberger, Innomount, Kozap, MAK, Recknagel, Rusan,
97:. This mounting solution was also known under names such as
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Henneberger GmbH & Co. KG – Oberteile für Zeiss-Schiene
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to a torque between 4–5 N⋅m (3.0–3.7 lbf⋅ft).
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the center of bore to the top of the receiver interface
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Zeiss ZM / VM Rifle Scope mounting rail – Optics info
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Every Blaser comes with a Zeiss ZM/VM mounting rail
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The following section mentions relevant terminology.
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or different types of claw or swing (pivot) mounts.
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Galerie virtus-scopemounts.com – Zeiss Innenschiene
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Two Common Scope-Mounting Mistakes – Shooting Times
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Zeiss ZM/VM rail mounting of Rifle Scopes (YouTube)
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400:Competing standards to the Zeiss rail include the
767:Application filed 9 June 2002 by Swarovski Optik]
466:German patent No. 38 20 471 granted 19 March 1992
531:Nighthunter Xtreme Riflescope Instruction Manual
206:is ensured to be mounted horizontally each time.
492:Nikon Sport Optics & Hunting Catalogue 2017
677:Alan Rhone Ltd – Contessa | QD Rail for Blaser
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812:Scopes and Mounting Systems | Hunt Forever
721:Alan Rhone Ltd – Recknagel | Other Mounts
633:buckmasters.com – Advanced Scope Mounting
49:in 1990 as an alternative to traditional
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589:Zeiss ZM / VM rail Mounts - Optics-trade
520:Schmidt & Bender – Main catalog 2016
246:Same mount for different main tube sizes
699:Scope Innomount scope mounts by Innogun
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7:
791:Application granted 21 October 2010]
1018:Compact and non-magnifying sights
754:Alan Rhone Ltd – Ziegler ZP Mounts
622:larrywillis.com – Mounting a Scope
34:, generally simply referred to as
14:
161:Wedge nut with metric M5 threads.
779:Application granted 7 June 2005]
903:accessories mounting standards
845:Schmidt & Bender catalogue
801:Swarovski catalog October 2005
504:Docter to Noblex - Optics info
211:Less chance of mounting errors
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990:(1 inch, 30 mm, 34 mm, etc.)
443:ZEISS Hunting Catalogue 2018
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923:Quick-change barrel system
345:Mount construction height
329:Scope height calculations
220:More flexible placement
994:Traditional prism rail
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260:Price and availability
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710:Mounts HELIX | Merkel
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137:have also been used.
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1220:Mechanical standards
406:Schmidt & Bender
380:Other considerations
79:Schmidt & Bender
789:Patent DE50214644D1
396:Competing standards
338:adjustable height.
317:. Examples include
153:receiver interface.
127:Zeiss Integral rail
77:(formerly Docter),
1215:Firearm components
777:Patent US6901692B2
416:up to 1° (60
384:The distance from
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199:Horizontal reticle
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25:SIG Sauer SSG 3000
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38:, is a ringless
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1184:Swivel stud
1146:Swivel stud
1086:accessories
1026:holographic
988:Ring mounts
202:The aiming
51:ring mounts
40:scope sight
1209:Categories
1189:Snap hooks
999:Zeiss rail
567:Mount rail
428:References
178:Advantages
133:or simply
36:Zeiss rail
1156:Versa Pod
1151:Picatinny
1098:Picatinny
1084:Handguard
951:Picatinny
938:Receivers
402:Swarovski
319:Picatinny
151:picatinny
141:Technical
272:removed.
233:avoided.
117:such as
1049:RMR/SRO
910:Barrels
901:Firearm
204:reticle
172:hex key
170:key or
107:LM rail
89:History
83:Steiner
1176:Slings
1138:Bipods
1118:KeyMod
1093:Weaver
1069:CompM4
1054:C-More
1044:Docter
1022:reflex
976:Scopes
946:Weaver
323:Weaver
304:Blaser
250:scope.
135:Z rail
75:Noblex
67:Meopta
55:Blaser
1161:M-LOK
1123:M-LOK
1074:Micro
1030:prism
374:scope
352:mount
335:stock
71:Nikon
63:Minox
59:Leica
47:Zeiss
1166:ARCA
1128:ARCA
1103:NATO
1039:Acro
978:and
956:NATO
422:mrad
168:torx
81:and
1113:UIT
1108:RIS
1064:MOS
1028:or
418:moa
121:or
105:or
1211::
1024:,
538:^
510:^
472:^
435:^
392:.
359:.
321:,
129:,
101:,
73:,
69:,
65:,
61:,
57:,
23:A
1032:)
1020:(
893:e
886:t
879:v
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