What is a Cantilever Scope Mount and Why Should You Use One?
Cantilever Scope Mount: What Is It and Why You Need One
If you’re a hunter, shooter, or other enthusiast who uses a riflescope, you’ve probably heard of cantilever scope mounts. But what exactly are they, and why are they so popular?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at cantilever scope mounts, discussing their benefits and drawbacks, as well as how to choose the right one for your needs.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to install a cantilever scope mount, so you can get up and running with your new optic as quickly as possible.
So, whether you’re a seasoned shooter or you’re just getting started, read on to learn more about cantilever scope mounts!
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| What is a cantilever scope mount? | A cantilever scope mount is a type of scope mount that attaches to the Picatinny rail on your rifle. It is designed to cantilever out over the barrel, which allows for a lower scope position and a better cheek weld. | Cantilever scope mounts are typically made from aluminum or steel and are available in a variety of styles and colors. They are a popular choice for long-range shooters and hunters who want a low-profile scope mount that does not interfere with the barrel. |
| Advantages of cantilever scope mounts |
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| Cantilever scope mounts are a versatile and reliable option for shooters who want a low-profile, stable scope mount. They are available in a variety of styles and colors to fit the needs of any shooter. | If you are looking for a scope mount that will give you a lower scope position, a better cheek weld, and less obstruction of the barrel, then a cantilever scope mount is a great option for you. |
What is a Cantilever Scope Mount?
A cantilever scope mount is a type of rifle scope mount that attaches to the Picatinny rail on the top of your rifle. It is designed to cantilever out over the barrel, which allows for a longer eye relief and a more comfortable shooting position. Cantilever scope mounts are also more stable than other types of scope mounts, as they are less likely to move around when you are shooting.
Cantilever scope mounts are available in a variety of styles, so you can find one that fits your specific needs. Some of the most popular styles include:
- Single-piece cantilever scope mounts: These are the most basic type of cantilever scope mount. They consist of a single piece of metal that attaches to the Picatinny rail and supports the scope.
- Dual-piece cantilever scope mounts: These are more versatile than single-piece cantilever scope mounts. They consist of two pieces of metal that are attached to the Picatinny rail and to each other. This allows you to adjust the height of the scope for a more comfortable shooting position.
- Offset cantilever scope mounts: These are designed to allow you to mount a scope further forward on the rifle. This can be helpful if you have a short-barreled rifle or if you want to use a red dot sight or other optic in conjunction with your scope.
Cantilever scope mounts are a great option for shooters who want a more comfortable and stable shooting position. They are also a good choice for shooters who need to mount a scope further forward on the rifle.
Types of Cantilever Scope Mounts
There are a few different types of cantilever scope mounts available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a brief overview of the most common types:
- Single-piece cantilever scope mounts: These are the most basic type of cantilever scope mount. They consist of a single piece of metal that attaches to the Picatinny rail and supports the scope. Single-piece cantilever scope mounts are typically the least expensive option, but they are also the least versatile.
- Dual-piece cantilever scope mounts: These are more versatile than single-piece cantilever scope mounts. They consist of two pieces of metal that are attached to the Picatinny rail and to each other. This allows you to adjust the height of the scope for a more comfortable shooting position. Dual-piece cantilever scope mounts are typically more expensive than single-piece cantilever scope mounts, but they offer more flexibility.
- Offset cantilever scope mounts: These are designed to allow you to mount a scope further forward on the rifle. This can be helpful if you have a short-barreled rifle or if you want to use a red dot sight or other optic in conjunction with your scope. Offset cantilever scope mounts are typically the most expensive option, but they offer the most versatility.
When choosing a cantilever scope mount, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Your rifle: The type of rifle you have will determine the type of cantilever scope mount that you can use. For example, if you have a rifle with a Picatinny rail, you will need a cantilever scope mount that is compatible with Picatinny rails.
- Your scope: The size and weight of your scope will also affect the type of cantilever scope mount that you can use. For example, if you have a large and heavy scope, you will need a cantilever scope mount that is strong enough to support the weight of the scope.
- Your budget: The price of cantilever scope mounts varies significantly. You can find cantilever scope mounts for as little as $20, but you can also spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end cantilever scope mount.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start shopping for a cantilever scope mount that meets your needs.
Here are a few of the best cantilever scope mounts on the market:
- Vortex Optics Cantilever Scope Mount: This is a high-quality cantilever scope mount that is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is compatible with Picatinny rails and it can be adjusted to accommodate scopes of different sizes and weights. The Vortex Optics Cantilever Scope Mount is a great option for shooters who want a durable and reliable cantilever scope mount.
- Leupold Mark 8 Cantilever Scope Mount: This is another high-quality cantilever scope mount that is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is also compatible with Picatinny rails and it can be adjusted to accommodate scopes of different sizes and weights. The Leupold Mark 8 Cantilever Scope Mount is a great option for shooters who want a premium cantilever scope mount.
- Burris Signature Zee Cantilever Scope Mount: This is a budget-friendly cantilever scope mount that is made from steel. It is compatible with Picatinny rails and it can be adjusted to accommodate scopes of different sizes
3. Benefits of using a cantilever scope mount
Cantilever scope mounts offer a number of benefits over traditional scope mounts, including:
- Increased clearance: Cantilever scope mounts allow for more clearance between the scope and the barrel, which can be important for rifles with long scopes or for shooters who want to avoid having their scope knocked out of alignment by contact with branches or other objects.
- Improved eye relief: Cantilever scope mounts can also provide improved eye relief, which is the distance between the rear of the scope and the shooter’s eye. This can be important for shooters who wear glasses or who have difficulty seeing through a scope with a short eye relief.
- Greater versatility: Cantilever scope mounts can be used with a variety of scopes, including scopes with different objective lens diameters and scopes that are mounted in different positions on the rifle. This versatility can be useful for shooters who want to use different scopes for different purposes or who want to be able to quickly and easily change the position of their scope.
- Less weight: Cantilever scope mounts are typically lighter than traditional scope mounts, which can be an advantage for hunters or other shooters who are concerned about the weight of their rifle.
4. Drawbacks of using a cantilever scope mount
Cantilever scope mounts also have some drawbacks, including:
- Increased cost: Cantilever scope mounts are typically more expensive than traditional scope mounts.
- Increased complexity: Cantilever scope mounts can be more complex to install than traditional scope mounts. This complexity can make it more difficult to install the mount correctly, which can lead to problems with accuracy.
- Increased potential for damage: Cantilever scope mounts can increase the potential for damage to the scope if the rifle is dropped or if the scope is struck by a hard object.
Cantilever scope mounts offer a number of benefits over traditional scope mounts, but they also have some drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a cantilever scope mount is a personal one that depends on the specific needs of the shooter.
Here are some additional factors to consider when deciding whether or not to use a cantilever scope mount:
- The type of rifle you are using. Cantilever scope mounts are not compatible with all rifles, so it is important to make sure that your rifle is compatible with a cantilever scope mount before you purchase one.
- The type of scope you are using. Cantilever scope mounts can be used with a variety of scopes, but some scopes are better suited for cantilever scope mounts than others.
- Your shooting style. Cantilever scope mounts can be a good choice for shooters who shoot from a variety of positions or who need to quickly and easily change the position of their scope. However, cantilever scope mounts may not be the best choice for shooters who only shoot from a single position or who do not need to quickly and easily change the position of their scope.
By considering all of these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether or not a cantilever scope mount is right for you.
Q: What is a cantilever scope mount?
A: A cantilever scope mount is a type of scope mount that attaches to the receiver of a firearm and extends forward, allowing the scope to be mounted further forward on the rifle. This can provide a number of advantages, such as increased eye relief, a better field of view, and faster target acquisition.
Q: What are the advantages of using a cantilever scope mount?
A: There are a number of advantages to using a cantilever scope mount, including:
- Increased eye relief: A cantilever scope mount allows the scope to be mounted further forward on the rifle, which can increase eye relief. This is especially beneficial for shooters with long necks or who wear shooting glasses.
- Better field of view: A cantilever scope mount can also provide a better field of view. This is because the scope is not as close to your face, which allows you to see more of the target area.
- Faster target acquisition: A cantilever scope mount can also help you acquire targets faster. This is because the scope is closer to your line of sight, which makes it easier to find the target and get on target quickly.
Q: What are the disadvantages of using a cantilever scope mount?
A: There are a few disadvantages to using a cantilever scope mount, including:
- Increased weight: A cantilever scope mount will add weight to your rifle. This can make the rifle more difficult to carry and shoot, especially for long periods of time.
- Increased cost: Cantilever scope mounts are typically more expensive than other types of scope mounts.
- Potential for interference: A cantilever scope mount can potentially interfere with the operation of the rifle. This is because the scope is mounted closer to the action, which can make it difficult to cycle the bolt or operate the safety.
Q: When should I use a cantilever scope mount?
A: You should use a cantilever scope mount if you have any of the following needs:
- Increased eye relief
- Better field of view
- Faster target acquisition
- A rifle with a long action
Q: How do I install a cantilever scope mount?
A: To install a cantilever scope mount, you will need the following tools:
- A screwdriver
- A torque wrench
- A set of hex wrenches
1. Remove the factory scope mount from the rifle.
2. Clean the mounting surfaces on the rifle with a degreaser.
3. Apply a small amount of thread locker to the mounting screws.
4. Install the cantilever scope mount to the rifle.
5. Tighten the mounting screws to the specified torque.
Q: What are some of the best cantilever scope mounts on the market?
A: Some of the best cantilever scope mounts on the market include:
- Vortex Optics Cantilever Scope Mount: This mount is made from lightweight aluminum and features a 2-inch cantilever. It is compatible with a variety of scopes and is available in both 30mm and 1-inch diameters.
- Leupold Mark 8 Cantilever Scope Mount: This mount is made from durable steel and features a 1.5-inch cantilever. It is compatible with a variety of scopes and is available in both 30mm and 1-inch diameters.
- Nightforce Unimount Cantilever Scope Mount: This mount is made from lightweight aluminum and features a 1.75-inch cantilever. It is compatible with a variety of scopes and is available in both 30mm and 1-inch diameters.
Q: What are some tips for choosing a cantilever scope mount?
A: Here are some tips for choosing a cantilever scope mount:
- Consider the weight and size of the mount. You don’t want a mount that is too heavy or bulky, especially if you will be carrying your rifle for long periods of time.
- Consider the type of scope you will be using. Make sure the mount is compatible with the scope’s diameter and height.
- Consider the features of the mount. Some mounts offer features such as quick-release levers, anti-cant adjustments, and zero stops.
- Consider your budget. Cantilever scope mounts can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Choose a mount that fits your budget and needs.
a cantilever scope mount is a type of mounting system that allows for the attachment of a rifle scope to a firearm in a way that allows for greater clearance between the scope and the barrel. This can be beneficial for a number of reasons, including improved accuracy, increased eye relief, and easier target acquisition. Cantilever scope mounts are available in a variety of styles and price points, so there is sure to be one that meets the needs of any shooter.
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- Cantilever scope mounts allow for greater clearance between the scope and the barrel.
- This can improve accuracy, increase eye relief, and make target acquisition easier.
- Cantilever scope mounts are available in a variety of styles and price points.
- When choosing a cantilever scope mount, it is important to consider the type of firearm you will be using it on, as well as your personal shooting preferences.