Rifle Scopes cantilever mount questions??

[cellular]

I've got a SWFA SS for a RRA varmint that has Picatinny atop the receiver. I'm not getting the RRA mount because I feel its height is a little high. I'm looking for something lower than 1.5 height. I'd like to keep it about a 100 dollars or lower. I was thinking of the Nikon XRD, but it says it fits weaver and picatinny. It seems to me the best mount would be a Picatinny mount only, being I've got a Picatinny rail. Am I right? I'd think a weaver mount would be more likely to move or something. The SWFA has a descent looking mount that's Picatinny, but the coupler piece w/ the two horizontal screws is an inch shorter than rock rivers which is 3.75 " A lot of the cantilever mounts say they have a two inch offset. What or where to where is the offset measure from? Is it the back side of the front ring to that clamping coupler below? Also some mounts say they have a 20 moa. I know what moa means, but don't understand what it has to do w/ the mount? Seems I've been to several websites for mounts. I find it surprising how many don't list dimensions or even the scope height. If any of you can please answer any of these questions or recommend a cantilever mount, or any other advice, it would be appreciated.

 

[Caliper]

Lots of questions, I'll try to answer what I know... I agree with 1.5" being too high! DNZ and several others make 1.375" mounts. For me, I want a 1.25 mount for a good cheekweld and options there are limited. Check my thread on AR scope mounts for some options at 1.25": http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-semi-auto-rifles/242935-help-ar-scope-mount.html

The 20moa the scope mounts have is inclining the scope relative to the barrel. This puts some of your elevation adjustment into the mount and helps avoid bottoming out your scopes elevation while shooting long ranges. Basically, if you were to replace a standard mount with a 20moa mount, you'd need to dial the scopes elevation adjustment down by 20moa to zero again. This means you can use those 20moa to get a zero further out when shooting long ranges.

 

[cellular]

Thank you for the reply. I read your thread and found it informing. I think I'm going to look into trying to extend my rail also. Probably without the moa drop though. I think your 1.25 height will be about right for myself also. I did see the DNZ earlier today while searching, but it bothered me how little clamping length it has to the rail. The 1.5+ feels OK when I'm standing and holding the gun with my arms. But I stacked some phone books up like a bipod on the living room floor, and I find it hard on my neck while laying down to look through scope at 1.5" height. thanks again.

 

[Caliper]

But I stacked some phone books up like a bipod on the living room floor, and I find it hard on my neck while laying down to look through scope at 1.5" height. thanks again.

Was it just the act of holding your head up that was awkward (ie: using muscle and needing a lower scope height) or the angle your head/neck was at? In a very low position, you either end up tilting your head up/back a lot or looking out of the top of your eyes field of view (or both). You may find you need a taller height on the "bipod" also. This will get your shoulders higher up off the ground and straighten out your neck somewhat.