3/8″Dovetail Scope Rings vs. 11mm Dovetail Scope Rings

Which ones do I need??

Secure your optics with precision-engineered dovetail scope rings and mounting systems from Talley Manufacturing. Whether you are setting up a .22 rimfire rifle or a rimfire rifle with an 11mm rail, we can help. If you have a heavy centerfire rifle with a 16mm or 19mm dovetail, we can help too.

Our American-made dovetail scope rings clamp directly to your receiver’s dovetail grooves. CNC-machined to tight tolerances, these vertically split steel and alloy systems remove the need for lapping. Talley Scope rings provide maximum surface contact.

In the world of rimfire and air rifles, the lack of a single “industry standard” on “Dovetail Rings & Mounts often leads to confusion. People on the market commonly refer to some of the most common types of rimfire mounting systems as “3/8th Dovetail” and “11mm Dovetail” rings.

While 3/8″ (American) and 11mm (European) dovetails look the same, they are not. These dovetail scope rings use different measurement points and geometry, so choosing the right rings is critical. Measure 3/8 dovetails at the narrowest point, and measure the 11 mm dovetails at the widest point.

Technical Specifications & Geometry

The Measurement Paradox

The most common mistake made when selecting dovetail scope rings is measuring the top of a 3/8″ rail and assuming it is a 12.5mm or 13mm rail. Because the 3/8″ standard uses base width, the top always measures wider than an 11mm rail. This is true even though the name uses a smaller number.

Critical Risks of Improper Ring Selection

Often times we hear things like “close enough” or “it should work”. Unfortunately, you may be able to physically mount 11mm rings on a 3/8 dovetail, or 3/8 rings on an 11mm dovetail. However, there are several concerns.

Using 11mm rings on a 3/8″ dovetail (or vice versa) results in “point contact” rather than “surface contact.” Maintaining proper and maximum surface contact will eliminate issues such as slippage or even damage to a scope. Other risk to consider in selecting the correct dovetail scope rings are:

1. Canting: The scope may sit slightly off-center to the left or right.
2. Slippage: The steeper or shallower angles prevent the clamp from “biting” fully, leading to scope creep under recoil.
3. Damage: Over-tightening mismatched rings can mar the soft aluminum or steel of the receiver rail.

Other Considerations:

1. Rounded vs. Flat-Top: Some rifles—such as many Anschutz models—feature a curved, round-top receiver. For proper fit, function, and repeatability, verify if the receiver has a flat or round top. Flat-top mounts will not lock properly onto round-top receivers. Round-top mounts will not fit properly on flat-top receivers.
2. Recoil: Because 11mm dovetails rely solely on friction and clamp tension, they can easily slip under heavy use.

If you are unsure which rings you need, please contact one of our Technical Representatives. Call 803-854-5700 or email Sales@TalleyRings.com.

Common Rifles and Pistols Utilizing the 3/8″American Dovetail Standard

Some of the more common rifle manufacturers and models that are traditionally associated with the 3/8″ dovetail are:

• • • Ruger: American Rimfire series.
    • Marlin: XT-22, XT-17, 982, and many older Model 60 or 795 variants.
    • Savage: Model 64, Mark II (non-Picatinny versions), and the Stevens 300.
    • Henry: Classic Lever Action .22 and Golden Boy (via specialized mounts).
    • CZ-USA (American Variants): Specifically, the “American” variants of the 452 and 455. While most CZ rifles use 11mm, CZ specifically machined for the American-market variants have a 3/8″ dovetail.
    • Winchester: Model 9422 and Model 61.
    • Mossberg: 702 Plinkster and 802 Plinkster.
    • Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire: Includes an integrated 3/8″ dovetail on the receiver for rimfire rings.
    • Remington: The Model 552 Speedmaster and Model 572 Fieldmaster have grooved receivers that accept 3/8″ “tip-off” mounts.
    • Winchester Model 73 (and clones): Many lever-action carbines feature a 3/8″ dovetail for the rear sight, which can be replaced with an optics rail
    • Crosman Pumpmaster 760: This widely produced air rifle uses a 9.5 mm (3/8″) rail for optics.
    • Crickett & Chipmunk Pistols: These compact rimfire pistols often feature a 3/8″ dovetail rail specifically for mounting small scopes.
    • Crosman 2240 / 1322 / 1377: These popular air pistols can be fitted with the Crosman 459MT intermount, which provides a 3/8″ dovetail on the barrel.
    • Vintage Rimfire Pistols: Older models from makers like Browning and FN often used a standard dovetail. It was 60 degrees and 3/8 inch wide. It supported iron sights and accessory mounting..

Common Rifles and Pistols Utilizing the 11mm European Dovetail Standard

These firearms commonly feature the 11mm standard:

• • • • Crosman 2240 / 1322 / 1377: These popular air pistols can be fitted with the Crosman 459MT intermount, which provides a 3/8″ dovetail on the barrel to mount standard 3/8 dovetail scope rings.
      • CZ Series: Many European and international variants of the CZ 452, CZ 455, and CZ 512 feature classic 11mm European cuts.
      • Anschutz: Known for their world-class target and smallbore rifles, models like the Anschutz 64, 54, and 1761 feature 11mm rounded-top dovetails.
      • Tikka / Sako: Some of the older Tikka T1X Rimfire utilizes the 11mm dovetail.
      • Weihrauch: Famous for high-end break-barrel air rifles (e.g., HW35) which utilize 11mm grooves.
      • SIG Sauer: The SIG Sauer 200 STR tactical and sport rifle incorporates an 11mm flat-top dovetail.
      • Air Arms: Their line of competition and target air pistols (such as the Alfa Proj) integrates an 11mm rail directly onto the action for precise mounting.
      • Hatsan: Known for Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air guns, models like the Hatsan Sortie Tact feature combination 11mm and Picatinny optic rails.
      • Steyr Sport: High-end European Olympic target pistols, like the Steyr EVO 10, often use 11mm dovetails. These dovetails attach match-grade, adjustable rear iron sights.
        

        

Other variations of Dovetail Scope Rings – Centerfire Rifles

While standard 11mm or 3/8-inch setups are common on rimfire guns, large centerfire rifles need strong dovetail scope rings. These rings must handle high inertia and heavy recoil. Talley Manufacturing produces robust, model-specific centerfire mounting systems that lock directly to the integrated receiver’s dovetail of premium centerfire actions.

16mm Centerfire Dovetail Rings

Engineered strictly for smaller-action centerfire bolt rifles, our 16mm dovetail scope mounts provide a flawless, direct-to-receiver connection.

• Primary Fitment: Optimized explicitly as CZ 527 Scope Mounts, fitting European centerfire models with factory 16mm setups.
• Engineering Standard: CNC-machined entirely from high-grade solid steel bar stock. This vertically split design maximizes contact with the scope tube. It acts as an ultra-rigid platform. It removes the need for ring lapping.

19mm Centerfire Dovetail Rings

• Primary Fitment: Our 19mm Dovetail Scope Rings are measured across the widest point of the track. They are in high demand for legacy Double Square bridge rifles, select BRNO actions, and Heym rifles. They also fit heavy centerfire platforms like the CZ 550 and CZ 557.
• Recoil Management: Some firearms have a rear receiver recoil lug cutout. These heavy centerfire rings have a built-in rear recoil lug for those firearms. It stops scope slippage fast. They are available in 1-inch and 30mm diameters. Optional Quick-Detachable (QD) levers are also available. These help hunters return to zero when swapping optics.