The Ultimate Guide to Picatinny Rails: The Foundation for Precision

The single most critical link between your firearm and your optic is the scope mount. It’s the foundation upon which all accuracy is built. And in the world of scope mounts, one system reigns supreme for its strength, versatility, and universal acceptance: the MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail.

But what exactly is a Picatinny rail? How do you choose the right one for your rifle, shotgun, or pistol? And what makes an EGW Picatinny rail the last mount you’ll ever need?

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know, from the technical specifications to selecting the perfect material and MOA for your shooting discipline.

What is a Picatinny Rail? Understanding the MIL-STD-1913 Standard

A Picatinny rail (often called a "pic rail") is a standardized mounting platform used on firearms to attach optics, lights, lasers, and other accessories. It was formally adopted by the U.S. military as MIL-STD-1913 and is recognized by its series of transverse slots separated by ridges.

The key to the Picatinny system is its precise, repeatable specifications. This ensures that any accessory designed for a Picatinny rail will fit on any other Picatinny rail, regardless of manufacturer. This universal compatibility is its greatest strength.

Key Features of a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail:

• Slot Dimensions: The recoil slots have a specific width of 0.206 inches (5.23 mm).
• Standardized Spacing: The center-to-center distance of these slots is exactly 0.394 inches (10.01 mm).
• Square-Bottomed Slots: The slots have a squared, flat bottom, which provides a solid contact point for recoil lugs on scope rings and accessories, preventing movement under recoil.

Picatinny vs. Weaver: What's the Difference and Which is Better?

One of the most common questions we get is about the difference between Picatinny and Weaver-style mounts. While they look similar, they are not the same.

• Slot Width: Weaver slots are narrower, measuring 0.180 inches.
• Slot Spacing: Weaver slot spacing is inconsistent and not standardized.

This is where the EGW advantage comes in. All EGW Picatinny rails are machined to the strict MIL-STD-1913 specification, but with versatile cross-slots that are engineered to securely accept both Picatinny and most Weaver-style rings. This gives you the ultimate flexibility to use your preferred optics without worrying about compatibility. READ MORE

Choosing Your Rail: EGW Materials and Manufacturing

A scope mount is only as good as the material it's made from. At our facility in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, we CNC machine every mount from solid American-sourced materials. We never use cheap, inconsistent castings.

Heavy-Duty vs. Standard-Duty vs. Hunter Series

We've developed distinct product lines to match every shooting style and need:

Standard-Duty Rails: The perfect balance of strength and lightweight performance. Machined from high-grade 6061 T6 Aluminum, these are ideal for most hunting rifles and sport shooting applications.

Heavy-Duty Rails: Overbuilt for maximum strength and recoil resistance. These are machined from solid billet Steel or ultra-strong 7075 T6 Aluminum, making them the top choice for heavy magnum calibers, law enforcement use, and extreme hard-use scenarios.

Hunter Series Rails: The ultimate lightweight, snag-free design. When every ounce counts on a backcountry hunt, the minimalist profile of our Hunter Series provides a rock-solid foundation without the weight.

Understanding MOA: Do You Need a 0 MOA or 20 MOA Base?

Choosing the right cant, or built-in slope, in your base is critical for long-range shooting.

• 0 MOA Base: This is a flat, perfectly parallel base with no built-in elevation. It is the standard choice for shooters who primarily operate UNDER 500-600 yards.
• 20 MOA Base: This base has a 20 Minute of Angle slope built into it. This cant gives your scope an extra 20 minutes of elevation adjustment. For anyone shooting beyond 600 yards, a 20 MOA base is essential to allow you to "dial" your scope's turret for extreme distances without bottoming out the internal adjustment.

How to Properly Install Your EGW Picatinny Rail

A proper installation ensures your scope will hold zero. Each EGW mount includes the necessary high-quality Torx® head screws for a secure fit.

1. Degrease: Before starting, thoroughly degrease the screw holes in your firearm's receiver and the screws themselves.
2. Position the Rail: Place the rail on the receiver. Confirm it sits flat and the holes align perfectly.
3. Apply Thread Locker: Apply a small drop of blue (non-permanent) thread locker to the screw threads.
4. Torque the Screws: Tighten the screws in an alternating pattern. We recommend using a torque wrench and setting it to 20 inch-lbs.

For a detailed guide on torque values, read our torque specs article here.

The EGW Guarantee: The Last Mount You'll Ever Need

At EGW, we do more than just manufacture parts—we solve problems. Every Picatinny rail we produce is born from decades of machining experience and a passion for precision shooting. Backed by a lifetime guarantee and world-class customer service right here in Pennsylvania, an EGW mount is an investment in reliability.

Ready to upgrade your firearm with the trusted, American-made choice for precision shooters? Find the perfect mount for your firearm today.

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