Why do Weaver Rails have Thin Lines along the top?

Runs With Fire · October 10, 2021, 06:05 PM

What is the engineering purpose of the thin lines that run center down the length of a weaver rail? The weaver rail has so many nooks and crannies in the design. So many little corners and angle changes. But why?

mj30wilson · October 10, 2021, 06:10 PM

The 1913 rail was developed by picatinney arsenal. I always thought the weaver design did the cross slots to avoid copyright and so that the screws would take the recoil force as the gun moved forward under recoil. Also it removed material and lightened the rail.

Runs With Fire · October 10, 2021, 06:35 PM

For the cross slots, yes. But All Weaver rails I've seen also have a bunch of little, thin lines in the center that run the entire length of the mount. My 4.5-inch rail has 4.5-inch long lines in the center 1/4-inch of the rail. Most do. Is it just for looks? And isn't the Weaver rail an older design?

armoredman · October 11, 2021, 01:10 AM

Could you post a picture so we are all on the same page?

sako2 · October 11, 2021, 04:51 AM

Most likely to strengthen them a little.

std7mag · October 11, 2021, 06:12 AM

Possibly to reduce glare?

Wouldn't be the first thing that was microgrooved for that purpose.

LeverGunFan · October 11, 2021, 07:01 AM

It looks like the Weaver scope bases are made from aluminum extrusions, and those lines are produced by design in the extrusion dies. They may aid the extrusion process, but are likely a feature used to visually identify the bases as a Weaver product. Anytime you see a scope base with those thin grooves, you know it's an original Weaver base.

Sarge · October 11, 2021, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by std7mag

Possibly to reduce glare?

Wouldn't be the first thing that was microgrooved for that purpose.

This. It is also why the typical old school weaver rail has the deep, lengthwise slot. Once upon a time nearly all sporting rifles had usable iron sights which were carefully zeroed before a scope was installed. If the scope became unusable due to accident or weather conditions, it could be removed and the hunt continued.

Pahoo · October 11, 2021, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Possibly to reduce glare?
Wouldn't be the first thing that was microgrooved for that purpose.

More like "Probable" and if you look at other firearms, you will see that steps are taken to reduce the glare on this horizontal plain. Next time you look at one of your handguns, especially the SS ones, check our the top strap and top rail/rib. I know some handgun shooters that make modification to the glare.

Be Safe !!!

BornFighting88 · October 14, 2021, 05:38 AM

Sarge hit what I was going to say. Companies like Williams, etc, do this so you can use the existing irons either in tandem with your glass, or if you have to take your glass off due to malfunction or whatever reason, you don’t have to go through the headache of ripping off the rail, too. Ingenious IMHO.

October 10, 2021, 06:05 PM	#1
Runs With Fire Member Join Date: March 19, 2018 Location: Ensley Center, MI Posts: 86	Why do Weaver Rails have Thin Lines along the top? What is the engineering purpose of the thin lines that run center down the length of a weaver rail? The weaver rail has so many nooks and crannies in the design. So many little corners and angle changes. But why? __________________ AD DARE SERVIRE

October 10, 2021, 06:10 PM	#2
mj30wilson Member Join Date: May 29, 2010 Posts: 15	The 1913 rail The 1913 rail was developed by picatinney arsenal. I always thought the weaver design did the cross slots to avoid copyright and so that the screws would take the recoil force as the gun moved forward under recoil. Also it removed material and lightened the rail.

October 10, 2021, 06:35 PM	#3
Runs With Fire Member Join Date: March 19, 2018 Location: Ensley Center, MI Posts: 86	For the cross slots, yes. But All Weaver rails I've seen also have a bunch of little, thin lines in the center that run the entire length of the mount. My 4.5-inch rail has 4.5-inch long lines in the center 1/4-inch of the rail. Most do. Is it just for looks? And isn't the Weaver rail an older design? __________________ AD DARE SERVIRE Last edited by Runs With Fire; October 10, 2021 at 06:44 PM.

October 11, 2021, 06:12 AM	#6
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Possibly to reduce glare? Wouldn't be the first thing that was microgrooved for that purpose. __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

October 11, 2021, 07:01 AM	#7
LeverGunFan Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 407	It looks like the Weaver scope bases are made from aluminum extrusions, and those lines are produced by design in the extrusion dies. They may aid the extrusion process, but are likely a feature used to visually identify the bases as a Weaver product. Anytime you see a scope base with those thin grooves, you know it's an original Weaver base. __________________ *Support the Second Amendment Foundation and the Firearms Policy Coalition*

October 11, 2021, 01:10 AM	#4
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,299	Could you post a picture so we are all on the same page?

October 11, 2021, 04:51 AM	#5
sako2 Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2009 Posts: 741	Most likely to strengthen them a little.

October 14, 2021, 05:38 AM	#10
BornFighting88 Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2021 Posts: 455	Sarge hit what I was going to say. Companies like Williams, etc, do this so you can use the existing irons either in tandem with your glass, or if you have to take your glass off due to malfunction or whatever reason, you don’t have to go through the headache of ripping off the rail, too. Ingenious IMHO.