Difference Between Picatinny and Weaver

Picatinny vs Weaver

Picatinny and Weaver are mounting platforms which were first used in firearms. Both the rails are now used for many accessories like: night vision, laser aiming devices, bayonets, reflex sights, tactical lights, bipods, and foregrips.

Though the two rails are mainly used, they come with certain differences. The key difference is in the placement and the width of the recoil groves. Picatinny has a larger groove width when compared to the Weaver. Picatinny has a .206-inch wide groove and a .394-inch center-to-center width. On the other hand, Weaver has a .180-inch wide groove and the center-to-center measurement is not consistent from one groove to another. In the Picatinny, the groves are consistent from one point to another.

It can also be seen that the accessories that are designed to hold a Weaver system can also accommodate a Picatinny system. However, it is not possible to fit a Picatinny system in an accessory that accommodates Weaver systems. This is mainly because Picatinny has a larger groove when compared to a Weaver.

William Ralph Weaver developed the Weaver system in 1930. The term “Picatinny” has been derived from Picatinny Arsenal, a place in New Jersey, USA where the system was first tested.

When talking about the differences between the two rails, the Weaver system is continuous whereas the Picatinny system is cut by slots. The Picatinny rails are cut by slots in order to neutralize the expansion caused by heating of the barrel. It can also be seen that Picatinny are very much repeatable and dimensionally correct. On the other hand, Weaver is not that even and has more slope. Picatinny is considered to be more precise than Weaver. In terms of price, the Picatinny rail is a bit costlier than the Weaver rail.

Summary:

1.Picatinny has a .206-inch wide groove and a .394-inch center-to-center width. On the other hand, the Weaver has a .180-inch wide groove.
2.In the Weaver system, the center-to-center measurement is not consistent from one groove to another and the groves are inconsistent.
3.The accessories that are designed to hold a Weaver system can also accommodate a Picatinny system. However, it is not possible to fit a Picatinny system in an accessory that accommodates the Weaver systems.
4.The Weaver system is continuous whereas the Picatinny system is cut by slots.
5.Picatinny is considered to be more precise than Weaver.
6.Picatinny models are very much repeatable and dimensionally correct. On the other hand, Weaver is not that even and has more slope.

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