Sterling 20mm dovetail scope rail - what to do?

[Krinkovliu]

I own a Dagenham Sterling Mark 6 rifle that has the two scope rail mounting studs. I recently found the scope rail for it that was made by Sterling. However, the top of the rail consists of a 20mm dovetail. I am trying to decide what to do with this. My options are:

1. Does a 20mm dovetail to weaver/picatinny rail exist? I see 11mm dovetail to weaver/picatinny rail converters for sale but none for the 20mm.

2. Buy a pair of scope rings with 11mm bases. However, I will need to buy a reasonably priced tube shaped red dot scope. Do these exist?

3. Attach a section of wea/pic rail to the top of the dovetail rail. Since the dovetail rail appears to be made of aluminum as does the wea/pic rail I cannot weld these two pieces together. I was thinking of using JB Weld but I am not sure if the bond can withstand the recoil of the 9mm ammo.

4. Same as #3 but drill and tap the two pieces. The Sterling has several holes already drilled and tapped which would be convenient to use if I knew the thread, but I am wondering if there are strong enough screws/bolts to withstand the recoil.

5. I have several small lightweight red dots that are intended to be used with wea/pic rails. I could mount these directly onto the dovetail rail. However, I am not sure if the minimal contact surfaces between the scope and rail are sufficient to hold it in place.

Your thoughts will be appreciated.

Krinkovliulace

 

[OldBesty]

1. Does a 20mm dovetail to weaver/picatinny rail exist?

The British L85/SA80 had 20mm dovetail mounts on them. An adapter rail to 20mm Picatinny exists but is only issued to active duty and not available to civilians, so I doubt it can be purchased anywhere.

Airsoft alternatives exist. AirsoftArtisan has one made from aluminum that is clamping and marked with a Brügger & Thomet logo. 19cm length. https://airsoftartisan.com/products/airsoft-artisan-l85-sa80-20mm-picatinny-rail-adapter

 

[ScottinTexas]

https://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/1_Piece_Adapter_Base_9_11mm_Dovetail_to_Weaver_Extension/8496
???

 

[Krinkovliu]

OldBesty: Thanks for your email. I am waiting for a response from AirsoftArtisan to some questions that I have about their adapter. The big question is: will this adapter, which was built for the airsoft market, withstand repeated use on an actual 9mm firearm? Your thoughts will be appreciated.

ScottinTexas: Thanks for your email. Unfortunately the URL that you sent links to an adapter that has a 11mm dovetail base.

Krinkovliu

 

[Mackjack]

OldBesty: Thanks for your email. I am waiting for a response from AirsoftArtisan to some questions that I have about their adapter. The big question is: will this adapter, which was built for the airsoft market, withstand repeated use on an actual 9mm firearm? Your thoughts will be appreciated.

ScottinTexas: Thanks for your email. Unfortunately the URL that you sent links to an adapter that has a 11mm dovetail base.

Krinkovliu

It's only 36 bucks. 3 boxes of 9mm costs more than that. Worth a try

 

[OldBesty]

OldBesty: Thanks for your email. I am waiting for a response from AirsoftArtisan to some questions that I have about their adapter. The big question is: will this adapter, which was built for the airsoft market, withstand repeated use on an actual 9mm firearm? Your thoughts will be appreciated.

I do not think it is an authentic B&T logo, but the clamping design seems it could be reasonably effective assuming the dovetail matches up (i.e., milled at proper angle). I think you will be the first test subject who ultimately answers the question if you end up trying it. I would certainly like hearing how it works out if you do.

I am with Mackjack that there is little to lose in trying at $36 (if they still have it in stock).

 

[Traveler]

John Andrewski makes a very nice rail.

 

[geeko9mm]

John Andrewski makes a very nice rail.

Do you have a picture of said rail?

 

[Super Dak©]

You can always make (or have made, or modify an existing) one. When I had my MK-V built, I had the rail studs put on. The sight I planned on using is for a 3/8" dovetail mount (Armson Pro Dot w/tritum) but I couldn't find anything that I could make work. I ended up making a blueprint style drawing (who'da thunk taking "mechanical drawing" in HS 35 years ago would finally pay off ) and sent it to an old retired Navy machinist (that also retired as a civilian machinist) that my brother knew from trap shooting, and about a week later (and $50) I had exactly what I had drawn. A 7.5" long x 1/5" wide aluminum 3/8" dovetail rail with countersunk screw holes, low enough to use the iron sights if I remove the Armson (3/8" tall at the center) , with both ends angled 45° (knuckle savers) duracoated black.