How to Install a Dovetail to Picatinny Adapter Mount

By Texas Precision Optics Inc | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to install a dovetail to picatinny adapter mount on your rifle. Step-by-step guide for a secure, low profile rail adapter setup.

Quick Answer

To install a dovetail to picatinny adapter mount, first ensure your rifle has an 11mm dovetail rail, then slide the adapter onto the rail, tighten the screws evenly, and use the recoil stop pin to lock it in place.

Why Use a Dovetail to Picatinny Adapter?

Many air rifles, rimfire rifles, and some European firearms come with an 11mm dovetail rail. This rail is great for traditional dovetail rings, but it limits your scope and accessory options. A dovetail to picatinny adapter converts that 11mm rail into a standard 7/8" Picatinny rail, opening up compatibility with Picatinny-standard scopes, red dot sights, and other accessories.

The adapter is especially useful if you want to mount a modern red dot or a scope with a Picatinny base on a rifle that only has a dovetail rail. It saves you from having to replace the entire rail system.

What to Look for in a Dovetail Adapter

Not all dovetail adapters are the same. Key features to consider include material quality, height, and locking mechanism. A low profile design keeps your optic close to the bore axis, which helps maintain accuracy. A recoil-resistant stop pin is crucial for preventing the adapter from shifting under heavy recoil.

For example, the 3/8" 11mm to 7/8" 20mm Dovetail to Picatinny Adapter Mount from Texas Precision Optics Inc is made from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, offering a good balance of strength and weight. Its height of 0.67" keeps the optic low, and the stop pin ensures solid zero retention.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Rifle: Ensure the rifle is unloaded and the action is open. Clean the 11mm dovetail rail thoroughly with a solvent to remove any oil or debris. A clean surface ensures the adapter grips properly. Skipping cleaning can cause the adapter to slip under recoil.
Step 2: Position the Adapter: Slide the dovetail to picatinny adapter onto the rail from the rear of the receiver. Align it so the Picatinny slots face upward and the recoil stop pin is oriented toward the muzzle or rear, depending on your rifle's recoil direction. Hand-tighten the screws just enough to hold the adapter in place. Check that the adapter is centered and not tilted; an off-center mount will affect scope alignment.
Step 3: Tighten the Screws Evenly: Using a hex wrench (usually 3mm or 4mm), tighten the screws in a crisscross pattern to apply even pressure. Torque to about 15-20 inch-pounds if you have a torque wrench, or tighten firmly but avoid over-tightening which could strip the aluminum threads. Uneven tightening can cause the adapter to cant, leading to a crooked scope.
Step 4: Engage the Recoil Stop Pin: If your adapter has a recoil stop pin, adjust it so it fits into a notch on the dovetail rail (if present) or against the rear of the rail. Tighten the pin's set screw to lock it in place. This prevents the adapter from sliding forward under recoil. Without engaging the stop pin, the adapter may shift after repeated shots, losing zero.
Step 5: Mount Your Optic: Now that the adapter is secure, mount your Picatinny-standard scope rings or red dot base onto the adapter's Picatinny rail. Level the optic, tighten the ring screws to the manufacturer's recommended torque, and verify the eye relief. Double-check that all screws on both the adapter and the optic are tight before heading to the range.

Product Facts

3/8" 11mm to 7/8" 20mm Dovetail to Picatinny Adapter Mount, Low Profile Dovetail to Picatinny Rail 11mm to 21mm Picatinny Riser Mount (DV11-24S): Made from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, this adapter fits 11mm dovetail rails and converts to a 7/8" Picatinny rail. Height is 0.67", width is 1.02". Includes a recoil resistant stop pin. The 6061-T6 aluminum provides durability without adding much weight, and the stop pin prevents the mount from sliding under recoil, keeping your zero consistent.
3/8" 11mm to 7/8" 20mm Dovetail to Picatinny Adapter Mount, Low Profile Dovetail to Picatinny Rail 11mm to 21mm Picatinny Riser Mount (DV11-24S)