The present invention relates to mounting systems for optical sighting devices and, more specifically, to a mounting system permitting repeated attachment and detachment of an optical sighting device relative to a supporting base without interfering with the alignment of the device. The invention finds particular, but not exclusive, utility in a telescope mount for a rifle or other firearm.
In normal usage, optical sighting devices must be removed from their supports for purposes of cleaning, maintenance, transportation, storage, or protection. Upon completion of one or more of these functions, the sighting device must be reattached to its support, hopefully without interfering with the alignment of the device. With mounting systems of the type heretofore known, reattachment without disturbing the previous alignment of the sighting device would be extremely difficult and, in many instances, impossible.