What Is Arca-Swiss?

When it comes to precision shooting, millimeters matter. The slightest instability or miscalibration can make a big difference to your shooting. That's why marksmen use bipods, tripods, and other mounting systems to gain more stability and control. Arca-Swiss is one example of this. But what exactly is Arca-Swiss? This company started in the world of photography, but its technology was quickly adapted for use with rifles. Read on to learn more about the Arca-Swiss rails and how they help hunters and marksmen shoot more accurately.

The Evolution of Arca-Swiss Rails

The Arca-Swiss company was founded in 1926 by Alfred Oschwald in Zurich, Switzerland. The company initially specialized in camera repair but gradually expanded its offerings, and by the 1990s, it was manufacturing its own camera mounting system to allow photographers to quickly attach cameras to tripod heads and make precise adjustments for steady, stable photography.

It didn't take long to figure out that the same things that made the Arca-Swiss rails desirable for photographers were also important for marksmen and that it would be relatively easy to adapt the Arca mounting system to attach accessories to rifles rather than cameras.

The easy attachment and quick-release mechanism of Arca rails make them ideal for quickly attaching support systems to rifles. The rugged design and ease of use of the Arca-Swiss system offer mobility and stability in one convenient package.

What Is an Arca Rail? 

When long-range shooting enthusiasts talk about Arca-Swiss systems, the first one that typically comes to mind is the Arca rail. This universal mounting system has a 45-degree dovetail cutout to connect to clamping jaws, making it easy to attach, move, and remove accessories from the rail.

What sets the Arca rail apart from other mounting systems is that the design allows for toolless attachment. Everything securely clamps or screws into place. The durable nature of the design allows users to attach and remove accessories repeatedly without the fear of latches or clamps breaking or wearing out. The accessories are firmly in place, giving unmatched stability compared to traditional mounts.

The Arca rail has become the gold standard for mounting shooting accessories. It's compatible with a variety of different platforms, so those who own multiple rifles can take advantage of that compatibility, reducing the need to purchase multiple mounts for different equipment types.

Arca Rail for Rifle Shooting

Methods of Integration

Today, it's not uncommon to find Arca rails machined into the chassis system. However, it's also possible to easily add the rails to a rifle that doesn't have them built in by using M-LOK attachments or drilled holes. 

What Are the Benefits of an Arca Rail?

Arca rails offer a high level of convenience, allowing gun owners to mount various accessories quickly and easily without tools or additional adapters. When used to attach tripods or bipods, users benefit from stability and precision that goes far beyond what's offered by other solutions.

The design is widely adopted and can be used with:

• Tripods
• Bipods
• Other accessories

The versatility of the mount is just one of its benefits, however. Where it really shines is the convenience it offers. Adding and removing accessories using an Arca rail is a quick, frictionless process. Simply slide the attachment into position and tighten a screw so it's clamped into place. When you want to remove it, loosen the screw and slide the attachment off.

The Arca rail is strong and durable, and the design ensures the mount is securely in place with no unwanted movement once it's attached.

In addition, some manufacturers make attachments compatible with more than one rail type, so you can use the same tripod or bipod head for both Arca rails and Picatinny mounting systems.

RRS Lok? 

The RRS Lok is a mounting interface system designed by Really Right Stuff (RRS) for precision shooting applications. It allows for the seamless attachment of accessories like bipods, tripods, and other stability-enhancing gear directly to a rifle chassis, just like any other RRS Spec arca rail. What sets the RRS Lok apart is that they have integrated holes that give the RRS Lok clamp a mechanical stop to reduce slippage. When integrated into a rifle chassis, RRS Lok provides a robust, low-profile, and more secure attachment for these accessories, enabling shooters to quickly adjust their setup. This improves overall accuracy, stability, and ease of use, making it particularly beneficial for precision shooting, long-range shooting, and tactical operations.

Choosing and Using Arca Rails

If you're considering purchasing an Arca rail to attach to an existing firearm, consider the following issues before you make a purchase:

• Rail length. Will the rail be too long for my rifle's forend?
• Compatibility. Can the rail accommodate your existing accessories?
• Dovetail Specifications. Is the dovetail made to RRS specifications?

The final point is something many people overlook when they start to explore the world of rifle accessories. The term "Arca rail" is often used to refer to any rail that follows the dovetail design. However, these rails aren't always cut to the same standard. This can lead to frustration when people mix brands and find the stability of their bipod or tripod isn't at the level they expected it to be.

Arca-Swiss is a trusted brand known for its precision and quality. It's a safe bet for people who need to feel confident they're buying a product designed to specific measurements.

Other manufacturers can make rails using the dovetail design. The RRS Specifications exist to ensure consistency between rails and attachments. Buyers considering purchasing a rail that wasn't made by Arca-Swiss should confirm that the other manufacturer is following RRS standards.

Installing an Arca mount onto a rifle isn't a complex job, but does require some drilling work. Read the instructions and measure carefully before starting the installation. Use as many fasteners as possible to ensure a secure, stable mount, and keep your rail clean to ensure easy operation.

Elevate Your Shooting: Explore Arca-Swiss Today!

Arca-Swiss may have gotten its start in the world of photography, but the precision, stability, and adaptability of the company's rail design are beneficial for shooters too.

If you're looking for a reliable, stable rail for your rifle, take a look at XLR Industries' range of Arca-Swiss accessories. Call 970-241-1807 or contact us today to discuss your rifle accessory needs.