Scope mount apparatus and method

Abstract

A scope mount apparatus for attaching an optical scope to a firearm is provided. The scope mount apparatus includes at least one base with at least one fastening element for attaching the base to the firearm. The scope mount apparatus also includes two scope rings operatively connected to the at least one base. An integral sighting system is mounted with respect to the base. The scope mount apparatus is configured such that an unobstructed line of sight extends between the scope rings and the base. The unobstructed line of sight contacts or intersects the sighting system so that a user of the firearm has the option of using either a scope in the scope rings or the integrated sighting system to aim at a target.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A scope mount apparatus for use with a firearm having a receiver, a barrel operatively connected to the receiver, and an accessory attachment element mounted to at least one of the receiver and barrel, the scope mount apparatus comprising:
 a first scope ring and a second scope ring;   at least one base;   at least one fastener operatively connected to said at least one base and engageable with the accessory attachment element to attach said at least one base to the firearm;   structure interconnecting the at least one base and the first and the second scope rings; and   a sighting system, wherein the sighting system is positioned such that, when the at least one fastener is operatively connected to the accessory attachment element, a line extends between the first and the second scope rings and the at least one base portion and extends through the sighting system.   
     
     
         18 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the sighting system is a sighting system different from an iron sights. 
     
     
         19 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the sighting system is a laser sight. 
     
     
         20 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the line is an unobstructed line of sight along a length of the scope mount apparatus. 
     
     
         21 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the sighting system is a red dot sight. 
     
     
         22 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the sighting system is a red dot sight. 
     
     
         23 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the structure integrally interconnects the at least one base and at least one of the first and the second scope rings. 
     
     
         24 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one base includes a first base, the structure includes a first wall and a second wall, and the first base, the first wall, the second wall, and the first scope ring define an aperture, and the sighting system is disposed in the aperture. 
     
     
         25 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the sighting system is disposed on one of the at least one base. 
     
     
         26 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein
 the at least one base includes a first base and a second base, and   the structure includes:
 at least a first wall interconnecting the first base and the first scope ring, and 
 at least a second wall interconnecting and second base and the second scope ring. 
   
     
     
         27 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 17 ,
 the at least one base includes a first base defining a first surface and a second base defining a second surface;   said at least one fastener includes a first fastener operatively connected to the first base and a second fastener operatively connected to the second base;   said structure includes first and second walls interconnecting the first base and the first scope ring;   said structure includes third and fourth walls interconnecting the second base and the second scope ring;   the first wall, the second wall, the first surface, and the first scope ring define a first aperture;   the third wall, the fourth wall, the second surface, and the second scope ring define a second aperture.   
     
     
         28 . The scope mount apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein
 the minimum distance from the first surface to the first scope ring is 0.605 inches, and   the minimum distance from the second surface to the second scope ring is 0.605 inches.