difference between weaver style and picatinny rail systems?

[General Geoff]

I was looking into getting a scope mount for my M14 from Smith Enterprise, and they have about four different mounts. Three of them are picatinny (1913) rails, and the fourth one (less than half the price of the others) is a "weaver style rail," which it says requires the use of weaver style rings.
Picture of the Weaver-style rail;
1913 rail

Reading the descriptions on this page, I can surmise that that picatinny rail also allows one to use the iron sights, even with a scope mounted. Other than that, however, what are the practical differences in mounting a scope with either of these?

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

The slots are spaced slightly differently, however, other than that they pretty much the same. I think the majority of items will work with either.

The ability to use iron sights isn't specific to either one. It's how the particular mount is designed.

Hope that helps.

Edit: Here's some more info: http://www.crpcactionpistol.org/page11.html

 

[General Geoff]

It does. I think the Picatinny rail is just a more complicated item to manufacture, with the groove through the rail so you can still use the iron sights with a scope mounted and such. I'll probably spring the extra money and get that one, honestly.