An example optical sight mounting system comprises an optical sight having a base that can be secured to an adapter interface of a pistol slide. The base of the optical sight is configured to that it can be rotated into position within the adapter interface of the pistol slide. In this way, the optical sight can be mounted on a pistol and used to aim. Another example optical sight mounting system comprises an optical sight having a base that can be secured to an adapter interface of an optical sight mount. The base of the optical sight is configured so that it can be rotated into position within the adapter interface of the optical sight mount. The optical sight mount is configured to releasable engage a mounting interface of a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail). In this way, the optical sight can be positioned on a firearm (e.g., a rifle) and used to aim.