10mm-Auto

General => Gunsmithing => Topic started by: Ruger4570 on January 06 2020 06:30:32 PM MST

Title: Optics mounting
Post by: Ruger4570 on January 06 2020 06:30:32 PM MST
Have a kimber custom 2 tle. Wanting ro mount a red style on it. I would to use the dove tail that is there, itxwas suggested  not a good idea. I seen ones that mount on frame above the slide. Anyone have experience?  Wanting to hunt with it.
Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: sqlbullet on January 07 2020 08:37:59 AM MST
There are a couple of issues the tactical crowd takes with using the rear site dovetail for mounting.

First, it precludes having back up iron sights.
Second, event if you do create a new dovetail for back up sights, but not recessing the RMR into the slide, you can't co-witness the sights.
Third, the sight mount is not quite as secure as having it recessed into the slide if you use a custom slide cut.

Item three is a bit overboard.  MOS style mounting systems also don't put the site in a custom sized recess that exactly fits the RMR.  No one has an issue.

Items one and two are not really an issue in my mind for a gun used for hunting.  If the RMR stops working you just go home.  Maybe I would change that tune if I was hunting dangerous game, but I probably would not choose a 1911 in 10mm for dangerous game either.

All that said, I don't have such a mount.  I have two RMR sights in my gunsafe waiting on me to mill the slides.  I was held up because I didn't have a rotary table for my mill, but Santa fixed that.  I just gotta get time to set up the cuts. 
Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: Ruger4570 on January 07 2020 10:26:22 AM MST
Thanks,   my big concern is how long will a sight on the slide last m geeting beat up every shot, cowitness was not a plan  vecause i have fixed sights , which is why I want a red dot on it
Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: sqlbullet on January 07 2020 11:23:29 AM MST
Modern RMR sights are quite durable.  They are designed to ride the slide.
Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: Ruger4570 on January 07 2020 05:26:38 PM MST
Where can I find rmr sights ?
Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: Rooster41 on January 07 2020 07:13:52 PM MST
I have a Gen 4 Glock 20. I put in an Outer Impact dovetail red dot mount. https://outerimpact.com/shop/red-dot-adaptermount-glock-pistol/

I can post a picture of it tomorrow if you wish. I have put around 300 rounds through the gun since mounting the optic. I chose the Vortex Venom. It holds zero very well. The mounting plate is nice and stable.

At the moment I only have the red dot as my only sight. With the added height of the mounting plate, If I were to add a suppressor height front sight I think the will co witness. But I haven't tried it yet. It works just fine right now. I don't use the gun for defensive purposes.

As far as the durability of the sight. The Vortex is exceeding my expectations so far. A "Vortex Rep" on another forum said the Venom is not fit for duty. Well I already had it, so lets see what happens.  I have a Vortex on a Gen 4 Glock 19 MOS. I use this gun for duty. It rides in a holster 40 hours a week. Gets about 100 rounds minimum through it monthly. I am at about 1200 rounds since putting the sight on it and put it into service in April of last year. I rack the slide off my belt, my boots, and tables or other objects. Since I took this picture I have added suppressor height night sights. Picture is of the G19. Ill put up a G20 pic when I get home from work.


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Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: jazzsax8 on January 08 2020 06:38:40 AM MST
Check this out.  https://www.umtactical.com/store/p3/UM3_Sight_Mount.html
I have used this to swap on several pistols for years and it works great.  Ease of mounting and repeat-ability is excellent.  Less than perfect compared to anything MOS but I only use it to test load accuracy but would work for hunting too.  Looks like it takes a different model from mine to work on a Kimber so not as flexible.
Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: sqlbullet on January 08 2020 02:35:27 PM MST
Quote from: Ruger4570 on January 07 2020 05:26:38 PM MST
Where can I find rmr sights ?

All the major outlets will have them.

I have Burris Fastfire 3 and Trijicon RMR TYpe 2.  The Leupold Delta Point Pro and Vortex Venom were high on my list as well, but I found deals on the Burris and Trijicon.
Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: Kenk on January 08 2020 03:55:58 PM MST
So the UM Tactical seems to hold a zero for the most part? I have looked at these in the past, but never really knew if they were worth the money
Thanks

Ken
Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: Ruger4570 on January 08 2020 06:27:46 PM MST
That sight mount looks like what i can use. Was wanting dovetail, but this  looks better . My kimber is standard 1911 with no rail under
Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: jazzsax8 on January 09 2020 06:02:58 AM MST
KenK

I agree on the money as they are now $100!  When I bought mine some years ago it was around $70 delivered.  It is a different design from those that it looks like and goes on and off easily without the pins used by others.  I assume it holds accuracy as I have shot quite a few 5 shot groups at 25yds using bags in load testing that measured 1 to1 1/4".  When I remove it then reinstall it might be off 1/8-1/4" at 25yds which could just as easily be how I am holding the pistol that day.  I am using the Burris Fastfire III on it.  They make a shim that goes in between the sight and its mount to help sight it in closer to the center of your adjustment range but it will still sight in at 25yds without it.  Its easy to also use your stock open sights under the mount.  I have thought about getting the slide machined but for most purposes like to shoot and carry with just the open sights so this mount works great for load testing or hunting where the more accurate red dot comes into play.  Being able to switch it from most pistols with a rail dulls the cost aspect vs dedicated set-ups.
Title: Re: Optics mounting
Post by: Kenk on January 09 2020 08:31:03 AM MST
Thanks jazzsax

Ken