Well my last thread was a bomb and no one responded…
So here the most intriguing of my multiple questions I asked in my last thread:
Why do so many people swap out the mount that comes with an Aimpoint for an after market mount? What are the benefits? Would someone be setting themselves back if they only purchased the aimpoint and not a mount like a Larue?
It depends on which Aimpoint you buy. The mount that comes with the C3, for example, is a simple scope ring that will put the optic too low to see. The mount that is integral to the H-1 and T-1 will similarly mount the optic too low.
The “high” mount that comes with the M2/3 series is the QRP. There have been lots of complaints about this mount over the years, due in large part to the “slip” knob that is used to tighten it on rails. It is also an “absolute cowitness” mount that puts the center of the optic in line iwth the line of sight between the rear and front sight.
Obviously the last piece of the puzzle is the QD feature, which I confess to find to be of less and less use. I’m not sure why I’m supposed to be taking the optic off my gun, nor can I figure out where else I’m going to put it. At least one theory is that if the optic becomes so damaged that you cannot see through it (or so occluded with mud, blood, whatever) you can remove it and use the iron sights. Only you can decide if you need that functionality.
Daniel Defense came out with a great non-throwlever mount for the Aimpoint H/T-1 that is lightweight and inexpensive and puts the centerline of the optic up higher so that the iron sights fall in the lower portion of the optic, below the centerline. I, for one, would like to see something similar for the M2/3 series.
+1 to Rob
The main reason is the Co witness. Another reason is return to zero. Not all mounts are created equal. Larue and the other reputable companies test and guarantee return to zero within 1 moa. This means you just need to verify zero and make a minor correction is you have to remove it.
I am running an Eotech, so I have to remove it to get to the handguard. This and the proper co witness nearly require a quality mount.
Last thing is you get to post in the “let me see your Larue, DD,KAC, gear”
I am a huge believer in the ability to remove the optical sight quickly. I have been made aware of too many instances where the optic took a bullet, or shrapnel, or a sim round, or just plain landed wrong on the concrete and the BUIS would be useless unless the damaged optic could be quickly discarded.
I’m not big into swapping optics simply for the sake of swapping, there’s a huge institutionally entrenched misconception among the current crop of Old Guard Marines that one can’t remove an optic from a rail and have it return to zero once put back in place, regardless of consistent, correct methodology. Utter nonsense, of course, and I like making them put their money where their mouths are, so I swap out several. Throw-lever mounts make this easier, though I keep a stock TA51 mount on an RCO just to show that the issue stuff is capable, as well.
Mostly, I look upon a throw-lever mount of whatever type less as a get it of quick feature than I do the idea that I can’t depend upon having tools on hand absolutely 100% of the time in the event I have a reason to remove an optic.
So with this and with Riverine’s statements in mind, would the quick release mount that comes with the M2/3 series Aimpoints suffice as a good mount? Or would you still upgrade to another quick release mount?
If it puts the optic at the height you want it (absolute or 1/3 co-wit), it’s a solid mount. I personally hate ratchet knob mounts because of the gigantic snag hazard the knob represents, though the one you’re talking about isn’t really that bad.
It’s still basically toolless, and a proven mount, so I think the question goes back to height. If it’s not at the right height, I think it makes sense to swap to a quality throw-lever if you’re going to swap in the first place.
Thank you all for taking the time to answer my questions. This has been a big help.
Sometimes when I go to the range I like to shoot the rds and then switch it out for a magnified scope for longer range fun. Because of this, I like having a mount I can remove and put back on without tools and without losing zero.
Whe I reinstall the red dot, I still fire a few rounds to check zero.
as has been stated, get QD if you think you need it. the QRP mount is a fine mount, buit the ratchet knob is gay and i’ve had them shoot loose several times. since i have no need for superfast QD, and always have a screw driver on me, i’ve taken to chopping the ratchet knobs off the QRPs and replacing with non-ratcheting, smaller thumbscrews that wont come loose or snag shit. its cheep and good. i love cheep and good.