I get a lot of PM’s from guys asking how to go about using Simrads with larger optics. Here’s a few solutions I have found:
1. Remove objective sunshade. This gains clearance and also allows the clip on to be used with optics that have larger than 42mm objectives. By removing this piece which I have found not to be required and the combination of the Spuhr A-0018 rail on a Spuhr mount (slightly longer than Badger) allows the unit to be used with most scopes. The sunshade removes by backing out the two small Allen screws located on each side.
2. Machine off the portion of the frame that supports the sunshade. This gains an extra .320” of clearance by itself. The only downside to this modification is that it’s permanent and you will no longer be able to mount the sunshade.
3. Extension pieces for the mount. The extensions shown below are actually what the KN253 units use the mount to its body since it doesn’t use the same frame system as the KN203. These work with the KN203’s extending the mounting significantly. It does change the mounting height however but you can bolt the mount either to the top or bottom so you have the option to raise or lower the unit for whichever works best for your application. I see two potential issues with this however, the first being sourcing the pieces themselves which I’m working on having some made which should solve the supply issue. The second is that it increases the cantilever of the unit itself putting more stress on the mounts. I have no doubt that the unit and Simrad mounts can take it, my concern would be exceeding what the Spuhr rings are capable of. I will be emailing Spuhr to get their thoughts. Pending response Badger may be an alternative solution since the steel may prove beneficial in this circumstance. Spuhr does make a very long replacement ring cap however for a different version of a Simrad mount so I think there’s a good probability that they will respond that the mount will handle the load.
The KN253's with just the sunshade removed also allow about .250" longer mounting length with the KN203 with it's sunshade removed.
For those looking to use shorter/stubby objective scopes with short front tube mounting lengths the "old style" Simrad mount may prove beneficial as the dovetail mounting length is about .110" shorter which may aid being able to get the mount on the dovetail if the clearance of the front of the dovetail to the objective bell is tighter.
At the end of the day the Simrads are amazing performing units and they will work for most applications but they aren't quite as simple as just having a continuous picatinny rail or EFR and 1.5" mounts like the more standard clip ons. They do however cost 1/3 of what the lowest priced comparable inline clip on does which buys a lot of mounts, or a second unit and some mounts. They do have an advantage however if you have a platform which doesn't have a continuos rail or an EFR. If you can use Badger or Spuhr mounts on your application, they you can run them.
1. Remove objective sunshade. This gains clearance and also allows the clip on to be used with optics that have larger than 42mm objectives. By removing this piece which I have found not to be required and the combination of the Spuhr A-0018 rail on a Spuhr mount (slightly longer than Badger) allows the unit to be used with most scopes. The sunshade removes by backing out the two small Allen screws located on each side.
2. Machine off the portion of the frame that supports the sunshade. This gains an extra .320” of clearance by itself. The only downside to this modification is that it’s permanent and you will no longer be able to mount the sunshade.
3. Extension pieces for the mount. The extensions shown below are actually what the KN253 units use the mount to its body since it doesn’t use the same frame system as the KN203. These work with the KN203’s extending the mounting significantly. It does change the mounting height however but you can bolt the mount either to the top or bottom so you have the option to raise or lower the unit for whichever works best for your application. I see two potential issues with this however, the first being sourcing the pieces themselves which I’m working on having some made which should solve the supply issue. The second is that it increases the cantilever of the unit itself putting more stress on the mounts. I have no doubt that the unit and Simrad mounts can take it, my concern would be exceeding what the Spuhr rings are capable of. I will be emailing Spuhr to get their thoughts. Pending response Badger may be an alternative solution since the steel may prove beneficial in this circumstance. Spuhr does make a very long replacement ring cap however for a different version of a Simrad mount so I think there’s a good probability that they will respond that the mount will handle the load.
The KN253's with just the sunshade removed also allow about .250" longer mounting length with the KN203 with it's sunshade removed.
For those looking to use shorter/stubby objective scopes with short front tube mounting lengths the "old style" Simrad mount may prove beneficial as the dovetail mounting length is about .110" shorter which may aid being able to get the mount on the dovetail if the clearance of the front of the dovetail to the objective bell is tighter.
At the end of the day the Simrads are amazing performing units and they will work for most applications but they aren't quite as simple as just having a continuous picatinny rail or EFR and 1.5" mounts like the more standard clip ons. They do however cost 1/3 of what the lowest priced comparable inline clip on does which buys a lot of mounts, or a second unit and some mounts. They do have an advantage however if you have a platform which doesn't have a continuos rail or an EFR. If you can use Badger or Spuhr mounts on your application, they you can run them.
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