Rifle Scopes Mounting Options for a MRDS??????

[MtGoat]

I just traded for a Burris Fastfire to get a start with mini red dot sights (MRDS). Now how to mount the sight???

It will get mounted on an AR with a S&B M40A3 scope in an ADM mount. I have been looking at the mounting options suggested in the forum and have not seen a discussion between the different options. I will be using the main scope for longer range shots and the RDS for close in coyotes.

1) Mount on top of the scope (seems to be the "worse option as you lose your cheek weld and it would appear to be the slowest).

2) Mount at a 45 degree angle off the scope. I am not sure but after rotating the rifle it would seem like you would have to change your cheek weld????

3) Mount off the rail beside the main scope at a 45 degree angle. Looks like it may have promise.

4) Mount forward of the scope at a 10 degree or a 45 degree angle (I need feedback on the two options and which works better and the plus and minuses of each).

5) Mount far forward of the scope (same issues as in 4???)

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Pat

 

[MtGoat]

Re: Mounting Options for a MRDS??????

This one has promise. I am not sure if it can be mounted next to the scope but it would work well for the Fastfire either right in front or way out in front... http://amsmachine.net/index_files/Page423.htm

Here is a Daniel Defense 10 degree mount that looks very intteresting (this is a copy of a photo posted earlier by a fellow Hider). What are the pluses and minuses of mounting the MRDS just infront of the main scope and clear out by the gas block? I am using a LaRue rail so it should be solid.

Here is the DD 1:00 O'clock mounted out front. Which is better RDS closer to the eye or further out or does it make a difference?

Here is Matt Burkett's option. It would seem that the DD option would be easier to use as you don't have to rotate the rifle as much. This is a very nice option though.

This is JP Enterprises option. This looks like it may fit under the scope.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Mounting Options for a MRDS??????

I have to say this is one problem for which there is no analytical solution - it's buy and try until you find a way that works for you. Luckily these little rail mounts aren't terribly expensive and hopefully you have some accessory rails like those in the picture to attach them to. Some people like them up close and others like them further toward the muzzle. I'm still working on a solution with a T1 and NF 2.5-10x32. An MRDS is pretty small, so there might be fewer constraints compared to the bulkier T1 body. I also have an Aimpoint TA31 with a Docter MRDS in the piggy back position and it does work.

Just keep trying until it works. You might have to give up on the idea of a great cheek weld, after all it's only a 223 and you'll be shooting up close.

PS Don't call it "done" until you have actually sighted in both your scope the and the MRDS and tried everything out. With the MRDS at the muzzle end of the rail, you might have to stretch your neck a little farther to see the up-close sighting point than if the MRDS is to the rear. I'll be doing this tomorrow at the range myself. For 30mm scope tubes, GG&G make a ring with a platform for an MRDS, but nothing for a 34mm tube. I use this on my hunting AR and it seems to work pretty well. I may post some images later in the week.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Mounting Options for a MRDS??????

I got busy during the Super Bowl halftime, so here are some red dots I have mounted on three ARs.

First, a TA31 with a Docter MRDS mounted piggy back. This is an easy transition, but you wind up with a chin weld.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Mounting Options for a MRDS??????

Second is my hunting rifle with a Zeiss Diavari-DA 1.5-6x with low turrets. The Docter is mounted straight up on a GG&G mount. Again, this takes a chin weld to use the red dot, but it works and the transition isn't bad.

If your elevation turret is too tall to see over, then cock the MRDS 45 degrees to one side. However, GG&G don't make the ring mount for a 34mm tube.

GG&G B-Comp mounting ring and platform for a MRDS

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Mounting Options for a MRDS??????

Last is an Aimpoint T1 on my New Town NF-15. This rifle has BUIS and a NF 2.5-10x32. I haven't sighted in the rifle with the T1, so this may be a temporary mounting position. The T1 is on a Daniel Defense "1 o'clock" rail. Obviously this rifle is set up for a left-handed shooter.