Posted: 6/6/2011 4:00:46 AM EDT
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So as not to re-tell the entire story see this previous thread that I started in the optic forum : http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=538997
I want to keep the AimPoint swing mount and want a quality mount that is QD or otherwise able to get out of the way if I should trip over the cat & somehow break the AimPoint. I am in waaaaay over my head when looking at options for mounts so I thought I would just ask right out - What are my options here that would make this work? Have $ need mount! |
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Providing you can still see through both optics, differences in height between the M2 and the Magnifier DO NOT MATTER. If you have a Comp M4 or T1 Micro it still does not matter.
At the NRA show this year, we had an Aimpoint Comp M4 on one of the lowest mounts we make for it, in front of a 3X magnifier on the tallest...after being adjusted, it worked great. We had to point out the different heights. All unmagnified Aimpoints act the same. Once the dot is zeroed to your desired distance (most people zero at 100 yards), the dot can “travel” anywhere inside the viewing area (within reason) and be effective as an aiming point. In other words, unlike magnified optics, your head and eye does not need to be in the same spot each time you pull the trigger. In short, if you can see the red dot on the target…you can hit the target. Trying to achieve “absolute cowitness” with an Aimpoint is just like doing the same with a laser. I know, I know…there are folks that will tell you they want to practice “proper cheekweld” and enforce “muscle memory” when using an Aimpoint…good for them. But, that mind set does not free them to use the technology to its fullest. Try getting proper cheekweld upside down, shooting under a car or when your front lens (objective lens) gets caked with dirt...If you’re trying to hit that steel plate at 300 meters, sure…you need to pay attention to the basics, but anything at that distance is what a magnifier is designed for. 
A magnifier changes the rules. When a magnifier is placed behind the red dot, it effectively locks-in the “travel”. Cheekweld becomes important again, as you just made a 1X red dot into a low-powered riflescope. There are instances when the magnifier may need adjustment. Aimpoint did a great job of adding windage and elevation into the chassis of the 3X magnifier. First, zero your primary (in your case..an M2). Then adjust the windage and elevation screws on the magnifier. This will allow you to “center” the dot in the viewing area. Once centered, you shouldn’t need to touch them again for that rifle. 
All that being said, I’d recommend the LT755-30 pivot mount shown in the photo above. When not in use, the magnifier pivots out of the way. When you need the magnifier, it pivots back behind the red dot. I would also recommend the LT150 as an upgrade to your M2. When properly adjusted, LaRue mounts are easy to remove one-handed (and with practice, you can ditch just about any optic in about two seconds). By the way, these two mounts line-up aesthetically (not that it’s needed). |
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Good info as always, Mark. Follow-up question for you for my own personal use: I have one of your Absolute co-witness Micro mounts and was considering a magnifier. Would I be able to use your flip-to-side mount with the magnifier and still have the dot in the sight picture? I know it was designed for lower 1/3rd, so just wanted to make sure. Thanks.  |
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Quoted:
Good info as always, Mark. Follow-up question for you for my own personal use: I have one of your Absolute co-witness Micro mounts and was considering a magnifier. Would I be able to use your flip-to-side mount with the magnifier and still have the dot in the sight picture? I know it was designed for lower 1/3rd, so just wanted to make sure. Thanks. The LT751-mounted T1 works fine in front of an LT755-mounted magnifier, but is right on the edge Here's an extreme example of what I mean.. Distortion (as you approach the edge) may effect accuracy a bit (so this setup is not optimal, but it works). The proper setup would be an LT150 and an LT755...that way, you are hitting the sweet spot. 
(by the way, the magnifier needed no alteration when I set this up...the benefits of precision machining) ETA: A "Short" version of the LT-755 will be available very soon. I believe it will put the 3X somewhere like 1.535" above the rail (the LT751 is 1.40"). |
