AR Sponsor
Posted: 2/6/2012 11:58:34 PM EDT
|
I posted this in the JP section but I figured I'd drop it over here as well.
I recently purchased a Viking Tactics VTAC-RSM (Rail-Less Sling Swivel Mount) for my JP Enterprise/VTAC Rifle Length Hand Guard. This was the Sling mount I’d been waiting for since I didn’t care for the size or looks of the IWC Mount-n-Slot model. The RSM is aluminum; it’s approximately 2” long x ½” high and just over ¾” wide, it has rotation limiters, sleek rounded edges and a nice low profile. 
Let me front load this by saying that I do not own a VTAC Extreme Rail nor have I really looked at one real close so I do not know if the backing plate issue I had with my JP/VTAC Rail is of any concern on an Extreme Rail system. After getting the RSM the first thing I noticed was how narrow the backing plate was. You can see from the measurements in the picture below the backing plate provided with the RSM is barely wider than the slot in the JP/VTAC Rail. I had concerns that under load the backing plate could possibly pull through the rail so purchased a couple of the JP Enterprise Quick-Detach Sling Studs with Backer Plates (JPHGS). The JPHGS backer plates are much wider and thicker than the RSM backing plate and they provide a much larger purchase area; since they are thicker have more thread for the screws to thread into. 
A close up showing how much more purchase area the JPHGS has vs. the RSM. 
The other thing is the raised portion of the backing plate that is meant to fit into the rail slot. The RSM backing plate has a very narrow raised area that does nothing to center the backing plate in the JP/VTAC slot. This adds to the already difficult installation process and adds to my concern that the RSM could pull through the slot. The JPHGS is obviously made for the JP/VAC slot and engages the slot perfectly. 
It sucks that I have to spend additional money to make this sling mount work the way I think it should. Viking Tactics advertises the RSM as being able to work on the VTAC Extreme Rail or the JP/VTAC but as I pointed out the backing plate leaves a little to be desired when used on the JP/VTAC. If your planning on picking up a RSM to use on your JP/VTAC I suggest picking up a couple JPHGS if don’t have a couple laying around already but the best solution is for the RSM to be offered with a choice of backing plates depending on which model or rail it' going to be used on. |
AR Sponsor