Who is running a slide mounted RDS?

[rugbydave]

Anyone else intrigued by the new Mepro MRDS with its QD mount and back-up Tritium Night Sight/Mount? I just ordered up a set from FOC for my CZ 85 Combat at a cost of $500 for the QD MRDS and Tritium Night Sights as a package deal.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this. I assume the mount goes in the dovetail and replaces your rear sights? I've been meaning to try a rds on one of my pistols but was planning on trying it on my G17 instead of my CZ85 Combat (that has a Shadow trigger and spring) because I didn't know there was an easy way of mounting a rds (non-permanently) to the CZ...

On a somewhat related topic, does anyone have any experience with the Outerimpact rds mounting plate on a G17? I'd like to try something non-permanent (but non crappy as well) before committing to getting my slide milled or getting a new slide, etc.

 

[7ECA]

EGW makes optic mounting plates for a variety of pistols. In the case of the CZs, they replace the rear sight by fitting in the dovetail. Obviously not quite as nice as the OEM optic ready setup, but it'll get the job done.

 

[marshall]

I have that sight base for a CZ( Jericho), have not got around to it yet.
I would prefer the milled slide, that may be in the future.
Got one for Sig , cheap one time , just incase.

 

[Bartok5]

EGW makes optic mounting plates for a variety of pistols. In the case of the CZs, they replace the rear sight by fitting in the dovetail. Obviously not quite as nice as the OEM optic ready setup, but it'll get the job done.

As of 1 April this year EGW no longer ships their Dovetail Mounts outside of the US due to tightening up of ITAR.

 

[xURSOx]

Front Serrations. I find you can smudge the RMR window with dirt or oil if you use you rack the slide with the RMR.

How do you rack your pistol? Grip the front serrations?

I just got a shadow 2 or and the lack of rear serrations means I gotta pinch really hard if I rack with the rear serrations

 

[marshall]

I #### the hammer first on my 45 and 9mm, and not that hard , I don't like pulling on the sight.
A Canik I use to have with the sight cuts and plates had a handle that would screw into the side of the sight plate to #### the slide.
that was a striker fired gun , so no hammer to ####.
I never really used it , stuck out too far, I think 2 short ones on both sides would work good .
The Russian Vostock MCM had a good system, 2 little ears, at front of the slide ( part of the take down), not great for holsters.
If you want a hard gun to ####, My Hi Standards 22's with the bridge sights are real hard , as the pivot point is so high and real heavy hammer springs

 

[Milofficer]

That Meprolight rear sight mount is an interesting solution, but I don't think there's enough meat there to secure the sight under hard use. I'd be worried about snapping off the sight / mount / rib if I had to use the MRDS to rack the slide under one-handed manipulation. Plus it's raising the sight higher on the slide than a dovetail mounting plate, which only increases your mechanical offset.

I'm getting a P226 shortly and I plan to send off the slide for direct milling, mostly because the slide is already so tall that I wouldn't want to perch an MRDS on top of it. I'd rather mount it as low as possible and accept the expense. My only problem now is that I have to decide what footprint to use because I'll be married to it. I can't afford an RMR, which would be my first choice, so I'm looking hard at the Vortex Venom or the Deltapoint Pro or the Holosun 507c. Unfortunately, they all have different footprints. The 507 appeals to me because it uses the same footprint as an RMR. So in theory, I can shoot the 507 and if I decide that I like shooting handguns with optics, I can at least upgrade to an RMR or the SRO in the future.

Btw if you guys want some in depth reviews on MRDS' for handguns, check out Sage Dynamics on YouTube. Aaron Cowan puts a number of popular optics through a pretty grueling testing regime.

 

[Bartok5]

That Meprolight rear sight mount is an interesting solution, but I don't think there's enough meat there to secure the sight under hard use. I'd be worried about snapping off the sight / mount / rib if I had to use the MRDS to rack the slide under one-handed manipulation. Plus it's raising the sight higher on the slide than a dovetail mounting plate, which only increases your mechanical offset.

Well, I have the Mepro system in-hand for my CZ85 and must say that I quite like it - particularly for pistols that are otherwise difficult to source dove-tail mounts for. I have to disagree with milofficer regarding the the durability of the MRDS mounting system. The QD clamp is a full centimetre in length and opposes a rail interface 2.5 cm long. The MRDS QD Mount provides as much clamping force as the dovetail itself, so I don't see it as a likely point of failure. Yes, the mechanical offset is increased however I encountered no difficulty in zeroing the Mepro MRDS at 8 yds. Does the taller mounting solution provide more leverage for damaging forces to act upon the sight? Yes, but I refer you back to the apparent durability of both the dovetail mount and the QD interface. At the end of the day, our Israeli friends don't make a habit of designing and manufacturing duty-grade products that are failure-prone....

 

[Innavedaw]

That Meprolight rear sight mount is an interesting solution, but I don't think there's enough meat there to secure the sight under hard use. I'd be worried about snapping off the sight / mount / rib if I had to use the MRDS to rack the slide under one-handed manipulation. Plus it's raising the sight higher on the slide than a dovetail mounting plate, which only increases your mechanical offset.

I'm getting a P226 shortly and I plan to send off the slide for direct milling, mostly because the slide is already so tall that I wouldn't want to perch an MRDS on top of it. I'd rather mount it as low as possible and accept the expense. My only problem now is that I have to decide what footprint to use because I'll be married to it. I can't afford an RMR, which would be my first choice, so I'm looking hard at the Vortex Venom or the Deltapoint Pro or the Holosun 507c. Unfortunately, they all have different footprints. The 507 appeals to me because it uses the same footprint as an RMR. So in theory, I can shoot the 507 and if I decide that I like shooting handguns with optics, I can at least upgrade to an RMR or the SRO in the future.

Btw if you guys want some in depth reviews on MRDS' for handguns, check out Sage Dynamics on YouTube. Aaron Cowan puts a number of popular optics through a pretty grueling testing regime.

If you havent already bought the P226, why not buy the RX version and forego the hassle of getting it milled.
About 4000 rounds on this one with no issues...And I have a Viper and a DPP on other pistols...I like the Romeo better than either.

 

[Bartok5]

I'm getting a P226 shortly and I plan to send off the slide for direct milling, mostly because the slide is already so tall that I wouldn't want to perch an MRDS on top of it. I'd rather mount it as low as possible and accept the expense. My only problem now is that I have to decide what footprint to use because I'll be married to it. I can't afford an RMR, which would be my first choice, so I'm looking hard at the Vortex Venom or the Deltapoint Pro or the Holosun 507c. Unfortunately, they all have different footprints. The 507 appeals to me because it uses the same footprint as an RMR. So in theory, I can shoot the 507 and if I decide that I like shooting handguns with optics, I can at least upgrade to an RMR or the SRO in the future.

You will most likely want the HS50c7C over the DPP and definitely over the Vortex Venom (a budget, range-grade MRDS IMHO). Their Performance, durability, reliability and "Shake Awake" features being roughly equal, the advantages of the 507C over the DPP are the price ($100 less expensive), Multi-Reticle selection (Dot, Circle, Circle-Dot), Solar Power Assist, and the shared footprint with the RMR. The last point is critical for a planned upgrade to the RMR, still the gold standard for MRDS (although the others are fast catching up). The RMR is without question the most robust of the MRDSs currently on the market, however its feature set is quite limited. No "Sleep" mode with "Shake Awake" technology to conserve battery power, the Bottom-loaded battery requires rezero every year when changed, only a simple Dot reticle is offered, etc. Still, if you want the ultimate in durability and reliability the Trijicon is still tops (IMHO) due to the patented force-deflection design of the housing.

I currently run 8x Adjustable LED RMRs (both Type 1 and 2), 5x HS507Cs, 5x DPPs, 2x ACROs, 1x Mepro, 1x Razor, and 1x Romeo 1. They are listed pretty much in my order of preference, although I like the ACROs and the Mepro about as much as I do the 507C and DPP. Each has its own respective advantages and disadvantages.

 

[Sinasta]

In terms a durability, RMR, Acro and 507/407C. Tons of reports of DPP dying after only 1k.

 

[Bartok5]

In terms a durability, RMR, Acro and 507/407C. Tons of reports of DPP dying after only 1k.

And yet the DPP was selected and type-classified by the US Army for use with the M17 MHS. I find it difficult to believe that the US Army would buy an unreliable MRDS based on price or domestic sourcing when they could literally pick whatecer worked best for their duty needs. No surprise that USSOCOM went RMR Type 2....

 

[Canuck44]

That Meprolight rear sight mount is an interesting solution, but I don't think there's enough meat there to secure the sight under hard use. I'd be worried about snapping off the sight / mount / rib if I had to use the MRDS to rack the slide under one-handed manipulation. Plus it's raising the sight higher on the slide than a dovetail mounting plate, which only increases your mechanical offset.

I'm getting a P226 shortly and I plan to send off the slide for direct milling, mostly because the slide is already so tall that I wouldn't want to perch an MRDS on top of it. I'd rather mount it as low as possible and accept the expense. My only problem now is that I have to decide what footprint to use because I'll be married to it. I can't afford an RMR, which would be my first choice, so I'm looking hard at the Vortex Venom or the Deltapoint Pro or the Holosun 507c. Unfortunately, they all have different footprints. The 507 appeals to me because it uses the same footprint as an RMR. So in theory, I can shoot the 507 and if I decide that I like shooting handguns with optics, I can at least upgrade to an RMR or the SRO in the future.

Btw if you guys want some in depth reviews on MRDS' for handguns, check out Sage Dynamics on YouTube. Aaron Cowan puts a number of popular optics through a pretty grueling testing regime.

I have to say you are on the right track. IMHO the Vortex/Burris offerings will do the job for most here. If you got the money and the need by all means spend north of $500 to close to a grand on an Optic. Once you have done that, the need really should be real.

I have posted above about a USPSA/US Steel shooter who has over 10K rounds on several Burris 111's with nary an issue. Vortex has a real life time warranty which, if funds are tight and you can't wait three months for warranty or the desire to buy yet another while you wait means something. Vortex sent me a replacement for an Original Sparc the day they received the old one only I got the Sparc11, an upgrade. I have had a Viper for six months now and have about 1K rounds on it now with no issues at all. I am still in the practice stage with it. Another of our club shooters uses hers all the time and must be closer to 3K on a Venom with no issues. I am not ready to shoot competitions with the Optic as I am still quite a bit faster with my irons. I don't expect an issue but know Vortex will replace the sight should it go down, no questions asked.

I am retired and for what i intend to use the gun for ie IDPA Competitions and local IPSC Club matches the sight is more than adequate. It resides on my Sig 320 Xfive and may return to my PPQ Match at some point.

The Optic sighted XFive would do well sitting, collecting dust in a thermal activated, finger print detectable table safe with a Canadian Flag on it or in a drawer by my bed but if it was there, just saying, it would have night sights on it not the Optic. Works for me, maybe not for others.

Some of the high end sights are only worth the money if you have a real need for the durability they are advertised to have. The difference between men and boys though, is the cost of their toys. Our value systems are all different where one sees real value another sees none.

Take Care

Bob

 

[Alchemist]

I have to say you are on the right track. IMHO the Vortex/Burris offerings will do the job for most here. If you got the money and the need by all means spend north of $500 to close to a grand on an Optic. Once you have done that, the need really should be real.

I have posted above about a USPSA/US Steel shooter who has over 10K rounds on several Burris 111's with nary an issue. Vortex has a real life time warranty which, if funds are tight and you can't wait three months for warranty or the desire to buy yet another while you wait means something. Vortex sent me a replacement for an Original Sparc the day they received the old one only I got the Sparc11, an upgrade. I have had a Viper for six months now and have about 1K rounds on it now with no issues at all. I am still in the practice stage with it. Another of our club shooters uses hers all the time and must be closer to 3K on a Venom with no issues. I am not ready to shoot competitions with the Optic as I am still quite a bit faster with my irons. I don't expect an issue but know Vortex will replace the sight should it go down, no questions asked.

I am retired and for what i intend to use the gun for ie IDPA Competitions and local IPSC Club matches the sight is more than adequate. It resides on my Sig 320 Xfive and may return to my PPQ Match at some point.

The Optic sighted XFive would do well sitting, collecting dust in a thermal activated, finger print detectable table safe with a Canadian Flag on it or in a drawer by my bed but if it was there, just saying, it would have night sights on it not the Optic. Works for me, maybe not for others.

Some of the high end sights are only worth the money if you have a real need for the durability they are advertised to have. The difference between men and boys though, is the cost of their toys. Our value systems are all different where one sees real value another sees none.

Take Care

Bob

Burris also has a no questions asked lifetime warranty apparently. One of the reasons I just got the Dante prism sight with free fast fire III optic.

 

[Canuck44]

Good to know. Thanks.

Take Care

Bob

 

[Elkbooger]

I have a Sig P320RX and a SW22 Victory with a Vortex Venom 3MOA.
The Victory is crazy accurate and a treat to shoot.
The nice thing about the P320 is the optic is factory installed and zero'ed and I have the luxury of co-witnessing the standard sights.

 

[Elkbooger]

I have a Sig P320RX and a SW22 Victory with a Vortex Venom 3MOA.
The Victory is crazy accurate and a treat to shoot.
The nice thing about the P320 is the optic is factory installed and zero'ed and I have the luxury of co-witnessing the standard sights.

Forgot the pic

 

[Milofficer]

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

I'm still not convinced the Mepro MicroRDS dovetail mount is the way to go, but if it works for you, Bartok, then that's awesome. I'm frankly jealous of your collection but I sincerely appreciate your knowledge dump and sharing the photos.

The reason why I'm opting for a slide mounted RDS is because the particular Sig I got off the EE had an RMR dovetail plate installed on one slide, but very badly. There is material milled or filed off the top of the slide already, so I figured that I'd use that slide as a donor for a direct mount since it's already been messed with. The deal included a complete second slide, so I can swap between irons and an RDS slide at will. I think I will opt for the 507c in the end, because even if I don't end up going for an RMR, the 507c's optic hood is one of the beefiest I've seen, and frankly I've had very good luck with other Holosun optics in the past. I'd like to put suppressor height sights on after the install as well.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

Enjoying my optics ready Shadow 2 with Vortex Viper red dot. I would say its a good set up.

 

[Alchemist]

Enjoying my optics ready Shadow 2 with Vortex Viper red dot. I would say its a good set up.

How was the fitment? I saw a video somewhere that mentioned an issue with screw lengths for either the plate to the gun or the optic to the plate, can’t remember.