Sidemounts....yes or no?

[kombi1976]

I'm considering using a sidemount on custom rifle but I'm testing the waters.
What are people's feelings on them?
Bad, ugly, effective, cool looking?
And post why you think they suck/rock etc.?

 

[DarrylDB]

I've used a side mount on a model 94, and an SKS. and hated it. Very troublesome IMHO, but to each his own

 

[Salty]

Take my negative views with a grain of salt Kombi as my experience is limited. Had an Enfield Sporter with P.H. side mounts that ended up going south. Of course right after I shipped the rifle to a new owner. Aluminum crap! Have a Cooey m75 with side mounts. Hate it. Its just not a strong enough system IMHO. Too much potential leverage on small screws. I'm sure some of the humungous rigs for ARs and such are plenty strong but for a sporter I say bit the bullet and drill some holes for a conventional mount. my $.02

 

[Dosing]

They were usually nothing but trouble, even a good steel one.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Can't say I've used one, but I just don't like the looks, or the feel, or the handling of rifles so equipped.

OMG I agreed with Dosing

 

[1899]

I had one on a Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1908. Those rifles needed them because of the split bridge, but they are bulky and unattractive (to my eyes). Plus you usually have to take wood out of the stock, so it's a one-way street.

 

[outdoors]

side mounts

They can be useable and sturdy as shown by the No.4T and M14 mounts as well as others however I just can't like them. To see a beautiful old 1886 or 71 Winchester or classic mauser with a side mount is almost criminal in my view. Then again high rise, see through mounts are very week and ugly but many people actually like them too.

As long as you are only putting it on an old Enfield or something, who cares.

Regards,

Outdoors

 

[Dosing]

OMG I agreed with Dosing

Admit it, you liked it

I agree that some of the side mounts can be tough and durable, but they also can be finicky, to be polite. The #1 issue I had with them was constantly allignment issues, between the bore and the rifle. It doesn't take much misallignment, and you suddenly 6 inchs off at 100yds (or worse).