Aimpoint cantilever mounts

[Telperion]

I've been reading about using a cantilever mount for the Aimpoint on an AR-15. The reasons seem to come down to:

1. Mounting farther forward for faster target acquisition
2. More room to attach a magnifier or NV optic
3. CDI factor

Any other advantages? Regarding #1, are there reasons to prefer a cantilever mount on the receiver, to a normal mount on a solid, free-floated railed handguard?

TIA

 

[AK103K]

I prefer the sight farther out front than closer to the rear. Its less in your face and gives you a better field of view, and like you said, makes mounting other things easier.

I have a GG&G cantilever mount on my Armalite flat top and it works well. Its far enough forward to not really be in the way. I also have a couple of AK's with the Ultimak handguard mount, and actually prefer the sight the farther forward that it allows, but the cantilever AR mount works well, and I dont see spending the extra money on redoing the front end for the little extra distance gained. Then again, if you have the money and desire...

The GG&G mount works well, and though its not a lever mount, it still seems to hold zero when removed and replaced. I believe they do now have a lever mount too. It also has on board battery storage, besides the Aimpoints. I also have a set of their fold down BUIS on the gun too. They cowitness perfectly and are out of the way till you need them. They run deals on packages, thats how I picked my Aimpoint and mount up. I basically picked up both for just slightly more than the M2 alone at the time.

http://gggaz.com/index.php

Armalite with GG&G cantilever mount and Aimpoint

AK with Ultimak and Aimpoint

 

[Telperion]

I also like having the optic farther out. The question I'm particularly interested in is, why not mount it on a railed foreend? Is it still better to use a cantilever mount?

BTW, that's a very nice AK103 clone.

 

[Zak Smith]

Hi,

The main reason to mount it to the receiver is that the receiver is fixed to the barrel, and fore-ends can move-- well, some can, and some are less likely to. If the fore-end tube is loose, the rifle is still operable, however if the barrel is loose relative to the receiver, the rifle will not operate (or not for long!)

I also don't like to mount things on the FF rail if I help it, just because it tends to put more weight forward on the rifle.

If you can afford them, get the LaRue mount.

I'm running the old straight-up LaRue Aimpoint mount as far forward on the receiver as it goes, and I have no complaints-- but the PVS14 will not fit behind it.

[ link to LARGER image ]

 

[AK103K]

Something like this may be the best of both worlds.

http://www.armsmounts.com/catalog.php?action=124&item_id=37

Takes most of the handguard issue away and is also about half the price, and you get the flip up rear sight too.

 

[Outlaws]

nm