Let’s Talk About Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail
The Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail is a budget-friendly solution for mounting a micro red dot sight to your Smith & Wesson M&P pistol. Designed by Leapers UTG, this mount offers a simple installation process by utilizing the existing rear sight dovetail. This promises a non-permanent modification to your firearm, allowing you to return to the original sights if desired.
As an avid shooter and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve always sought reliable and cost-effective ways to enhance my firearms. I needed a way to mount a red dot to my M&P without permanent modification for faster target acquisition. The promise of a simple, reversible installation using the rear sight dovetail was the main selling point.
Upon receiving the Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail, I was initially impressed by its slim profile. The mount felt surprisingly lightweight, constructed from what appeared to be decent quality aluminum with a matte black finish. My initial assessment focused on the potential for a clean and unobtrusive red dot setup.
I’ve used similar dovetail mounts from other brands, like those from Glockmeister and Suarez International. While those options were more expensive, they boasted tighter tolerances and a more robust feel. My hope was that the Leapers UTG mount would provide a functional alternative at a fraction of the cost.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The mount seemed promising for a budget-conscious upgrade. However, the lower price point raised concerns about long-term durability and fit.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail at my local shooting range. The range offered a variety of target distances, allowing me to assess the mount’s impact on my M&P’s accuracy and handling. The weather was clear and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing the red dot setup.
Installation was initially straightforward, but the mount felt loose within the dovetail. The provided screws seemed insufficient to fully secure it, leading to noticeable wobble and movement. This immediately impacted my confidence in its ability to hold zero.
Even with the red dot installed, the mount exhibited a slight shift after each shot. This required constant readjustment, making accurate shooting a frustrating challenge. The red dot sight was difficult to zero due to the mount’s instability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 200 rounds, the Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail showed significant signs of wear. The finish began to chip around the edges, and the screws holding the red dot sight loosened frequently. I ended up removing it because of its unreliability.
The mount’s instability only worsened with repeated use. Attempts to tighten the screws further risked stripping the threads, rendering the mount unusable. Cleaning was simple, but the constant need to retighten screws became tiresome.
Compared to higher-end dovetail mounts I’ve used, the Leapers UTG mount falls far short in terms of reliability and durability. It did not meet my expectations for a reliable red dot mounting solution. It was a major disappointment after having used other dovetail mounts in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail
Specifications
The Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail is machined from 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum for lightweight durability. While the aluminum construction is a positive, the execution of the machining and tolerances leave much to be desired.
It features a matte black finish for corrosion resistance and a low-profile appearance. The matte finish scratches easily and is not particularly durable.
The mount is compatible with S&W M&P double stack pistols and designed for installation into the rear sight dovetail. While compatible, the fit isn’t snug enough to ensure stability.
The Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail has a 0.16″ Saddle Height, a 1.84″ Length, and a 1.10″ Width. This is a low profile, but the height is irrelevant if it doesn’t stay securely in place.
It’s designed for the UTG RDM20 Reflex Micro Dot, but also supports other sights with a Docter footprint. This is a good feature because it increases the versatility of the mount.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail is to provide a stable platform for mounting a micro red dot sight. Unfortunately, it performs poorly due to the loose fit within the dovetail and the tendency for screws to loosen.
The mount’s main weakness is its inability to maintain zero and provide consistent accuracy. The loose fit compromises the mount’s ability to hold the red dot securely. The only real strength is its low price.
It fell far short of my expectations. I expected basic stability and the ability to hold zero, but this mount failed to deliver.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail boasts a slim, low-profile design that integrates well with the lines of the S&W M&P pistol. The lightweight aluminum construction contributes to minimal added weight.
Installation is straightforward, but the loose fit and the need for frequent adjustments make it less user-friendly. There is a learning curve as one tries different methods to improve stability.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction suggests moderate durability. However, the loose fit and the tendency for screws to strip raise concerns about its longevity.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning. However, the constant need to retighten screws suggests the mount may not last long under regular use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail comes with the necessary installation hardware and tools. This is a nice touch for a budget-priced item.
It is designed to fit red dot sights with a Docter footprint, making it compatible with a range of popular optics. There aren’t any other customization options aside from the choice of compatible red dot sights.
Pros and Cons of Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point.
- Slim, low-profile design.
- Compatible with red dot sights with a Docter footprint.
- Simple installation process (in theory).
- Lightweight aluminum construction.
Cons
- Loose fit within the dovetail.
- Inability to maintain zero.
- Screws loosen frequently.
Who Should Buy Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail?
The Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail might be suitable for someone on an extremely tight budget who is willing to accept significant compromises in performance and reliability. If you only need to mount a red dot temporarily and are not concerned about accuracy, this might suffice.
Anyone serious about accurate shooting or who relies on their firearm for self-defense should skip this product. The instability and unreliability make it unsuitable for any critical application.
A higher-quality dovetail mount or a professional milling job for a direct red dot mount are must-have modifications if you want a reliable red dot setup on your M&P. Trying to improve this mount is not worth the time, effort, or additional expense.
Conclusion on Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail
The Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail promises an affordable way to mount a red dot sight to your S&W M&P pistol, but its performance falls short. The loose fit, inability to maintain zero, and questionable durability make it a poor choice for serious shooters.
The low price doesn’t justify the compromise in reliability and accuracy. In this case, spending more on a higher-quality mount is a worthwhile investment.
I cannot recommend the Leapers UTG Super Slim RDM20 Mount – S&W M&P Rear Sight Dovetail. Its poor performance outweighs its affordability, and ultimately it’s better to save up for a more reliable option. Don’t waste your money on this product; invest in something that will actually enhance your shooting experience and provide a stable platform for your red dot sight.