First Impressions of Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set
The Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set promises a simple solution to a common problem for Glock owners looking to expand their aiming capabilities. The Glock Modular Optic System (MOS) is a fantastic concept, but without the correct adapter plate, you’re stuck with iron sights. This particular plate, designed for Doctor, Meopta, Insight, Vortex, and Burris optics on G20, G21, G22, G23, G35, and G40 MOS pistols, piqued my interest as I’ve been wanting to mount a Burris FastFire 3 on my G20 for hog hunting.
I’ve always believed that a good red dot can significantly improve target acquisition speed, especially in low-light conditions or when dealing with moving targets, like tracking a sounder of feral hogs. Several friends had recommended milling the slide for a direct mount, but I prefer the flexibility of the MOS system. This way, I can easily swap between optics or revert to the factory iron sights if desired, so the Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set seemed like the perfect compromise.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately underwhelmed by the simplicity of the kit. It’s essentially a small steel plate and three screws, but given its critical function, I examined the plate for any obvious machining flaws or inconsistencies. While the black finish appeared even and durable, the plate felt incredibly lightweight, raising concerns about its long-term durability under recoil. It certainly didn’t inspire the same level of confidence as the heavier steel plates I’ve used for other firearms, such as my AR-15.
Compared to the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro adapter plate I used on my Sig Sauer P320, the Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set feels significantly less substantial. Other aftermarket plates I considered, like those from Brownells and Agency Arms, offered more robust designs, but at a significantly higher price point. Ultimately, the low cost of the Glock plate, at just $12.99, made it worth trying despite my initial reservations.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. While the low price and ease of installation were appealing, I questioned whether the plate could withstand the pounding of repeated .40 S&W or 10mm rounds over time. I was eager to get it mounted and put it through its paces at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set took place at my local shooting range, where I spent an afternoon running drills with my Glock 20 and a Burris FastFire 3. Installation was straightforward: the plate mounted easily into the MOS cut, and the Burris optic attached securely to the plate with the provided screws. I made sure to use a dab of Loctite on the threads to ensure everything stayed put.
The weather was clear and dry, which provided ideal shooting conditions. I started with slow, deliberate shots to zero the optic and gradually increased my pace to simulate a more dynamic shooting scenario. While the red dot certainly improved my target acquisition speed, I noticed a slight shift in my point of impact after about 50 rounds. It was subtle, but enough to warrant concern.
After closer inspection, I discovered that one of the screws securing the plate to the slide had begun to loosen. Despite using Loctite, the vibrations from the pistol’s recoil were clearly taking their toll. This was a major red flag.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next several weeks, I continued to test the Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set during weekly range sessions and even took it on a hog hunt. Unfortunately, my initial concerns about its durability proved to be well-founded. The screws continued to loosen despite repeated tightening and the application of various thread-locking compounds.
By the end of the month, the plate itself showed signs of wear and tear, with slight deformations around the screw holes. While the plate never completely failed, the constant need to re-tighten the screws made it unreliable for any serious application. During the hog hunt, I had to frequently check the screws, which significantly detracted from my focus and confidence in the setup.
Maintenance was simple enough, as the plate could be easily removed and cleaned. However, the need for frequent maintenance to ensure proper function defeated the purpose of having a reliable optic mounting solution. Compared to the direct milling job I have on my Glock 19, this adapter plate proved to be a significant disappointment.
Breaking Down the Features of Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set
Specifications
The Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set is designed for use with Glock MOS pistols, specifically models G20, G21, G22, G23, G35, and G40. It is intended to facilitate the mounting of Doctor, Meopta, Insight, Vortex, and Burris optics.
- Manufacturer: Glock
- Red Dot Sights-Footprint: Docter
- Optic Cut: Glock MOS
- Color: Black
- Fit: Vortex, Meopta, Insight, Docter, Burris
- Condition: New
- Includes: One adapter plate, three 6 mm (M3x6) Torx screws with pre-applied glue.
These specifications are crucial because they dictate which firearms and optics the plate is compatible with. The Docter footprint is a common standard, but it’s essential to ensure your chosen optic adheres to this footprint to guarantee proper fitment. The inclusion of pre-glued screws is a nice touch, but as my testing revealed, it doesn’t guarantee long-term retention.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set is to provide a stable and secure platform for mounting a red dot optic on a Glock MOS pistol. In theory, it should allow for faster target acquisition and improved accuracy. In practice, however, its performance is severely hampered by the loosening screws.
The plate itself is functional, but its inability to maintain a secure connection to the slide undermines its effectiveness. The constant need to re-tighten screws makes it unreliable for defensive or hunting scenarios. I expect better performance and reliability from Glock products.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set is simple and straightforward. Its low profile is intended to minimize the added height of the optic, but the lightweight construction raises concerns about its ability to withstand recoil over time. The black finish blends seamlessly with the pistol’s slide, providing a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The ergonomics are largely dictated by the optic itself, but the added height of the plate can slightly alter the shooter’s grip and sight picture. I didn’t experience any major issues with the ergonomics, but others with smaller hands might find the increased height to be less comfortable.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set is questionable. The plate itself seems reasonably robust, but the screws are prone to loosening and the screw holes may deform over time.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and tightening of the screws. However, the frequent need for maintenance is a major drawback. Based on my experience, I wouldn’t expect this plate to last for more than a few years of regular use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set comes with only the adapter plate and three screws. There are no additional accessories or customization options included.
While the plate itself doesn’t offer much in the way of customization, it is compatible with a wide range of Doctor, Meopta, Insight, Vortex, and Burris optics. You can also use aftermarket screws with different thread-locking compounds in an attempt to improve retention, but this is a workaround, not a solution. Aftermarket suppressor-height iron sights would likely be needed to co-witness with any mounted optic, adding further cost.
Pros and Cons of Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Simple and easy installation.
- Compatible with a wide range of popular optics.
- Low-profile design minimizes added height.
- Seamlessly blends with the pistol’s slide.
Cons
- Screws frequently loosen under recoil.
- Questionable long-term durability.
- Requires frequent maintenance.
- Lightweight construction inspires little confidence.
Who Should Buy Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set?
The Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set might be suitable for recreational shooters who are on a tight budget and don’t mind frequent maintenance. It could also be a temporary solution for those who want to experiment with red dot optics before investing in a more robust mounting system.
This product is not recommended for law enforcement, military personnel, competitive shooters, or anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense or hunting. The unreliability of the plate makes it unsuitable for any serious application.
A must-have modification would be replacing the included screws with higher-quality alternatives and using a more effective thread-locking compound. However, even with these modifications, I would still question its long-term reliability.
Conclusion on Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set
The Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set promises a simple and affordable solution for mounting red dot optics on Glock MOS pistols. However, in practice, its performance is severely hampered by the loosening screws and questionable long-term durability.
The low price of $12.99 might seem appealing, but the unreliability of the plate ultimately undermines its value proposition. In my opinion, it’s better to invest in a more robust mounting system, such as direct milling or a higher-quality aftermarket plate.
I would not personally recommend the Glock Mos Adapter Plate 05 Mount Set to anyone who relies on their firearm for serious applications. While it might be suitable for casual range use, its unreliability makes it a liability in any situation where your life depends on it. Spend a bit more money for a solution that won’t fail when you need it most.