First Impressions of Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount
The Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount for the Beretta 1301 tactical shotgun promises to solve a problem I’ve encountered repeatedly: efficiently mounting a red dot optic while maintaining the usability of the factory ghost ring sights. Mesa Tactical is a known quantity in the tactical shotgun world, so expectations are high for this particular offering. This mount’s claim of co-witnessing with the factory sights is especially appealing as it allows for a quick transition to iron sights should the optic fail.
I’ve always appreciated the speed and precision that a red dot sight offers on a shotgun, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios. However, the traditional method of adding a Picatinny rail and then mounting the optic often results in a setup that sits too high, compromising cheek weld and recoil management. This mount is designed specifically to address that issue, offering a streamlined and integrated solution.
Upon receiving the Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the aluminum construction. The hard coat anodized finish looks durable and ready to withstand the rigors of hard use. Compared to similar mounts I’ve used in the past, such as generic Picatinny rail adapters, this mount feels much more robust and purpose-built.
I chose this Mesa Tactical mount over others because of its reputation for quality and the specific promise of co-witnessing with the Beretta 1301’s ghost ring sights. Other mounts might offer a lower price point, but the potential for a less-than-optimal fit and unreliable co-witness wasn’t worth the risk. My initial impression is one of cautious optimism; the quality seems evident, but the proof will be in the installation and performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount at my local shooting range, specifically focusing on its performance with a Trijicon RMR mounted on my Beretta 1301 Tactical. The range offered a variety of target distances and shooting scenarios, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the mount’s effectiveness. I ran several drills, including rapid target acquisition, transitions between targets, and engaging moving targets.
The weather conditions were mild, with a slight breeze. The most significant factor was the bright sunlight, which provided a good test of the RMR’s visibility. I immediately noticed the co-witnessing was nearly perfect right out of the gate. The factory ghost ring sights were easily visible in the lower third of the RMR window.
The mount’s low profile helped me maintain a consistent cheek weld and manage recoil effectively. There was a learning curve involved in getting used to the slightly different sight picture. I found that I was able to rapidly acquire targets with the red dot while still having the reassurance of the backup iron sights. After about an hour, I felt comfortable using the setup. The only initial issue I noticed was slight loosening of the mounting screws after about 50 rounds. I addressed this by applying a small amount of thread locker.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my Beretta 1301 Tactical. The mount has held up well under repeated recoil and exposure to various weather conditions. I have used the shotgun in both dry and wet environments, and the mount has shown no signs of rust or corrosion.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the mount itself. The anodized finish remains intact, and the mounting screws have remained secure after applying thread locker. I cleaned the mount after each range session, simply wiping it down with a cloth and applying a small amount of lubricant to the screws.
Compared to previous optic mounting solutions I have used, the Mesa Tactical mount is a significant improvement. It offers a lower profile, a more secure attachment, and the invaluable benefit of co-witnessing with the factory sights. This mount has not only met my expectations but has exceeded them. It provides a practical and reliable solution for mounting a red dot optic on the Beretta 1301 Tactical.
Breaking Down the Features of Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount
Specifications
The Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount is specifically designed for the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun. Its primary feature is an integrated Trijicon RMR reflex sight footprint, enabling co-witnessing with the factory ghost ring sights. The mount is constructed from machined aluminum with a hard coat anodized flat black finish.
It mounts directly to the drilled and tapped receiver holes on the Beretta 1301 Tactical. It’s important to note that this mount is not universally compatible; it is explicitly designed for the Beretta 1301 Tactical and A300 shotguns. The aluminum construction provides a balance of strength and weight savings. The hard coat anodized finish enhances durability and resistance to corrosion.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the mount’s ability to provide a secure and reliable platform for mounting a red dot optic. The precise RMR footprint ensures a proper fit and consistent zero. The co-witnessing feature provides a crucial backup sighting option. The durable materials and finish ensure the mount can withstand the rigors of tactical use.
Performance & Functionality
The Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount excels in its primary function: providing a low-profile and secure mounting solution for a Trijicon RMR on the Beretta 1301 Tactical. The co-witnessing feature is exceptionally well-executed. It allows for a seamless transition between the red dot and the factory ghost ring sights. The mount’s low profile contributes to improved recoil management and a more natural cheek weld.
The mount is extremely reliable and has maintained its zero through hundreds of rounds of various shotgun loads. The primary weakness, if any, is the initial need to apply thread locker to the mounting screws. The mount exceeds expectations in terms of ease of use, durability, and overall performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount is excellent. The machined aluminum construction feels robust and precise. The mount’s weight is minimal, adding little to the overall weight of the shotgun. The low profile design enhances the shotgun’s ergonomics, allowing for a comfortable and natural shooting position.
The mount is user-friendly and requires no specialized tools for installation (beyond the appropriate Torx wrench for the screws). There is virtually no learning curve involved in using the mount. The co-witnessing feature is intuitive and requires no adjustments or modifications.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount is designed for long-term durability. The aluminum construction and hard coat anodized finish provide excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and impact. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years of hard use.
The mount is easy to maintain and requires minimal cleaning. Simply wiping it down with a cloth after each use is usually sufficient. Periodically checking the mounting screws and re-applying thread locker is recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount does not come with any additional accessories beyond the necessary mounting screws. The primary customization option is the choice of red dot optic to mount on the RMR footprint. It’s compatible with any red dot sight that utilizes the Trijicon RMR footprint.
The mount is not designed to be compatible with other types of optics or accessories without modification. However, the RMR footprint is widely supported in the aftermarket. This allows for a wide range of red dot sights to be used.
Pros and Cons of Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount
Pros
- Perfect co-witness with factory ghost ring sights, providing a reliable backup sighting system.
- Durable aluminum construction with a hard coat anodized finish for long-lasting performance.
- Low-profile design enhances ergonomics and recoil management.
- Easy to install with minimal tools required.
- Secure RMR footprint ensures a precise and stable optic mount.
Cons
- Requires thread locker on mounting screws to prevent loosening.
- Limited to RMR footprint optics, restricting the range of compatible sights.
Who Should Buy Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount?
This mount is perfect for Beretta 1301 Tactical owners who want to add a red dot optic without sacrificing the functionality of their factory ghost ring sights. It’s ideal for tactical shooters, law enforcement professionals, and home defense enthusiasts. These users benefit most from the fast target acquisition and improved accuracy that a red dot sight offers, combined with the reliability of a backup iron sight system.
Those who prefer other optic footprints (such as Aimpoint Micro or Holosun 507k) should skip this product, as it is specifically designed for the Trijicon RMR. Similarly, if a co-witnessing setup is not a priority, other mounting options might be more suitable.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality Trijicon RMR red dot sight. A thread locker is essential for securing the mounting screws. A quality Torx wrench is also recommended for proper installation.
Conclusion on Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount
The Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount is an excellent product that delivers on its promises. It provides a secure, low-profile, and co-witnessing solution for mounting a Trijicon RMR on the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun. The price is justified by the quality of construction, the thoughtful design, and the significant performance benefits it offers.
I would personally recommend this mount to anyone looking to enhance the capabilities of their Beretta 1301 Tactical. The Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount offers a practical and reliable upgrade that improves both speed and accuracy. Take your Beretta 1301 to the next level – invest in the Mesa Tactical Reflex Sight Mount today!