What Makes Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount – 172784 – 1 out of 13 models Stand Out?
Red dot sights on pistols are no longer a novelty; they’re increasingly becoming a staple for enhanced accuracy and faster target acquisition. Among the various red dot options, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro stands out for its robust build and clear glass. But mounting a red dot to a pistol that wasn’t originally designed for one can be tricky. This is where the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount – 172784 – 1 out of 13 models comes in, offering a solution to seamlessly integrate your optic.
My journey to this mount began with a desire to modernize my trusted Glock 19. I wanted the speed and precision of a red dot without permanently modifying my slide. Countless hours were spent researching mounting options, leading me to the Leupold offering due to its reputation for quality and a promise of easy installation.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel of the mount. The black anodized aluminum felt robust, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of daily carry and range use. The included screws, neatly packaged, hinted at a well-thought-out design.
I considered options from Trijicon and Dawson Precision, but the Leupold mount edged out the competition due to its perceived ease of installation and the Leupold name. The price point, hovering around $60, also felt reasonable for a product of this caliber.
Initially, I was excited at the prospect of a quick and easy upgrade. However, a small part of me was skeptical about whether a simple dovetail mount could truly provide the stability and zero retention I needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount – 172784 – 1 out of 13 models to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial testing ground was my local shooting range. I installed the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount on my Glock 19 in about 15 minutes, following the clear instructions provided (available online, as none were included in the box). Installation involved drifting out the rear sight, sliding the mount in its place, and securing it with the provided set screws. The DeltaPoint Pro then attached securely to the mount using the included hardware.
The conditions were typical for a summer day – sunny and a bit humid. Performance was immediately noticeable: target acquisition was significantly faster compared to the iron sights. The red dot allowed me to maintain focus on the target while quickly aligning the pistol.
The only hiccup occurred after about 50 rounds when I noticed the set screws on the mount had loosened slightly. A quick tightening with the included Allen wrench solved the issue, but it highlighted the importance of checking the screws regularly.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past six months, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount has proven to be a reliable addition to my Glock. The mount has seen approximately 1000 rounds and multiple range trips, and it still holds zero reasonably well after tightening the screws.
I haven’t noticed any significant signs of wear and tear on the mount itself. The anodized finish has held up well, resisting scratches and dings from regular use. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth.
Compared to my previous experiences with other mounting solutions (mostly Picatinny rail adapters), the Leupold mount offers a much cleaner and more streamlined profile. While it doesn’t provide the absolute rock-solid stability of a milled slide, it strikes a good balance between ease of installation and acceptable performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount – 172784 – 1 out of 13 models
Specifications
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount – 172784 – 1 out of 13 models is designed specifically for attaching a DeltaPoint Pro reflex sight to handguns that accept standard dovetail rear sights. It is constructed from machined aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet durable platform. The mount comes with two sets of screws: one for attaching the mount to the firearm and another for securing the DeltaPoint Pro to the mount.
- Material: Machined Aluminum. This keeps the weight down while providing adequate strength.
- Compatibility: Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sights. This mount is specifically engineered for this optic.
- Mounting Style: Dovetail (replaces rear sight). This allows for non-permanent modification of the firearm.
- Included Hardware: Mounting screws for both mount-to-slide and optic-to-mount. This ensures all necessary components are included.
These specifications are critical because they dictate the mount’s weight, durability, and compatibility. The aluminum construction ensures the mount doesn’t add excessive weight to the pistol, affecting handling and balance. The dovetail design offers a relatively simple installation process without requiring permanent modifications to the firearm’s slide.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount is to provide a stable and secure platform for the DeltaPoint Pro reflex sight. It accomplishes this reasonably well, providing a repeatable zero after the initial installation and screw tightening.
The mount’s strength lies in its ease of installation. The biggest weakness is the potential for the set screws to loosen over time, requiring periodic checks and tightening. The mount meets expectations for a non-permanent mounting solution but doesn’t surpass the stability of more permanent options.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional. The low profile of the mount minimizes its impact on the pistol’s overall size and weight. The aluminum construction ensures it’s lightweight and relatively comfortable.
The mount’s user-friendliness is high, requiring minimal gunsmithing skills for installation. There’s a slight learning curve in terms of regularly checking and tightening the set screws.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction should provide a reasonable lifespan under normal use conditions. Signs of wear and tear have been minimal in my testing.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and screw tightening. No specialized tools are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount doesn’t offer many customization options on its own. Its primary function is to adapt the pistol to accept the DeltaPoint Pro optic.
The mount is designed to be compatible exclusively with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. It’s not intended for use with other red dot sights that utilize different mounting footprints.
Pros and Cons of Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount – 172784 – 1 out of 13 models
Pros
- Ease of installation: No gunsmithing required.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to slide milling.
- Lightweight aluminum construction.
- Allows for use of the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro on pistols without pre-cut slides.
- Provides a decent sight picture and improved target acquisition.
Cons
- Set screws can loosen over time, requiring periodic tightening.
- Not as stable as a milled slide for mounting the optic.
- Exclusively compatible with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro.
Who Should Buy Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount – 172784 – 1 out of 13 models?
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount is perfect for shooters who want to add a red dot sight to their pistol without the expense and permanence of slide milling. It is also suitable for those who want to experiment with a red dot optic before committing to a more permanent solution. This is a great option for casual range shooters and home defense enthusiasts.
This product should be skipped by competitive shooters or anyone who requires the absolute most stable and reliable optic mounting solution. They should invest in slide milling or a dedicated optic-ready slide.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality set of Allen wrenches to ensure proper tightening of the set screws. Thread locker (such as Loctite) can also be used, but with caution, as it may make future removal more difficult.
Conclusion on Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount – 172784 – 1 out of 13 models
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount – 172784 – 1 out of 13 models offers a viable and affordable solution for mounting a DeltaPoint Pro to a pistol without modifying the slide. While it’s not without its limitations (specifically the potential for screws to loosen), it provides a significant improvement in target acquisition and accuracy compared to iron sights.
The price is justified for those seeking a non-permanent and relatively easy-to-install option. The mount strikes a good balance between cost, convenience, and performance.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of pistol red dots without breaking the bank or permanently altering their firearm. Upgrade your pistol today and experience the benefits of a red dot sight with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Dovetail Mount!