Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount, Black – – 1 out of 3 models Review

What Makes Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount, Black – – 1 out of 3 models Stand Out?

In the world of shotguns, versatility is king. Adding a reliable optic can significantly enhance accuracy, especially for hunting or tactical applications. The Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount, Black – – 1 out of 3 models promises a simple solution for mounting optics without requiring permanent modifications to your firearm. This is an attractive feature for shotgun owners who want to maintain the original integrity of their firearm, or those who are not comfortable with gunsmithing.

My journey to finding this mount started with a common problem: wanting to improve the accuracy of my trusty old Remington 870 for deer hunting. I was tired of relying solely on iron sights, especially in low-light conditions. I needed a stable platform for a red dot sight without the expense and hassle of drilling and tapping the receiver.

Upon unboxing, the Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount felt surprisingly solid. The black finish was even and appeared durable, and the polymer composite felt robust despite being lightweight. The build quality seemed decent enough for the price point, and I was eager to see how it would perform in the field.

I considered a few other options before settling on the Weaver mount. There were some similarly priced saddle mounts, but many had questionable reviews regarding stability and fit. I was also tempted by some higher-end, railed forends, but ultimately wanted to preserve the classic look and feel of my shotgun. The Weaver mount seemed to strike a good balance between affordability, ease of installation, and functionality.

My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism. “No gunsmith” mounts can sometimes be finicky, but I was hopeful that Weaver had designed a reliable product. Only real-world testing would reveal if this mount could truly deliver on its promises.


Real-World Testing: Putting Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount, Black – – 1 out of 3 models to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount on my Remington 870 at my local shooting range. The weather was typical for late fall: damp and chilly. Installation was indeed straightforward, taking only about 15 minutes using basic tools.

The mount clamped securely onto the receiver, and my red dot sight attached easily to the Weaver rail. Initial shots at 25 yards showed a noticeable improvement in accuracy compared to using the iron sights. The mount felt stable, and there was no noticeable shift in point of impact after several rounds.

The only initial issue I encountered was a slight loosening of the screws after about 50 rounds of buckshot. This required a quick tightening, but it was a minor inconvenience. Overall, my first range session with the Weaver mount was positive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount has held up surprisingly well. It has endured multiple trips to the range, as well as a few deer hunts in varying weather conditions. There are no major signs of wear and tear, and the finish has remained intact despite exposure to rain and mud.

Regular maintenance involves simply wiping down the mount with a clean cloth and occasionally checking the screws for tightness. I’ve learned to apply a small amount of thread locker to the screws, which has prevented them from loosening during extended shooting sessions. Compared to some of the more elaborate mounting systems I’ve used in the past, the Weaver mount is incredibly easy to care for.

Previously, I used a permanently mounted rail system on another shotgun, which required gunsmithing. While that system was rock solid, I appreciate the versatility and ease of use that the Weaver mount provides. It allows me to quickly switch between using an optic and using the shotgun’s iron sights, depending on the hunting situation.

Breaking Down the Features of Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount, Black – – 1 out of 3 models

Specifications

The Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount is constructed from a tough polymer composite material. This provides a good balance between durability and weight, keeping the shotgun relatively light. It features a multi-slot Weaver style rail for mounting various optics and accessories.

The mount is designed to fit specific shotgun models (one out of three models), ensuring a snug and secure fit. It maintains a low profile, minimizing interference with the shotgun’s handling characteristics. The manufacturer claims the mount will operate in temperatures of -40 degrees F to 150 degrees F, showcasing its versatility in extreme weather conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount is to provide a stable platform for mounting optics. In this regard, it performs admirably. The mount holds zero well, even with heavier recoil loads.

One strength is definitely the ease of installation. The “no gunsmith” design eliminates the need for professional installation, saving time and money. However, the potential for screws to loosen over time is a weakness that needs to be addressed with regular maintenance.

It definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of ease of installation and value for money. I was initially concerned about its durability, but it has proven to be surprisingly robust.

Design & Ergonomics

The Weaver mount’s low profile design is a major plus. It doesn’t add excessive bulk to the shotgun, maintaining a comfortable feel in hand. The composite material is lightweight and doesn’t significantly alter the shotgun’s balance.

The mount’s design is relatively user-friendly. The only potential learning curve involves ensuring proper alignment during installation and understanding the importance of regularly checking screw tightness.

Durability & Maintenance

The tough polymer composite construction suggests good longevity. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent corrosion and ensure proper function.

Given the straightforward design, repairs should be relatively simple if needed. Replacement screws and other small parts are readily available.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount itself does not come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide range of Weaver style optics, including red dot sights, holographic sights, and scopes. Its multi-slot base also accommodates various accessories such as flashlights and lasers.

Its compatibility with other Weaver accessories adds to its versatility. I was able to easily mount my existing red dot sight without any modifications.

Pros and Cons of Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount, Black – – 1 out of 3 models

Pros

  • Easy “No Gunsmith” Installation: Allows quick mounting of optics without permanent modifications.
  • Affordable Price: Provides a cost-effective solution for adding optics to a shotgun.
  • Durable Polymer Composite Construction: Offers good resistance to wear and tear.
  • Low Profile Design: Minimizes interference with shotgun handling and balance.
  • Versatile Weaver Rail: Compatible with a wide range of optics and accessories.

Cons

  • Screws Can Loosen Over Time: Requires regular checking and tightening, potentially needing thread locker.
  • Model Specific Fit: Requires selecting the correct model for your specific shotgun.


Who Should Buy Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount, Black – – 1 out of 3 models?

This mount is perfect for hunters seeking to improve their accuracy with optics without the need for gunsmithing. It is also ideal for recreational shooters who want to experiment with different sighting systems. It is also a good choice for tactical shooters looking for a versatile and affordable mounting solution.

This product is not for individuals who demand the absolute highest level of stability and are willing to invest in more expensive, permanently mounted systems. Those who are uncomfortable with basic maintenance and screw tightening may also want to consider other options.

A must-have accessory for this mount is a small tube of thread locker to prevent screws from loosening. It’s also worth considering a set of high-quality Weaver style scope rings for optimal optic mounting.

Conclusion on Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount, Black – – 1 out of 3 models

The Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount, Black – – 1 out of 3 models is a solid and practical solution for adding optics to your shotgun without the hassle of permanent modifications. While it may require some occasional maintenance, its affordability, ease of installation, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment. The Weaver mount offers excellent value for the money.

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a simple and effective way to enhance their shotgun’s versatility. For a reasonable price, the Weaver No Gunsmith Shotgun Saddle Mount allows shooters to adapt their shotgun to a variety of shooting scenarios, enhancing accuracy and overall shooting experience.

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