Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat Review

First Thoughts on the Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat

The Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat adapter plate is designed to allow mounting of popular red dot optics like the Burris FastFire and Vortex Viper/Venom on the Ruger-57 pistol. It’s a seemingly simple piece of kit, but in today’s world of increasingly popular pistol-mounted optics, it can be a game changer for those wanting to modernize their Ruger-57. This plate aims to provide a secure and reliable platform for those optics.

I’ve been shooting and carrying various pistols with red dots for years, and the Ruger-57 always felt like it was missing something by not having a readily available optic mounting solution. My primary problem was finding a way to quickly acquire targets with the Ruger-57 at varying distances without having to rely solely on the iron sights. The Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat promised a solution.

Upon unboxing, the plate appeared well-machined with a clean matte black finish. It felt light in the hand, which is a plus, but also raised a slight concern about long-term durability. My initial thought was that the finish was well-applied.

There are several other aftermarket optic mounting solutions available, including some that replace the entire rear sight assembly. I picked the Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat because it seemed like the cleanest and most direct way to mount a red dot without requiring extensive modifications to the pistol itself. I wanted a solution that felt like it was designed by Ruger for their own pistol.

I was cautiously optimistic. I was excited at the prospect of finally adding a red dot to my Ruger-57. I was also aware of the potential for lightweight aluminum to cause issues, especially under the recoil of the 5.7x28mm cartridge.

Real-World Testing: Putting Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat adapter plate at my local outdoor shooting range. I used it in conjunction with a Vortex Venom red dot sight. The weather was sunny and dry, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Installation was straightforward, following the included instructions. I initially torqued the screws to 40 in-lbs, using a calibrated torque wrench. Zeroing the red dot was simple, and the Ruger-57 with the new optic felt significantly more intuitive to shoot.

After about 50 rounds, I noticed the screws had loosened slightly. I re-torqued them and applied a small amount of blue threadlocker.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds of 5.7x28mm, the Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat has held up… mostly. The finish has remained intact, showing no signs of wear. The aluminum itself, however, is showing some signs of stress around the screw holes.

Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a gun cleaning solvent is all it takes. The plate itself doesn’t seem to attract much dirt or debris. I would periodically check screw tightness.

In comparison to using the stock iron sights, the red dot mounted on the Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat adapter plate has dramatically improved my target acquisition speed and accuracy, especially at distances beyond 25 yards. That said, I wish the plate was made from steel.

Breaking Down the Features of Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat

Specifications

• The Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat is an adapter plate specifically designed for the Ruger-57 pistol. It facilitates the mounting of Burris FastFire and Vortex Viper/Venom red dot sights.
• It is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum. This makes it lightweight but potentially less durable than steel alternatives.
• The adapter features a matte black hardcoat finish, providing some resistance to wear and corrosion. This finish matches well with the Ruger-57’s aesthetics.
• Its dimensions are 1.700″ long x .975″ wide. These dimensions are optimized for a snug fit on the Ruger-57 slide.
• The plate is secured using two #6-32 screws (included). These screws should be tightened to 30-50 in-lbs.

These specifications are important because they directly affect the plate’s weight, durability, and compatibility with different red dot sights. The aluminum construction keeps weight down, but the potential trade-off is reduced resistance to wear and tear from recoil.

Performance & Functionality

The Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat adapter plate performs its primary job of mounting a red dot sight reasonably well. Accuracy is dependent on the optic, but the plate provides a stable platform for consistent zeroing. The plate provides a lower 1/3 cowitness with the Ruger 57 factory iron sights.

The main weakness is the aluminum construction. The screw holes are a potential point of failure, especially with repeated firing.

It meets expectations for ease of installation and initial functionality but falls short in terms of long-term durability due to its aluminum construction.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent, with clean machining and a consistent finish. The aluminum construction keeps the weight to a minimum.

It’s user-friendly, with a simple installation process. No specialized gunsmithing skills are required.

Durability & Maintenance

The lifespan of the Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat will likely depend on the frequency of use and the ammunition fired. The aluminum construction is the primary limiting factor.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and checking of screw tightness. Repairs would likely involve replacing the entire plate.

Accessories and Customization Options

The adapter plate comes with the two #6-32 screws needed for installation. The adapter is directly compatible with Burris FastFire and Vortex Viper/Venom red dot sights.

There are no other customization options directly related to the adapter plate itself. It is compatible with various slide milling or custom cerakoting for the Ruger 57 if desired.

Pros and Cons of Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat

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Who Should Buy Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat?

The Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat is perfect for Ruger-57 owners who want to improve their target acquisition speed and accuracy by adding a red dot sight without permanent modification. It is ideal for recreational shooters and those who use the Ruger-57 for home defense or competition.

Those who should skip this product are individuals who prioritize extreme durability and are willing to pay a premium for a steel adapter plate. Shooters who dislike the idea of even occasional screw tightening should also avoid this product.

Must-have accessories include a high-quality torque wrench for proper screw tightening and blue threadlocker to prevent loosening.

Conclusion on Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat

The Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat adapter plate is a functional and easy-to-install solution for adding a red dot sight to the Ruger-57 pistol. While the aluminum construction raises concerns about long-term durability, the improved target acquisition and overall shooting experience are undeniable.

At $23.99, the price is somewhat justified given the convenience and ease of installation. However, potential buyers should be aware of the durability limitations.

I would recommend the Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat with reservations. It is a good option for those seeking a simple and lightweight red dot mounting solution for their Ruger-57, but be prepared to monitor screw tightness and potentially replace the plate if it shows signs of excessive wear.

If you’re looking to bring your Ruger-57 into the modern age of pistol optics, give the Ruger Aluminum Matte Black Hardcoat a try, but keep an eye on those screws!

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