First Thoughts on the Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount
Red dot sights have revolutionized shooting, offering quicker target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially in dynamic situations. But mounting them effectively can be a challenge. The Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount promises a robust, reliable, and versatile solution for attaching a Trijicon RMR to your firearm, maintaining a lower 1/3 co-witness with your iron sights. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, given Midwest Industries’ reputation for quality AR accessories.
I was looking for a QD mount that would allow me to easily transition between using my RMR and relying solely on iron sights. I’ve seen some cheaply made mounts fail under recoil, so reliability was paramount.
The mount arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was positive: the black finish was clean and even, and the mount felt solid in my hand. It was immediately apparent that this wasn’t some flimsy, airsoft-grade piece of metal.
I considered a few other options, including mounts from Scalarworks and American Defense Manufacturing. However, the Midwest Industries mount struck a balance between price and features, offering a QD system without the premium cost of the other brands. Plus, I’ve had good experiences with Midwest Industries products in the past.
I was definitely excited about the potential this mount offered. It promised a quick and secure way to mount my RMR while maintaining the ability to use my iron sights. If it performed as advertised, it would be a valuable addition to my AR setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, perfect for zeroing my RMR. Installation was straightforward; the mount attached securely to my Picatinny rail, and the RMR bolted directly onto the mount without issue.
The mount performed flawlessly throughout my initial range session. Even after several magazines of .223, the RMR remained firmly in place, and the QD lever didn’t loosen at all. Co-witnessing with my Magpul MBUS sights was perfect; the red dot sat just above the iron sights, allowing for unobstructed target acquisition whether I was using the optic or irons.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a weekend carbine course and multiple range trips, the Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve subjected it to various conditions, from dry and dusty environments to light rain. The mount hasn’t budged.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear, even after repeated removal and reattachment. The QD lever still locks up tight, and the finish remains intact. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to keep it in good condition.
Compared to some other QD mounts I’ve used in the past, the Midwest Industries mount offers a superior balance of durability and ease of use. It’s just as robust as higher-priced options, but without the complicated adjustment mechanisms that can be a pain to deal with in the field. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount
Specifications
The Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount is specifically designed to interface with Trijicon RMR pattern red dot sights. It is constructed from 6061 aluminum with a black hardcoat anodized finish. This ensures both durability and resistance to corrosion.
The mount is designed to provide a lower 1/3 co-witness with standard AR-15 iron sights. This allows the user to utilize their iron sights through the optic in the event of an electronic failure or damage to the red dot. The quick detach mechanism allows for rapid removal and reattachment of the optic without losing zero. This is a crucial feature for maintaining versatility in various shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount performs its primary function flawlessly. The RMR sits securely on the mount. The lower 1/3 co-witness provides a clear sight picture with or without the red dot activated.
The QD lever operates smoothly and locks up tight. It allows for quick and easy removal of the optic without the need for tools. The only minor improvement I could suggest would be a slightly more aggressive texture on the QD lever for improved grip in wet conditions. It largely meets expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount is excellent. The 6061 aluminum construction feels robust, and the hardcoat anodized finish provides a durable, non-reflective surface. The mount is lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the rifle.
The design is simple and functional. It’s easy to install and use, with no complicated adjustments required.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of materials and construction, the Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount should last for many years with proper care. The hardcoat anodized finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion. Periodic cleaning and lubrication of the QD mechanism are recommended to maintain optimal performance.
The design is relatively simple, with no small parts that are easily lost or broken.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount is primarily designed for use with Trijicon RMR pattern red dot sights. It does not require any additional accessories for basic functionality. However, it is compatible with various Picatinny rail-mounted accessories, such as backup iron sights and magnifiers.
As it is designed to co-witness with standard AR-15 iron sights, you can use pretty much any brand of back up iron sights. This makes it highly adaptable to various setups.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount
Pros
- Rock-solid QD mechanism ensures secure and repeatable zero.
- Lower 1/3 co-witness provides a clear sight picture with iron sights.
- Durable 6061 aluminum construction with hardcoat anodized finish.
- Simple and easy to install and use.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- QD lever could benefit from more aggressive texturing for improved grip.
- Only compatible with Trijicon RMR footprint optics.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount?
The Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount is perfect for AR-15 owners who want a reliable and versatile way to mount a Trijicon RMR red dot sight. This mount benefits competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, and tactical enthusiasts who need the ability to quickly transition between optics and iron sights. It also benefits anyone who appreciates a high-quality, durable product at a reasonable price.
Anyone using a red dot sight with a different footprint (such as Aimpoint Micro) or who doesn’t care about quick detach capability should skip this product. Someone who prefers a different co-witness height might also prefer a different mount.
A Trijicon RMR red dot sight and back up iron sights are must-have accessories for maximizing the effectiveness of this mount.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount
The Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount is an excellent product that delivers on its promises. It provides a rock-solid mounting solution for Trijicon RMR red dot sights, with a reliable QD mechanism and a convenient lower 1/3 co-witness. The build quality is top-notch, and the price is very reasonable.
The $99.95 price tag is absolutely justified given the quality and features offered. I would definitely recommend this mount to anyone looking for a dependable and versatile RMR mounting solution.
If you’re looking for a QD RMR mount that won’t break the bank, the Midwest Industries Quick Detach Trijicon RMR Lower 1/3 Sight Mount is a fantastic choice. Upgrade your AR today and experience the difference a quality mount can make!