American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT Review

First Impressions of American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT

The American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT promises to be a simple and effective solution for adding optics or accessories to your 12-gauge shotgun. Made by American Tactical Imports, this saddle mount boasts an easy installation using thumb screws, a feature that immediately caught my attention. I’ve always appreciated simplicity and practicality, and this product seemed to offer both.

I’ve been looking for a reliable way to mount a red dot sight on my trusty old 12-gauge for deer season. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be, and a red dot would significantly improve my accuracy in low-light conditions. I wanted something that didn’t require gunsmithing or permanent modifications to my shotgun.

My initial impression upon receiving the American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT was one of utilitarian simplicity. It’s a no-frills design, constructed from what appears to be lightweight but adequately strong aluminum. The finish is a basic matte black, and the thumb screws look sturdy enough for repeated use.

I considered other options, including some more expensive, railed forends. However, I wanted to keep the weight and profile of my shotgun as slim as possible. The NOMAD saddle mount seemed like the least intrusive option for mounting an optic. My first thought was, “This could be a game changer for my upcoming hunt…or a total bust.”

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Real-World Testing: Putting American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT at my local shooting range. The weather was mild and dry, perfect for sighting in my red dot. Installation was surprisingly straightforward, taking only a few minutes using just the included thumb screws.

The mount felt secure during the initial rounds of testing with light target loads. My main concern was whether it would maintain zero with heavier hunting loads. After about 25 rounds of 00 buckshot, I noticed a slight shift in my point of impact.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, I can say that the American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT requires a bit more vigilance than I initially anticipated. The thumb screws need to be checked and tightened periodically, especially after firing heavier loads. I’ve noticed the mount can shift slightly after about 10-15 rounds of buckshot.

The aluminum construction has held up well, with no signs of cracking or bending. However, the finish is starting to show some wear around the edges, likely due to contact with the shotgun receiver. Cleaning is relatively simple; I just wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session. While it hasn’t outperformed some of the more expensive, permanently attached options I’ve used on other firearms, it certainly offers a budget-friendly solution.

Breaking Down the Features of American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT

Specifications

The American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns. It is manufactured by American Tactical Imports. The saddle mount attaches to the receiver using pre-existing pin locations.

• Gauge: 12
• Attachment Method: Thumb Screws
• Material: Aluminum (likely an alloy, though unspecified)
• Finish: Matte Black (likely anodized)
• Compatibility: Most standard 12GA Shotguns with appropriate receiver pin access
• Weight: Very Lightweight (exact weight not specified by manufacturer, but feels significantly lighter than steel alternatives).

These specifications matter because they dictate the mount’s compatibility, ease of installation, and overall reliability. The 12-gauge specificity means it won’t work on other gauges without modification. The thumb screws provide tool-less installation.

Performance & Functionality

The American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT performs its primary job of providing a mounting platform reasonably well, with reservations. It allows you to attach optics or accessories without permanent modification to your shotgun. However, its reliability under heavy recoil is questionable without regular tightening.

The main strength is its ease of installation and lightweight design. Its weakness is its potential to shift under heavy recoil if the screws aren’t frequently checked. It meets expectations for a low-cost, entry-level saddle mount, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate for the price point. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down, but it doesn’t feel as robust as steel alternatives. The thumb screws are a nice touch, but their effectiveness is limited by their tendency to loosen.

It’s user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation. There’s virtually no learning curve; simply align and tighten the screws.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and regular maintenance, the American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT should last for several seasons of moderate use. However, it’s unlikely to withstand the abuse that a high-end, steel mount could endure. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and tightening of the thumb screws.

Accessories and Customization Options

The American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT itself is an accessory, designed to allow the mounting of other accessories. It provides a Picatinny rail for attaching optics like red dot sights or scopes. It’s likely compatible with any Picatinny-compatible accessory, regardless of brand.

Pros and Cons of American Tactical Imports NOMAD 12GA SADDLE MOUNT