Let’s Talk About Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount
In the world of tactical weapon accessories, achieving optimal light placement is paramount, especially when working with laser aiming devices. The Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount offers a solution to this challenge, designed to seamlessly integrate weapon lights with B.E. Meyers MAWL series lasers. Arisaka Defense, a name synonymous with quality and innovation, aims to provide shooters with a low-profile, robust mounting option that maximizes rail space and minimizes interference. This mount promises to streamline weapon setups, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
My journey to discovering the Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount started with the frustration of limited rail space on my AR-15. I was running a B.E. Meyers MAWL and a Surefire Scout Light, and the standard Picatinny mount for the light was bulky and caused significant shadowing issues with the laser. I needed a solution that would tuck the light closer to the rail, improving ergonomics and eliminating the shadow.
Unboxing the mount, my initial impression was one of quality and precision. The 6061-T6 aluminum felt solid, and the MIL-A-8625 Type III hard coat anodized finish gave it a durable, professional look. The mount was surprisingly lightweight, a welcome change from the hefty stock mount I was replacing.
Compared to other scout mounts I’d considered, like those from Magpul or Nightforce, the Arisaka Defense option stood out due to its inline design specifically tailored for use with the MAWL. Others seemed more generic and didn’t offer the same level of integration. This specialized design was the deciding factor.
My first impression was excitement. It was clear that Arisaka Defense had put significant thought into the design and execution of this mount. It addressed a specific need and appeared to do so with exceptional quality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, under varying conditions. I mounted the Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount on my AR-15 equipped with a Surefire M600DF Scout Light and the aforementioned B.E. Meyers MAWL. The day started sunny and ended with a light drizzle.
The mount performed flawlessly, even with the changing weather conditions. The low-profile design kept the light tucked tightly against the handguard, providing a much cleaner and more ergonomic grip. No tools were needed for adjustments in the field, which was very convenient.
Installation was straightforward, but I did need to refer to the instructions to ensure proper torque settings. No issues were encountered during installation or the shooting session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including multiple range trips and a weekend-long tactical training course, the Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount has proven to be exceptionally durable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, even after being subjected to some rough handling and exposure to the elements. The hard coat anodized finish has held up remarkably well.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a cloth after each range session is all that’s needed to keep it clean. I’ve also checked the screws periodically to ensure they remain properly torqued, but they haven’t loosened at all.
Compared to my previous setup, the Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount is a significant improvement. It’s more streamlined, more durable, and more comfortable to use. The light stays put even under heavy recoil and during dynamic movement.
Breaking Down the Features of Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount
Specifications
The Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum. It also features a MIL-A-8625 Type III hard coat anodized finish for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. Its length is 1.265 inches, with a thickness of 0.2 inches and a weight of just 0.6 oz.
The mount is compatible with various lights, including the Modlite PLH, PLHv2, and OKW; Surefire M300A, M300B, M300C, M300V, M312, M322, M312V, M313V, M322V, M600B, M600C, M600P, M600U, M600V, M600DF, M612, M622, M603V, M612V, M622V; Streamlight Protac Rail Mount 1, 2 and HL-X (non-laser); Cloud Defensive REIN; and Arisaka 300 and 600 Series lights. Three positions on the mount allow for different diameter light heads to clear the MAWL without interference. The included accessories are screws to attach the light body to the mount.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the mount’s strength, weight, and compatibility. The lightweight aluminum construction ensures minimal added weight to the weapon, while the hard coat anodized finish provides superior protection against wear and corrosion. The wide range of compatible lights makes it a versatile option for various weapon setups.
Performance & Functionality
The Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount excels in its primary function: securely mounting a weapon light in a low-profile position. It allows for optimal light placement alongside the B.E. Meyers MAWL, minimizing shadowing and maximizing rail space. It’s extremely reliable and user-friendly.
The mount’s strength lies in its simple yet effective design. Its single-piece construction eliminates potential points of failure, and the precise machining ensures a snug, secure fit. The one weakness might be that it is specialized for use with the MAWL; however, this is precisely what makes it so effective in this specific application.
The mount exceeds my expectations. It achieves its design goals perfectly and has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my AR-15.
Design & Ergonomics
The Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount boasts a minimalist and functional design. The materials used are of high quality, and the mount feels solid and well-built. The lightweight design minimizes added weight.
The mount is extremely user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, and no specialized tools are required (aside from the necessary Torx drivers).
Durability & Maintenance
The 6061-T6 aluminum construction and MIL-A-8625 Type III hard coat anodized finish ensure long-lasting durability. Regular cleaning is simple and requires minimal effort.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount comes with the necessary screws for attaching the light body to the mount. It is specifically designed to be compatible with a wide range of weapon lights, offering users flexibility in choosing the best option for their needs.
While the mount itself does not offer direct customization options, its compatibility with various lights and rail systems provides ample opportunities for users to tailor their weapon setup to their specific preferences.
Pros and Cons of Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount
Pros
- Low-profile design that minimizes bulk and maximizes rail space.
- Exceptional durability due to 6061-T6 aluminum construction and MIL-A-8625 Type III hard coat anodized finish.
- Wide compatibility with various Surefire, Modlite, Streamlight, Cloud Defensive, and Arisaka weapon lights.
- Easy installation using standard Torx drivers.
- Optimized for use with B.E. Meyers MAWL, eliminating shadowing and improving ergonomics.
Cons
- Specialized design may not be ideal for users who don’t use a B.E. Meyers MAWL.
- Requires specific Torx drivers (IP27/T27, IP20/T20, and T9) for installation and light attachment.
Who Should Buy Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount?
The Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount is perfect for tactical shooters, law enforcement professionals, and anyone running a B.E. Meyers MAWL laser/illuminator in conjunction with a compatible weapon light. It is also beneficial for those seeking a low-profile, durable, and lightweight mounting solution.
This product might not be the best choice for individuals who are not using a MAWL or who prefer a more generic mounting solution. It may not be suitable if the mentioned Torx drivers are not readily available.
A must-have accessory would be a quality set of Torx drivers (IP27/T27, IP20/T20, and T9) to ensure proper installation and maintenance. A medium-strength threadlocker (Loctite 243) is also recommended to prevent screws from loosening under recoil.
Conclusion on Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount
The Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount is a well-designed and expertly crafted accessory that delivers on its promises. It provides a low-profile, durable, and reliable mounting solution for weapon lights used in conjunction with the B.E. Meyers MAWL. The price of $51.99 is justified by the mount’s quality, performance, and specialized design.
I would highly recommend the Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount to anyone looking to optimize their weapon light setup. Its strengths far outweigh its drawbacks.
If you’re seeking a superior mounting solution that enhances ergonomics and maximizes rail space, the Arisaka Defense Inline Picatinny Scout Mount is an excellent choice. Upgrade your weapon setup today and experience the difference.