Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa Review

First Thoughts on the Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa

The Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa promises to be a simple yet effective solution for mounting optics on the popular Henry Homesteader carbine. EGW (Evolution Gun Works) is a well-known name in the firearms accessories market, particularly for their scope bases and rails. This particular rail is designed specifically for the Homesteader, offering a Picatinny platform for a wide range of scopes, red dots, and other aiming devices. My interest was piqued by the Homesteader’s versatility and the need to enhance its accuracy potential beyond the factory iron sights.

I’ve been a fan of the Henry Homesteader since its release, appreciating its compact size and adaptability. But the factory sights, while functional, lack the precision I need for consistent, long-range accuracy. This rail looked to be a straightforward way to add a quality optic without requiring permanent modifications to the rifle. The promise of a simple, no-nonsense mounting solution from a reputable manufacturer like EGW was definitely appealing.

Unboxing the rail revealed a clean, matte black anodized aluminum piece. It felt solid and well-machined, with no visible imperfections. The included hardware, #8-40 screws and a T-10 bit, seemed appropriate for the task. Compared to some universal rails that require fitting, the dedicated design for the Homesteader was a major selling point. I’ve used universal rails before and always found myself having to grind or file them to fit, this promised to be an easier experience.

I considered other options, including some clamp-on style mounts, but ultimately chose the Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa for its clean aesthetic and secure mounting potential. The clamp-on options felt less stable and looked a bit clunky on the Homesteader’s sleek lines. My initial impression was positive; the rail appeared to be a well-made, practical accessory that would significantly improve the rifle’s capabilities. I was excited to get it mounted and test it out.

Real-World Testing: Putting Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa installed was at my local outdoor shooting range. The mounting process was straightforward; the included screws and T-10 bit made quick work of the installation. I attached a Sig Sauer Romeo5 red dot optic to the rail. I tested the Homesteader in relatively mild conditions – sunny, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and with minimal wind.

The rail held the optic securely throughout the session. There was no shifting or loosening, even after firing several hundred rounds. I found the red dot sight was easy to acquire and significantly improved my accuracy at 50 and 100 yards. Using the red dot, I was able to maintain groupings around 2-3 inches at 100 yards.

The only minor issue I encountered was that the rail sits relatively high, requiring a slightly higher cheek weld than I was used to with the factory iron sights. This wasn’t a significant problem, but I will need to consider a cheek riser in the future. I was pleased with how easily the rail installed and the immediate improvement in accuracy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my Homesteader. I have taken the rifle on a few hog hunts in the Texas brush, where it has been exposed to dust, mud, and occasional light rain. The rail has held up admirably, showing no signs of corrosion or loosening.

The matte black anodized finish has proven to be scratch-resistant. It has only superficial marks, despite being bumped around in my gun case and against branches. Cleaning the rail is simple; a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and grime. I periodically check the mounting screws to ensure they remain torqued to the recommended 20 in/lbs.

Compared to some cheaper rails I have used in the past, the Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa is a noticeable upgrade in terms of durability and stability. Other rails often become loose or show signs of wear and tear after only a few months of use. This EGW rail continues to perform flawlessly. It exceeds my expectations for a budget-friendly scope mounting solution.

Breaking Down the Features of Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa

Specifications

• Rail Type: One Piece Picatinny. This is a standard Picatinny rail, providing compatibility with a wide range of optics and accessories.
• Machined from: Domestic 6061 T6 Extruded Aluminum. The use of 6061 T6 aluminum ensures strength and corrosion resistance while keeping the weight down.
• Finish: Matte Black Anodizing. The anodized finish provides a durable, non-reflective surface.
• Rear Spread: 0.5″. This measurement refers to the distance between the mounting screw holes at the rear of the rail.
• Front Spread: 0.5″. This measurement refers to the distance between the mounting screw holes at the front of the rail.
• Overall Length: 6.670″. This is the total length of the rail, providing ample space for mounting various optics.
• Height: 0.4″ (Top of Receiver to Top of Picatinny). This height adds to the overall optic height above the bore.
• Weight: 2 oz. A lightweight design ensures that the rail doesn’t add excessive weight to the rifle.
• Quick Disconnect Ring Compatible: No. This rail is not designed for quick-detach optic mounts.
• Ambidextrous: Yes. The rail does not interfere with the operation of the rifle for left- or right-handed shooters.
• Torque Specs: 20 in/lbs. Proper torque ensures secure mounting without damaging the rail or receiver.
• Mounting Hardware: #8-40 X 1/4 Screws and T-10 Bit Included. The included hardware simplifies the installation process.

Performance & Functionality

The Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa performs its primary job exceptionally well: providing a stable and secure platform for mounting optics. Accuracy is noticeably improved when using a scope or red dot sight. The rail’s precise machining ensures a tight fit on the Homesteader receiver, eliminating any potential for movement or vibration.

The only potential drawback is the added height of the rail. This may require the use of a cheek riser for some users to achieve a comfortable and consistent cheek weld. However, this is a common issue with most aftermarket scope bases. The rail meets and exceeds expectations for a simple, effective, and affordable scope mounting solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The rail is designed to seamlessly integrate with the Henry Homesteader’s aesthetics. The matte black finish matches the rifle’s receiver, creating a cohesive look. The lightweight aluminum construction ensures that the rail doesn’t significantly alter the rifle’s balance or handling characteristics.

Installation is straightforward, requiring only a few minutes and the included T-10 bit. The only learning curve involves understanding proper torque specifications to avoid over-tightening the mounting screws. The design is simple, functional, and user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa, made from 6061 T6 aluminum, is built to last. The anodized finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, protecting the rail from the elements. With proper care and maintenance (periodic cleaning and torque checks), this rail should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and inspection of the mounting screws. The rail is not designed for repair, but its robust construction makes repairs unlikely under normal use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa itself doesn’t offer any specific customization options beyond the choice of optics that can be mounted. The Picatinny rail is compatible with a vast array of scopes, red dot sights, holographic sights, and other accessories from various brands. This compatibility allows users to tailor their Homesteader to their specific needs and preferences.

The most common accessory is, of course, an optic. But consideration should be given to appropriate height rings, or a lower 1/3 co-witness mount for red dots, to account for the added height of the rail. A cheek riser may also be a worthwhile addition to improve cheek weld and shooting comfort.

Pros and Cons of Egw Scope Base Henry Homesteader Pic Rail 0 Moa