The EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount Made a Bold First Impression
The EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount promises a modern optic solution for a classic platform. As someone who has spent over a decade working with tactical and outdoor gear, I’ve seen countless attempts to bridge the gap between old-school firearms and contemporary accessories. This mount, manufactured by EGW, immediately piqued my interest.
For years, I struggled to effectively use red dot sights on my 1911 without costly milling or slide replacements. The EGW mount seemed like a viable solution. My initial unboxing experience was positive, the mount felt solid and well-machined. It’s a simple, black piece of hardware, but the finish was clean and appeared durable.
Compared to other dovetail mounts I’ve used, like the those from Novak and Weigand, the EGW stood out due to its seemingly lower profile. It promised to co-witness with the existing iron sights, which is a huge advantage in my book. My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if this mount would truly bring my beloved 1911 into the modern optic era.
Real-World Testing: Putting EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount at my local shooting range. This included a combination of static target practice and some basic drills involving movement and target acquisition. Mounting was relatively straightforward, requiring only the removal of the factory rear sight and sliding the EGW mount into its place. A few set screws later, it was secured.
The mount held zero throughout the session, even after repeated firing of .45 ACP rounds. I did notice a slight increase in felt recoil due to the added weight atop the slide, but it was manageable. Co-witnessing with the factory iron sights was indeed possible. This allowed for a backup aiming solution should the optic fail.
There was a bit of a learning curve. It took a few magazines to become accustomed to the higher sight plane. This required adjusting my grip and cheek weld to properly acquire the red dot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, from dry sunny days to slightly damp range sessions. The mount shows no signs of loosening or shifting, even after hundreds of rounds fired.
Durability is excellent. There are no visible scratches or wear marks on the finish, despite being subjected to the usual bumps and scrapes of range use. Maintenance is simple, requiring only an occasional wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth.
This mount has exceeded my expectations. Previous dovetail mounts I have used on other firearms tended to loosen over time. These previous mounts also altered the balance of the firearm considerably. The EGW mount has held up remarkably well.
Breaking Down the Features of EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount
Specifications
- Color: Black. This gives it a low-profile, non-reflective finish that blends well with most 1911s.
- Fits / Used For: Burris FastFire, Doctor. This provides compatibility with two popular micro red dot sights.
- Make: 1911. This ensures it’s designed specifically for the 1911 platform.
These specifications are critical because they directly influence the mount’s functionality and compatibility. The black color minimizes visual signature, crucial for tactical applications. The optic compatibility broadens the range of red dot sights users can choose from. And the 1911 specific design ensures a proper and secure fit.
Performance & Functionality
The EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount performs its primary job admirably. It securely attaches a micro red dot sight to a 1911 without requiring permanent modifications. Accuracy is maintained. The red dot stays reliably zeroed, even after extended shooting sessions.
One of its strengths is the ability to co-witness with the factory iron sights. This provides a valuable backup sighting system. The main weakness is the slightly higher sight plane, which might require some adjustment for experienced 1911 shooters. Overall, it meets expectations and offers a practical solution for adding optics to a 1911.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the EGW mount is solid. The material appears to be high-grade aluminum. It adds minimal weight to the slide. The design is straightforward and functional, with no unnecessary frills.
The mount is user-friendly. The installation process is simple enough for anyone familiar with basic firearm disassembly. There’s a minimal learning curve. Only some minor adjustments may be necessary to adapt to the new sight picture.
Durability & Maintenance
The EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount is built to last. The aluminum construction and durable finish should withstand years of use. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and tightening of the set screws.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EGW mount itself doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the necessary mounting screws. However, it opens up a world of customization options by allowing the user to mount a Burris FastFire or Doctor red dot sight. Compatibility with other brands is limited to those with similar footprints. It is critical to check the dimensions and mounting patterns before attempting to attach other red dot sights.
Pros and Cons of EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount
Pros
- Affordable way to add a red dot to your 1911.
- Co-witnesses with factory iron sights.
- Durable aluminum construction.
- Easy installation.
- Maintains zero effectively.
Cons
- Slightly higher sight plane.
- Limited to Burris FastFire and Doctor footprint red dots.
Who Should Buy EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount?
The EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount is perfect for 1911 owners who want to add a red dot sight without permanently modifying their firearm. This includes recreational shooters, home defense enthusiasts, and those interested in trying optics on their 1911 without a significant investment.
This product might not be suitable for competitive shooters who require a lower sight plane or a wider range of optic options. Those unwilling to adjust to a slightly altered sight picture should also consider other solutions. A must-have accessory is a quality micro red dot sight with a Burris FastFire or Doctor footprint.
Conclusion on EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount
The EGW Vortex Viper / Venom GI 1911 Sight Mount is a solid, affordable solution for adding a red dot sight to a 1911. The price is definitely justified, considering the quality of construction and the functionality it provides.
I would personally recommend this mount to anyone looking for a simple and effective way to modernize their 1911. If you’re on the fence about adding an optic to your 1911, give the EGW mount a try. You might be surprised at how much it improves your shooting experience.