Let’s Talk About Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount
The Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount offers a solution for mounting popular red dot sights like the Vortex Viper/Venom, Burris FastFire, and Docter Sight onto a variety of firearms. Evolution Gun Works (EGW) designed this mount with a universal fit in mind, catering to firearms with a .468in radius receiver. This mount’s universal design coupled with a durable build makes it a compelling option for those seeking to add a red dot to their rifle or shotgun.
I’ve always been a fan of red dot sights, but the challenge often lies in finding a reliable and versatile mounting solution. Many of my older rifles lacked a dedicated mounting platform, so I needed a mount that could adapt to different barrel and receiver sizes. This EGW mount seemed like a potential fix for this common issue.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the mount’s solid construction. The matte black hard coat anodized finish gives it a professional look and suggests durability. The included screws were a welcome addition, ensuring I had everything needed for installation.
I compared the Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount with a couple of Picatinny rail adapters and a dedicated saddle mount I had laying around. The EGW mount stood out due to its low profile and the promise of a direct, secure fit. This seemed like a cleaner solution than the Picatinny adapter and less cumbersome than a full saddle mount, especially for achieving a better cheek weld.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The simplicity of the design and the reputation of EGW gave me confidence, but the proof would be in the installation and performance. I was excited to see if it would live up to the claim of being a truly universal and reliable mounting solution.
Real-World Testing: Putting Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount at an outdoor shooting range, mounting it on a lever-action rifle with a receiver that matched the specified dimensions. The weather was dry and sunny, making visibility optimal for testing the red dot sight. Installation was straightforward, requiring only the provided screws and a 5/64in Allen wrench.
The mount held the red dot sight securely throughout the session. I put about 100 rounds through the rifle, and the mount didn’t budge. I noticed that the mount left a small gap between the receiver and the mount as intended.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount continues to perform reliably. There are no signs of loosening or shifting, even after numerous trips to the range and some rough handling in the field. The hard coat anodized finish has held up well, showing no scratches or wear marks despite exposure to various weather conditions.
Cleaning and maintenance are minimal. A quick wipe-down with a cloth after each use is all that’s needed to keep it in good condition. Compared to other mounting solutions I’ve used, this mount has proven to be significantly more durable and requires less attention.
Breaking Down the Features of Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount
Specifications
The Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount is crafted from 7075 Aluminum, known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. The mount boasts a .468in Radius bottom, ensuring a secure fit on compatible receivers. It has an overall length of 1.811 inches and a width of 0.99 inches, providing a compact and unobtrusive mounting solution.
The mount is compatible with Vortex Viper/Venom, Burris FastFire, and Docter Sight red dots. Its matte black hard coat anodized finish adds to its durability and corrosion resistance. Included accessories consist of 2 6-32 Button Head Screws, 2 6-32 Flat Head Screws, and 2 6-48 Hex Head Screws.
Performance & Functionality
The Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount excels in providing a stable and secure platform for mounting red dot sights. Its precise dimensions and quality construction ensure a snug fit, preventing any unwanted movement during use. The low-profile design keeps the red dot sight close to the bore axis, which enhances accuracy and allows for a natural cheek weld.
The mount performs as expected, provided the rifle receiver matches the specified dimensions. The inclusion of various screws ensures compatibility with different red dot models. One area for potential improvement is clearer instructions regarding which screw types are intended for which optics.
Design & Ergonomics
The Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount features a simple yet effective design. The 7075 Aluminum construction provides a balance of strength and weight, making it feel solid without adding unnecessary bulk. The matte black finish gives it a professional and understated appearance that blends seamlessly with most firearms.
The mount is designed for ease of installation, even for those with limited gunsmithing experience. The low profile ensures that the red dot sight doesn’t interfere with the user’s grip or handling of the firearm. The slight gap mentioned in the description is normal and does not affect performance.
Durability & Maintenance
The Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount is built to last. The 7075 Aluminum and hard coat anodized finish provide excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and impact. Regular maintenance is minimal, typically involving just a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth.
Given its robust construction, the mount should withstand years of use under normal conditions. Its simple design minimizes the number of potential failure points, further enhancing its longevity. For those in particularly harsh environments, an occasional application of a quality gun oil can provide added protection.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount comes with a selection of screws to accommodate different red dot sight models. While it doesn’t offer much in terms of customization options itself, it serves as a foundation for adding a compatible red dot sight to a firearm that may not have come with a dedicated mounting platform. The mount is primarily designed to work with Vortex Viper/Venom, Burris FastFire, and Docter Sight pattern optics.
Given its universal nature, the mount is best paired with high-quality red dot sights from reputable manufacturers. While it may be compatible with some generic or off-brand optics, the best performance will be achieved with optics that adhere to industry standards.
Pros and Cons of Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount
Pros
- Provides a low-profile and secure mounting solution for popular red dot sights.
- Durable construction using 7075 Aluminum with a hard coat anodized finish.
- Offers a universal fit for firearms with a .468in receiver radius.
- Includes all necessary screws for installation.
- Easy to install even for those with limited gunsmithing experience.
Cons
- Limited to firearms with a .468in receiver radius.
- Instructions could be clearer regarding screw selection for different optics.
Who Should Buy Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount?
The Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount is perfect for shooters looking to add a red dot sight to their rifle or shotgun without extensive modifications. It’s ideal for hunters seeking faster target acquisition and improved accuracy in various lighting conditions. It is also a great option for competitive shooters who value a low-profile and reliable mounting solution.
This product is not suitable for firearms with receiver radii significantly different from .468in. If your firearm already has a dedicated Picatinny rail or optic mounting system, this mount may be redundant. A must-have accessory is a quality 5/64in Allen wrench for secure installation.
Conclusion on Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount
Overall, the Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount is a well-designed and durable product that delivers on its promise of providing a universal mounting solution. Its quality construction, easy installation, and secure fit make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to upgrade their firearms with a red dot sight. The price of $50.99 is justified considering the materials and functionality.
I would definitely recommend this mount to anyone seeking a reliable and versatile way to add a red dot sight to their firearm. The Evolution Gun Works Universal Vortex Viper/Venom .468in Radius Red Dot Sight Mount offers a hassle-free solution that enhances shooting performance without breaking the bank. Upgrade your shooting experience today!