First Thoughts on the Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100
The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 promises to bring the venerable Remington shotgun platform into the modern optics age. For less than $15, Leapers, under their UTG PRO banner, is offering a solution to mount red dots, holographic sights, or even magnified optics to one of the most popular shotguns ever made. This rail boasts easy installation and US-made construction, piquing my interest as a tactical shotgun enthusiast always looking for affordable, reliable upgrades.
My journey to this Picatinny rail started with a desire to improve the versatility of my trusty Remington 870. Iron sights, while reliable, are limiting in low-light conditions and for faster target acquisition. I was looking for a simple, no-gunsmithing solution to mount a red dot sight for home defense and tactical training scenarios.
Upon unboxing, the Leapers UTG PRO rail felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The matte black hard coat anodized aluminum seemed well-machined and ready for the job. The included screws and tools were a welcome addition, suggesting a user-friendly installation process.
I considered other options like the Mesa Tactical rail, which is a great option, but it’s significantly more expensive. Another option was a cantilever mount that clamps onto the barrel, but I wanted a more stable and permanent solution. This Leapers UTG PRO rail offered the best balance of affordability, features, and ease of installation.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential to enhance my shotgun’s capabilities. I was also slightly concerned about the “see-thru” design interfering with my existing bead sight.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount occurred at my local shooting range. I brought along my Remington 870, a red dot sight, and a variety of ammunition to see how the rail performed under different conditions. The range offered both indoor and outdoor bays, allowing me to assess its performance in varying light.
The installation was surprisingly straightforward, taking only about 10 minutes. After tightening the screws, the rail felt securely mounted to the receiver.
Right away I noticed a great improvement in speed of target acquisition. The red dot co-witnessed nicely with the front bead, making it easy to zero in on targets. During the testing, I also noticed that the rail held zero consistently even after firing multiple rounds of buckshot and slugs.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a few simulated home-defense drills over a few months, the Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount has held up well. There is no sign of loosening or shifting on the receiver.
The anodized finish shows no signs of wear, even after being exposed to rain and the occasional bump against barricades during training. Regular cleaning involves wiping down the rail with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session.
Compared to previous experiences with cheaper, polymer-based rails, the Leapers UTG PRO has been a significant improvement. It inspires confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of regular use.
Breaking Down the Features of Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100
Specifications
- The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount is proudly Designed and Made in USA. This is a significant selling point for those who prefer to support American manufacturing.
- It is Precision Machined from Aircraft Grade Aluminum with Matte Black Hard Coat Anodize. The use of aircraft-grade aluminum ensures a lightweight yet durable platform.
- The rail extends 6.1 inches with 14 Picatinny Rail Slots. This provides ample space for mounting various optics and accessories, allowing for flexible positioning.
- It features a Low Profile with See Thru Design for Use of Front Bead Sight. This allows the user to maintain the traditional bead sight as a backup or for close-quarters shooting.
- Contoured Bottom Perfectly Fits Remington 870/1100 with Drilled and Tapped Receiver. The precise contour ensures a seamless and secure fit on compatible Remington shotguns.
- Assembly Screws and Tools are included for Simple and Friendly Installation, No Gunsmith Required. This makes it easy for anyone to install the rail without specialized tools or expertise.
These specifications are significant because they directly impact the rail’s functionality, durability, and ease of use. The aircraft-grade aluminum and hard coat anodize provide a lightweight yet robust platform. This ensures that the rail can withstand the recoil and stresses of shotgun shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount performs its job admirably. It provides a stable and reliable platform for mounting optics on the Remington 870/1100 shotgun.
The rail’s strength lies in its simple yet effective design and ease of installation. The see-thru design is a notable feature. This allows users to maintain the use of their front bead sight as a backup aiming solution.
One potential area for improvement might be the height of the rail. While the see-thru design is a plus, it could be slightly lower profile to minimize the offset between the red dot and the iron sights.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leapers UTG PRO rail boasts a clean and functional design. The matte black finish blends seamlessly with the shotgun’s aesthetics.
The rail’s weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to the firearm. The contoured bottom ensures a comfortable and secure fit, without interfering with the shotgun’s handling.
There is virtually no learning curve involved in using the rail. The Picatinny slots are standard and compatible with most optics mounting systems.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its aluminum construction and hard coat anodized finish, the Leapers UTG PRO rail should last for years with proper care. The rail’s simple design minimizes the number of potential failure points.
Maintenance is minimal. Cleaning the rail with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is sufficient to prevent corrosion and maintain its finish.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount itself doesn’t come with additional accessories beyond the mounting screws and tools. However, it opens up a world of customization options for the Remington 870/1100.
The Picatinny rail is compatible with a wide range of optics. This includes red dot sights, holographic sights, and even magnified scopes, depending on the user’s needs. The 14 rail slots provide ample space for mounting multiple accessories, such as weapon lights or lasers.
Pros and Cons of Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100
Pros
- Affordable Price: An excellent value for shooters on a budget.
- Easy Installation: No gunsmithing required, installs in minutes.
- Durable Construction: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard coat anodized finish.
- See-Thru Design: Allows for continued use of the front bead sight.
- Made in USA: Supports American manufacturing.
Cons
- See-Thru design could be slightly lower profile to minimize optic offset.
- Limited to Remington 870/1100 shotguns with drilled and tapped receivers.
Who Should Buy Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100?
This Picatinny rail is perfect for: Home defense enthusiasts looking to mount a red dot sight for faster target acquisition. Tactical shooters seeking a reliable and affordable platform for optics. Hunters who want to improve their shotgun’s accuracy and versatility.
Who should skip this product? Those seeking a more elaborate or feature-rich rail system with integrated ghost ring sights. Those with Remington 870/1100 shotguns that are not drilled and tapped for rail mounting.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality red dot sight, a weapon light, and potentially an aftermarket stock with improved ergonomics.
Conclusion on Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100
The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 is a surprisingly excellent value. It brings modern optic-mounting capabilities to a classic shotgun platform at an incredibly affordable price.
The $12.49 price point is justified by the rail’s solid construction, ease of installation, and reliable performance. The fact that it’s Made in the USA is a significant bonus.
I would definitely recommend the Leapers UTG PRO rail to anyone looking to enhance their Remington 870 or 1100 without breaking the bank.
Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the benefits of modern optics!