Let’s Dive into Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts
The Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts promise to solve a common problem: inadequate rail space on firearms. Designed by Lion Gears, these mounts aim to extend accessory mounting positions with a system-oriented, lightweight design. I’ve always been a tinkerer, constantly striving to optimize my rifle setups, and the promise of increased mounting flexibility immediately caught my attention.
My primary motivation for exploring these riser mounts stemmed from the limitations I faced with my AR-15 pistol. Its short handguard left me struggling to comfortably position both a weapon light and a forward grip. The Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts seemed like a viable solution to bridge that gap, providing much-needed real estate.
Upon receiving the mount, I was initially impressed by its solid feel. The black matte finish and the apparent quality of the aircraft aluminum gave it a professional look. Picking it up, it felt surprisingly lightweight.
I compared the Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts with a similar riser from UTG and a QD mount from Midwest Industries. While the UTG option appeared bulkier, the Midwest Industries QD mount offered quick detach functionality, a feature absent in the Lion Gears offering. Ultimately, the lower price point and the promise of a streamlined design swayed me toward the Lion Gears mount.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The mount looked well-built, but the proof, as always, would be in the pudding—how it performed under real-world conditions. Would it hold zero? Would it withstand recoil? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts was my local shooting range. I mounted it on my AR-15 pistol, attaching a Streamlight ProTac weapon light and a Magpul AFG forward grip. The difference in ergonomics was immediately noticeable; the extended rail space allowed for a much more comfortable and natural grip.
The range day was relatively mild, with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 70s. I put about 200 rounds through the rifle, primarily focusing on drills that involved rapid transitions and target acquisition. The mount felt secure throughout, and I didn’t notice any shift in zero.
The installation process was straightforward, though I did find myself wishing for a torque wrench to ensure optimal screw tightness. After the first use, I felt good about the product and its value.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past three months, the Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts have seen action in a variety of scenarios. I’ve taken it on several range trips, a weekend camping trip where I used my AR-15 for pest control, and even a muddy field exercise where I practiced low-light shooting drills. Through it all, the mount has held up surprisingly well.
Despite being constructed from aluminum, it has shown minimal signs of wear and tear. The black matte finish has proven reasonably scratch-resistant, though a few minor scuffs are beginning to appear. Regular cleaning with a CLP solution has kept it looking and performing its best.
Compared to a similar cantilever mount I used previously (a no-name brand from an online retailer), the Lion Gears offering is a clear step up in terms of both durability and stability. The previous mount loosened frequently and eventually stripped its screws. The Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts provides much better performance and added flexibility.
Breaking Down the Features of Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts
Specifications
The Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts are designed to attach to any Picatinny or Weaver rail. They are constructed from aircraft aluminum with a matte black finish. Here is a breakdown:
- Manufacturer: Lion Gears
- Color: Black
- Condition: New
- Mount Type: Cantilever Mount
- Gun Rail: Weaver, Picatinny
- Fabric/Material: Aircraft Aluminum
- Finish: Matte
The choice of aircraft aluminum strikes a good balance between strength and weight savings. The matte finish helps to reduce glare and provides a non-reflective surface, important considerations for tactical applications. The compatibility with both Weaver and Picatinny rails ensures versatility across a wide range of firearms.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts is to extend accessory mounting space, and it performs this task admirably. It provides a stable and secure platform for optics, lights, lasers, or any other Picatinny-compatible accessory. The “System Oriented Design with Under the Rail Opening” allows for flexibility in building a compact mounting system.
The main strength of the mount is its simplicity and effectiveness. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do, without any unnecessary bells and whistles. However, a notable weakness is the lack of any sort of recoil lug or indexing feature. This means that the mount relies solely on the friction between the screws and the rail to prevent movement, which could be a concern with heavier optics or high-recoil firearms.
Overall, the mount meets expectations for its intended purpose. It’s a reliable and affordable solution for extending rail space on firearms.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts is straightforward and functional. The low-profile design minimizes bulk and weight, while still providing ample rail space. The aircraft aluminum construction results in a mount that feels solid without adding significant weight to the firearm.
The installation process is relatively simple, requiring only a hex wrench (not included). However, as mentioned earlier, the lack of a torque specification is a minor annoyance. A numbered guide for torque would be a great addition.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing so far, the Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts appears to be reasonably durable. The aluminum construction has held up well under moderate use. Regular cleaning with a CLP solution is all that’s required to keep it in good condition.
While I haven’t subjected it to extreme abuse, I expect it to last for several years with proper care. For those looking for something that will last significantly longer, a steel picatinny would be a better investment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts itself doesn’t come with any accessories. However, its Picatinny rail is compatible with a vast array of aftermarket accessories. This includes optics, lights, lasers, forward grips, and more.
There are no specific customization options for the mount itself, but its modular design allows for endless possibilities in terms of accessory configurations. The ability to invert the mount, as one user suggested for mounting a forward grip on a short-railed firearm, is a testament to its versatility.
Pros and Cons of Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Lightweight and durable aircraft aluminum construction.
- Provides extended rail space for accessories.
- Compatible with both Weaver and Picatinny rails.
- Streamlined design minimizes bulk.
Cons
- No torque specification provided.
- Lacks recoil lug or indexing feature.
- Finish may be prone to scratching with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts?
The Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts are perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need to extend the rail space on their firearms. This is especially relevant for AR-15 pistol owners, PCC enthusiasts, or anyone with a short handguard. The mount also can increase the sight height for optimal shooting.
This product may not be suitable for those who require absolute rock-solid stability for high-powered optics on high-recoil firearms. Also, those who demand quick-detach functionality should consider alternatives.
A must-have accessory for this mount is a quality set of hex wrenches. I also recommend a thread-locking compound like Loctite to help prevent the screws from loosening over time.
Conclusion on Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts
The Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts offer a compelling value proposition for shooters seeking to extend their accessory mounting options. The aluminum makes it a lightweight option. While it may not be the most rugged or feature-rich mount on the market, it’s a solid performer at an affordable price.
At a price of $15.49, the Lion Gears Cantilever Riser Mounts are an excellent value. The cantilever riser mounts get the job done.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly solution to their rail space woes. Give it a shot! You might be surprised at how much it can improve your shooting experience.