Let’s Dive into Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles
The Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles offer a blend of classic functionality and modern convenience. Manufactured by Lion Gears, these carry handles aim to provide a lightweight, easily attachable, and detachable solution for AR-15/M4 platforms, incorporating a Picatinny/Weaver mounting deck and adjustable sights.
I’ve spent countless hours modifying and optimizing AR platforms, and I’ve always appreciated the simplicity and utility of a good carry handle. The allure of the Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles was its promise of a lightweight design and the added versatility of a Picatinny rail for mounting optics or other accessories.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the handle’s surprisingly light weight and clean matte black finish. The aircraft aluminum construction felt solid, although the adjustment knobs seemed a bit less robust than those on my mil-spec carry handles. It was evident that this was designed with weight reduction in mind.
I considered several other options, including a standard mil-spec carry handle from a reputable manufacturer and a more expensive, feature-rich carry handle with integrated back-up sights. Ultimately, the Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles won me over with its balance of price, lightweight design, and the integrated Picatinny rail. I needed something that wouldn’t add unnecessary weight to my rifle while still providing a stable platform for optics.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight design and integrated rail were promising, but I was slightly concerned about the overall durability and the precision of the adjustable sights, especially given the lower price point. I was eager to test it out on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles to my local shooting range, mounting it on my AR-15. I tested it under relatively mild conditions, with clear skies and a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The initial mounting was simple and straightforward, requiring no special tools. I found the quick-detach mechanism to be reliable, locking securely onto the Picatinny rail of my rifle. Adjusting the sights was simple enough, although the clicks felt less precise than those on higher-end sights.
My first shots revealed an immediate issue: the rear sight had noticeable wobble. This made it difficult to maintain a consistent sight picture and affected accuracy. The sight adjustments were also less precise than I hoped.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds fired with the Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles, my concerns about its durability were confirmed. The rear sight continued to wobble, and the finish began to show signs of wear, particularly around the edges of the Picatinny rail.
Cleaning and maintenance were relatively simple, requiring only a basic solvent and a soft cloth. However, the looseness of the rear sight made it difficult to maintain consistent zero. The lightweight aluminum construction, while initially appealing, did not prove as durable as a mil-spec steel carry handle.
Compared to previous experiences with higher-quality carry handles, the Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles fell short. It offered a lightweight design and the convenience of a Picatinny rail, but its lack of durability and imprecise sights were significant drawbacks. I’ve previously used mil-spec carry handles that remained rock solid even after thousands of rounds.
Breaking Down the Features of Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles
Specifications
The Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles are constructed from Aircraft Aluminum, contributing to their lightweight design. This material choice is intended to reduce the overall weight of the rifle without sacrificing structural integrity.
These carry handles feature a Picatinny/Weaver mounting deck, providing compatibility with a wide range of accessories. This allows users to mount optics, lights, or other tactical gear directly onto the carry handle.
The carry handles are finished in Black Matte, offering a non-reflective surface. This reduces the chance of glare and helps to maintain a low profile.
Weighing in at only 5.8 oz, these are designed to be exceptionally lightweight. This feature is particularly beneficial for shooters who prioritize maneuverability and reduced weight on their rifles.
The Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles are designed to fit Model 4/15 rifles, ensuring compatibility with standard AR-15 platforms. This makes it a versatile accessory for a wide range of AR-15 owners.
It has a length of 6.7 inches and a height of 1.9 inches. This provides ample space for a comfortable grip and sight alignment.
Performance & Functionality
The Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles performs adequately in providing a carrying solution for AR-15 rifles. However, the loose rear sight significantly impacts its accuracy and usability.
The main strength lies in its lightweight design and the integrated Picatinny rail, which offers added versatility. The primary weakness is the wobbly rear sight and the somewhat flimsy construction, which undermines its reliability. It falls short of expectations due to the issues with sight stability.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles is adequate, but the materials used feel less robust than those found in mil-spec carry handles. Its lightweight design does improve comfort during extended carry.
The handle is generally user-friendly, although the loose rear sight introduces a learning curve for accurate shooting. The quick-detach mechanism is simple and effective, making it easy to attach and detach the handle.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the observed wear and the looseness of the rear sight, the long-term durability of the Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles is questionable. Regular maintenance is straightforward, but it will not address the underlying issues of sight wobble or material wear.
Repairing the loose rear sight may require specialized tools or professional gunsmithing. The aluminum construction is less resistant to impacts and abrasion compared to steel.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles comes with no additional accessories beyond the carry handle itself. The integrated Picatinny rail allows for mounting of various optics and accessories.
The product is generally compatible with standard Picatinny/Weaver-compatible accessories from other brands. This allows users to customize their rifle setup according to their specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles
Pros
- Lightweight Design: The aircraft aluminum construction makes it exceptionally lightweight. This reduces overall rifle weight and improves maneuverability.
- Picatinny Rail Integration: The built-in Picatinny/Weaver rail allows for easy mounting of optics and accessories. This provides added versatility for customizing the rifle.
- Quick Detachable: The quick-detach mechanism allows for easy attachment and removal. This provides flexibility in configuring the rifle for different scenarios.
- Enhanced Hand Room: The new base design provides larger and more comfortable handle space. This improves ergonomics and ease of carrying.
- Budget-Friendly Price: At $35.99, it offers an affordable alternative to higher-priced carry handles. This makes it accessible for budget-conscious shooters.
Cons
- Wobbly Rear Sight: The loose and wobbly rear sight significantly impacts accuracy. This makes it difficult to maintain a consistent sight picture.
- Questionable Durability: The aluminum construction and loose sight raise concerns about long-term durability. This may not withstand heavy use or rough handling.
Who Should Buy Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles?
The Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles is perfect for casual shooters, budget-conscious AR-15 owners, and those prioritizing a lightweight setup. It is also suitable for individuals who plan to primarily use optics and only need the carry handle for transportation or as a backup sighting system.
Individuals who should skip this product include those who require a highly accurate and durable sighting system, competitive shooters, and professionals who rely on their equipment in demanding environments. These users will likely benefit more from a higher-quality, more robust carry handle or dedicated optic system.
A must-have modification would be finding a way to secure the rear sight, if possible, but otherwise, the addition of a quality optic would negate the rear sight issues. Consider adding a red dot sight or similar optic to take full advantage of the Picatinny rail.
Conclusion on Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles
The Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles offers a compelling combination of lightweight design and Picatinny rail integration at an affordable price. However, its value proposition is undermined by the wobbly rear sight and concerns about long-term durability.
The $35.99 price tag is justified for a basic carry handle with added rail functionality, but buyers should be aware of its limitations. The loose rear sight makes accurate shooting with the iron sights challenging.
I would only cautiously recommend the Lion Gears Quick Detachable Light Weight Rifle Carry Handles. It’s a decent option for casual users on a tight budget who primarily use optics. If you need a reliable iron sight system, it would be worth investing in a higher-quality alternative. Consider it only as a temporary or backup solution, not a primary aiming device.