Let’s Talk About Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount
The Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount promises to be a versatile and affordable solution for adding extra rail space to your firearm. Manufactured by Lion Gears, this 7-inch aluminum rail offers 17 slots for mounting various accessories. It caught my attention because I’ve been looking for a way to streamline my AR-15 setup without breaking the bank.
I’ve been tinkering with different accessories on my AR-15 for years, and I always seem to run out of space. Red dot sights, magnifiers, weapon lights, and even forward grips compete for precious real estate on the standard handguard rail. I was looking for a simple, solid solution that wouldn’t add excessive weight or cost a fortune, and the Lion Gears rail seemed like a promising candidate.
Upon unboxing, the rail felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The matte black finish looked clean, and the aluminum seemed reasonably robust. While it didn’t have the silky-smooth feel of some higher-end rails I’ve handled, it definitely didn’t feel cheap or flimsy.
Compared to similar budget-friendly options like UTG or Ozark Armament rails, the Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount seemed to offer a better balance of length and weight. Some competitors offered shorter rails, which wouldn’t solve my space problem, while others were significantly heavier. I chose the Lion Gears rail hoping for a happy medium between functionality and practicality.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It didn’t blow me away with premium features, but it appeared to be a well-made, functional piece of equipment that could potentially solve my accessory mounting woes. The real test, of course, would be putting it through its paces on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount at an outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. I mounted it on the forward portion of my AR-15’s handguard using the provided screws. I then attached a red dot sight, a magnifier, and a weapon light to assess its stability and functionality.
The rail performed surprisingly well under moderate recoil. Everything stayed securely in place, and there was no noticeable flexing or shifting of the rail itself. It definitely felt like it provided a solid platform for my accessories, even after repeated firing.
The ease of use was straightforward; mounting the rail to my handguard was simple. Aligning the holes and tightening the screws was all that was required. I encountered no immediate issues or surprises.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple range trips, the Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount has held up admirably. There are no signs of bending, cracking, or significant wear and tear. The matte black finish has remained intact, with only minor scratches from attaching and detaching accessories.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session keeps it clean and free from corrosion. The Lion Gears rail hasn’t required any special care or attention.
Compared to a more expensive, free-floating rail I used previously, the Lion Gears offering is undeniably less refined, but it also costs a fraction of the price. For my needs, the added rail space and the relative sturdiness it provides make it a worthwhile addition. While it might not outperform high-end options in terms of sheer rigidity, it certainly delivers excellent value.
Breaking Down the Features of Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount
Specifications
- The Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering a balance of strength and lightweight design. Its matte black finish provides a non-reflective surface.
- It measures 7 inches in length, offering 17 slots for accessory attachment. The rail’s width is 0.835 inches, its height is 0.3 inches, and it weighs in at 15 ounces.
- The Lion Gears rail is designed to be universally compatible with both Weaver and Picatinny rail systems. This ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of firearms and accessories.
- Lion Gears advertises a “flat based rail,” but it is slightly concave. This rail is marketed as having multiple locking positions and is compatible with Bridge Mount Angle Mount BM05D45 & BM05D90.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the rail’s functionality. The aluminum construction ensures durability without adding excessive weight to your firearm. The number of slots dictates how many accessories you can mount, while the universal compatibility guarantees it will fit most firearms.
Performance & Functionality
The Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount performs its job admirably. It provides a stable and reliable platform for mounting accessories such as sights, lights, lasers, and grips.
The rail’s strength is its simplicity and affordability. Its weakness lies in the fact that it may not be as robust or rigid as more expensive, free-floating rail systems. It’s perfect for adding extra rail space without breaking the bank.
The rail meets my expectations for a budget-friendly accessory. It gets the job done without any frills.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount boasts a simple and functional design. The matte black finish looks professional and blends well with most firearms.
The build quality is decent for the price point. The aluminum feels solid, and the machining is clean, although some edges could be slightly smoother. It requires minimal effort to install.
There is no real learning curve; it’s as simple as aligning the rail and tightening the screws.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount should last for years. Its aluminum construction is resistant to corrosion, and the matte black finish is relatively durable.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a cloth is all that’s typically required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount does not come with any additional accessories beyond the mounting screws. However, it is compatible with a wide range of Picatinny-compatible accessories from various brands.
You can easily mount sights, lights, lasers, grips, and other tactical accessories to customize your firearm.
Pros and Cons of Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount
Pros
- Affordable Price: Significantly cheaper than many other Picatinny rail options, making it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Durable Aluminum Construction: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering a good balance of strength and lightweight design.
- Universal Compatibility: Works with both Weaver and Picatinny rail systems, ensuring a wide range of firearm compatibility.
- Easy Installation: Simple mounting process with minimal effort required.
- Extended Rail Space: Provides 17 slots for mounting multiple accessories.
Cons
- Screws are too few: As one user mentions, it would be better to have at least 4 mounting screws, to ensure a more stable mount.
- Not Free-Floating: Does not offer the same level of rigidity as more expensive free-floating rail systems.
Who Should Buy Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount?
The Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount is perfect for: budget-conscious shooters, casual range users, and those looking to add extra rail space to their firearms without spending a fortune. It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to mount a few basic accessories like lights, lasers, or grips.
This product is not ideal for: competitive shooters who require maximum rigidity and precision, or those who need a truly free-floating rail system for optimal accuracy.
Must-have accessories: thread locking compound to prevent screws from loosening under recoil, and potentially longer screws if the provided ones are not sufficient for your specific mounting platform.
Conclusion on Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount
The Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount is a decent product for the price. It provides a functional and affordable way to add extra rail space to your firearm.
The value proposition is strong. For around $14, you get a durable aluminum rail that can significantly enhance your firearm’s versatility.
I would personally recommend it to anyone on a budget who needs to mount a few accessories. It’s a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution. If you’re looking to expand your mounting options without breaking the bank, the Lion Gears Tactical 17-Slot Picatinny Rail Mount is definitely worth considering. Go ahead and give it a try – you might be surprised at how much it improves your shooting experience!