First Impressions of Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount
The Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount promises a blend of precision, durability, and rapid detach capability, a Holy Trinity for anyone serious about optics on their modern sporting rifle. Midwest Industries is a known name in the AR parts world, and the allure of a US-made, hard-anodized mount with a patented QD lever immediately piqued my interest. For years I’ve used various scope mounts, both fixed and QD, often finding myself wanting more rigidity in the former and better return-to-zero in the latter; could this mount finally deliver on both fronts?
My need for a reliable QD mount stems from a desire for optic flexibility. My primary rifle serves multiple roles – range toy, training tool, and, potentially, a defense weapon. I was tired of needing multiple rifles to accommodate different optics and use cases.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount. It’s clear this isn’t some flimsy, imported knock-off. The hard-coat anodized finish looked flawless, and the machining was clean and precise. Compared to some cheaper mounts I’ve used, this one feels significantly more substantial and confidence-inspiring. I chose it over a LaRue Tactical mount primarily due to the Midwest Industries mount’s lower profile and the more streamlined look of the Elite Defense QD lever. I also considered an American Defense Manufacturing (ADM) mount, but Midwest Industries’s reputation for rock-solid products ultimately swayed me.
I was definitely excited. The promise of consistent return-to-zero, coupled with Midwest Industries’s reputation for quality, had me eager to get this mount on my rifle and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor range, which offers a variety of shooting distances and positions. I mounted a trusted Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 to the Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount and zeroed it on my AR-15 platform. The mount locked up tight on the rail with no wiggle whatsoever.
The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, typical for a spring afternoon. After establishing my initial zero at 100 yards, I removed the optic using the QD lever and reattached it. The zero shift was minimal, only requiring a couple of clicks to bring it back to center.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. The Elite Defense QD lever is smooth and intuitive, requiring minimal effort to engage and disengage. There wasn’t a learning curve; it was simple, straightforward, and effective.
No major issues arose during this first outing, but I did notice that the QD lever required a slight adjustment after about 20 detach/reattach cycles.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile addition to my rifle. It has been through multiple range sessions, a carbine course, and even a moderately challenging hiking trip where my rifle was slung across my back. It has maintained its zero exceptionally well throughout.
The hard-coat anodized finish has held up remarkably. After considerable abuse, there are no noticeable scratches or wear marks.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session is all that’s needed. I have not experienced any loosening or degradation of the mount’s components.
Compared to some of the cheaper QD mounts I’ve used in the past, the Midwest Industries mount is in a completely different league. The return-to-zero performance is significantly better, and the overall build quality inspires far more confidence. This mount has exceeded my expectations, proving that sometimes it is worth paying a little extra for quality.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount
Specifications
The Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount is precision machined from 6061 aluminum and finished with a hard coat anodization. This combination results in a lightweight yet incredibly strong platform for mounting your optic. The mount is designed for scopes with a 35mm tube diameter.
The mount features Midwest Industries‘s patented Elite Defense QD lever system. The Elite Defense system is renowned for its smooth operation and secure clamping force. It boasts a 1.4″ offset, providing ample eye relief for most shooters.
The Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount is proudly made in the USA. The mount is designed for optimum return to zero performance and reliability. The superior clamping won’t damage or coin the rail surface.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The 6061 aluminum provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring the mount won’t add unnecessary bulk to your rifle. The hard coat anodization provides exceptional resistance to wear and corrosion, ensuring a long service life. The precise machining and Elite Defense QD lever combine to deliver repeatable and reliable return-to-zero performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount excels at its primary job: securely and reliably mounting an optic to a rifle. The return-to-zero performance is exceptional. Detaching and reattaching the scope results in minimal zero shift.
The mount’s strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and ease of use. The Elite Defense QD lever is incredibly smooth and easy to operate, even with gloved hands. The only area for improvement would be offering different height options to accommodate various optic sizes and shooter preferences.
The Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations. The return-to-zero is better than I anticipated, and the overall build quality is superb.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount is clean and functional. The 6061 aluminum and hard-coat anodized finish give it a professional and durable appearance. The weight is reasonable, adding minimal bulk to the rifle.
The mount is incredibly user-friendly. The Elite Defense QD lever is intuitive and easy to operate. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount is built to last. The materials and construction are top-notch, and the hard-coat anodized finish provides excellent protection against wear and corrosion. With proper care, this mount should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is all that’s required. I have not encountered any issues requiring repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount does not come with any additional accessories. However, its standard Picatinny rail interface makes it compatible with a wide range of optics. The 35mm tube diameter is a standard size, ensuring compatibility with numerous scopes from various manufacturers.
No customization options are offered directly by Midwest Industries. However, the mount’s compatibility with standard Picatinny rails allows users to adjust the scope position and eye relief to their liking.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount
Pros
- Exceptional return-to-zero performance ensures consistent accuracy after repeated optic removal and reattachment.
- Smooth and easy-to-use Elite Defense QD lever allows for rapid optic changes in the field.
- Durable 6061 aluminum construction with hard-coat anodized finish provides excellent resistance to wear and corrosion.
- Made in the USA signifies quality craftsmanship and supports American manufacturing.
- Superior clamping will not damage or coin the rail surface is a major advantage over competing mounts.
Cons
- Limited height options may not accommodate all optic and rifle combinations.
- Price point may be higher than some budget-conscious shooters are willing to pay.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount?
The Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount is perfect for serious shooters, tactical enthusiasts, and anyone who demands reliable and repeatable performance from their optics mounting system. It is ideally suited for those who need to quickly and easily switch between different optics or those who want the peace of mind of knowing their optic will return to zero after being removed and reattached.
This mount might not be necessary for casual shooters who rarely remove their optics. Also, budget-conscious shooters might find the price point prohibitive, though the quality justifies the cost.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality torque wrench to ensure proper mounting of the scope to the rings.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount
The Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount is a top-tier optics mounting solution that delivers on its promises of precision, durability, and rapid detach capability. The value proposition is strong. The exceptional return-to-zero performance and robust construction justify the price.
I would personally recommend this mount to anyone who demands the best from their equipment. It’s a worthwhile investment that will provide years of reliable service.
If you’re tired of settling for mediocre mounts that compromise your accuracy and reliability, then it’s time to upgrade to the Midwest Industries 35mm QD Scope Mount. You won’t be disappointed.