Let’s Dive into Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount
The Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount offers a quick-release solution for mounting optics and accessories to Weaver/Picatinny rail systems, particularly designed with a nod toward compact, tactical setups. Boasting a durable 6061 T6 aluminum construction and a convenient thumbscrew mechanism, it aims to provide a reliable and user-friendly platform. It promises speedy attachment and detachment, crucial for dynamic scenarios.
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve often found myself needing to quickly adapt my rifle setup based on the environment or mission at hand. I needed a mount that could withstand rough handling and provide rock-solid stability without requiring tools for adjustments in the field. The quick-release mechanism and guarded design of the PFI-PQR immediately caught my eye.
My initial impressions were favorable; the mount felt solid and well-made. The black anodized finish looked professional and seemed resistant to scratches. Compared to some of my existing mounts which require tools or multiple steps to install, the PFI-PQR’s thumbscrew promised a much simpler process.
Before settling on the Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount, I considered a Larue Tactical QD mount and a Midwest Industries QD mount. While both are reputable, they came at a significantly higher price point. The PFI-PQR seemed to offer a similar level of functionality and durability for a much more accessible price.
I was cautiously optimistic. The Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount looked promising, but I needed to see how it performed under real-world conditions. It was time to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount at my local shooting range, mounting a red dot sight on an AR-15 pistol. The weather was typical for a summer afternoon – hot and slightly humid. The primary goal was to evaluate its ease of use, stability, and ability to maintain zero after repeated attachment and detachment.
The thumbscrew mechanism proved to be remarkably user-friendly. Securing the mount to the rail was fast and effortless, requiring no tools or excessive tightening. After firing several magazines, I detached and reattached the mount multiple times, and it returned to zero with no noticeable shift.
No issues surfaced during this initial test. The PFI-PQR performed as advertised, providing a stable and reliable platform for my optic. The guarded design offered additional protection against accidental bumps and impacts.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including a weekend hog hunt in dense brush and a few dusty range days, the Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount has held up remarkably well. There are minor scratches on the anodized finish, but nothing significant. The mount continues to lock securely onto the rail.
Maintenance is minimal; I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use. I occasionally apply a light coat of oil to the thumbscrew threads to ensure smooth operation. The mount has not required any repairs or adjustments.
Compared to some of my older, less robust mounts, the Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount has far exceeded my expectations. It offers a level of convenience and reliability that I haven’t experienced before. The guarded design adds a tangible level of confidence when handling the rifle in demanding environments.
Breaking Down the Features of Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount
Specifications
- Weight: 0.25 lb. This lightweight design minimizes added weight to the rifle, ensuring maneuverability isn’t compromised.
- Height: 3 in. The height provides ample clearance for various optics while maintaining a low profile.
- Width: 2 in. The width offers a stable and secure base for the mounted accessory.
- Length: 2 in. Compact dimensions ensure the mount doesn’t occupy excessive rail space.
- Material: 6061 T6 aluminum, anodized dark coating. The aluminum construction provides a balance of strength and weight, while the anodized finish enhances durability and corrosion resistance.
- Thumbscrew for speedy mounting and getting off. This feature allows for quick and easy attachment and detachment without the need for tools, perfect for rapid adjustments in the field.
These specifications collectively contribute to a mount that is lightweight, durable, and easy to use. The aluminum construction and anodized finish ensure it can withstand the rigors of field use. The dimensions are optimized for compatibility with a wide range of optics and accessories.
Performance & Functionality
The Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount excels at providing a stable and repeatable mounting platform. Its quick-release mechanism is reliable. It allows for rapid changes to optic configurations without sacrificing accuracy.
The mount’s primary strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. The thumbscrew design allows for fast and tool-free adjustments. A potential area for improvement would be a more aggressive texture on the thumbscrew to improve grip in wet conditions.
The PFI-PQR meets my expectations for a quick-detach mount in this price range. It offers a good balance of performance, durability, and value.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount features a straightforward and functional design. Its 6061 T6 aluminum construction feels solid in hand. The black anodized finish gives it a professional and non-reflective appearance.
The mount is inherently user-friendly due to its thumbscrew design. There is virtually no learning curve involved in its operation. Even someone with limited experience can quickly master the attachment and detachment process.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 6061 T6 aluminum with an anodized finish, the Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount is built to last. It can withstand the bumps and scrapes associated with regular field use. The anodized finish also provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Maintaining the mount is simple. A regular wipe-down with a clean cloth is usually sufficient. A light application of oil to the threads of the thumbscrew will ensure smooth operation over time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount itself does not come with any specific accessories. However, its compatibility with Weaver/Picatinny rail systems makes it universally adaptable to a wide range of optics and accessories from various brands. Users can easily mount red dot sights, scopes, magnifiers, and other tactical accessories.
The mount’s standard Picatinny rail interface means it’s compatible with virtually any accessory designed for that system. This versatility allows users to customize their rifles or pistols to suit their specific needs and preferences. The mount’s guarded design also provides additional protection to mounted accessories.
Pros and Cons of Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount
Pros
- Quick and easy attachment/detachment with thumbscrew.
- Durable 6061 T6 aluminum construction.
- Guarded design provides added protection.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Thumbscrew grip could be improved for wet conditions.
- Limited customization options beyond standard Picatinny compatibility.
Who Should Buy Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount?
The Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount is perfect for tactical shooters, law enforcement personnel, and recreational shooters who need a reliable and quick way to attach and detach optics and accessories. Its robust construction and guarded design make it well-suited for demanding environments. It is also suitable for anyone who values ease of use and doesn’t want to carry tools for mounting adjustments.
Those who require highly specialized or proprietary mounting systems might want to skip this product. Competitive shooters seeking ultra-lightweight or highly adjustable mounts might also find other options more suitable.
A must-have accessory would be a quality thread lubricant for the thumbscrew to ensure smooth operation, especially in harsh environments. Consider adding a small torque wrench to prevent over-tightening the thumbscrew, although hand-tightening is typically sufficient.
Conclusion on Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount
The Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount is a well-designed and functional accessory that offers a compelling value proposition. Its quick-release mechanism, durable construction, and guarded design make it a reliable choice for a variety of applications. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive mounts, it delivers solid performance at an affordable price.
The price is definitely justified given the mount’s quality and features. It offers a significant cost savings compared to some of its competitors without sacrificing essential functionality.
I would definitely recommend the Pride Fowler Industries PFI-PQR Guarded Picatinny Rail Mount to anyone looking for a dependable and user-friendly quick-detach mounting solution. If you need a mount that can withstand rough handling, provides rock-solid stability, and allows for tool-free adjustments, give the PFI-PQR a try. You won’t be disappointed.