First Impressions of Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate
The Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate promises to be a game-changer for Mossberg shotgun owners looking to mount a red dot sight as low as possible. This adapter plate, manufactured by Williams Gun Sight, is designed to work seamlessly with their LRS (Low Reticle System) sight, reducing reticle height significantly compared to standard Picatinny rail setups. My initial interest in this adapter stemmed from a desire to optimize the cheek weld on my Mossberg 500, making it more intuitive and comfortable to use with a red dot.
For years, I’ve struggled with the height-over-bore issue when mounting optics on shotguns. Traditional Picatinny rails invariably raise the optic, requiring a cheek riser or an awkward head position to acquire a proper sight picture. The promise of a lower-profile mounting solution piqued my interest, and I was eager to see if the Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate could deliver.
Upon unboxing, the adapter plate felt solid and well-made. The black finish appeared durable, and the overall design seemed straightforward and functional. Compared to a standard Picatinny rail, the adapter is noticeably sleeker and less bulky.
I also considered the Scalarworks Sync/01 mount and the Aimpoint Micro mount, both of which offer lower mounting solutions for specific optics. However, the Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate, when paired with the Williams Gun Sight LRS sight, seemed to offer the lowest possible profile for my Mossberg, making it the most appealing option.
My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism. Lowering the optic is great, but would it be sturdy enough? Would it maintain zero under recoil? Only real-world testing would provide the answers. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping this adapter would solve my cheek weld woes and provide a more natural shooting experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate was at my local shooting range. I mounted the adapter plate and the Williams Gun Sight LRS sight onto my Mossberg 500. I was primarily shooting slugs at 50 yards to test the accuracy and zero of the setup.
The adapter plate installed easily, although I did double-check the screw tightness to ensure a secure fit. Immediately, the improved cheek weld was noticeable. It felt far more natural than the high-riding Picatinny rail setup I was used to.
After sighting in the Williams Gun Sight LRS sight, I ran several rounds through the shotgun. The adapter plate held firm, and I experienced no issues with the optic shifting or losing zero. The lower reticle height made target acquisition faster and more intuitive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a dove hunting trip and multiple range sessions, the Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate continues to impress. It has consistently held zero, even after repeated exposure to recoil and varying weather conditions. There are no visible signs of wear and tear.
The adapter plate is easy to clean. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove any dirt or grime.
Compared to my previous experiences with Picatinny rails, this adapter is a significant upgrade. The improved cheek weld and lower profile have noticeably enhanced my shooting accuracy and comfort. It outperforms my expectations, providing a stable and reliable platform for my red dot sight.
Breaking Down the Features of Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate
Specifications
The Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate is designed specifically for mounting Williams Gun Sight LRS sights on Mossberg shotguns. It is compatible with Mossberg models 500, 590, 835, 930, and 935.
- The adapter plate is made of durable aluminum with a black finish.
- It measures 9.75 inches in length, 1.65 inches in height, and has dimensions of 1.65 X 3.55 X 9.75 inches.
- The adapter plate reduces the height of the Williams Gun Sight LRS sight by an additional 15% to 20%.
- This results in up to a 50% reticle height reduction compared to standard reflex sights on a Picatinny rail.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the user’s ability to achieve a proper cheek weld and maintain accuracy. The lower mounting profile allows for a more natural shooting stance, while the durable construction ensures the adapter plate can withstand the rigors of repeated use.
Performance & Functionality
The Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate performs its job admirably. It successfully lowers the mounting height of the Williams Gun Sight LRS sight, improving the overall shooting experience.
The adapter plate is sturdy and reliable, maintaining zero even after extended use. While the provided screws can sometimes be problematic with certain Mossberg models (as noted in user feedback), this issue can usually be resolved by sourcing alternative screws.
The adapter plate’s primary strength is its ability to significantly reduce the optic’s height over bore. A potential weakness is the reported screw fitment issue with some Mossberg models, requiring users to source their own screws.
Design & Ergonomics
The Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate features a sleek and minimalist design. The black finish blends seamlessly with the shotgun’s aesthetics.
The adapter is lightweight and doesn’t add significant bulk to the firearm. The installation is straightforward. The instructions are clear.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction ensures the adapter plate is durable and resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, it should last for many years.
The adapter plate requires minimal maintenance. A simple wipe-down after use is sufficient to keep it clean and functional.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate is primarily designed to be used with the Williams Gun Sight LRS sight. No other accessories or customization options are directly applicable to the adapter plate itself. However, the lowered mounting profile it provides can indirectly enhance the performance of other shotgun accessories, such as cheek risers.
Pros and Cons of Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate
Pros
- Significantly reduces optic height for improved cheek weld.
- Sleek and low-profile design.
- Durable aluminum construction.
- Easy to install.
- Compatible with multiple Mossberg shotgun models.
Cons
- Screws provided may not fit all Mossberg models, requiring users to source replacements.
- Exclusively compatible with Williams Gun Sight LRS sights.
Who Should Buy Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate?
This adapter plate is perfect for Mossberg shotgun owners who want to optimize the cheek weld and reduce the optic height of their red dot sight. It is especially beneficial for hunters, tactical shooters, and anyone looking for a more comfortable and intuitive shooting experience with their Mossberg 500, 590, 835, 930, or 935.
This product might not be suitable for those who already have a preferred red dot sight that is not a Williams Gun Sight LRS, or those who are unwilling to potentially source alternative screws for installation.
A must-have accessory to maximize the benefit of the adapter plate is the Williams Gun Sight LRS sight itself. Other modifications are not required.
Conclusion on Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate
The Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate is a worthwhile investment for Mossberg shotgun owners seeking to improve their shooting experience. Its primary benefit is the significant reduction in optic height. It delivers a more natural cheek weld, which translates to faster target acquisition and improved accuracy.
The price of $21.99 is justified by the improved performance and ergonomics it provides. The potential need to source alternative screws is a minor inconvenience. Overall, the value proposition is strong.
I would personally recommend the Williams Gun Sight LRS Mossberg Hole Spacing Adapter Plate to any Mossberg owner looking to optimize their red dot setup. It’s a simple yet effective solution that delivers tangible results. Upgrade your Mossberg today and experience the difference a lower reticle height can make!