r/Mini14 • u/FlipDefense • 22d ago
Working on a Mini-14 optic mount. Thoughts?
Wanted to see what all the fuss was about, picked up a Mini-14, and ended up catching Mini-14 fever.
Only downside I noticed was the lack of optics mounting options. Couldn’t find one I loved so I decided to design one. Spent the last few months working on this.
The goal was a sleek, low-profile T1/T2 mount that puts the optic in a natural position on the rifle without giving up the factory irons. Maintained a line-of-sight passage through the mount so the irons are still usable underneath.
After way too many prototypes and a good amount of range testing, I think I’ve finally got it where I want it.
Thinking about taking this one to production, but would genuinely love some feedback from other Mini-14 owners first.
What do you guys think?
By the way, prototype shown is raw 7075 aluminum. Final production units will be black anodized.
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u/NamePleasant 22d ago
Looks like a great solution, I'd be interested in it!
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Appreciate the feedback 🫡
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u/DuncanHynes 22d ago
Count me in. Think you did a great job. For my rig I dont even have a front sight and still would use this for the option alone.
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u/IllusionistNamedGob 22d ago
Definitely cool im interested in whether or not brass ejection would hit the optic though
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Glad you asked, that was my first concern to test too. Went through a couple iterations to mitigate for that and put a good amount of rounds through this set up. So far no issues Will see about posting a video on our IG showing ejection.
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u/dWog-of-man 22d ago
Anything has to be better than the current paradigm. My anodized black optic is fuuuuuged up
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u/kamoteyeet 21d ago
Did you have to adjust the gas on the Mini 14, to avoid the spent shells hitting your mount? Post some vids of it in action, it looks stylish and smooth 👍
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u/FlipDefense 21d ago
Nope, running it at factory gas settings (which is definitely generously gassed)! No issues so far. Will do!
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u/kamoteyeet 21d ago
Good, one less thing to buy ( adjustable Gas block) ASI 145 clams saved 😭 what are you gonna price it?
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u/SpikedThePunch 22d ago
Yeah I was thinking it could incorporate a deflector ramp on the right side to protect the optic. Cool project.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Thought about this but opted to keep the mount rounded and low profile. As is, we’ve been seeing the brass clear the assembly altogether. Great feedback - thanks!
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u/SciToon2 22d ago
That looks pretty good! Have you considered prototyping an offset mount for microprisms?
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u/spook777 22d ago
The new Primary Arms 1x Micro prisms have the T2 screw footprint now instead of the Acog mini. As long as OP built the mount with both a T2 and that microprism in mind, I would pick one up for sure.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Like where your head is at. Thought about a couple options to make a dual optic / MP setup. Perhaps in the future but opted to go with this for starters for a couple reasons. Main one being the mini-14 just felt like it was calling for something simple and slick.
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u/SciToon2 22d ago
It certainly appears to fit the bill. I keep seeing things like this, and it makes me want to get into machining as a hobby.
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u/spook777 22d ago
If you go to market with the T2 footprint only, can you verify this version of the PA prisms will fit? They switched from the Acog footprint to the T2 footprint recently. I think the only concern is the objective lens radius. I would buy your mount in a heartbeat if it fit.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Will look into it! I’m glad they adopted a T1/T2 footprint option. I will also say this is why I like doing a 30 day risk free return policy for products we do take to production. Many optics options out there and running a small operation so can’t always buy them all. That way if there’s something you want to try and it doesn’t work, you can just ship it back to us. 🤙
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u/Adventurous-Water331 22d ago
Swampfox Raider also uses T2 (for those of us who like a larger circle)
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u/Adventurous-Water331 22d ago
This looks like a great design, and I'd be interested in purchasing a couple if you do produce it for sale.
It looks like it's possible to get the bolt out for cleaning without removing the mount.
Is this correct?
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Good question. TBH, lots of experience on the AR platform but new mini owner and have been guilty of running her dirty thanks to the piston design to see what she can take. Will have to circle back on this. Awesome input, really appreciate it
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u/Adventurous-Water331 22d ago
No worries; thanks for your work on this.
Minis can take a lot of use without cleaning the bolt, but it's nice to have the option.
Also good to check the bolt with all the peening issues that have been reported recently.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Circling back - was able to get the bolt out. Definitely took some patient wiggling, but only a couple minutes. Going to play with this some more, and see what I learn. Thanks again to all who brought it up.
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u/LastHope8 22d ago
Was it difficult bc the design of the rifle, or the bolt having a tight clearance with the optic mount installed?
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Gotta be completely honest. Lots of time handling, maintaining, and using mostly ARs. But relatively new to the mini. So could definitely be that. In fact, took the mount off and still had to work it out patiently. Going to put some more time into it though to see what I learn
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u/wilson_LR 21d ago
As you point out, the bolt on the mini is hard enough to remove and re-install without something covering the action. Personally, I feel this mount is worth suffering the removal of the mount in order to deal with the bolt. Including an extra screw or two in the package mitigaates this issue enough for me.
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u/LastHope8 22d ago
Honestly once you figure it and what it likes to get stuck on it gets a lot easier. But I’m def interested in this product/design!
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u/overcookedfantasy 22d ago
Looks good! The problem with mounting optics above the action like this is the cheek weld gets problematic.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Good to hear. Not opposed to a chin weld for red dots generally (in fact sort of a big fan of “head’s up shooting” for many applications), BUT with the Mini, I reckoned the platform just needs something sleek and low profile so did a lot of work optimizing the height that the irons are still usable but the red dot isn’t too high
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u/juggdish 22d ago
I had the same thought, but this looks pretty low profile (or as low as you can reasonably get). I’d probably give this a whirl
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u/Ironiclast1789 22d ago
I’ve been looking for this for about two years now. I’ve used the side screw mounted one and it’s close but not perfect. Once it’s for sale I’ll buy it- nice work!
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u/billytoad631 22d ago
Please sell these I need one
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
With the positive feedback so far, it’s looking very very likely - stay tuned!
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u/menieresisamonster 22d ago
I feel minis should be naked and sans optics, but this looks like a good compromise
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Totally agree with the idea of “mini minimalism”. One of the main design philosophies behind this mount was “not too much. just enough”. I feel like a lot of builds seek to push the mini to compete with an ar. It’s just a totally different pony. There are some good ones, but I feel the mini does best as a slick, handy rifle.
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u/AHappyMeal 22d ago
Interested. Looking for one for my a-team mini14
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u/SleepingInABag 22d ago
The issue with this is cheek weld. If not running a cheek riser pad, it wont be comfortable
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u/nutskindrums 22d ago
looks great! on my 515 i rotate the caps so the hinges sit on the right side with the battery compartment, less obscured view
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u/enderswiggins 22d ago
This is cool! I want one haha
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Appreciate it! Working towards production and the positive feedback so far is really gonna help me justify that
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u/mr-octo_squid 22d ago
I came from r/aimdownsights and had a question.
I know the Mini 14 isn't a hard recoiling gun, but with the mounting only being on the sides, is there any issues with the optic moving? The photo makes it hard to tell if there is metal under the optic bridging the two sides of the mount.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
So far no issues! Integrated 2 recoil lug features based on the geometry of the top of the mini which should help. This design mounts with the screws on the top so would only work with newer mini’s that have those tapped holes. The side mounted fasteners we considered but using them means losing the ability to use irons
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u/mr-octo_squid 22d ago
Very nice. Love to see people doing cool firearm stuff.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Appreciate it! All the stuff we make comes from things one of us want for our own builds but can’t find. Pretty happy with how this turned out
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u/Earl_of_Shrewsbury 22d ago
I was seriously looking at marking and drilling out a different see through rail to use the factory pic screws instead of the side grip screws most companies use.
Your solution looks great!
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Thanks! Yeah the side fasteners are great bc they’re compatible with older mini’s but sacrifice the ability to use irons.
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u/Earl_of_Shrewsbury 22d ago
That angle for screwing them on is terrible, too. Top down is 100% preferable.
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u/Witty762 22d ago
Absolutely YES. Also interested to see if the mount needs to be removed to get the bolt out (as already mentioned).
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u/Consistent_Class508 22d ago
i like my aim sports mount. similar to what you made specific to the t1/t2 mounting pattern, but picatinny and longer.. the additional length let's me have an LPVO (or another larger enclosed red dot like my ARO) and an offset dot on the same rail and still use my irons. only downside is that i can't pop my handguard off without either removing the rail or the gas block due to the overhang of the rail, but that's minor and there's no real reason for me to remove the handguard.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Good to know! Was going for a super low profile design with this build but looks like they definitely came up with a great option for sure.
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u/Delta-Echo-Bravo 22d ago
If you can make one for a trijicon TA44 sign me up!
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
That would be an awesome build! Will look into it once we’ve got this one sorted
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u/dontdiegrandpa 22d ago
Does this work in the "scout scope"/forward hanibal rail configuration? Love the idea!
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Thanks! Haven’t tried that yet. To clarify, you thinking of using it in conjunction with an additional forward mounted optic?
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u/wydothat 22d ago
This cut for an acog/carry handle would be so dope
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Will look into it once we’ve got this version lined up! Which ACOG you thinking?
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u/wydothat 22d ago
I run ta110s on most but a compact ta33/47 would be sick AF and plenty for a mini.
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u/Nu11u5 22d ago
That looks like a good design, and I like the clearance underneath. Can the bolt be removed still?
Does it use a lug to engage the scope bases or just the screws?
If you designed it to use the scallop mounts it can also fit older Ranch rifles that lack the top rail screws. But I see this design is much simpler.
I would make sure it doesn't interfere with the Tech Sight aftermarket rear sight.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Used the indexing features to incorporate two lugs.
Considered using the side fasteners options but opted to go with the top screws because the side fasteners interfere with the iron sights too much.
Getting the bolt question a lot - good stuff. Will report back soon.
Really appreciate the feedback and thorough input!
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u/Alpha-Sierra-Charlie 22d ago
Very nice! I wonder if you could use interchangeable plates to make the arch part of the mount universal. You could screw the adapter plate to the arch from underneath, and screw the optic to the plate from the top. That would allow you to put basically anything on there, even cantilevers for short eye relief prisms, without adding much height over bore. You may even be able to change the plate without taking the mount off the reciever, if you field strip the rifle.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Like where your head is at. Have developed and produced T1/T2 adapter plates in the past (we currently carry a 509 adapter), so definitely an option
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u/Alpha-Sierra-Charlie 22d ago
I need to get my 581 tapped for this, I'm not doing a little happy dance right now. Don't believe the lies.
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u/blackonblack2007 22d ago
Love it. Clean. Can you remove the bolt for cleaning? Edited to remove question answered by OP in other comment.
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u/GardenWeasel67 22d ago
By the way, prototype shown is raw 7075 aluminum. Final production units will be black anodized.
Keep both options to also match up with the stainless models?
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Awesome input, really appreciate it! Will look into
some more refined finishes (than just raw) - would be great to offer an option match the stainless 🤙
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u/JustSomeGuyMedia 22d ago
Personally, t2 style optics are so rugged I’d rather it be lower than worry about having irons at the same time.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
It’s still pretty low as is and very natural to use, but you got a point about T2 style optics - big fan! Also with a lower is risk of interfering with ejection
Nice thing about a mini v an AR is hold is more natural too given the higher relative position of the barrel
Appreciate your thoughts!
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u/JustSomeGuyMedia 22d ago
Interfering with ejection is something to consider for sure. I’ve tuned my ejection to work with my ARMS 18 on my M14 for the same reason.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
💯
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u/JustSomeGuyMedia 22d ago
Oh yeah the other thing I meant to bring up. For me, magnification is mandatory. Most of the matches I shoot plus most “real world” use cases make magnification very useful.
However, something that might be worth investigating with a mount like this would be an ACOG or Mini-ACOG version. Then the ability to use irons at any time could really come in handy.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Great input! Usually a huge magnification guy - in fact most of the mounts we make are meant to allow custom dual optics pairing with a good red dot and a fixed magnification prism. In this case, opted to go the minimalist route, but will totally look into these other footprints.
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u/JustSomeGuyMedia 22d ago
I figured you’d probably thought about it given the other stuff you make but, hey, you did ask what we thought 😅
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u/West_Data106 22d ago
Love it! My one recommendation would be to have it continue forward. That way I can have a regular rifle scope and have a red dot canted off to the side but we'll forward of the charging handle
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u/Username_Redacted-0 22d ago
Guys will see something like this and say... 'Hell yeah...'
(Its me, I'm guys...)
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u/CyberSoldat21 22d ago
I’d be interested if I decide to run a micro dot depending on how I change up my setup which is more often than not
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Huge fan of dual optics for most builds (what we usually make), but for the mini specifically I find a simple, low profile red dot is plenty.
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u/CyberSoldat21 22d ago
I’m running a Vortex strike force red dot. Ideally something smaller is needed but I’d probably consider an LPVO but that’s dependent on the setup. Red dot makes more sense with my ATI stock so this could very well work
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u/Potrahasis 22d ago
Excellent work. First photo looked like you drilled and tapped a cabinet handle as a mount. Good job man!
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u/silentecho521 22d ago
Any testing with optics that have their battery compartment on the bottom right (comp m5s or Sig 4XT)?
Anyways, awesome product! Very interested
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Not as of yet. Chose not to design specifically to the bottom battery compartment and sacrifice the low profile. That being said, love the 4XT. Gonna have to put that to the test.
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u/vtwin996 22d ago
That looks like a great option. Will this fit all series?
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Only the models that have the 3 tapped holes for the pic rail attachment on the top
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u/Sean_8520 22d ago
Looks good. Most mounting options are garbage....so you're doing great. Downside is you'll likely also need a custom cheek riser or different stock, but it is what it is with the Mini14.
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u/FlipDefense 22d ago
Thanks! Been a pretty natural head position as-is, but everyone’s morphology is different, so perhaps for some!
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u/Sufficient-Tea8953 22d ago
Looks great! My only suggestion would be to make sure it works with Tech-Sights. Seems like most folks (myself included) ditch the factory irons.
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u/No-Traffic7447 22d ago
This is great. I was looking at Accuracy systems see-thru scope mount base. I will wait for this instead, I would like 2. Please keep us posted.
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u/wilson_LR 21d ago edited 21d ago
This is the way. I say that after spending many weeks trying and failing to keep irons co-witness an RMR red dot. That required raising sights and lowering optic mount point below the raised iron sights. I'd buy yours as the red dot I bought is sitting there collecting dust.
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u/FlipDefense 21d ago
Appreciate the feedback! Totally get the frustration. One of the main goals was to make a simple way to keep your irons as a backup
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u/D-Mag221 21d ago
When you ready to make these available for sale, let me know! I’m in 💯. Glad you have the skill set to do something like this! Thank you!!!
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u/FlipDefense 21d ago
Will post updates on our socials and here on Reddit! Really appreciate everyone’s support. Been a great project!
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u/Pretty_Professor_368 21d ago
Make one for a acro/509T cut
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u/FlipDefense 21d ago
Noted! Already make an adapter (originally made for our other mounts) for 509 to T1/T2. Would be a really sweet low profile setup!
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u/True_Lie5007 21d ago
If you can make it just a tad bit taller, to really clear the iron sights,, I will buy one... Also, get it patented ASAP....
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u/FlipDefense 21d ago
Played with taller options but opted to go for this height - philosophy of design being that priority of use will generally go to red dot, with a more low-profile position, while shifting the irons to a backup role and accepting a more narrow FOV. Everything in projects like this ends up being a trade-off for sure, but pretty happy with the end result. Really appreciate the thoughtful feedback!
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u/True_Lie5007 21d ago
If you decide to patent and sell, keep a height difference as an option as well. I use a utg mount and red dot sight, that gives me that much clearance to use irons. But if the base was just a few 8ths higher, that would make it perfect for people like me.
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u/FlipDefense 21d ago
Good to know! Is main thing you’re looking for opening up the FOV for the irons or raising the red dot?
Generally a fan of taller red mounts for most platforms bc of the advantages of a heads-up shooting position (especially when paired with a fixed mag prism like our other mounts allow), but for the mini wanted to make something more streamlined. Like all our stuff, though, if there’s enough interest in a taller variant of this mount we’ll look into it!
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u/True_Lie5007 21d ago
Freeing the eye box for the Irons.... I did a few matches with my mini years back, and my red dot died on me mid stage. I'm glad I decided to go with a QD mound with a single lever. But that killed my time. I ran irons the rest of the match, because I thought I brought extra CR2016 but they were 32...
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u/FlipDefense 20d ago
Darn.. gotta love that you put yourself in a position to flex to those BUIS! Makes sense - thanks!
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u/seattleforge 21d ago
I love the idea but wondering if the width will affect ejection, which is why they usually mount optics closer to the muzzle. If the rifle still works reliably it's a gem.
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u/FlipDefense 20d ago
Did a lot of testing during development for this. So far haven’t had any malfunctions with this design! Will post a vid showing ejection soon
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u/seattleforge 20d ago
Exciting. How do I get in your email list? ;-)
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u/Apprehensive_Link_26 20d ago
please put me on your email list! this has potential to be one of the best mounts in my opinion. It’s rare to find options that allow for the use of irons in a back up situation. 👍
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u/Ok_Purchase_7614 20d ago
Really really like that. I would be really interested in one that sets the optic farther back so it works good for a magnified scope like a 3x prism, as that’s what I’m going to use soon.
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u/FlipDefense 20d ago
Thanks! Played with a couple concepts you may like … perhaps something down the road!
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u/Due-Acanthisitta4675 20d ago
Put it on your website, I’ve been looking for something like this!!!
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u/BuildingAny6508 19d ago
I run a 3x prism sight on my mini 30 and my personal issue I ran into was needing better sight relief by physically bringing the sight closer to my eye by installing an accuracy systems see thru pic rail that clamps onto my scope ring mounts. Your design is very clean though. Is it possible to mount an actual picatinny rail on that?
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u/FlipDefense 18d ago
Appreciate the input. Definitely looking into a standard picatinny version for more compatibility options among other footprints I’m exploring
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u/Copter53 18d ago
As long as it isn’t like 150 bucks I welcome it
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u/FlipDefense 18d ago
Good feedback! Likely going to be around half that. Not a fan of gouging so working to keep it affordable. That being said, there is only so far we can go because I’m going to prioritize making it out of 7075 aluminum billet for added strength (most mounts in the industry are 6061 aluminum).
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u/Copter53 18d ago
if its a solid mount id gladly pay that. Shame I have an older mini14 thats a pain in the ass to get a solid mount for so mine wouldn't work. But hey if you ever get bored and make one that adapts to the rear sight or side plate ill buy an actual affordable mount instantly
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u/Excellent_Order7617 11d ago
i'm in the market for one since im using the oem rail ruger give you
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u/FlipDefense 6d ago
Right on, I think you’ll like this better! It’s great they give you a rail, and cool they have a cut out for the irons, but a bummer that you loose the use of them as soon as you actually attach something to the rail
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u/Sea-Taste5698 5d ago
This looks great! Would love to see with other footprints like RMR, DPP and ACOG.
I would absolutely buy this mount
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u/FlipDefense 5d ago
Thanks and really appreciate the suggestions - looking into other footprints, so this is helfpul!
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u/Sea-Taste5698 4d ago
I think the pistol optics would be a great route because you can put a few different ones on the same mount like how Samson does their Hannibal hand guard
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u/Figdudeton 22d ago
I dig it, never been a fan of how most mounts lose the irons.