I can't seem to make this mistake post go away, so I guess I'll start another post. Does anyone have any interest in seeing the simple inexpensive way I found to add an optic to a slide not cut for an optic? I tried a couple of different products and methods and found a relatively inexpensive way to mount an optic without having the slide cut and re ceracoated.
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How would you add an Optic to a non optic ready slide on a budget?
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GuyD
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I first drill the screw holes with 1/8" bit, then drill the larger holes with the 13/64" bit to the level of the first hole to accommodate the larger screw head. I use a black paint marker to cover the freshly drilled area.
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Now the optic fits snug and perfect on the plate. The 5-40 1/4" screws I got on Amazon 24ea for like $8 total. Now I have a good range optic for under $120, the optic plates I've bought from $25 to $75, but average about $50 from GB and Ebay. I'm under $200 to install an optic. I think this is a good range option, EDC I'd go with a cut slide and a quality optic.
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All I have to do now, is remove the rear sight, install the optics plate in the dovetail with a brass punch and tighten the Allen screws. It has been my experice it is best to remove the loctite thats on the Allen screws before you install them and use fresh blue locktite. The old stuff can bind up before you get the screws fully set and you can strip the screw. They just need to be flush to lock the plate in place.
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Now install the optic with the 5-40 screws and torque to 12 inch lbs. I dare say thousands of rounds through the 10 or so of these exact ones I installed. No plate movement and no optics faure. They do need battery changes more often(800-1000 hrs), but for the purchase price its a good trade off. Especially for a range toy.
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When you are enlarging holes like that for Allen cap screws a counterbore is very handy. First it will make a flat bottom for the head to sit on and there are pilots available to keep everything centered.
I have several complete sets in 1/32 increment but you will find a few sizes you will use most.
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The hole size differnce is very minor. You could almost drill the holes by hand with just the bit.
This task is easy with tools many people have hanging around the shop. Nothing special, average Joe backyard gunsmithing almost anyone can do. That has been my mantra, keep it simple.
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“How would you add an Optic to a non optic ready slide on a budget?”
In Florida, we use Duct Tape
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In Florida, we use Duct Tape
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I like it, tools anyone has on hand and perfect for a Glock.
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Did that 320 try to shoot you yet? Inquiring minds want to know
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What magwell is on the ODG framed setup?
Carry pistol- milled or no optic. And no cheap optics.
Range/target/fun pistol- may be worth the cheaper option especially if you want to outfit a number of them. I prefer optics on all my pistols but that gets pricey.
Internet experts disagree.
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Don't really care
I'm proof in the pudding- puddin
I've proved them an effective tool for mounting optics on 1911's, 2011's and Sig classic series mostly 226's
Bomar cuts, Novak cuts and regular dovetails on Sig's
Tuff to tell a guy that is doesn't work. when he's proven it to himself that it does!
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Something from Ebay for $13, really drives your hand into the Beavertail. I like it on the Tyrant grip better than the Tyrant model that actually belongs on it. Its a really comfortable stable grip. One of my favorites. Waiting on delivery of the new full size Tyrant Macro grip in black. Everything before was the snubnose.
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I agree, I've installed a dozen or more with thousands of rounds down range and no issues.
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That is the plate that matches the optic. The screws for the plate don't match the optic. Universal plates are mostly aluminum, most likely weaker and thicker because they need so many holes. This is low profile, very good quality and reliable. They also fit both the P320 and P365.
A Trijicon RMRcc optics cost is north of $500. The ADE optic is about $120, but you need to enlarge the holes. Easy fix to inexpensively mount a range optic on a slide not cut for it. Its not a perfect solution, but it is a very reliable, simple, cost effective solution for less money complete than cutting the slide and recoating the whole thing. Its also very quick. Takes me about 15 minutes, well after I spent hours figuring it all out.
A Trijicon RMRcc optics cost is north of $500. The ADE optic is about $120, but you need to enlarge the holes. Easy fix to inexpensively mount a range optic on a slide not cut for it. Its not a perfect solution, but it is a very reliable, simple, cost effective solution for less money complete than cutting the slide and recoating the whole thing. Its also very quick. Takes me about 15 minutes, well after I spent hours figuring it all out.
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