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Posted: 8/10/2007 6:32:32 AM EDT
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I've come to the conclusion that ALL carry handle scope mounts are inherently unreiable - ie. wobbly. There's just not much way they will be as secure as a flattop rail. Everything depends on one screw pulling the mount down into the carry handle channel. And having just bought an APEX retro scope I noticed obvious wobble side to side and up and down. The scope is great for $100 but the mount system is not great. I believe the Colt originals and chicom clones are all the same basic design. First step was to file the bottom and sides of a nick and a bulge around the screw. Then degreased the base. Next made two shims(Coke carton) out of thin cardboard about 3/16" by 1/2". Bent these into a "U" shape to serve as shims/dams/guides at front and rear of scope mount. Greased the carry handle channel to serve as release agent. Mixed JB Weld and placed a "drop" just inboard of each cardboard shim. Formed each drop into a "U" with a toothpick. Carefully placed scope into place and tightened down. Let it sit for an hour in a vertical position. Scope is now as solid "as possible". I'd recommend this for all carry handle mounts. HTH. Sorry no pics. And be sure to Loctite the mount to scopebody screws. |
| Just so nobody misunderstands(LIKE RANCHHAND - Hey Lonnie), the grease to the channel of the carry handle serves as a release agent. Popped right out. And the only way I can think of to get a tighter fit to this type mount would be a nut on the attaching bolt instead of the lever thing. But, then it wouldn't be a quick release type. |
| I will agree that the scopes are like that. It's been my experience also. But I have to say, I have an ARMS #2 mount that is tight as a you know what. It has scrape marks on the side of it from installation and removal. That part is not retro and probably doesn't apply, but if one needed a good mount with a rail, I would highly recommend it. If you want pics I can show you. |
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JJREA - try this. With scope mounted, wiggle up and down on the front end of the scope. Do you feel any movement at the front of the mount where it rests in the carry handle channel? I'm very leary of the stability even with the minimal recoil of 5.56/.223. Especially with a long heavy scope. And remember, these retro scopes don't have a nut on the bottom. Just the spring loaded lever. |
I don't have it mounted at present. But I've never noticed movement in the past. No I do have chinese 4x carry handle scope and it moves all over the place in most of my handles. One of them it was pretty tight but still not sure. |
+1 on the ARMS #2 mounts. I have several and they are all tight. I'm sure that a really worn carry handle will allow the mount to move but I have three mounted - one on an A2 and two on removable carry handles and they are all solid. The #2 mounts had to be tapped into place with a wood block or a plastic mallet on my handles before the nuts were tightened. Leupold 2 & 2.5 compacts and an old Kollmorgen (sp?) 2.5. YMMV |
Yeah, mine scraped going in, all the way down and takes quite of bit of force. I didn't have to hit mine with a mallet, but maybe I'm just stronger than you.    I'm just teasing. I doubt it anyways.
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I did the same thing years ago with a cheapy $12 gunshow special scope mount. Filed three notches in the bottom and two sides of the mount, greased up the channel in the carry handle and put the JB Weld in the six, filed grooves. Installed and sweated while the JB Weld set up.  Now that mount is good and solid and perfectly suitible for most occaisons. But I've also got one of the Leupold mounts now and they "snap" into place they fit so tight. |
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