The SIDELOK picatinny riser, by Kinetic Development Group, is a quick release/reattach scope riser. This riser mount is made so that removing and reattaching the mount will not effect your optics zero. They do this by some fancy cam lock system, and it works slick. One really nice feature is that this mount has no external parts sticking out the sides to get hung up on.
In order for the SIDELOK to work, one must push the squarish button in toward the mount. If the button is not in, the mount will not roll onto the picatinny rail like is required for installation. Now, to install the mount, all one needs to do is to hold it up to the rail that it is being mounted to at about a 45 degree angle, and then roll the mount on. Once on, the button will click outward and the mount will be locked on solid. The mount rolls on and off from the side that has the writing on it. If you want to remove the mount, just push the button back in and roll the mount off. The button is protected from accidentally being pressed by a "U" shaped cut-out. It also must be pushed in about 1/2" to actually get it to lock in the installation/removal mode.
I put an old red-dot that I have had for years on the sidelok mount. This red-dot needs a riser to be used on an AR style rifle, so the sidelok seemed perfect for it. I also was sure that this sight would not have any zeroing problems. I mounted the red-dot to the mount and then installed it on an AR and zeroed it at 50yds. I then took it back off and on. Shot some more with no signs of zero shift. I must have removed and replaced the mount and sight probably 20 times that day. Some because I wanted to test it, and others to show people at the range how cool it was. At the end of the day I was still shooting the same place as I was right after zeroing the red-dot. In the time I have had the Sidelok mount, I have removed it plenty of times just to show people. I once even put it on backwards, you can put the button facing forward or backwards, whatever will work best for you. I even beat on the rifles pistol grip, for a different review, and still no zero change.
This SIDELOK mount is probably the best riser mount I have used. The ease of use and the fact that it holds zero make it perfect for someone who is changing optics often. It raises the mount up 0.62" from the top of the rail it is being mounted on. And it gives 3.5" of usable picatinny rail. It is 4.33" total length when locked on and is 1.1" wide total. Kinetic Development Group has done a great job with the Sidelok family. They are also available as dedicated mounts for the Aimpoint Micro, PRO, C3, and Comp M4.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: Quick attach riser optics mount that maintains zero.
Target Market: Anyone looking for an easily removed and installed optic mount.
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
- Quick attachment
- Quick removal
- Easy to use
- Solid lock up when installed
- Zero point of impact shift
- Lightweight at 3.4 oz
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? None, Black is it.
What others are saying?: Google was no help and so none were found
Price point:
MSRP = $99.00
Retail = $99.00 @ Brownells
I need it now! Availability:Kinetic Development Group and Brownells
Our Rating: 8.5 Great
Pros:
- Quickly attaches and removes
- Holds zero
- Mount is extremely sturdy
- No knobs sticking out the sides
Cons:
- It is a riser mount (Reaching for stuff, I know)
- Price
- Would be really nice if it came in an option for magnified optics (Something like the Warne Mount)
Chad’s Favorite Link: U.S. Tactical Supply
