Warne R.A.M.P. Scope Mount Review

The Warne R.A.M.P mount is a 1 piece scope mount for AR-15 style rifles, or any rifle that has a picatinny rail and needs a forward mounted optic.  R.A.M.P stands for Rapid Acquisition Multi-Sight Platform. It gets the multi-sight part because besides having built in rings, it also has 2 45degree angled mounts.  These mounts allow you to install a small red dot sight on one of the canted rails.  One could mount Iron sights on these also, but would then need the optional mount for the front sight to attach on.  The RAMP mount comes in three sizes for most needs: 1inch, 30mm, and 34mm.  I have the 1" version, but they are all essentially the same.

The 45 degree mounts are really what sets this mount ahead of its competition.  With the ability to mount something small on either the left or right side of the scope, it will appeal to both left and right hand shooters.  If you decide not to use one side or the other, or neither, the angled mounts are removable with 2 socket head screws on each.  Because of the added mounts, and space to attach the mounts, it is not the lightest mount out on the market.

Another nice feature on the RAMP mount is the 1/2" hex screws on the mounting base.  They are to be torqued to no more than 65in/lbs.  Also a torx style allen wrench is supplied to tighten down the top of the scope rings. There are 2 T-15 torx screws per side and should be tightened in an x pattern.

I really like the RAMP mount.  It puts the scope at the correct height and the proper eye relief.  With the option of adding a small red dot if one desires. The only negative I can see with the mount is the weight, but it is a very sturdy mount.  If you are in the market for this style mount, you cant go wrong with the Warne RAMP.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: 1 piece scope mount with angled side mounts for AR-15 style rifles

Target Market: 3-gun

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• 1 piece scope mount
• Proper eye relief distance on AR pattern rifles
• Solid aluminum construction
• 45 degree mounts for red-dot sights
• Available for just about any scope diameter
• Lots of color options from boring to flashy

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? Black, Zombie green, Red, OD green, Dark Earth, and Blue

What others are saying?:

Alex on Amazon 5/5 stars. Best AR mount anywhere.

Bought one of these for my RRA LAR 15 to use with a Leupold Mark AR on top and a Leupold Deltapoint on the side. Got it, opened it, and could not have been more impressed with the build of this mount! Rock solid craftsmanship. Placed it on my AR and it holds tight and sits perfectly. Take it off...no problem. Put it back on....exact return to scope zero. Just bought another one for my RRA LAR-8! Get one, or two, you will not ever want any other mount!

Jkrispies on Brownells 5/5 stars. Great mount for a 45 secondary mount.

A little heavy (even with the side mounts removed) if you're not going to use the 45 degree option, otherwise typical Warne quality, which is the best I've found out there. Only warning I'd give is to do some research before buying this-- will your Mini-Red Dod Sight clear the bell of your primary scope? Ironically, I think the perfect use of this scope with a 45 degree mount would be on a monolithic receiver (think SCAR) and the mount backwards. Height is perfect. If you don't foresee yourself ever using the side mounts, I would recommend going with the Warne SKEL mount, which is the same mount as this minus the extra attachments, thus reducing weight significantly.

Price point:

MSRP = $195.49

Retail = $121.20 on Amazon  $169.99 on Brownells

I need it now! Availability: Amazon and Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Proper eye relief
• Removable 45 degree angled mounts
• 1 piece optics mount
• Multitude of color options
• Available for 1", 30mm, & 34mm scopes
• Made in U.S.A.
• Rugged
• Returns to zero

Cons:

• Heavy
• No quick detach

Score: 8.50 Great

Chad's Favorite Link: Albany Rifle and Pistol Club

Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm Scope

 

Yet another Vortex optic has snuck itself into my collection, this time its the variable low-power option of the Viper 1-4x24mm. This scope is at home on top of almost any carbine or low to intermediate range rifle. While 4x magnification isn't generally enough for MOA sized groups past 100 yards, this scope is meant for efficiency and speed. Weighing in at 16.2 ounces, this optic isn't the lightweight in it's class... but it's built with the same strength, glass clarity and dependability of the other scopes in the Viper PST line, which is to say very impressive for the price point.

For the same cost of a military-grade red dot scope, this Viper gives you the benefit of both a red dot and a low power scope.  The TMCQ (Tactical Milling Close Quarter) MOA (Minute of Angle) reticle is designed for close to mid-range shooting situations, as well as effectively estimating ranges, holdovers, and windage for longer pokes. At short range distances inside of 25 yards I could shoot with both eyes open at the lowest 1x magnification setting, using the reticle's thick circle and illumination with a 10 brightness setting rheostat. One major issue with most red dots or even holographic sights is that under intense bright conditions, the dot/reticle can almost disappear if you aren't in the shade. The Viper has a reticle with a thick 22 MOA circle thats etched onto the glass. I have actually rarely used the illumination as it's not often been needed, however it is useful and well executed. The clicks on the rheostat are very positive, with each step in between brightness settings being an off setting, so its easy to activate the illumination to the last setting used by one click either left or right. The thick circle glows bright and fills the role of a 1x red dot very nicely. At 1x, the distance for eye relief is a generous 4 inches, which again draws comparison to the function of a red dot.

At intermediate ranges between 50–175 yards, the extra magnification helps despite being only 4x. Zeroing the optic at 100 yards as opposed to 50 yards will lessen hold over needed at 200 yards, you just have to remember your point of impact will be between 1-2 inches lower than point of aim at closer ranges. While a 1-4x scope would seem underpowered for distances approaching 200 yards and beyond to most shooters, the reticle subtensions on this Viper are set MOA (minutes of angle) and make compensating bullet drop an easy task as long as you understand what your bullet is doing, in terms of velocity and inches of drop.  The lines of the reticle are thin, so if you are not accustomed to fine lines and small numbers, or have 'old, tired eyes' you may find yourself passing this scope over. But the thin width of the lines makes for finer aiming, and hopefully smaller groups on paper. There are 30 minutes worth of holdover dash marks on the reticle for both elevation and windage, which could lend itself to the 5.56 55 grain bullet reach outwards to 600 yards as far as drop is concerned, with plenty of windage marks. A simple brushing up on the MOA system of measurement and getting to know your gun's caliber trajectory will get you the most out of this reticles potential.

While this isn't a magical do-it-all scope, the ability to engage targets from 25 yards to 600 yards (depending on caliber/load) is within the realm of possibility for this scope. It's understandable how this scope has become a favorite of competitive shooters when drilling close range cardboard targets one minute and knocking down steel targets at 100+ yards the next. The 30mm tube lets in more light than 1 inch tubes conventionally, and the glass clarity is on par with the rest of the Vortex Viper PST family, which is arguably also equivalent or surpassing of most competitor scopes, certainly those who fall below the price point. You do get what you pay for when shopping for scopes, and a lifetime guarantee and overall quality and longevity you get from a Vortex optic is one of the best bangs you can get for your buck these days.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  The Viper PST (Precision Shooting Tactical) riflescope boasts features associated with top-tier riflescopes, and delivers the performance and features tactical shooters demand at an economical price.

Target Market:  Range Shooters, Hunters, 3-Gun Competitors

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass increases resolution and color fidelity, resulting in crisp, sharp images
• Proprietary coatings increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces
• TMCQ (Tactical Milling Close Quarter) is a hashmarked ranging reticle using MOA-based subtension lines for ranging, holdover, and windage corrections
• 220 total minutes of adjustment for elevation and windage each
• Field of View: 98(1x)-27.5(3x) feet at 100 yards
• Eye relief approx 4 inches.
• Reticle protected between two layers of glass for optimum durability and reliability
• Illuminated reticle provides precise aiming under low-light conditions
• Ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating protects exterior lenses from scratches, oil and dirt

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Capped and Uncapped versions

What others are saying?:

 "Bolted this baby on my 20" flattop and couldn't be happier! Zeroed in easily and hasn't missed a beat in aprox 1000 rounds. Battery life is good, still on the original. Acquiring sight picture while illuminated is QUICK! Reticle is very fine and clear allowing me shoot 100yd moa groups off the bipod at will. Customer service is stellar at Vortex, friendly folks on the phone. " - Stickman User Review, vortexoptics.com

"The reticle is easy to see and a great size. While the illumination is not visible in daylight, it does provide a contrast in a situation where the crosshairs would otherwise get blacked out. Perfectly illuminated for night time. I love the "CQ" part of the reticle which is, in my humble opinion, better than the solid round EOTech reticle that tends to be "too busy" for my taste. The glass is very clear, and in fact in 1x it's clearer than some red dots I've used! The 1x is a true one 1x. Knobs are easy to grasp, adjust, set markings to zero, re-zero, etc., etc. Clear markings all around including magnification knob. All around, I can't find anything to complain about, and I expect my next scope will be a higher power Vortex PST MOA for my .308 bolt action. Can I give a better endorsement than that?" jkrispies user, brownells.com

Price point:

• MSRP = $579.00
• Retail = $499.00 at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available online at Brownells and most sporting goods stores.

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Design and Function are a perfect match for a carbine to midlength AR-15 platform, especially in the weight department
• Glass is very clear for a 24mm objective
• Eye relief is approx 4 inches
• Reticle can both serve as a 1x Red Dot or capable of mid range shooting
• Water/fog/shock proof
• Nice tactile and well marked turrets
• CRS Zero stop feature
• Great Warranty, lifetime no questions asked.

Cons:

•  Illumination of center circle/dot of reticle is okay, but does not fully illuminate elevation hashes all the way to 30 MOA on either end, but does illuminate the full width of the windage marks.

Score: 9.0 Amazing

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

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Hunter of Design

California Competition Works 12 Gauge Speed Stripper Review

With all the pistol and carbine mag pouches out there on the market, a lot of people forget about a carrying system for the largest and clunkiest of the munitions, the 12 gauge shotgun shell. Instead of fishing around a dump pouch or pocket blindly for shells chaotically, there are belt caddies available to hold shells in the same direction, and in an easily accessible way. The lest expensive option I've found is the California Competition Works 12 Gauge Speed Stripper. I bought a couple of 4 round strippers while there are strippers with 6 packs available. You know what I mean. The caddy can hold 2 3/4" and 3" shells and its quite robust, the metal clip on the back is extremely rigid. Luckily the supplier demooner.com offers the same caddies with different backing systems. The only downsides are the shells rattle quite, and when you are running/active with only 2 or 1 shell left in caddy it is likely to come out. As a beginning 3 Gunner looking to accommodate shotgun shells onto their belt, look no further than these from California Competition Works.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Provides controlled carry of 12 gauge shells for fast, fumble-free reloads.

Target Market: Bird hunters, Skeet/Trap Shooters, 3 Gun Competitors

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Available in either 4 or 6 round configurations
• Belt Clip ride height is adjustable (only 2 positions)
• Multiple mount options available through www.demooner.com

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, Coyote Brown, & Orange

What others are saying?: “Works well in Practical shooting. Capacity of four definitely the correct size for me, as four rounds is the maximum I can hold in my hand while feeding my gun. Comes with two spacers to adjust the stripper for different length of cartridges. You have to use both spacers with extra short rounds like S&B Practical Sport. With one spacer extra short rounds can fall off. This also means that the stripper doesn't cope well with mixed length rounds. Few downsides though: - Rattles which prevents hunting usage - If the stripper is not packed full, remaining round(s) may fall off while moving. This limits tactical usage, if there's a need to feed only one, two or three rounds into the gun. All in all a simple, rugged and very good product." - puppe user, Brownells.com review

Price Point: Retail: $25.99

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at Brownells

Our Rating:

+-Retains 4 shells securely and easy to load up +-Price is under other competitors, easy to afford multiples +-Includes spacers to accommodate 2 3/4" shells --Metal Clip on back is overly rigid and extremely hard to clip on belt. --When caddy is not 100% full (-1 or 2 shells) remaining shells are able to fall out during rapid movement --Shells rattle loudly in caddy (using spacers and 2 3/4" shells) which may spook some game during hunting

Score: 8.0 Great

Taccom 8Up Quaload Shotgun Shell Holder Review

By Daniel Strait

Taccom Quaload: I ordered this product directly from the Taccom website based off of the review of Jesse Tischauser on BrianEnos Forums and the AR15.com forums. I figured, if he could load 8rds in 3.5 sec then I could...right??

Initial Impressions:

Upon opening the package, I was initially very impressed. It has a very sturdy feel and does not feel like it will break easily. I ordered the product with TekLok and was surprised, and slightly annoyed, when there were no instructions on how to use it! Well that agitated feeling quickly went away upon a quick search on YouTube and finding a video of how to attach the TekLok to the 8Up Quaload.

When attaching it to my shooting belt I noticed that these are not a small loading system. If you are cramped for space on your belt, I would not look toward the 8Up Quaload to save some space...the 4 Quaload, perhaps, might be a better choice or the Carbon Arms EZ8 or FSL8  or AP L2/L4 might be better space savers.

As previously mentioned, the Taccom system feels very sturdy. The problem I seemed to have is the tightness of the clips. The website even mentions IOT (in order to) remove the shells from the caddy efficiently, you need to remove them in a specific way. While not intuitive, it is not too difficult, unless you have small hands, then you might want to try the Load 2 method.

Overall Impression:

Overall, I would buy this product again. However, keep in mind this method does take quite a bit of practice, contrary to what I had initially thought. Granted, you will probably notice improvement within the hour, but IOT load 8rds in 4 seconds, this will take many hours of practice, in my humble opinion. The price point is right on par with many of the other quad loading techniques, based off of my prior research. One 8Up Quaload will cost you $69.95 plus $10.00 for the TekLok backing (must purchase separately).

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Straight from the horse’s mouth..."Our QUALOAD holds the 2 columns of shells next to one another, you can't get any closer than having them touch. No other quad load device can do this!! This allows for you to control how the shell come out of the holder and not have to worry about rim overlay.....the rims are already overlapped in the correct position!!

We allow a generous amount of room under the shells so that you can wrap your fingers around the shells before you lift them out of the holder. Also, we have the farthest distance between our clips so that HUGE hands will have no problem getting at the shells out of our loader."

Target Market: This product was specifically created for the Competition Shooter ie. 3 gun competitors. I have seen those on a few “End of the world as we know it” forums though for what it’s worth.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Ability to load 4 shells vs 2 shells
• Availability of sizes (Quaload, 8Up, and 16Up).

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Taccom 8Up Quaload Shotgun Shell Holder is only available in black.

What others are saying?: “Been working with these this week, allows you to grab a handful with less fumbling, you can raise or lower the shells, the clips hold the rounds in a lot better than the one with metal clips, 5 star, looks like it’s made of delrin, should outlast most anything!” - dustbuster, The Shooter's Source Review

Price Point:

• MSRP = $69.95
• Retail = $69.99

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this shell holder from a few retailers, including Midway USA, The Shooter's Source, and directly from Taccom.

Our Rating:

+-Tough Construction +-Shells positioned well

--Size --To much tension

Score: 7.5    

Mesa Tactical Sureshell Shotshell Carrier with Integrated Picatinny Rail

When you combine classic design with the desire for end user customization, there is bound to be innovative companies that will rise to the occasion to give the customer what they want. Just like the AR-15, common shotgun patterns such as the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500  are easily customizable with a bevy of affordable and easy to install parts and accessories. One company that provides this is Mesa Tactical.  One of the things that makes me love this company is its dedication to the scattergun. They focus exclusively on products to make shotguns more effective tools for whatever purpose you choose to utilize them for.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Multipurpose, platform focused and versatility. 

Target Market: Operators, 3-gun competitors and home defense.

FNBs:

Key Features

• Milled from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum
• Bead blasted and mil-spec hard anodized
• Integral MIL-STD-1913 picatinny rail
• No gunsmithing installation
• Innovative rubber friction retention system

Key Benefits

• Solid mounting platform for optics
• Rock Solid retention of shotshells

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  There are a variety of models that have different capacities and lengths of rail. There is also their line of non railed Sureshell holders.  While mine is for an 870, they make models that correspond to a variety of firearms.   SureShell Shotshell Carriers-Mesa Tactical

What others are saying?:  I purchased mine off of Amazon and its average rating is 4.25 stars. With the two 2 star ratings being for faulty packaging on the one and simple preference on the other. Consensus seems strongly positive considering this products two main detractors are for these reasons.  Amazon

Price Point:

• MSRP = $125
• Retail = $123.85+ free shipping (Amazon)

I need it now! Availability: If you happen to have a very well stocked local gun store you may be able to pick it up however with Amazon the shipping is free and you will have it in a week. Direct from manufacturer is also an option.

Our Rating:

+ Construction + Included hardware + Simple installation + Rock solid mount + Rock solid shell retention

Score: 8.5 GREAT

My Blog: NJ Gun Blog