Red dot choices

[Redhawk1]

Very nice set-up Larry, did you modify the weaver base yourself?  In your opinion, do you think the set-up you’re using could work on the SW X-frame or some 454’s out there?  I ask because on my weaver style base the “recoil lug” concept is incorporated within the base itself to prevent shearing of the 6X48 screws on heavy recoiling revolvers and requires the removal of the rear sight.  Maybe a couple 8X40 screws might hold up to the punishment using your type set-up due to the small weight factor?

I am not Larry, but I would not use a Buris Fast Fire on one of the X-frame 460 or 500 Mags. I blew one out after the 3rd shot on my S&W 500 Mag.

[Larry Gibson]

Very nice set-up Larry, did you modify the weaver base yourself? 

I did not modify the base as I found a very thin one with a flat bottom.  I don't recall the # but simply went to a local gunshop that had a large assortment available.

In your opinion, do you think the set-up you’re using could work on the SW X-frame or some 454’s out there? 

Redhawk seems to have had problems but the Fast Fires are mounted on semi autos and do take a pounding there.  The whole sight and base weigh very little compared to scopes and other dot sights.  Also it is mounted very low.  Thus enertia is about a low as it can get.  I've shot several of the S&W X frames and they do not seem to have the recoil of the lighter weight revolvers.  Many of the .454s are going to be very snappy of course. and it may not work as I've used set it up on those.  I have used the Fast Fire mounted on the Weaver base on my 6" barrel Ruger FTBH with full magnum loads (240s at 1425 fps) and not had any issues with the Fast Fire failing or malfunctioning.

 I ask because on my weaver style base the “recoil lug” concept is incorporated within the base itself to prevent shearing of the 6X48 screws on heavy recoiling revolvers and requires the removal of the rear sight.  Maybe a couple 8X40 screws might hold up to the punishment using your type set-up due to the small weight factor?

On heavier recoiling revolvers the modification to 8x40 screws might be a good idea.  I'm going to go with the 6x48s on the .44 but can easily go to 8x40s if they don't hold up.  A slightly longer base could be found or adapted that you could put another screw in also for 3 screw holding it on.  The low mounting and very light weight cut down considerably on the enertia as discussed.  Remains to be seen how well it might hold up on heavier recoiling hand guns.

Larry Gibson.

[krankie]

I was set to purchase an Ultradot 30.While doing a little last minute snooping around their website,I discovered a problem.If you have to send a unit back for warranty,you have to pay shipping BOTH ways.Maybe I'm being petty,but none of the other companies I checked has the same policy.

Am I whining for no reason or would this bother you too?

How many of you have had to send units back for repair?

[rvcwood]

I've had an Ultradot 30mm for over 5 years with no problems other than battery replacement. It was on an AR15 for a couple of years, than on a marlin 1895SS 45-70 for a few more. Now I use it ocassionally on a Mossberg 464 30-30.

It takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Couldn't resist.

Bob

[odoh]

I was set to purchase an Ultradot 30.While doing a little last minute snooping around their website,I discovered a problem.If you have to send a unit back for warranty,you have to pay shipping BOTH ways.Maybe I'm being petty,but none of the other companies I checked has the same policy.

Given todays global economy, perhaps the 'other companies' business plan is only 3 yrs 'til they're under, sold or otherwise irresponsible/unresponsive? Particularly, with recreational businesses. UD, Aimpoint, Leupold have been around for a long while. I would stick w/any of them but in this day & age who knows what tomorrow will bring. My sons inlaws >$100K Monaco Diesel Pusher, w/warranty remaining but the company is under bankrupacy procedings.

Am I whining for no reason or would this bother you too?

(ahem) sorry, but no, after having to pay $75 each way for a firearm (now THAT would peg ones grief meter), this'd be chump change.
How many of you have had to send units back for repair?

No RDs yet but bushnells & simmons scopes and picked up the shipping one or both ways and sometimes a service charge on top of that ~

[odoh]

To add a couple of thots re warranty. Few are the warranties that one doesn't have to fight for. Normally, its limited to auto extended warranties. Like any insurance business, they need to make a profit to continue in business and the potential for hassle exists.

On my tube type RDs as well as my scopes, I'm careful in mounting. I'm concerned about appearances particularly if having to send in for warranty service. Warranty puts 'them' in charge. 'They' have the power in the relationship. Given that, I avoid stainsless finishes as they show 'ring' marks easier. I line the inner side of the rings w/scotch tape and careful about over tightening of screws that may cause/contribute to lens fracture. Nowadays, I use a torque driver to assure proper tightness. Maybe just lucky but I've never had to use locktite, epoxy or upgrade to larger screws. I try to do more than my part so to help facilitate 'them' doing their part.