What is a Low Mount?
The world of firearms optics is constantly evolving, with innovative designs and mounting solutions emerging to enhance accuracy, speed, and overall shooting experience. Among these advancements, the choice of a proper mount for your red dot sight is paramount. When it comes to a reliable and popular optic, the Vortex Strikefire 2 stands out. This article delves into the intricacies of utilizing a Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount, exploring its advantages, potential considerations, and ultimately, how to achieve a setup that best suits your individual needs.
We’ll explore how opting for a Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount can drastically change your interaction with your firearm, from its handling to its sight picture. Beyond simply attaching an optic, understanding the nuances of mount heights is crucial for maximizing your shooting potential and achieving a comfortable and efficient shooting experience.
So, what exactly *is* a low mount?
A low mount, in the context of red dot sights like the Strikefire 2, refers to a mount designed to position the optic as close to the firearm’s top rail as possible. This placement results in a lower overall profile compared to other mounting options, such as those designed for absolute co-witness or a 1/3 co-witness with your iron sights. The defining characteristic of a low mount is the reduction in distance between the bore of the firearm and the centerline of the red dot. This difference in height can have a considerable effect on both the practical and the perceived experience of shooting.
Benefits of Using a Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount
When selecting a mount, it’s not only about the aesthetics; it’s about how it interacts with your body and how you interact with your firearm. The Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount offers a range of benefits that can significantly improve the way you handle and use your firearm.
Lower Profile
One of the primary advantages is its lower profile. This design reduces the overall height of the optic above the firearm’s top rail, resulting in a less bulky and more streamlined setup. This lower profile translates into reduced snag hazards. The optic is less likely to catch on clothing, gear, or any other environmental obstructions. This is particularly beneficial in dynamic shooting environments where quick movement and efficient maneuvering are crucial. The less the optic protrudes, the less likely it is to interfere with your shooting experience or get damaged.
Additionally, the lower profile can also have a positive impact on how the firearm is carried. A lower-mounted optic might allow for easier storage and concealment, especially in situations where a compact profile is desirable. Whether you are working in tactical scenarios or recreational shooting, the reduced bulk can make a notable difference in your comfort and maneuverability.
Faster Target Acquisition (Potentially)
Another potential benefit often associated with a Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount is the possibility of faster target acquisition. While individual experiences may vary, the lower sight line can sometimes make it easier to acquire the target quickly and naturally. This is because the shooter’s head and eye don’t need to elevate as far to align with the red dot. This can create a more intuitive shooting experience. The reduction in height of the sight system allows the eye to focus more quickly on the target, minimizing the time required to bring the weapon up and on target. This can be a crucial advantage in competitive shooting or self-defense scenarios where every fraction of a second counts.
Enhanced Stability (Potentially)
Moreover, the lower center of gravity that can result from a low mount configuration might contribute to enhanced weapon stability, or at least give the *perception* of enhanced stability. While not a guarantee, the closer proximity of the optic to the bore axis can sometimes make the firearm feel more balanced and less prone to muzzle rise during recoil. This perceived stability can aid in maintaining sight alignment and improving shot follow-through, which ultimately contributes to better accuracy.
Considerations When Using a Low Mount with the Vortex Strikefire 2
However, despite its compelling advantages, the use of a Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount does require careful consideration of several factors. The most crucial aspect to address is the proper cheek weld and stock compatibility.
Cheek Weld and Stock Compatibility
A proper cheek weld is the consistent and comfortable placement of your cheek on the stock, crucial for maintaining a consistent sight picture and overall accuracy. With a low mount, the distance between your eye and the center of the red dot is reduced. Consequently, the shooter might need to adjust their cheek weld and find a way to properly align their eye with the optic.
If you’re using a standard stock, one without any adjustability, you’ll want to be particularly mindful of the positioning of the optic. You may find that you need to modify your stock to be able to achieve the right cheek weld. Some common methods to accommodate that are utilizing a cheek riser, or potentially swapping out for a stock that has adjustable height. Choosing a stock with an adjustable cheekpiece is generally one of the best ways to fine-tune the sight picture and obtain the optimal eye alignment and consistent cheek weld.
Iron Sight Compatibility
The second important consideration relates to iron sight compatibility. In most cases, a low mount configuration for the Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount will not provide the opportunity for co-witnessing with the iron sights. Co-witnessing means that the iron sights and the red dot can be aligned simultaneously, providing a backup aiming solution if the red dot fails. While some lower mounts can *almost* achieve co-witnessing, they often require specific iron sight heights. This often means you will not have a backup aiming plan.
If co-witnessing is a necessity for your application, you will want to look at different mount height options, such as absolute or 1/3 co-witness mounts. If you are set on using a Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount, be sure that you have a plan if your red dot fails. This could involve carrying a backup weapon or having a practiced strategy for transitioning to your iron sights.
User Preference and Physical Characteristics
Another aspect that must be considered is individual user preference and physical characteristics. The ideal mount height is ultimately subjective and can vary widely depending on the shooter’s body type, shooting style, and the type of firearm being used. For example, shooters with shorter necks may find a low mount more comfortable than those with longer necks. Experimentation and personal evaluation are essential for determining what works best for you. Spend time evaluating a variety of setups and assessing your results.
Potential for Obstruction
Finally, it’s important to be aware of the potential for obstruction. Depending on your firearm and the specific configuration, the front sight post may partially or completely obstruct the view through the red dot sight. This is an important aspect to test before investing in a specific mount. Consider how the red dot’s position aligns with the front sight post, and how it may impact the field of view when aiming.
Choosing the Right Low Mount for Your Strikefire 2
With these crucial considerations in mind, the choice of a Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount becomes much more informed. Fortunately, there are many options available on the market, enabling you to tailor the configuration to your specific needs.
Many well-regarded manufacturers offer low mount options specifically designed to fit the Vortex Strikefire 2. When selecting a mount, you’ll want to prioritize a mount constructed from durable materials, with the most common material being aluminum alloys, most commonly, 6061-T6 aluminum. This offers a good balance of strength and weight. Consider the overall construction quality and ensure that the mount is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use and recoil.
Ease of installation is another important factor to consider. The best low mounts are usually designed to be straightforward to install, often utilizing a simple clamping system or a few screws. It’s vital to properly tighten all screws to ensure a secure and stable mount.
Installation Guide
Installation of the Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount generally involves a few key steps. First, clean the top rail of your firearm. This ensures a secure attachment. Second, attach the mount base to the rail, ensuring it’s correctly aligned. Third, secure the mount base to the rail with the provided screws. Fourth, attach the Strikefire 2 to the low mount, carefully aligning it and tightening the screws to secure the optic.
After completing the installation, conduct a range test, and familiarize yourself with the new sight picture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Vortex Strikefire 2 Low Mount presents a compelling option for shooters seeking a lower profile and potentially faster target acquisition. The benefits can be significant, particularly in terms of handling, and reduced bulk. However, success depends on your willingness to take the time to assess your needs and accommodate adjustments.
Consider the importance of proper cheek weld, the absence of co-witnessing, and your individual physical characteristics and preferences. Choose a mount constructed from high-quality materials, and ensure that the mounting system provides a secure and reliable attachment to your firearm.
By carefully considering the factors outlined in this article, and doing the appropriate amount of testing, you can equip your Vortex Strikefire 2 with a low mount that will help you achieve an optimal shooting experience, one that maximizes both comfort and performance.
