Joined
·
362 Posts
I have an M1A Scout with an ARMS#18 mount installed, that I've morphed into what I call the "M14 Carbine." It has a number of Smith Enterprises parts, and sits in an VLTOR M14 Modstock, with a short Picatinny rail attached under the forearm of the stock.
I had an Aimpoint Micro T-1 installed that fit well with LaRue's LT661 (short) QD mounting base, but I recently started leaning toward the reticle of the EOTech sights. Quick-disconnect was required because co-witnessing the iron sights on an M1A is impossible. I liked the XPS and EXPS line of sights because they use 123 batteries which, while more expensive than AA's, provide compatability with my flashlight batteries. With these things in mind, my final consideration was height vs. location of controls - the EXPS, with its factory QD mounting system, puts the sight window about 3/8" higher than the XPS, but has its controls on the side of the unit rather than the back. Wanting the option to mount a magnifier behind the EOTech, I decided on the side controls of the EXPS and recently purchased one.
Imagine my bewilderment at not being able to attach the EXPS to the ARMS#18. "What the hey???" Then imagine my utter disappointment when I realized that the body of the ARMS#18 interferes with the QD throw lever of the EXPS, preventing the EXPS from properly engaging and installing on the ARMS#18's rail. Can you say "$600 paperweight"?? (See first pic.)
I e-mailed EOTech explaining my problem and received a reply within hours. On the EXPS, it is possible to remove the mounting base, which is held in place with two screws, and turn it around. (See second pic.) Doing so allowed me to successfully install the EXPS on the ARMS#18. WHEW!!! What a relief! (See third pic.)
Just out of curiousity, I e-mailed GG&G asking about their Accucam QD mount for the EOTech XPS sights, and its compatability with the ARMS#18. Sure enough, the Accucam lever will also contact the body of the AMRS#18 and prevent installation of an XPS w/Accucam. Because the Accucam system replaces the factory crossbolt on the XPS, it cannot be installed on the other side (ie- cannot be "turned around") as is possible with the mounting base of the EXPS.
So the bottom line is, an EOTech XPS w/ GG&G Accucam QD system cannot be installed on an ARMS#18 mount. (An EOTech w/out QD will install fine, as I've done with a friend's 552.) An EOTech EXPS can be installed on the ARMS#18 after reversing the mounting base.
Since the nice people at both EOTech and GG&G hadn't heard of or considered this before, I may be the guinea pig for this particular setup, so I just thought I'd put the info out there before anyone else starts spending their hard-earned $$ on something that may not work...
I had an Aimpoint Micro T-1 installed that fit well with LaRue's LT661 (short) QD mounting base, but I recently started leaning toward the reticle of the EOTech sights. Quick-disconnect was required because co-witnessing the iron sights on an M1A is impossible. I liked the XPS and EXPS line of sights because they use 123 batteries which, while more expensive than AA's, provide compatability with my flashlight batteries. With these things in mind, my final consideration was height vs. location of controls - the EXPS, with its factory QD mounting system, puts the sight window about 3/8" higher than the XPS, but has its controls on the side of the unit rather than the back. Wanting the option to mount a magnifier behind the EOTech, I decided on the side controls of the EXPS and recently purchased one.
Imagine my bewilderment at not being able to attach the EXPS to the ARMS#18. "What the hey???" Then imagine my utter disappointment when I realized that the body of the ARMS#18 interferes with the QD throw lever of the EXPS, preventing the EXPS from properly engaging and installing on the ARMS#18's rail. Can you say "$600 paperweight"?? (See first pic.)
I e-mailed EOTech explaining my problem and received a reply within hours. On the EXPS, it is possible to remove the mounting base, which is held in place with two screws, and turn it around. (See second pic.) Doing so allowed me to successfully install the EXPS on the ARMS#18. WHEW!!! What a relief! (See third pic.)
Just out of curiousity, I e-mailed GG&G asking about their Accucam QD mount for the EOTech XPS sights, and its compatability with the ARMS#18. Sure enough, the Accucam lever will also contact the body of the AMRS#18 and prevent installation of an XPS w/Accucam. Because the Accucam system replaces the factory crossbolt on the XPS, it cannot be installed on the other side (ie- cannot be "turned around") as is possible with the mounting base of the EXPS.
So the bottom line is, an EOTech XPS w/ GG&G Accucam QD system cannot be installed on an ARMS#18 mount. (An EOTech w/out QD will install fine, as I've done with a friend's 552.) An EOTech EXPS can be installed on the ARMS#18 after reversing the mounting base.
Since the nice people at both EOTech and GG&G hadn't heard of or considered this before, I may be the guinea pig for this particular setup, so I just thought I'd put the info out there before anyone else starts spending their hard-earned $$ on something that may not work...