Best way to set up a glock 20 with a reflex/reddot

stagpanther · August 17, 2015, 09:59 AM

I've been thinking about this for a long time but I just can't get over the stress and "wobble" of an optic on a slide on a high power semi-auto. I can access machining equipment to drill and tap if necessary. Real world experience/opinions would appreciated.

g.willikers · August 17, 2015, 10:43 AM

The classic way to mount them is on a frame mount.
But there's plenty of ways to get that wrong.
And they are best on custom and tight built pistols.
Slide mounts reduce the problems even when the slide and barrel fit isn't the greatest.
And that's all I know.
Wadda' expect for free?

stagpanther · August 17, 2015, 11:38 AM

Quote:

The classic way to mount them is on a frame mount.
But there's plenty of ways to get that wrong.
And they are best on custom and tight built pistols.
Slide mounts reduce the problems even when the slide and barrel fit isn't the greatest.
And that's all I know.
Wadda' expect for free?

I was kinda of hoping for "this is what I did and it works great!" : )

Dixie Gunsmithing · August 17, 2015, 07:30 PM

The most accurate pistols use a fixed mount, not attached to the slide. The only other way, is on fixed barrel pistols, such as .22s, that have a rear sight mounted on the barrel, and those are generally long barrel types, over the sighting radius. They went from this, to extended ribs, which had both sights on it, and the rib was attached to the stationary barrel.

On larger caliber pistols, such as the Glock, which have the barrel enclosed in the slide, you'll want a side mount, that is attached to the frame. It is the only way to assure the best repeatable accuracy, as a few thousandths of an inch movement, can mean a lot at the target, the farther it is out. You can mount them on the slide, but that is with a decrease in accuracy.

I don't know what is available for Glock on these, though, to use with a red dot. You will have to look around at Brownell's or Midway, etc.

stagpanther · August 17, 2015, 07:46 PM

thanks guys.

dakota.potts · August 17, 2015, 10:48 PM

Is a side mount or frame mount really the best thing for a Glock? I thought the Glock frame would flex and that was part of the durability of the system? I just don't see how attaching anything to polymer is the best for repeatbility. Correct me if I'm wrong though, it's just a school of thought I've never heard of.

It seems like Glock mills out a slot in their slides and then uses a series of interchangeable plates that you can screw in to mount optics. They offer these as their "optics ready" pistols.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/w...n-390x2581.jpg

stagpanther · August 17, 2015, 10:54 PM

I have heard of these but I believe that setup is only available on a few (4) gen 4 pistols.

dakota.potts · August 17, 2015, 10:57 PM

That is true, but it seems to me like that's the way to go even for aftermarket. I've never seen a Glock with a frame mounted optic, every one I have seen has had an optic mounted on the slide in some way.

August 17, 2015, 09:59 AM	#1
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,784	Best way to set up a glock 20 with a reflex/reddot I've been thinking about this for a long time but I just can't get over the stress and "wobble" of an optic on a slide on a high power semi-auto. I can access machining equipment to drill and tap if necessary. Real world experience/opinions would appreciated. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

August 17, 2015, 10:43 AM	#2
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	The classic way to mount them is on a frame mount. But there's plenty of ways to get that wrong. And they are best on custom and tight built pistols. Slide mounts reduce the problems even when the slide and barrel fit isn't the greatest. And that's all I know. Wadda' expect for free? __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

August 17, 2015, 07:46 PM	#5
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,784	thanks guys. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

August 17, 2015, 10:48 PM	#6
dakota.potts Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Location: Keystone Heights, Florida Posts: 3,084	Is a side mount or frame mount really the best thing for a Glock? I thought the Glock frame would flex and that was part of the durability of the system? I just don't see how attaching anything to polymer is the best for repeatbility. Correct me if I'm wrong though, it's just a school of thought I've never heard of. It seems like Glock mills out a slot in their slides and then uses a series of interchangeable plates that you can screw in to mount optics. They offer these as their "optics ready" pistols. http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/w...n-390x2581.jpg __________________ Certified Gunsmith (On Hiatus) Certified Armorer - H&K and Glock Among Others You can find my writings at my website, pottsprecision.com.

August 17, 2015, 10:54 PM	#7
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,784	I have heard of these but I believe that setup is only available on a few (4) gen 4 pistols. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

August 17, 2015, 07:30 PM	#4
Dixie Gunsmithing Moderator Emeritus Join Date: April 27, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,923	The most accurate pistols use a fixed mount, not attached to the slide. The only other way, is on fixed barrel pistols, such as .22s, that have a rear sight mounted on the barrel, and those are generally long barrel types, over the sighting radius. They went from this, to extended ribs, which had both sights on it, and the rib was attached to the stationary barrel. On larger caliber pistols, such as the Glock, which have the barrel enclosed in the slide, you'll want a side mount, that is attached to the frame. It is the only way to assure the best repeatable accuracy, as a few thousandths of an inch movement, can mean a lot at the target, the farther it is out. You can mount them on the slide, but that is with a decrease in accuracy. I don't know what is available for Glock on these, though, to use with a red dot. You will have to look around at Brownell's or Midway, etc.

August 17, 2015, 10:57 PM	#8
dakota.potts Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Location: Keystone Heights, Florida Posts: 3,084	That is true, but it seems to me like that's the way to go even for aftermarket. I've never seen a Glock with a frame mounted optic, every one I have seen has had an optic mounted on the slide in some way. __________________ Certified Gunsmith (On Hiatus) Certified Armorer - H&K and Glock Among Others You can find my writings at my website, pottsprecision.com.