Earth Folk,
Over the years, many people have asked me to design a cantilever scope mount optimized for AR-15 platforms. We'll I finally got around to it and here it is. We're calling it the AIR BRACE because the emphasis is on ultra-light weight while trying to keep the cantilever as stiff and strong as possible. The 30mm diameter x 38mm high mount weighs in at 4 ounces making it among the lightest in the industry, especially if one actually cares about the stiffness of the cantilever section. The mount also includes a level vial at the aft end that is back-lit through a hole that runs through the entire length of it, however, it is likely useful only for the young or those older folks lucky enough to see clearly up close. I used to be young.
Note that the images below are renderings. I'll post a picture of the real thing on a rifle soon. Torque values are 35 and 55 lb-in for the scope and rail respectively. I decided to go with one M4x0.7 screw for each scope clamp because it can handle torque in excess of 40 lb-in. Bear in mind that most mounts have at least two screws per side per ring to which 15-20 lb-in of torque is typically applied. Since we're doing the same job with one screw, twice as much torque must be applied, about 35 lb-in, to result in similar clamping force.
Should a two-screw version of the scope ring ever be required, we can easily and quickly introduced retrofit-able caps but I doubt that will be necessary. I used the AIR BRACE to hold a Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM II on top of an old 10.2 lb Sako TRG-42 through which I put about 100 rounds of 338 LM. The experience was generally unpleasant because I really don't like recoil, but the AIR BRACE did its job maintaining and returning to zero. That said, our M-BRACE rings and mount are better choices for big stuff.
We're pricing the AIR BRACE at $349 but, since tomorrow is Black Friday, we're offering it at $279 though Monday.
Enjoy and have a happy Thanksgiving.
www.americanrifle.com
Ted
