Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets Review

Getting Started with the Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets

For those who own a Sharps rifle and wish to equip it with a period-appropriate telescopic sight, the allure of a dedicated side mount system is undeniable. The Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets, specifically the Wm. Malcolm Sharps Side Mount Set SHSMT, aims to fulfill this precise need, promising a straightforward way to attach a Wm Malcolm Rifle Scope to iconic Sharps firearms. This system is designed to leverage existing mounting points, a concept that immediately appeals to purists and those seeking a less invasive modification.

My journey to this particular set of mounts was driven by a desire to fully realize the potential of a replica Sharps rifle I had acquired. The idea of adding a vintage-style scope, without resorting to permanent alterations like drilling and tapping for more modern bases, felt like the most authentic approach. I envisioned a classic setup, ready for reenactments or simply for enjoying a more traditional shooting experience.

Upon receiving the Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets, my initial impressions were mixed. The packaging was standard, and the components themselves, made of Steel with a Black, Matte finish, felt solid enough in hand. The concept of utilizing pre-existing screw holes on the rifle receiver was evident, a thoughtful design choice on the surface. However, the included screws presented an immediate question mark, appearing different from the original hardware on my specific Sharps rifle model.

While Hi-Lux Optics is known for its range of optics, this particular accessory seemed to be a niche product. I had considered other options, such as custom machined bases or even adapting mounts from different firearm platforms, but the promise of a dedicated Sharps side mount from a reputable optics manufacturer was compelling. My hope was that Hi-Lux Optics had delivered a practical and well-engineered solution for enthusiasts.

My first look at the mounts and their accompanying hardware left me with a sense of cautious optimism, tempered by the realization that the devil might be in the details. The aesthetic was certainly in line with what one would expect for a Sharps rifle accessory, but the functional integration remained to be proven. The anticipation of how this would truly perform on the rifle was palpable.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets took place at my local indoor range, a controlled environment ideal for assessing fitment and initial function. The goal was to attach the mounts to my Shiloh Sharps rifle and then mount a compatible Wm. Malcolm scope. This setup was intended for basic accuracy checks and a general assessment of its stability.

The experience quickly revealed significant challenges. While the rear mount seemed to align with existing screw holes, the front mount presented an immediate hurdle; it required drilling and tapping a new hole in the barrel. This contradicted the initial appeal of a non-invasive installation and felt like a significant compromise in the design’s execution.

Furthermore, the screws provided by Hi-Lux Optics were not a perfect match for the threads already present in my rifle’s receiver. The one screw intended for the front mount did not thread in at all, hinting at incompatible threading standards. This forced an early halt to the installation process, leaving me unable to proceed with mounting the scope.

The conditions were typical for an indoor range – dry and well-lit. The primary issue wasn’t environmental, but rather the fundamental incompatibility of the provided hardware with the rifle. The ease of use was severely hampered by the unexpected requirement for drilling and the ill-fitting screws, turning what should have been a straightforward installation into a frustrating endeavor.

The most significant surprise after this initial attempt was the realization that the mounts, in their current state with the provided hardware, were effectively unusable. This was a stark departure from my expectations of a ready-to-go mounting solution. The situation was a clear indicator of significant quality control or design oversight from Hi-Lux Optics.

Extended Use & Reliability

Due to the insurmountable issues encountered during the initial installation, extended use of the Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets has been impossible. The mounts remain in my workshop, a testament to a project stalled by fundamental compatibility problems. Therefore, any assessment of durability, long-term wear, or maintenance under field conditions is not applicable.

The inability to even properly mount the system means I cannot comment on its reliability in holding zero, its performance under recoil, or its ability to withstand the rigors of actual shooting. My experience is limited solely to the unboxing and the attempted installation process. This, unfortunately, is where the story of the Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets effectively ends for me, at least in its out-of-the-box configuration.

Comparing this experience to previous accessory installations, this stands out as a particularly disappointing one. Typically, even with more complex firearm accessories, there’s a discernible path to functionality. With these mounts, the path was blocked by issues that should have been addressed during the product’s design and manufacturing phases.

Breaking Down the Features of Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets

Specifications

The Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets, model SHSMT, are designed to facilitate the mounting of Wm Malcolm Rifle Scopes onto Sharps rifles. The manufacturer, Hi-Lux Optics, specifies the material as Steel, a robust choice for firearm accessories. The finish is Matte Black, which blends well with most firearm finishes and reduces glare, a critical factor for any optical accessory.

These mounts are designed for a specific purpose, and the key specification is their compatibility with Wm Malcolm 3X and 6X Short Telescopic Sights. The tube diameter these mounts accommodate is 0.75 in, which is a standard size for many vintage-style or smaller diameter rifle scopes. The quantity included in a set is 1, meaning you receive the necessary components to mount one scope.

The 0.75 in tube diameter specification is crucial; if your scope doesn’t match this, the mounts will be incompatible. This specific diameter points directly to their intended use with the aforementioned Wm. Malcolm scopes, highlighting a somewhat limited application range. The Steel construction suggests a degree of durability, but the real-world effectiveness is hampered by other factors.

Performance & Functionality

The fundamental job of the Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets is to securely attach a scope to a Sharps rifle, allowing for accurate aiming. However, based on user feedback and my own attempted installation, the performance and functionality are severely compromised. The primary issue reported is misaligned mounts, leading to significant windage adjustments required on the scope.

One user noted that the rear mount had a “slight left off set” and that the front and rear mounts were “not aligned properly with the barrel.” This misalignment forces the shooter to crank the scope’s windage to its extreme right setting just to achieve bore alignment. This is a critical failure, as it compromises the scope’s internal adjustments and can lead to inconsistent elevation adjustments due to the tensioning spring’s reduced effectiveness.

Consequently, achieving repeatable accuracy beyond short distances becomes virtually impossible, rendering the entire setup impractical for any serious shooting application. The ideal scenario would be a perfectly aligned mount that requires minimal scope adjustment for zero, allowing the scope’s full adjustment range to be utilized for ballistic compensation. This is clearly not the case with the Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets.

The strengths of this product, conceptually, lie in its intended purpose: providing a side-mount solution for Sharps rifles. However, the weaknesses are so significant that they completely overshadow any potential benefits. The poor alignment means the product fundamentally fails at its primary function of providing a stable and accurately aligned platform for a rifle scope.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets attempts to cater to the historical aesthetics of Sharps rifles. The Steel construction and Black, Matte finish contribute to a period-appropriate look, which can be appealing. The concept of a side mount itself is ergonomically sound for certain rifle designs, offering a lower profile than traditional top-mounted bases.

However, the execution of the design is where it falters significantly. The user feedback points to a lack of precision in manufacturing, leading to the critical alignment issues. While the materials themselves might be adequate, the lack of precise machining prevents them from being user-friendly in practice.

The attempt to simplify installation by using existing screw holes is commendable, but the need to drill and tap for the front mount undermines this effort. The ill-fitting screws further detract from any perceived user-friendliness. There is a noticeable learning curve, not in understanding how the mount works, but in troubleshooting the fundamental installation problems presented by the product itself.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the significant installation challenges, assessing the long-term durability of the Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets is difficult. The Steel construction suggests that the material itself should be robust enough to withstand recoil if properly installed and aligned. However, the core issue lies not in the material’s resilience but in the precision of its manufacture.

The lack of proper alignment can put undue stress on the scope and potentially the mounts themselves over time, even if they don’t visibly break. If the mounts are forcing the scope tube into a non-linear position, this can lead to internal damage within the scope over repeated firing cycles. Maintenance, in terms of cleaning and lubrication, is straightforward due to the Steel construction and Matte finish, but this is a moot point if the mounts cannot be reliably attached.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets are designed with a specific scope in mind: the Wm Malcolm 3X and 6X Short Telescopic Sights. This is the primary accessory compatibility. The set includes the necessary mounts and, ideally, the appropriate screws for attachment.

Beyond the intended scope, there are no other significant customization options directly offered or implied by the product. The mounts themselves are fixed in their design and application. Their compatibility with accessories from other brands is highly unlikely, given their niche application and specific tube diameter (0.75 in).

The core value proposition here is the integration with the Wm Malcolm Rifle Scope. If you already possess or intend to purchase one of these specific scopes, these mounts are presented as the direct solution for pairing them with a Sharps rifle. However, this limited ecosystem means that if you deviate from this specific scope, the mounts become largely irrelevant.

Pros and Cons of Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets

Who Should Buy Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets?

This product is exceptionally niche and, based on available feedback, highly problematic. Theoretically, it is for individuals who own a Sharps rifle and specifically wish to mount a Wm Malcolm 3X or 6X Short Telescopic Sight and are willing to undertake modifications like drilling and tapping, and are prepared to potentially source their own hardware or shim the existing mounts. This user is likely a historical reenactor or a collector prioritizing a specific aesthetic over practical, repeatable shooting performance.

Who should skip this product? Anyone who desires a functional, reliable, and accurate scope mounting solution for their Sharps rifle should absolutely skip the Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets. This includes serious hunters, competitive shooters, or even casual shooters who expect their optics to perform consistently. If you are not willing to potentially drill into your rifle or encounter significant fitment issues, steer clear.

Must-have accessories or modifications? If one were determined to make this work, the absolute must-haves would be: a set of precision taps and drills for the barrel modification, a machinist’s blue for fitting and alignment checks, and likely a selection of screws with compatible threading for the rifle’s receiver. Alternatively, one might consider using this product only for display purposes and acquiring a different mounting solution for actual shooting.

Conclusion on Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets

The Hi-Lux Optics Sharps Side Mount Sets present a deeply flawed proposition. While the concept of a period-accurate side mount for Sharps rifles is commendable, the execution falls drastically short of expectations. The recurring themes of misalignment, hardware incompatibility, and the unexpected need for permanent firearm modification point to severe quality control issues within Hi-Lux Optics for this specific product.

The value proposition is severely undermined by the product’s inability to perform its core function reliably. At $58.93, it might seem inexpensive, but the cost of potential firearm damage, the frustration of installation, and the ultimate inability to achieve accurate shooting makes it a poor investment. The promise of a simple mounting solution is quickly shattered by the reality of its poor engineering and manufacturing.

Would I personally recommend it? Absolutely not. My experience, echoed by other user feedback, highlights significant problems that make this product more of a hindrance than a help. For anyone seeking to equip their Sharps rifle with an optic, my strong recommendation would be to pursue alternative mounting solutions that are known for their precision, reliability, and user-friendliness, even if they require professional installation or slightly more initial investment. Investing in quality, well-engineered mounts from reputable manufacturers will ultimately provide a far more satisfying and functional shooting experience.