Unboxing & First Thoughts on the Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35
The Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35 promises to be a rock-solid optics mounting solution for one of the most popular shotguns ever made. As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear enthusiast, I’ve seen my fair share of shotgun scope mounts, some good, some downright terrible. The Aimtech mount aims to offer a no-nonsense, durable platform for adding optics to your Remington 870 12-gauge, specifically those chambered for 3.5″ shells.
For years, I’ve been frustrated with inconsistent slug placement when deer hunting with my 870. I needed a reliable way to mount a red dot optic for improved accuracy at longer ranges. I was tired of relying solely on the bead sight.
Upon receiving the Aimtech mount, the first thing I noticed was the simple, no-frills packaging. The mount itself felt substantial, hinting at the promised durability. Compared to some cheaper, polymer-based mounts I’ve used in the past, this one felt like a serious piece of kit. I had also considered the Mesa Tactical saddle mount and a cantilever rail from GG&G, but chose the Aimtech for its advertised low profile and the promise of still being able to use the bead sight.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The mount looked well-made. I was eager to see how easy it would be to install and, more importantly, how it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35 was at my local shooting range. I mounted a Bushnell TRS-25 red dot optic and zeroed it at 50 yards using rifled slugs. The weather was clear and dry, ideal conditions for testing.
Installation was surprisingly straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes with the provided tools. The mount felt very secure on the receiver after tightening the screws. After about 20 rounds, I checked the screws for tightness and found that they had remained secure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a deer hunting trip in moderately wet conditions, the Aimtech mount has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of loosening or shifting, even after firing a mix of slugs and buckshot. The finish shows no signs of wear despite some minor bumps and scrapes during the hunt.
Cleaning the mount is a breeze, requiring only a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth. Compared to previous mounts I’ve used that required constant re-tightening, the Aimtech has been impressively stable. It significantly outperformed a cheaper, similarly designed mount I used previously, which constantly shifted under recoil.
Breaking Down the Features of Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35
Specifications
The Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35 is specifically designed for the Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun with a 3.5″ chamber. It’s constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum and features a satin black finish. The mount weighs in at 6 ounces, adding minimal bulk to the shotgun.
The mount’s 8-inch length provides ample space for mounting various optics, and its 2-inch width keeps a relatively low profile. It is designed to accept Weaver-style rings, offering wide compatibility with different optics. The saddle mount design allows for easy installation without requiring any gunsmithing.
Performance & Functionality
The Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35 performs admirably, providing a stable and reliable platform for mounting optics. Its robust construction ensures that the optic stays securely in place, even under heavy recoil. I found the accuracy with my red dot to be significantly improved compared to using the factory bead sight.
The main strength of this mount lies in its simplicity and durability. One potential weakness, as noted by other users, is that the countersunk holes for the mounting screws could be slightly deeper for a perfectly flush fit. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a shotgun scope mount in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35 features a low-profile design that doesn’t significantly alter the shotgun’s balance. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction provides a good balance of strength and weight. Installation is simple, requiring only the included Allen wrenches and a few minutes of your time.
The mount is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The satin black finish blends well with the shotgun’s aesthetics.
Durability & Maintenance
The Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35 is built to last. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction is resistant to corrosion and wear. Maintaining the mount is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and checking of the screw tightness.
With proper care, this mount should provide years of reliable service. Its rugged design gives me confidence that it can withstand the rigors of hunting and tactical use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35 readily accepts any Weaver-style rings. This allows for the mounting of a wide range of optics, including red dots, holographic sights, and scopes. No accessories are included besides the mounting hardware.
The mount is compatible with various aftermarket accessories for the Remington 870, such as different stocks and forends. This allows for a high degree of customization to suit individual preferences.
Pros and Cons of Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35
Pros
- Provides a stable and secure platform for mounting optics.
- Durable 6061-T6 aluminum construction.
- Easy to install with included hardware.
- Compatible with Weaver-style rings, offering wide optic compatibility.
- Allows for continued use of the shotgun’s bead sight due to its elevated design.
Cons
- Countersunk holes for screws could be slightly deeper for a perfectly flush fit.
- Satin black finish may not perfectly match all Remington 870 finishes.
Who Should Buy Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35?
The Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35 is perfect for hunters looking to improve their accuracy with slugs or buckshot. It is also well-suited for tactical shooters who want to add a red dot or other optic for faster target acquisition. Home defense enthusiasts who want a more precise aiming solution will also find this mount beneficial.
Those who are extremely concerned with aesthetics and demand a perfectly flush screw fit might want to consider alternative mounts. Shooters who primarily use their shotgun for close-range bird hunting and have no need for optics could also skip this product. A must-have modification is a quality set of Weaver-style rings suitable for shotgun recoil.
Conclusion on Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35
The Aimtech Scope Mount For Remington 870 12 Gauge 3.5″ Chamber ASM2M35 is a solid and reliable option for adding optics to your Remington 870. Its durable construction, easy installation, and compatibility with Weaver-style rings make it a worthwhile investment. The price is justified considering the quality and performance.
I would personally recommend this mount to anyone looking to improve the accuracy and versatility of their Remington 870. If you’re tired of struggling with inconsistent slug placement or want a faster-aiming solution for tactical applications, give the Aimtech mount a try – you won’t be disappointed. Upgrade your 870 today and experience the benefits of a rock-solid optics platform!