When it comes to optic mounts, Outer Impact has you covered. Although they make several products, including sights, it’s their M.R.A. (Modular Red Dot Adapter) that I was most interested in. I recently purchased a Vortex Razor, and realized the included mount on a factory rail was just way too high for pistol use. So I reached out to Outer Impact, and they shipped me one specific to the Ruger Mark series. This is a super simple upgrade, and it allows the use of many different optics. So it’s easy to mount a variety of red dots from Vortex, Holosun, Sig, Burris, and more. They actually list more than two dozen on their site. All using a single plate.
Outer Impact Red Dot Adapter (M.R.A.) for Ruger Mark series pistols
This handy little Red Dot Adapter is machined from billet 6061-T6 aluminum. Overall length is 2.220 inches, and it’s 1 inch wide by about .25 inches tall. After drilling and tapping the threads, it’s given a black anodize finish, with the Outer Impact logo on the side. While some may not like the branding, it’s pretty low-key. One pleasant surprise was that they include a bunch of hardware, to accommodate all the different optics. No need to specify which one you plan to use. That probably lowers their cost, as it simplifies ordering and inventory. Even better, the end user can swap optics without having to order or source the different screws. The only thing not included is a torque driver and T-10 Torx bit.
On the Outer Impact website, there is a list of 20 Ruger Mark pistol models that the mount should work for. On older models, it’s mainly an issue of the upper being drilled and tapped. All the modern versions seem to be compatible. If you have a Pac-Lite™barrel, you’re in luck, as the only extra thing required is a set of $2.75 screws. So two dozen optics and about 20 pistol models. This is a versatile adapter for the modest $49.95 cost.
Installation of the M.R.A.
Before getting started, make sure your pistol is unloaded. This is one of those times that a chamber flag is not a bad idea. Locate the bag marked “MNT HDWR, as it contains the two necessary Torx screws. Mount the Red Dot Adapter over the ejection port, with the logo to the rear. Torque to the recommended 25 in/lbs, then check to make sure there is no bolt interference. After confirming that the screws do not touch the bolt, remove them, and reinstall with some thread lock. I prefer the blue Loctite, but any similar non-permanent product will do.
Installation of your optic
Since I was installing a Vortex Razor, I located the hardware bag with two M4 X 10mm rounded head screws. After separating my Razor from its factory Picatinny mount, I lined it up on the adapter. Then I installed the two screws, alternating back and forth as I got closer to the final torque. The final step was a quick bore sight with my Wheeler Laser Bore Sighter. If you haven’t used one of these, I highly recommend you give it a try. Great for scopes and reflex sights. Although they aren’t exactly inexpensive, I’m sure I’ve saved plenty in ammo costs by using it to zero various optics.
As you can see from the image below, the sight sits much lower now. Not only does it look less goofy, but it’s much closer to the bore axis. Lowering it can remove some of the margin of error when shooting distance is not the same as the zero distance. That’s not a huge issue for me, but it’s worth noting.
Range time
All of my testing was done with a rimfire dueling tree at about 25 yards. Neither the M.R.A. nor my upgraded optic made me a better shooter. But with the lower mount, I feel confident that I’ll do a little better when shooting targets at varied distances. More importantly, the mount held my expensive optic securely. Since the slide does not reciprocate, and the bolt isn’t too heavy, nor is rimfire known for recoil, I expect it to continue to hold up well.
The other benefits of this M.R.A.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that I have more than one Mark IV pistol. And I currently have a variety of optics with a total of four different footprints. Being able to swap optics with a single adapter is a nice benefit. And as mentioned, the hardware is all included. It’s nice to know that if you’re currently on a UTG budget, but plan on switching to a Trijicon, there’s nothing extra to buy. Or if you have a Crimson Trace CTS-1250, but want the solar Holosun HS507C instead, you can use this same mount. It’s hugely flexible, making it a great value and a solid performer.
Outer Impact offers plenty of other products, including their new Adjustable Co-Witnessing Modular Red Dot Adapter. They’ve also got sights, scope bases, and more adapter plates for a variety of firearms. These include both rimfire and centerfire options. There’s a lot more than I can list here. Check them out by visiting Outerimpact.com.
Questions? Comments? Have any of our readers used this, or any other Outer Impact products? What are your thoughts?