High Ground Media, LLC

As one of its ‘Legacy’ mount systems, the 1700 riser series of optic mounts remains one of the core attachment systems by American Defense Manufacturing (ADM). The 1700 comes in two versions, a double throw lever (featured) and single, and is made from using 6061 T6 aluminum.

Made from 6061 T6 aluminum, the 1700 series riser is a segmented mount (with the MIL-STD-1913 rail removable from the base) and is available in four different styles. These styles include a base-only, regular 4” length with Quick Disconnect (QD) locking latches (standard—featured in this review—or titanium), or as an extended 5.5” mount with QD locking latches for optic use with magnifier.

The MIL-STD-1913 rail is secured to the base via two set screws and can mount any associated rail-based accessory. It also adds 0.60” rise in optic alignment over the mounting surface

On the base of the 1700 series riser is ADM’s patented Auto Lock™ QD throw lever (or optional titanium throw lever). The QD lever itself uses a push-button locking mechanism, cross-bolt, and adjustable nut that allows for the mount to fit both spec and out-of-spec rail systems.

The 1700 riser series is available only in Black (featured).

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): Depending on which length of riser mount selected, the 1700 riser ($140) is made from the same 6061 T6 aluminum as other ADM mounts, and is an appropriate material for many quality mounts and other accessories on the current market. The mounts are also made via direct CNC machining that provides a clean surface, thus there is no seam or mold markings, and includes dual locking QD throw lever to quickly attach/detach the mounts (and optic) to any MIL-STD-1913 rail. In contrast, similar mounts like the Fast Optic Riser ($99) by Unity Tactical, or the Optics AR15 Riser ($199) from Vortex represent some of the newer picatinny rail mounts risers on the market. And while lower quality and inexpensive options also available, for its price, the 1700 series riser  is of an appropriate (or average) price value for its cost.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the adjustability of the mount’s dual QD throw levers allowed it to accommodate any picatinny-rail mount the optic was being fitted against. It also allowed the end-user to fine tune the sizing and finding a comfortable tension behind the QD Auto Lock’s spring that ensured a solid lock. It did get a little tight in manipulating both QD locks when one was open and the other locked, but manageable. But both locks gave the mounts a solid purchase on the rifle that had no excess movement in the overall optic. Otherwise, as a picatinny riser, there was no disassembly or reassembly of mount components and was basically direct attachment ready. Lastly, the variable length options for the mount allotted the end-user to utilize an overall length that was appropriate to their individual needs with either stand-alone optics or in conjunction with magnifiers.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The 1700 series riser was made of 6061 T6 aluminum  and finished in the same T3 mil-spec anodization as other ADM mounts which, over the course of two months and a number of iterations changing between and usage on a rifle, and transport—showed any significant signs of wear aside from minor surface marring or minor tool marks from adjusting/removing the optics (none of which penetrated into the sub-surface aluminum). Minor wear/fading was noted to the white surface markings (though was purely cosmetic). Moreover the locking mechanism and spring to the Auto Lock remained consistent once an appropriate size was identified, and continually retained tension.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the 1700 series riser was simplistic and added the necessary height that otherwise put optics within the necessary and comfortable height over bore if running night vision or other accessories. Thus while it came down to end-user intent on what to attach to the mount, the 1700 offered sufficient length for any full-sized EoTech optics (such as the 512), or smaller red dots with a solid lock mitigating excess movement regardless of platform and associated recoil. Otherwise, the dual QD mechanisms provided a clear and tangible lock when the proper adjustment was made. For its solid design and performance, the 1700 series offered a good performance in simple function.
• Weight – Average (3/5): From a weight perspective, the evaluated 1700 riser mount came in at 5.6 ounces, and had a appropriate (or average) weight given its mass in aluminum and dual QD locking mechanisms. As such, the mount alone was neither excessively heavy nor excessively unbalanced the firearm on which it was mounted. In contrast, the Fast Optic Riser (2.8 ounces) by Unity Tactical, or the Optics AR15 Riser (3.0 ounces) from Vortex all demonstrate the minimal variance in weight. and that the added second QD Auto Lock mechanism on the ADM mount directly attributed to the added weight with the tradeoff being added security.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.admmfg.com/ad-1700-r-dual-qd-base

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Started by two veterans working in the Arizona desert, Arbor Arms USA features a variety of high-quality nylon products for casual or professional shooters and end users. Amid its product line, the Minuteman is Arbor Arms’ entry-level plate carrier that can be customized to ensure ideal comfort and fit while not breaking your bank account.

Designed as a modular, and minimalist plate carrier—the Minuteman establishes an ideal foundation on which to build a personalized protective system. A wide option of side-cummerbunds is also available that allows the user to choose the ideal configuration that best suits their individual needs.

Made from an overall material of 500D Cordura, the Minuteman offers an ideal and affordable option for building out a functional plate carrier for personal or professional use. The Minuteman is a “one-size-fits-most” carrier (or up to 10”x12”) for all SAPI/ESAPI/AR500 protective plates with minimal excess.

The front carrier features a laser-cut MOLLE field on a laminate nylon panel. This includes two hook-and-loop (female) fields for attaching placards, morale or identification patches, or magazine carriers (sold separately) utilizing the necessary backing.

The rear carrier includes a “slick” design with no MOLLE, but a top field of hook-and-loop for attaching morale or identification patches. A hook-and-loop secured flap covers the rear cummerbund locking system that includes MOLLE-T brackets that secure the elastic cummerbund bands to the rear of the carrier via a series of elastic nylon bands. These bands allow for the wearer to rapidly adjust sizing by several inches if needed.

The interior of the front and rear carriers is unremarkable and does not include padding, while the plate pocket of each includes a plate lifter made from Type 13 webbing to help ensure the protective plates remain at the top of the carrier. The bottom of the front carrier also includes two grommets for attaching shock cords (not included) as tourniquet holders.

At the time of order, the user can specify which type of cummerbund system they would prefer. Arbor Arms offers a variety of connecting hardware for their cummerbunds to include hook-and-loop, First Spear tube buckles, Cobra buckles, and more. Each cummerbund configuration includes three skeletonized bands of elastic nylon that are also slotted for attaching pouches or other accessories.

For shoulder straps, the Minuteman has simple 2” Type 13 webbing straps with metal slide loops in the rear. Adjustment is made via the 1” hook-and-loop band that runs the entire length of the shoulder strap to allow for a variety of sizing. Additionally, the hook-and-loop band is divided up into 1” segments to allow for mounting of other clips or other accessories.

The Minuteman is available in Multicam (featured), Wolf Grey, Coyote, Black, and Ranger Green.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At a cost of $110.28, the Minuteman was intended to be an entry-level plate carrier for those interested in a quality product that didn’t break the bank. Arbor Arms put material and quality where it was needed for a minimalist design, while avoiding unnecessary elements. In comparison, Condor Tactical’s Modular Operator Plate Carrier ($66.95), the AR500 Veritas (in Multicam) ($119), or the entry level PLATEminus carrier ($149) from Blue Force Gear all show what the entry level of carriers looks like. Here the differences are in the quality of materials and manufacturing, with added reinforcement and longevity. As such, the Minuteman scored well for its balance of these elements, and minimalist design that helped to keep overall cost to the consumer low.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): Made from dominantly 500D Cordura, the Minuteman had a good deal of flexibility in its material and was comfortable to wear throughout dynamic movements. The carrier and shoulder straps did not pinch or chafe, while the 2” wide shoulder straps helped distribute the weight evenly on the shoulders. The various cummerbunds themselves gave different levels of comfort based on personal preference and the MOLLE-T adjustability made on-the-spot adjustments relatively easy. Though this is a quality minimalist plate carrier, users will note there is no padding in the shoulder straps, or padding on the interior of the front/rear carriers, thus for heavier plates (especially AR500 steel or multi-curve) its corners and edges were felt more readily and were somewhat uncomfortable throughout drills. As a recommendation to Arbor Arms, perhaps they may want to consider minimal padding in these high-pressure areas.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): Arbor Arms clearly put a lot of emphasis on its plate carrier design, with the Minimalist having extensive double-line and bartack reinforcement in the shoulder straps and other high-stress points to provide longevity. The Cordura material throughout the carrier also provided an appropriate (or average) level of abrasion resistance to friction during dynamic movements and did not pinch nor chafe exposed skin. Another observation noted was the laminate nylon, with laser-cut MOLLE field, securely held on to associated cummerbund attachment points and pouches (not included) and did not fray.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Minuteman was designed to be an entry-level (if not appropriate) plate carrier for civilians looking for a quality start. As such is had a very minimalist function (to hold protective plates) with no excess frills. But it did that very effectively with integrated plate risers that easily ensured the plates (regardless of dimensions) remained at the top of the carrier and avoided gaps in protection. Moreover, the inclusion of laminate nylon on the front carrier with laser-cut MOLLE showed Arbor Arms was embracing the newer material that was known to be lighter than traditional nylon while still having the abrasion resistance greater than 1000D. With its ability to customize the cummerbunds, and utilize adaptive aftermarket accessories (such as side pockets for armor, shoulder pads, pouches, etc.) the Minuteman made for a very functional base plate carrier with plenty of available room to expand upon.
• Weight – Good (4/5): With an overall weight of 1.5 pounds (w/o plates and depending on cummerbund retention system selected) to the carrier itself, the cummerbunds influenced very little in weight due to the associated differences in hardware (buckles v hook-and-loop). Yet the overall 500D Cordura and laminate nylon remained lightweight and flexible enough without becoming burdensome, while the skeletonized design of the cummerbund helped eliminate excess weight. In contrast, the Modular Operator Plate Carrier (1 pound), the Veritas (3.5 pounds), and the PLATEminus (1.8 pounds) all illustrate how the slick design and blended materials of the Minuteman make it a much lighter option that to those carriers on the market that utilize more traditional nylons. As such this gave the Minuteman a good light weight in relation to other carriers on the current market.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://arborarmsusa.com/shop/plate-carriers/minuteman-plate-carrier/#plate-bag-color-and-attachments

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Amid its line of red dot optics, the Crossfire by Vortex brings together a micro-dot design with a skeletonized riser to deliver a robust no-frills optic in a compact, lightweight package.

Released in 2018, the chassis of the Crossfire is made from various aluminum components, resulting in a shock-proof housing. The outer layer of the chassis is then anodized in a matte black anodized finish to provide the shooter with a low-glare surface.

Both lenses in the Crossfire are sealed in multiple anti-reflective coatings that maximize clarity on all air-to-glass surfaces.

The internal space of the Crossfire is purged with nitrogen gas to eliminate fogging at all extreme temperatures. Associated O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating the interior housing.

The Crossfire features a red 2MOA dot (offering a 21 mm lens diameter) that is ideal for reflex target acquisitions, while remaining fine enough to promote pin-point accuracy at extended range. The red dot has 11 intensity settings (with the lowest two compatible for night vision devices).

Power life for a single CR 2032 battery in the Crossfire is approximately 7,000 hours on the brightness setting of 6.

The included picatinny rail mounts for the Vortex Crossfire include a low-mount (flush with the picatinny rail) and a skeletonized high (lower 1/3 co-witness).

Specifications:

• Magnification 1x
• Adjustment Graduation 1 MOA
• Max Elevation Adjustment 100 MOA
• Max Windage Adjustment 100 MOA
• Length 2.5 inches

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At an MSRP of $219, the Crossfire definitely falls within the line of budget optics on the market. Secondary and or third-party websites are noted selling the Crossfire for as little as $149 (Amazon). Care should be taken by the consumer in purchasing from such third-party sites as unvetted sources are known to circulate broken or fraudulent versions. The more direct competitors to the Vortex Crossfire would be the Sig Romeo5 ($117) or the Holosun Paralow ($219) which themselves are listed competitively at the lower price range but yield roughly similar performance. Given the price variance, the Crossfire does have the same power source (CR 2032) and includes Vortex’s VIP Warranty that the other competitors do not.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): Looking through the Crossfire’s 21mm objective lens yielded roughly the same field of view as the competitors listed, with a solid 2MOA dot. The intensity levels were clear, and the elevation/windage dials provided a crisp and audible movement with each MOA. One distracting aspect in the Crossfire was the diode emitter is located in the 5-o’clock position near the rear lens, making itself apparent when sighting in the target. Where often red dot optics have a clear field of view, and while this obstruction was minimal—the diode’s presence was apparent. Otherwise the glass was clear with no reflective aspect to the eye or target, and the rubberized protector was easily removed/installed.
• Durability – Excellent (4/5): The T&E model received came with some slight surface marring (to be expected) and we likely added a few more during testing. None of which penetrated the exterior finish to the underlying base metal (more cosmetic marring than anything). That anodized surface in exposed areas proved more durable than the Romeo5 and resisted abrasion to a good degree. The dot held zero and did not drift despite various stressor and rifle drills. As with all Vortex products, the Crossfire comes with the company’s no-questions, VIP Warranty for the life of the product so should something detrimental happen (aside from deliberate damage) the optic will be repaired or replaced.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): The function of the Crossfire was very simplistic and straightforward, turn the dial for ON, and rotate it to the desired brightness setting. The dial itself was large while providing for sufficient grip, and allowed for clearly tangible clicks between settings. The 11-setting intensity levels were clear with the brightest being the most optimal for outdoor use. The windage and elevation caps had raised tabs that when unscrewed aided in adjusting the windage and elevation clicks. The skeletonized high mount was appropriate for lower 1/3 co-witnessing, but the T&E model did not come with the variable low-profile mount that a new one would have. In some aspects, the field of view and function was similar to the SPARC AR with the diode visible in the 5 o’clock position and was initially distracting, but not glaringly obstructive and likely with time be forgotten.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 5.2 ounces, the Crossfire was light and unobtrusive when mounted on the picatinny rail, thanks in part to the chassis material and weight-saving mount. In all, for the price and function, the Crossfire is on par with other budget optics. The market alternatives for other budget optics include the Sig Romeo5 (5.1 ounces) or the Holosun Paralow (4.8 ounces). Even the Vortex SPARC AR (7.5 ounces), which is the next step up for red dots within the Vortex line, show how light the Crossfire is in comparison to more expensive optics and give it an average weight score.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-crossfire-2-moa-red-dot.html

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.