Introduction: Optimizing Your Red Dot Mount with Coatings and Finishes
Coatings and finishes play a pivotal role in enhancing the functionality and longevity of red dot mounts. This guide explores the significance of these surface treatments in maximizing the performance of different mount materials. All OuterImpact mounts are precision machined from aircraft grade billet 7075 aluminum and backed by a Lifetime Warranty. We prefer the rigidity and light weight of aluminum but do want customers to consider all possible options. Our mounts are hard coat anodized to resist all weathering.
1. Importance of Coatings and Finishes
Protective Layers for Longevity
Coatings and finishes serve as protective layers for red dot mounts, safeguarding against environmental factors, abrasion, and corrosion, thereby prolonging their lifespan.
2. Common Coating Types
Anodizing, Cerakote, PVD, DLC
Anodizing forms a durable oxide layer on aluminum mounts, enhancing corrosion resistance. OuterImpact uses hard coat anodizing for red dot mounts and Type III hard coat anodizing for our rails. Cerakote offers a range of colors and improves abrasion resistance. PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coatings provide extreme hardness and low friction.
3. Durability Enhancement
Impact of Coating on Material Durability
These coatings significantly enhance the durability of red dot mounts, ensuring they withstand harsh conditions, heavy use, and recoil forces, thereby prolonging their service life.
4. Friction Reduction
Improving Performance and Precision
Certain coatings, such as DLC and PVD, reduce friction, resulting in smoother adjustments and better precision while aiming, positively impacting the overall shooting experience.
5. Corrosion Resistance
Protecting Against Environmental Factors
Coatings act as barriers, shielding the mount from moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors that could cause corrosion, ensuring consistent performance in various conditions.
6. Selection Considerations
Matching Coating to Material
Consider the mount material and shooting application when choosing coatings. Anodizing suits aluminum mounts, while PVD or DLC coatings are suitable for steel mounts.
7. Aesthetics and Customization
Color Options and Personalization
Cerakote coatings offer a variety of color options, allowing for customization and personalization of the mount’s appearance, which might be appealing to some users.
Conclusion: Enhancing Red Dot Mount Performance
Coatings and finishes are integral in augmenting the performance and durability of red dot mounts. By understanding their significance and selecting the appropriate coatings based on the mount material and shooting requirements, users can significantly enhance the longevity and functionality of their mounts, ensuring optimal performance in various shooting scenarios.
Disclaimer: When choosing coatings and finishes for red dot mounts, consider the material, intended use, and personal preferences to make an informed decision.
This article aims to provide insights into the importance of coatings and finishes for red dot mounts, aiding readers in understanding how these treatments can enhance durability, reduce friction, and protect against corrosion, thereby optimizing the performance of their red dot mounts. You can read more of our red dot series here.