Breakaway coaster instead of a scope switchview lever

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Lex · #1 Post by **Lex** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 3:33 pm

Hi all,

I have a Vortex PST 1-4 scope on my AR-15 on a fairly low mount with a Docter type red dot on top of the scope, just in front of the zoom ring. I've mounted a switchview lever on the zoom ring so I can zoom in and out quickly but it broke during a training session. Browsing Amazon for a new lever, I found that Breakaway Nylon Coasters are advertised as switchview levers. They appear sturdier than a switchview lever.

Has anyone of you used them? I'd be grateful if you share opinions.

Lex

Lex · #2 Post by **Lex** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 3:35 pm

Here is a picture of the setup.

#3 Post by **BamBam** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 3:56 pm

I used one on a borrowed rifle with PST scope in the US last August, I have a switchview lever on my PST scope here in the UK.
From what I can see, your only issue may be the bulk of the breakaway, the scope ring moves about 180 degrees and your red dot is close to the mag ring. I'd mount the red dot 45 degrees and solve that, plus alleviate any height over bore issue.

Lex · #4 Post by **Lex** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 4:10 pm

Thank you, BamBam :) I've tried several mounting options and it seems that this one suits me best-the other one that I like is on the handguard at 1 o'clock. The distance from the barrel center to the red dot window center is 4.48 inches which is ok for close targets. I'll move the red dot a notch to the front if the coaster handle is too near.

Lex · #5 Post by **Lex** » Mon Jan 19, 2015 12:43 pm

The breakaway coaster is nice, although bulky indeed. The Vortex zoom ring moves from 9 o'clock (1x) to 1 o'clock (4x).

#6 Post by **BamBam** » Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:18 pm

Just watch your knuckles on that red dot.

Lex · #7 Post by **Lex** » Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:29 pm

You're right.. Unfortunately the 1 o'clock red dot position blocks the left FOV due to the top turret :( I'm thinking of mounting a C-more slide ride to the handguard but since more than 70% of the paper (double tap) targets are less than 150 ft away I prefer to shoot w/o rotating the rifle.

Btw the yellow clay filler is my 3 years's old son's idea. He took great pleasure in doing it himself :)

#8 Post by **BamBam** » Mon Jan 19, 2015 10:25 pm

I wouldn't even bother with the red dot, just use the scope on 1x and remember to aim high.

#9 Post by **Blackstuff** » Tue Jan 20, 2015 10:51 am

I've got a zoom lever that looks the same as the one shown on that Amazon link. Actually bought it from someone either on here or F4i (i have the memory of a goldfish

)

I've never used it in 'in anger' but you can tighten it down pretty well and can't imagine being able to easily break it. Plus it was only ~£12 (IIRC) so no big deal if i did break it

Lex · #10 Post by **Lex** » Tue Jan 20, 2015 6:43 pm

Yes, that's why I got it - I've got a pack of two for GBP 5 and they're stronger than plastic cuffs.

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