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Gun, mount, holster, optic. Everything you need, except ammo.
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Buy a Micro Dot: https://www.umtactical.com/
Red dot optics have been an ongoing obsession in the US firearms market for years now. We mount them on everything from shotguns to pistols. The downside is that it costs an arm and a leg to get into the red dot optic game. Historically, setting up a handgun to run a red dot optic required major modifications like slide milling, addition of raised iron sights, the purchase of a $500 optic…. And then you had to find a custom holster to carry everything. In short it was more headache than it was worth for most shooters. Until recently, the buy-in cost for integrating red dot optics into your carry system, range gun, or completion gun could run around $1500. Now with the help of UM Tactical it can be done for as little as $325. Is it time to rethink red dots?
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UM 3 Sight Mount
The mount: https://www.umtactical.com/store/p3/UM_3_Sight_Mount.html
Features
- CNC Machined Aluminum
- No tools required for installation
- Made in the USA
- MSRP: $99.00
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The mount allows for use of existing iron sights.
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The holsters come in various hydro-dipped patterns.
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UMH3c Hydro-Dip Universal Speed Holster Kryptek Black/Grey
The holster: https://www.umtactical.com/store/p4/UMH3c_Universal_Speed_Holster_Carbon_Fiber.html
Features
- Constructed of Boltaron
- Hydro-dipped in 7 options (black carbon fiber – pink muddy girl)
- Level 1 retention
- Available for left and right handed shooters
- Uses either (Paddle, Belt loops, Tec-Lok) for attachment
- MSRP: $65.00- $75.00
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UM Optic – 6 MOA Red Dot Sight
The Optic: https://www.umtactical.com/store/p18/UM_Optic_-_6_MOA_Red_Dot_Sight_.html
Features
- Magnification: 1x
- Recoil resistance: 1000 G’s
- Operating Temp range : -10F – 130F
- Power supply: 3v CR 2032 Lithium battery
- Weight (with out mounting materials) 37 grams
- MSRP: $159.00
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One glowing red dot is easier to see than three white dots.
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What you get in the box
- 6 MOA red dot sight (assembled ready for use)
- Countersink screws with Hex socket for installing sight to mounting plate
- Hex wrench to tighten fasteners
- Screwdriver elevation / windage
- Protective cover
- Lithium battery 3V (CR 2032)
- Delrin elevation shim (1 Degree)
- Weaver/Picatinny-style mount
The balance of the gun is slightly different, but the learning curve isn’t too steep.
How does it work?
Starting with the mount, complaints are hard to come by. CNC machined and excellently designed it works with 99% of handguns on the market. Featuring a clamshell 1913 top rail, the mount is designed to both be a quick attach and repeatable mounting option for red dot optics. Depending on the Handgun you are attaching it to, you may have a bit of slack. Simply tightening the optic to the top rail (or in this case adding a bit more torque) creates a rock solid lock up.
Mounting the optic to your handgun is easy and shouldn’t take more than a few seconds. Installing the mount requires you to insert your firearms 1913 rail into the locking slot and, if necessary, torquing on the top 1913 rail with your chosen optics. Removing the mount from your handgun is fairly simple as well. Depress the front tongue of the mount and lower a locking lug that allows the mount to be slid right off the handgun’s rail.
Does it return to Zero? Depending on your gun, I’d say yes (but within reason). I wouldn’t rely on it for head shots in a hostage negotiation without a re-calibration, but it is able to put you right back on target. In my testing, I was never more than an inch or two off at 15 meters.
Shooting with the mount took a bit of getting used to. It requires a bit of re-positioning of your hands. Once you figure it out, it becomes very quick and capable. The mount elevates the optic just high enough to use your iron sights. This helps with sighting in, and allows for a contingency plan in case your optic dies at an inopportune time.
Shooting with the UM Optic
Switching gears to the UM Optic…. I found myself very impressed. I understand the hype. It is quick, accurate, and tough. I never found myself disappointed by the little optic. I used it on a Glock 19, a VP9, and a Mossberg 500. It withstood my abuse with out complication. The inexpensive red dots don’t have a reputation for durability, but I’ve had no troubles.
Shooting with the 6 MOA dot is quick. It instantly grabs your eye and makes for easy shots at close ranges and superior shots at distance. Shooting steel silhouettes at 15 meters was almost easy as easy as pie, not that it isn’t normally. The addition of a bright red dot brings a new level of enjoyment to static shooting with a handgun. Whether it’s a product of playing videogames as a child, or just something innate, it felt natural to see the red dot hovering over targets. Moving out to 50 meters, I found myself consistently connect while using the red dot.
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As you move the optic into your field of vision, you will see the increase in speed of target acquisition.
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As quickly as you extend, the dot is visible.
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Holstering the rig
Holstering a gun with the UM Optic and UM 3 Mount would be next to impossible if UM Tactical didn’t have a factory option for you. Constructed of Boltaron and hydro dipped in a few different patterns, the Universal Speed Holster is a perfect fit for any gun that fits inside the UM 3 mount. It attaches with a Blade-tech Tek- Lok, belt loops or paddle. The holster is suitable for everything form range use to competition. You are also able to adjust the retention to ensure the gun doesn’t become dislodged. The holster is, in my opinion, what makes the whole system practical.
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The holster holds onto the mount more than the gun.
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The cut in the front allows for a fast clearance.
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Wrapping it up
Individually, the parts all do their jobs very well. The mount locks firmly to nearly every handgun I mounted it on. The optic is strong, adjustable and versatile, and the holster works well at the range and in carry. What UM Tactical is offering may not be a custom milled slide, or a fiber optic powered microdot. But they are making the entry into pistol mounted red dot optics attainable for everyone. If you are interested in pistol mounted optics but aren’t ready to make the $1500 plunge UM Tactical has exactly what you need.
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Looks like this would be a fun gadget to use at the range and maybe in some competitions, but it looks kind of unwieldy for everyday carry. It\’s definitely not for concealed carry. But the price is right and maybe a few upgrades down the road, this little device could be the next big thing.
All that needs to be said about micro dot optics is Trijicon RMR. All others are useless junk what will lose zero or have other issues. BTW, stay away from the battery powered RMR, get the dual illumination fiber optic/tritium lamp models for worry free reliability. It’s what is mounted on the wife’s G17L open gun, has not let us down since we got it, unlike other brands.
…just mounted a Trijicon RM01 on my Freedom Arms 41 mag. It’s a bit odd looking, but not nearly as high as shown in the article.
Still getting used to it and still have to sight it in, but I expect it will serve well bear protection that an old guy can aim; iron sights are getting more and more difficult to see.
HAAAA LMAO
Why is the 4th picture upside down?
So the Chinese can see it better.
Very funny William!
I thought they were shooting at a little padlock.
Best way to mount a red dot to a pistol? This, ALG 6-second mount or milled slide?
I prefer the milled slide so you can co-witness the iron sights and red dot with no loss accuracy should the red dot fail or battery die during competition.
You would need to have really tall sights to cowitness. look at the height of the red dot base. The mount is more practical for switching back and forth easily, if you carry concealed 5 days a week, then want to go to the range and compete.
Joe…the iron sights are still useable but are not a co-witness through the sight glass. Not difficult at all. This is a great way to use red dot, remove it quickly when needed, or keep it permanently attached. I use a Burris firedot III 300234 which is smaller than the UM tactical red dot shown. I have had no issues at all with this set up on my XD45.
Seems really tall, but you get what you pay for, right?
You get what you pay for, you get what you are given, you get what you steal, you get what you find. Sometimes you pay for something and then get distracted and leave it behind on the counter, not getting what you paid for. Never liked that analogy.
The big picture question is…… However you obtained the item, was it a good deal or a bad deal?
It does look like a tall item though.
I’ll stay with my fiber optic tritiums. Great in the day and after dark for 2/3 the price. Still have 8 years warranty left. A GOOD DEAL.
Gimmicks and accessories will always be around but few will actually be Great deals. Ask anyone with more than 5 holsters for their EDC.
Personally, I think that hand gun comps. should not have any ‘extra’ sighting apparatus on the gun. Telescopic items only if you are shooting out past 100 yards. IMO