Let’s be real. The first rule of life is to look cool. The second rule is to refer to the first rule. In the firearms world, ‘looking cool’ has evolved. It’s no longer about that heavy, hand-shredding quad rail you bought in 2005 after seeing it in a magazine. We all know the one—it weighs a ton, gives you blisters in the cold, and is the rifle you strategically hide from your friends at the range.
The other reality of life is that your basic mount that came with your optic, which is heavy, ugly, and kind of stays tight, is not cutting it in today’s world. We have all been there; we blow our wad on the optic, or we buy the gun show special that the screws fall out just from the vibration of the car ride home. Those days are done, and it’s time to be better. The future is here, and it’s all about sleek, reliable, and solid gear.
Midwest Industries, a name synonymous with quality and reliability, is a king of aftermarket parts, and they’ve just dropped a new series of products that will help you ditch your gear from the early 2000s and ascend to a new level of cool.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Midwest Industries Upgrades: The MK2 Mounts
Remember the flimsy mounts that came with your optics? They were okay, I guess. Like a participation trophy for stability. Midwest Industries’ new MK2 series of quick-disconnect (QD) mounts for red dots and scopes are a complete game-changer.
The MK2 red dot mounts come in T2, Acro, and RMR versions, with a variety of heights from low to 1/3 cowitness. And for all you “night vision boys” running around in the basement pretending to be tactical heroes, there’s a 2.26 height option just for you. (Not that I’ve ever done that. Definitely not.)
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
These mounts are incredibly solid. You won’t find any flashy logos that require a black sharpie to hide, and the built-in locking button ensures your optic doesn’t accidentally take an all-expenses-paid trip downrange. I put the MK2 T2 Cowitness mount to the test with my Holosun ARO optic, and the lockup was so secure it didn’t budge during training classes or ruck marches. It’s proof that style and function can coexist.
30mm & 24mm Scope Mounts
The MK2 scope mounts are equally impressive, available in 30mm and 34mm with both standard and high options. I did something that any veteran competition shooter would advise against: I swapped out my optic mount just days before a major match. A moment of truth for the new gear. I installed my Primary Arms 1-8x PLx in the new MK2 scope mount and hoped for the best. My trust in Midwest Industries was well-placed. The mount held up to the abuse of a 3Gun competition—bouncing off objects, slung on my back, and general chaos—without a single issue. This locking system is no joke.
What sets these mounts apart is the QD locking mechanism. Unlike other systems where the lock is part of the release lever, Midwest Industries places the locking button in front of the lever. This means you have to intentionally push a button and activate the release simultaneously, virtually eliminating the chance of an accidental release. This gives you the confidence to run your gear hard without worrying about your expensive optic flying off unexpectedly.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Combat Rail HD
You know that ratty old quad rail you’re still using? The one that’s heavy and tears your hands up in cold weather? It’s time for an upgrade. Midwest Industries’ new Combat Rail HD series is the perfect solution.
The standard AR15 rail is available in 9.25”, 10.5”, and 13.5”-inch lengths, these M-Lok compatible handguards are a modern shooter’s dream. I installed the 10.5-inch version on my IWI Zion, and it created a sleek, compact setup. The top Picatinny rail and M-Lok slots offer endless customization, while the integrated QD sling mounts on both sides are a thoughtful touch.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
There is also a 308 version of the Combat Rail HD in standard and DPMS configurations. The standard rail comes in 13.5” and 15.0” lengths and the DPMS comes in 12.625” and 15.0” lengths. The standard weighs in at 1lb 6oz for the 13.5” and 1lb 7oz for the 15.0” while the DPMS weighs in at 12.6oz for the 12.625” and 14.5oz for the 15.0”.
This handguard isn’t just about looks; it’s built for battle. I took the AR15 Combat Rail HD on a Team Ruck Match with my sons, where it was bounced off rocks, dragged through dirt, and submerged in water. It held up like a champ, showing no signs of failure. It’s rigid, well-balanced, and feels great in your hand—even during extended use.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Midwest Industries has once again delivered on its reputation for quality, reliability, and affordability. The new MK2 and Combat Rail lines strike a perfect balance between weight, rigidity, and trust. Whether you’re a competitor, hunter, or just blasting targets for fun, this is the gear you can trust to get the job done. Now, go forth and upgrade your firearm from “meh” to “everyone wants that.”
Read the full article here
