Mesa Tactical Side Saddle Damage?

[Larry L]

Hello, 

 

I’ve heard conflicting reports about whether or not the Mesa Tactical Side Saddle will damage my M4. Is there a group consensus on this?

 

the company said the old style that screws in thru the sides can cause damage, but the one that goes in from the top with the Pic rail would not damage to gun at all.

 

is this accurate? I really wanted one, but then hesitated when I read about the damage it can do

[StrangerDanger]

The old model from like 15 years ago shipped with the wrong thread pitch screws and caused damage. The new ones should be fine. The saddle may leave some marks on the side of your receiver. The unit has a rubberized pad to help protect the finish, but it can still cause burnishing.

 

Personally, I'd go with a velcro system over the Mesa saddle.

[Larry L]

7 hours ago, StrangerDanger said:

The old model from like 15 years ago shipped with the wrong thread pitch screws and caused damage. The new ones should be fine. The saddle may leave some marks on the side of your receiver. The unit has a rubberized pad to help protect the finish, but it can still cause burnishing.

 

Personally, I'd go with a velcro system over the Mesa saddle.

Thanks, that’s what I was thinking as well so I bought the Esstac cards. I cleaned the metal, heated it, applied the Velcro, and still it pealed right off after removing the card several times

[NineInchNails]

How long did you wait before pulling the card off? It's a common mistake to pull it right away. If you do it will come right off. You have to leave it overnight at least first then it cannot release from the weapon.

[Larry L]

Weeks

[NineInchNails]

Perhaps it could be the brand of velcro used. I used 3M Industrial Velcro if I recall correctly. 

[Larry L]

11 minutes ago, NineInchNails said:

Perhaps it could be the brand of velcro used. I used 3M Industrial Velcro if I recall correctly. 

I used the ones that came with the shell card

[StrangerDanger]

What did you clean the surface with? Sometimes those alcohol pads aren’t enough to remove all the surface oils present. 

[Larry L]

52 minutes ago, StrangerDanger said:

What did you clean the surface with? Sometimes those alcohol pads aren’t enough to remove all the surface oils present. 

Alcohol pad. What do you recommend?

[StrangerDanger]

Acetone or 70% alcohol in several clean rags should do it. The trouble with those wipe pads is there usually just isn’t enough surface area to remove contaminants. You end up just pushing them around. Clean, let it dry, clean again, and repeat maybe a third time to make sure the surface is prepped. Avoid touching the area with bare fingers since your skin has a lot of oil in it. Wait until it is completely dry, then adhere the Velcro. Give it 24 - 72 hours to set up before ripping the sleeve off and on. 

[GhillieGhost]

On 4/21/2021 at 8:43 PM, StrangerDanger said:

The old model from like 15 years ago shipped with the wrong thread pitch screws and caused damage. The new ones should be fine. The saddle may leave some marks on the side of your receiver. The unit has a rubberized pad to help protect the finish, but it can still cause burnishing.

 

Personally, I'd go with a velcro system over the Mesa saddle.

Hey StrangerDanger, who makes the velcro system you're referring to?

[StrangerDanger]

7 hours ago, GhillieGhost said:

Hey StrangerDanger, who makes the velcro system you're referring to?

Esstac makes the ones I usually use. There may be other brands out there that provide similar performance. If you buy multiple Velcro sleeves, you can rip them off and on as needed. Some people set up chest rigs with Velcro on them so they can swap out the carriers as needed. 

[GhillieGhost]

On 4/21/2021 at 8:43 PM, StrangerDanger said:

The old model from like 15 years ago shipped with the wrong thread pitch screws and caused damage. The new ones should be fine. The saddle may leave some marks on the side of your receiver. The unit has a rubberized pad to help protect the finish, but it can still cause burnishing.

 

Personally, I'd go with a velcro system over the Mesa 

 

Edited August 22, 2021 by GhillieGhost

[GhillieGhost]

22 hours ago, StrangerDanger said:

Esstac makes the ones I usually use. There may be other brands out there that provide similar performance. If you buy multiple Velcro sleeves, you can rip them off and on as needed. Some people set up chest rigs with Velcro on them so they can swap out the carriers as needed. 

Excellent. Thank you sir!