Optic Cutting: Why The Application Matters
Posted by Robert Storkson on Dec 17th 2024
What is an Optic Cut?
An Optic Cut is a permanent modification that allows a red dot sight (RDS) to be mounted on a pistol slide. This is accomplished by machining the optic foot print directly into the slide. Pistol mounted RDS have become mainstream, and widely accepted as one of the best additions that you can make to your pistol.
The North Sea Machine Optic Cut
An Optic Cut is a permanent modification to your firearm. Our goal is to provide an OEM + level of application, on both machine work and finishing. We do not cut corners to save time, and we follow stringent standard operating procedures that allow us to deliver a refined application on every slide.
Cutting To Optic Manufacturer Specs
We use the optic manufacturers blue prints to design our cuts. This ensures that we are dimensionally sound, so that we can provide a bullet proof mounting solution for the RDS. We also use industry proven features and methods to provide a cut that will not fail you.
Recoil Bosses Are Included When Allowed
Recoil bosses are small posts machined into the cut that engage in holes at the bottom of the optic to assist in recoil distribution, and limiting how much force the threads take. They also help align the optic within the cut, in addition to zero retention upon removal and reinstallation. Not every optic has them and not all slides allow for them, but we will always include them as allowed.
Threads Are Milled Not Tapped
We will always design our optic cuts to accept the largest threads that the optic body will accept. This provides more protection from sheering as a result of either heavy use or incorrect installation. Optic cut threads should be precise, taps have no place on this application. We finish machine the holes to a specific diameter with endmills, so that we can hold a very precise size for maximum thread engagement. We thread mill (not tap) all threads and gauge them to match the hardware that we provide.
Thread Lead Ins Are Chamfered
All thread lead ins have an angle cut (chamfer) that assists with hardware install and ensures that they are perfectly deburred of sharp edges.
Dedicated Finish Cycles
We use separate tools and cutting strategies for material removal and finishing. Rough cutting is very aggressive, with the main goal of removing the majority of material from the part quickly. Finishing cycles are used to bring the cut into its final form, and ensure that it meets all requirements for both tolerance and finish quality. We use dedicated finishing tools, and use one tool finish cycles if allowed. We also use symmetrical tool paths to ensure that our finishes are both perfect and attractive. We do not believe in tool marks, and we take all necessary steps to ensure that nothing shows through cerakote or nitride.
Optic Cuts
Interested in our optic cuts? Here are some links.
- Shop Smith and Wesson Optic Cuts