How to Install the Gideon Optics Rock

The Rock is designed to be one of the easiest red dot sight mount projects on the market. When we engineer our feature-packed sights, we don’t just focus on the innovative tech, like our Shake to Awake power-saving mode or the adjustable brightness that lets you fine-tune performance for daylight or night vision use. We also make it user-friendly to both use and mount. Let’s take a look at how to install the Gideon Optics Rock directly on a pistol slide or using the included 1913 Picatinny rail mount. 

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out our tutorial video for a step-by-step instructional breakdown:

Out of the Box

When you first unbox your Rock, you’ll see the sleek design and feel the lightweight durability of its aircraft-grade aluminum construction. It’s packaged with the 1913 Picatinny red dot sight mount already installed on the optic. This doesn’t just secure the mount tightly for transport but also makes it ready to go on your compatible rail system straight out of the box, which is why we’ll first look at rail installation.

How to Install the Gideon Optics Rock on a Picatinny Rail

The 1913 Picatinny rail system was designed to allow accessories, specifically optics, to be quickly and securely mounted to your firearm. Its versatility led to widespread adoption. Including a rail mount with the Rock lets us help more gun owners mount quality red dot sights on their weapons without breaking the bank.

1. Locate the Single Screw on the Side of Your Rail Mount – This simple design allows for easy installation with a single screw securing your mount to the rail and stabilizing sight placement.
2. Use the included T10 Wrench to Loosen the Screw – Loosen the rail mount enough to fit onto the rail of your weapon. There should be no need to remove the screw entirely.
3. Position Your Sight – If you aren’t sure how far forward to install your Gideon Optics Rock, a good rule of thumb is to place it as far forward as possible while still being able to properly focus through the lens. Since the Rock offers unlimited eye relief, you can mount it farther forward than a scope, maintaining your peripheral vision and leaving space for an add-on magnification scope, if desired.
4. Tighten the Mount Screw – Tighten the screw while applying a small amount of pressure pushing the optic toward the muzzle of the weapon. Remember not to over-tighten the screw with your T10. 

How to Install the Gideon Optics Rock on a Slide

The Rock’s RMR footprint means your red dot is also mount-read for compatible slides. This easy installation creates a secure mount that’s perfect for improving your pistol’s precision and accuracy. For easier installation, remove your slide from the pistol frame before beginning.

1. Remove the Picatinny Rail Mount – If you look at the top of the Rock, you’ll see two screws that go through the body of the optic, securing the 1913 Picatinny rail mount. Use the T10 wrench to turn them counterclockwise, or “lefty loosey”, to remove the rail mount.
   
   Tip: Screw the two removed screws directly back into the rail mount to keep everything in one place if the rail mount is needed in the future.
2. Remove the Cover Plate on Your Slide – If your slide was manufactured to accept an RMR footprint optic, it likely also has a cover plate held in place by two screws. Remove the screws and cover plate, saving them should you decide to remove the optic later.
3. Press the Optic Down Firmly onto the Mount Location – Be sure to move it straight down, allowing it to find its place, rather than moving it in from the side.
4. Install the Gideon Optics Rock Using the Included Screws – In your optic’s package, we’ve included two 6x32mm screws in a clearly marked baggy for easy red dot sight mounting. These will work with most RMR slides and leave your battery compartment unobstructed for trouble-free battery changes. Tighten the screws finger-tight by turning them clockwise, or “righty tighty”, then take them just a little past finger-tight using the T10 wrench.
5. Install the CR 1632 Battery – Using the wrench, turn the battery cover counterclockwise to remove it. Insert your battery writing-side up, being careful not to bend any of the teeth that hold it securely in place in the optic. Finally, replace the battery cover, turning it clockwise to screw it back on over the battery until you feel the resistance of the O-ring seal compressing slightly.

You can now reassemble the firearm and get ready to hit the range. Pressing the brightness up button a few times will power on the sight and let you check its function. A flathead end is included on your wrench to make windage and elevation adjustments easier on the range at one click per MOA.

Mount a Red Dot Sight on Your Gun

Now that you know how to install the Gideon Optics Rock, you’re ready to hit the range and work on your accuracy and precision. If you run into any issues, reach out to our support team. Order the precision red dot sights you need from Gideon Optics today.