As an avid hunter who’s spent countless nights stalking prey under the cover of darkness, I’ve learned that your night vision gear is only as good as how it’s mounted. Enter the Wilcox G24 Breakaway Night Vision Mount – a piece of kit that’s become as essential to my nocturnal pursuits as my favorite rifle. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the G24 the gold standard for night vision mounts, and why it’s worth every penny for serious hunters and tactical enthusiasts.
The Evolution of Night Vision Mounting
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the G24, let’s take a moment to appreciate how far night vision mounting technology has come. In the early days of civilian night hunting, we were stuck with clunky, uncomfortable mounts that were about as stable as a house of cards in a windstorm. I remember my first night hunt with a budget mount – let’s just say the only thing I bagged that night was a sore neck and a bruised ego.
But then companies like Wilcox came along and revolutionized the game. They understood that a mount isn’t just an accessory – it’s the crucial link between you and your expensive night vision device. The G24 is the culmination of years of research, development, and real-world testing, and it shows in every aspect of its design.
Why the Wilcox G24 Stands Out in the Field
The G24 isn’t just another mount – it’s a precision instrument designed to enhance your night hunting experience. Built like a tank but light as a feather, this mount strikes the perfect balance between durability and comfort. Weighing in at just 5.7 oz, you’ll barely notice it’s there – until you need it. And when you do, its rock-solid construction ensures your expensive night vision device stays exactly where it should.
- EXPORT OF WILCOX INDUSTRIES PRODUCTS IS ITAR RESTRICTED, YOU MUST BE A US CITIZEN TO BUY THIS MOUNT.
- Dimensions (Operational) 3.98” L x 2.60” W x 2.40” H Weight (G24 Mount Only).36 lb (5.76 oz)
- Vertical Height Adjustment: 900 Fore/Aft Travel: 1.10”
But what really sets the G24 apart is its thoughtful design. Every feature, every adjustment, every mechanism has been carefully engineered to provide the best possible user experience. Let’s break down some of these standout features:
Precision Adjustability: The G24 offers a whopping 0.90″ of vertical travel, letting you dial in the perfect eye relief. This level of fine-tuning is crucial when you’re spending hours peering through your night vision device. No more squinting or straining to see clearly – with the G24, you can adjust your view to perfection.
Dovetail Shoe Interface: This secure locking system keeps your NVG firmly in place, whether you’re crawling through brush or sprinting after game. The dovetail interface is an industry standard, meaning the G24 is compatible with a wide range of night vision devices and accessories.
The Famous Breakaway Feature: This is where the G24 really earns its stripes. The breakaway function disconnects the mount under heavy stress, potentially saving your neck (and your expensive gear) in a fall or accident. As someone who’s taken an unexpected tumble or two in the field, this feature alone is worth its weight in gold.
Ergonomic Single-Hand Operation: When you’re juggling a rifle, calls, and other gear, being able to adjust your NVG with one hand is a godsend. The G24’s intuitive design allows for easy, one-handed adjustments even in pitch-black conditions.
Wide Range of Motion: The G24 doesn’t just move up and down – it also provides excellent fore/aft adjustment and allows for proper eye relief with a variety of night vision devices. This flexibility means you can fine-tune your setup for optimal comfort and performance.
Compatibility: The G24 mounts to any helmet using an Ops-Core VAS or standard Army shroud. This universal compatibility means you can use it with your existing gear without needing to buy a new helmet or additional adapters.
Real-World Performance: Tales from the Hunt
I’ve put the Wilcox G24 through its paces on everything from humid summer hog hunts to frigid winter coyote excursions. It’s never let me down. The solid click of each adjustment, the smooth operation of the flip-up mechanism – every interaction with this mount exudes quality.
One night, while tracking a particularly wily boar through some dense underbrush, I snagged my NVG on a low-hanging branch. Instead of wrenching my neck or damaging my expensive PVS-14, the breakaway feature engaged flawlessly. My gear dangled safely from its tether while I untangled myself, crisis averted. That moment alone made the investment worthwhile.
But it’s not just about avoiding disaster – the G24 enhances every aspect of night hunting. The ability to quickly and easily adjust your night vision device means you can seamlessly transition from scanning wide open fields to peering into dense brush. The stable platform it provides ensures your image is always crystal clear, even when you’re on the move.
Versatility: One Mount to Rule Them All
One of the G24’s biggest strengths is its versatility. It’s not just for binocular night vision setups – it’s equally at home with monoculars, thanks to its compatibility with dovetail j-arms. This flexibility means you can switch from a monocular to a bridge system to a binocular setup without changing your mount.
For hunters who like to adapt their gear to different situations, this versatility is priceless. You might start with a basic monocular setup for scouting, then upgrade to a high-end binocular system for serious hunting – and the G24 will be there every step of the way, providing a consistent, reliable mounting solution.
The Investment Question: Is the G24 Worth the Price?
Let’s address the elephant in the room – the Wilcox G24 isn’t cheap. With an MSRP north of $450, it’s a significant investment. But consider this: you’ve likely spent thousands on your night vision device and other gear. Skimping on the mount is like putting bargain tires on a Ferrari.
For serious night hunters and tactical enthusiasts, the G24 is more than worth it. The peace of mind, comfort, and reliability it offers pay dividends every time you head into the field. Plus, its durability means it’ll likely outlast several night vision devices, making it a long-term investment in your hunting success.
Think about it this way: a cheaper mount might save you money upfront, but at what cost? Neck strain, poor image quality, and the constant worry that your expensive night vision device might come crashing to the ground at any moment. When you’re deep in the backcountry, miles from civilization, that peace of mind is priceless.
A Word of Caution: Beware of Imitations
The popularity of the Wilcox G24 has led to a flood of knockoffs in the market. These imitations might look similar, but they lack the precision engineering and quality control that makes the G24 so reliable. Stick to reputable dealers (like us here at Night Vision Gears) to ensure you’re getting the real deal. Those too-good-to-be-true prices on certain marketplace sites? They’re usually exactly that – too good to be true.
Remember, this is a piece of gear that you’re trusting with your safety and the protection of your expensive night vision device. It’s not worth risking your neck (literally) to save a few bucks on a knockoff.
Setting Up Your G24: Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve got your hands on a genuine G24, taking the time to set it up correctly will ensure you get the most out of this incredible piece of gear. Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Take the time to adjust the breakaway tension to your liking. It should be tight enough to keep your NVG secure during normal use, but loose enough to disengage if you snag on something.
- Experiment with the fore/aft adjustment to find the perfect balance point for your particular night vision setup. This will reduce strain on your neck during long hunting sessions.
- If you’re using a counter-weight on your helmet, you may need to readjust it when you switch to the G24. The mount’s light weight might change the overall balance of your setup.
- Practice adjusting your mount in the dark. In the field, you won’t always have the luxury of light when you need to make adjustments.
Maintenance: Keeping Your G24 in Top Shape
The G24 is built to last, but a little maintenance goes a long way. After each hunting trip, I make sure to:
- Clean the mount thoroughly, paying special attention to the moving parts. A soft brush can help remove any dirt or debris.
- Check all screws and fittings to ensure they’re tight.
- Lubricate any moving parts with a light, high-quality lubricant designed for use with firearms or precision instruments.
- Inspect the breakaway mechanism to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
With proper care, your G24 will serve you faithfully for years to come.
The Bottom Line: A Game-Changer for Serious Night Hunters
If you’re serious about night hunting or any after-dark activities requiring night vision, the Wilcox G24 Breakaway Night Vision Mount is as good as it gets. It’s the mount of choice for military professionals and discerning civilian users alike, and for good reason.
After years of use and abuse, my G24 looks and performs like the day I bought it. It’s allowed me to focus on the hunt, not fiddling with my gear. And in the world of night hunting, that peace of mind is priceless.
So, if you’re ready to take your night vision setup to the next level, give the Wilcox G24 a serious look. Your neck (and your future self) will thank you. And who knows? It might just be the edge you need to bag that trophy buck you’ve been chasing all season.
Remember, in the world of night hunting, your gear can make or break your experience. Don’t let a subpar mount be the weak link in your setup. Invest in the best, and let the Wilcox G24 elevate your night hunting game to new heights. Happy hunting, and may your nights be filled with successful stalks and unforgettable experiences!