Installing Rifle Rack on Right-hand Side

[glcaines]

I'm trying to install a rifle rack on the right side of my M151A2. Mine has a heater installed. I'm assuming that I need to remove the heater for the rifle rack installation as I see no way to access the back side of the dash without removal since there is minimal space between the dash panel and the front of the heater.
I also have a separate question. The instructions state that I should put the reinforcement plate behind the dash and then insert the 4 screws through the dash panel and reinforcement plate, and then through the 4 sleeve spacers followed by lock washers and nuts. I don't understand the purpose of the sleeve spacers. To me, they don't serve any purpose. I fully understand why the spacers are used for a left side installation because the light switch must be recessed to permit access if a rifle is installed in the mount, but on the right side of the dash, there is no need for this. In addition, the instructions state that spacers should also be installed on the backside of the dash and reinforcement plate followed by lock washers and nuts when securing the mounting bracket and catch assembly. Again, this makes no sense to me, but would if this was a left side installation. The instructions in the -20 TM and the instructions included with the rifle mount kit, all state the same thing, but are worded differently and the drawings differ.

[199th mp]

follow the directions as much as possible. if you don't want to remove the heater, there is a tool called a Riv-Nut Tool, which allows you to do everything from the front side of the dash. it will look the same, once the rifle is in it. you will simply have to buy four bolts threaded to match.

[rickf]

I know you want to have everything exactly the same as it was done by the book but I can assure you that it was not always done "by the book" in the military either. If it didn't fit or they did not have all the right parts they made do with what they had. What Ron said about the riv-nuts makes perfect sense and I assure you that you will never pull them out!! As far as the spacers, I think that is mainly for consistency of installation so the guys doing it use all the parts all the time. But again, I would bet my next pension check that at least 25% of the installations do not have all the correct parts.

[glcaines]

I finally got the rifle mount installed. I didn't completely remove the heater, but I took out all of the mounting bolts and let it hang on the water hoses and ductwork. I ended up installing the spacers that weren't really needed since I had them. Installing the mounts is really easy if you can access the rear of the dash panel. The photo below shows the installation and an M14 in the mount. With a magazine in the rifle entering the vehicle is a pain. I also discovered the hard way that it is very easy to pinch the you-know-what out of your fingers when securing an M14. I haven't tried mounting a black rifle yet, but will tomorrow. I found it best to ignore the instruction sheet that came with the mount. It was a very poor copy and the drawings were confusing and difficult to read. I ended up using the instructions in the -20 TM.

Rifle Mount With M14 #3.jpg

[FoxMike]

Thanks for this timely post! I've got a "rubber duck" to mount on the ride side.

[Mark]

One time quite a while I put a M14(fake one) in my mutt, the police stopped me to check me out, as there was alot mass shootings going on so they me told not to drive around, even though it was legal to do so(the right to bear arms(2nd amendment)
Now it is a lot worse.Remember hunting days of your youth, everyone had a shotgun, while riding in the pick up/car.Road hunting!
I had one of those rifle racks, got stolen.The 1 I have now is between the front seats.

[199th mp]

Thanks for this timely post! I've got a "rubber duck" to mount on the ride side.

in the pics i posted, that is also a rubber duck.

[Mark]

[attachment=0]My Dummy Rifles, 2 M14s, 1 M16

[rickf]

2nd. Amendment. Right to bear arms.

[glcaines]

No problem with weapons where I live. Plus, Constitutional Carry was recently passed.