All About Tri Lug Mounts
Table of Contents
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about tri lug mounts today. These popular mounting solutions are employed by shooters of all types from armed professionals to recreational shooters. Our goal with this blog post is to provide a brief overview of these types of mounts while delving into their traits and features. Without further ado, lets talk about tri lug mounts.
What is a Tri Lug Mount?
Tri lug mounts, also referred to as 3 lug mounts or adapters, are popular muzzle devices that are particularly popular among users of pistol caliber carbines (PCC) and subguns. Like the name suggests, there are literally three lugs which adorn the barrel and allow for the attachment of muzzle devices and other accessories. These types of mounts are most commonly found on subguns such as the MP5. Attachments can easily be added to these types of mounts by simply indexing the desired muzzle device onto the lugs and then pulling back on the device and turning it a quarter-circle. Removal is done just as easily by reversing the process and pulling the device away from the muzzle. Essentially what is happening is that the three lugs are interfacing with mounting grooves within the desired attachment, locking it into place when properly indexed. Compatible mounting hardware will usually utilize springs or some other retention system to ensure that the device stays put.
Not Originally Intended for Use with Suppressors
Tri lug mounts were not originally intended to be used with suppressors. Initially, these types of mounts were designed to affix things such as flash hiders, muzzle brakes, blank firing adapters, and even rifle grenade systems. This system essentially allows an end user to quickly swap muzzle devices on the fly without having to utilize a threaded barrel. The use of suppressors on tri lug mounting systems came decades after the system's debut.
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Suppressor Use
While not originally intended for use with suppressors, these types of mounts have quickly become one of the most popular suppressor mounting methods used by pistol caliber carbine (PCC) and subgun shooters. Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) was the first to introduce a suppressor which utilized the tri lug mounting interface. This innovation paved the way for future suppressors which would also take advantage of this mounting system. Currently, many suppressor manufacturers produce suppressors which can be adapted for use on tri lug mounts. Entities such as HUXWRX, SilencerCo, and Surefire are among the companies that make suppressors capable of accommodating tri lug mounts.
Why Use a Tri Lug Mount Over a Direct Thread Option?
There a number of reasons why some shooters prefer to use a tri lug mount over a direct thread option. One of the biggest perks of the tri lug system is the fact that a suppressor can easily be donned or doffed at a moment’s notice. To install or remove the suppressor, one must simply pull back on the suppressor a bit and then rotate the unit on to or off of the lugs. This process is far more expedient than the process of threading a suppressor on to a threaded barrel.
Suppressors which are of the direct thread variety will need to be monitored at times to ensure that they do not walk off over time. This potentiality can be countered by tightly threading the suppressor on to the muzzle, using something such as Teflon tape on the muzzle threads, or by utilizing a left hand thread pitch which is more resistant to this phenomenon. Simply put, as long as the hardware in the suppressor is installed securely, one will not need to worry about a tri lug mount walking off at all.
What Firearms Come with Tri Lug Mounts?
There are many subguns and PCCs which come from the factory with tri lug mounting systems. Companies such as Heckler & Koch and Brugger & Thomet include tri lug mounts on many of their firearms.
Hybrid Offerings
Some factory firearms with tri lug mounts will also feature threaded muzzles as well. Examples include the PTR MP5 clones, Heckler & Koch’s SP5 offerings, and some of the GHM and APC offerings from Brugger & Thomet. Simply put, these options allow an end user to either utilize the tri lug mount or a direct thread attachment method for muzzle devices.
Can Tri Lug Mounts Be Added to a Firearm?
Just because a firearm lacks a tri lug mount does not mean you cannot install one. Many companies such as HUXWRX, SilencerCo, Griffin Armament, and Surefire produce tri lug mounts which can be installed on many firearms. These mounts are available in a variety of thread pitches and can be installed on anything from a PCC, subgun, or even a lever action rifle. Some companies even sell tri lug mounts which have the additional function of being muzzle brakes
When installing one of these mounts, one must ensure that they properly clean the threads on the mount and barrel of the firearm they intend to put it on. It is also recommended to use something such as Rocksett and apply the proper amount of torque to ensure the mount stays in place. Unlike other types of muzzle devices, tri lug mounts are not required to be timed or clocked to a certain orientation when installed.
Are All Tri Lug Mounts the Same?
It should be known that not all tri lug mounts are the same. Typically, one will find that there are
9mm Luger sized tri lug mounts and
.45 ACP sized tri lug mounts. When selecting the mount itself in addition to mounting hardware on the suppressor itself, one should ensure that the sizing is consistent and matches up. For example, a
9mm Luger sized tri lug mount should not be utilized with
.45 ACP sized hardware.
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Are There Any Limitations to the Tri Lug System?
When using a suppressor, one should stick to pistol calibers and low-pressure rifle rounds exclusively when using a tri lug mount. Higher pressure calibers, such as the
.223 Remington and
.308 Winchester, will impart undue stress on the mount and attached suppressor. This is why these types of mounts are most commonly found on submachine guns such as the MP5 and its variants.
Depending on the mounting hardware used, there may be necessary maintenance and servicing to ensure peak functionality. Many of the tri lug mounting hardware offerings one will encounter today utilize springs to aid in applying tension to and locking the suppressor in place when mounted. Over time, these springs may gradually lose their strength and weaken over time. Part of this maintenance will involve ensuring that the mounting grooves within the mounting hardware are clean and do not hinder the mounting process.
Conclusion
All in all, tri lug mounts are a versatile and expedient means to mount muzzle devices such as suppressors. These mounts have been utilized by everyone from elite military units, law enforcement personnel, and recreational shooters. Regardless of the suppressor mounting method you use; you will inevitably need
ammunition to train and enjoy your suppressor. We here at True Shot Ammo carry a wide variety of loadings to help you get stocked up for your next outing, whether you are running suppressed or not. As always, happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotammo.com for more ammo options.
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