iRay AC59 PICTAIL 2 - Helmet & Weapon Mount Shoe for RICO MICRO Thermals
iRay AC59 PICTAIL 2: The Fast Helmet-to-Rifle Mount for Your RICO MICRO Thermal
- The iRay AC59, also called the iRay PICTAIL 2, is a newer version of the iRay-AC52 PICTAIL, which was released in mid-2022 alongside the iRay RICO Micro thermal monoculars. The AC59 has the standard dovetail shoe that is used for helmet-mounted night vision optics with the MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail found commonly on weapon platforms. This design makes it compatible with newer and updated weapons and helmet-mounting hardware, while still working with the original PICTAIL use. These updates make it more accurate and versatile for use on both rifles and helmets.
- This updated mount combines a standard dovetail shoe and a Picatinny rail into a single, compact piece, so you can use both mounting styles without extra equipment.
- The PICTAIL 2 is made for today’s newer helmet and weapon mounts, but it still fits standard dovetail mounts from Wilcox and KVC and works with both new and older helmet setups.
- This only uses four rail slots, making it ideal for Short-Barreled Rifle (SBRs) and pistols with limited rail space.
- When you use the PICTAIL 2 and MQD together as a standalone weapon sight, you get more than 4.5 inches of rear offset. This lets you position the optic wherever it feels most comfortable on your rifle.
- With this setup, you get American Defense Manufacturing (ADM)’s trusted Picatinny mounting quality in a compact design.
What are some common accessories to add to the PICTAIL 2?
We can recommend lots of different accessories to go with your PICTAIL 2, however, these accessories will help you enhance your experience more:
- iRay RH25 V2: You can attach the PICTAIL 2 directly to this thermal monocular, so the RH25 V2 works with both helmet dovetails and Picatinny weapon mounts.
- iRay RL25: This monocular from the RICO MICRO Series works with the PICTAIL 2 shoe, so you can easily move it between a helmet and a weapon rail.
- iRay AC36 MQD Mount: This mount from American Defense Manufacturing serves as the rifle-side receiver for the PICTAIL 2. To use it, slide the PICTAIL 2 into the AC36 to secure your thermal device to a weapon rail or set it up as a clip-on in front of your day scope.
- iRay Obverse Mounting: You can use this with the PICTAIL 2 for dual-mounted helmet setups. It also lets you switch the thermal to the other eye side without affecting the fit or how it works.
What is Included in the Box of the PICTAIL 2?
Inside the box for your iRay RICO MICRO PICTAIL 2, you will find:
- (1) iRay RICO MICRO PICTAIL 2 Helmet/Weapon Shoe
- (2) Mounting Screws
RICO MICRO PICTAIL 2 FAQs
What is the iRay RICO MICRO PICTAIL 2?
The PICTAIL 2 is a compact mounting shoe designed for the iRay RICO MICRO Series of thermal optics. By combining a standard dovetail shoe and a Picatinny rail in one unit, it allows users to quickly and easily switch their thermal optic from a helmet mount to a rifle rail. This eliminates the need to swap any parts, saving time and ensuring seamless transitions between setups.
How is the PICTAIL 2 different from the original PICTAIL (AC52)?
The PICTAIL 2 now fits newer helmet and weapon mounts released after the original AC52. It still works with standard dovetail receptacles from Wilcox, KVC, and other brands, so you can keep using your current gear.
What mount works with the PICTAIL 2 on a rifle?
The PICTAIL 2 works with the ADM MQD mount. The Picatinny side of the shoe has one slot for the MQD. Together, they let you adjust the footprint on any standard Picatinny rail.
Can I use the PICTAIL 2 as a clip-on in front of my Day Optics?
Yes. If you reverse the PICTAIL 2 and MQD for clip-on mode, the rear offset is reduced to just 1.5 inches and only takes up 4 rail slots in front. This setup works well for SBRs and pistols with limited rail space.
Will the PICTAIL 2 work with my Wilcox or KVC helmet mount?
Yes. The PICTAIL 2 keeps the dovetail side from the original PICTAIL, so it still locks into standard dovetail receptacles used in helmet mounting hardware made by Wilcox, KVC, and others.
Where can I buy the iRay RICO MICRO PICTAIL 2?
You can find the PICTAIL 2 for sale at Atomic Defense as an authorized iRayUSA dealer. We also carry the matching ADM MQD mount, the RH25 V2 and RL25 thermal optics, and the Obverse Mounting Shoe for dual-helmet setups, so you can build your full RICO MICRO mounting system in a single order.