QDM150 Quick Detach Mount Review: Tested by 3 Shooting Experts

If you own a versatile scope like the DNT HYDRA, you might feel that traditional fixed mounts limit your gear's full potential. To unlock that flexibility, DNT introduced the QDM150 — a quick detach mount purpose-built for the HYDRA, yet compatible with a wide range of optics.

Recently, several heavyweight shooting YouTubers independently put the QDM150 to the test. In this article, we break down its real-world tests, modular design logic, and practical hunting applications confirmed by three experienced shooters.

QDM150 Zero Retention Test: Live-Fire Results

First, we need to understand the core promise of DNT's quick release mounts. @On the Chase Outdoors took both the QDS150 and QDM150 mounts to the range to prove the most critical factor: reliability.

The QDS150 is a standard quick detach mount secured to the bottom of your optic with three screws. He explains, "The idea behind the QDS150 is you can own one night vision, or one thermal optic, and switch it between multiple guns". He also demonstrates through live fire that you can swap the optic between rifles and "it will hold a zero, that's amazing".

For the multi-functional QDM150, he highlighted how it truly transforms the hunt. It holds zero just as reliably as the QDS150, provided it is reattached to the same rail slot. At the same time, it can be screw-mounted directly to the rifle's rail, allowing users to detach only the optic instead of removing the entire optic-and-mount assembly. When paired with the HYDRA thermal scope, the QDM150's quick detach system lets you switch the HYDRA from a handheld monocular to a rifle-mounted optic in seconds. Instead of carrying a heavy rifle all night, you can pop the optic off to scan for hogs, and "as soon as you find a pig, super duper easy to pop it right back on".

QDM150 Modular Design: Flexible Quick Detach Configurations

Once you know it holds zero, @Alpha Charlie Concepts dives into the brilliant engineering behind the QDM150. He calls it a "very smart system" because of its reversible nature.

The QDM150 consists of two precision-engineered parts: a Picatinny adapter rail and a quick detach (QD) base. As a result, you have two configuration options depending on your mission:

1. Base on the Optic: Attach the adapter rail to your thermal, then secure the QD base to it. This turns your optic into a self-contained quick-detach unit, allowing you to move the entire setup between different rifles in seconds.

2. Base on the Rifle: Mount the QD base directly to your rifle's rail. Now, only the lightweight optic (with its adapter) detaches. This is perfect for hunters who want to pop the scope off for handheld scanning and snap it back onto the gun the moment they spot a target.

As @Alpha Charlie Concepts puts it, "I can mount it on the Picatinny rail on the HYDRA... or I can flip it around, permanently mount this on the gun... depends on which way you want to do it." He concludes that this level of versatility is a "solid choice without, comparatively speaking, breaking the bank."

QDM150 Tactical Advantages: Reduced Fatigue & Optional Red Dot Expansion

Now that we understand the mechanics, @Clang and Bang shows us the tactical application. He identifies a major pain point for hunters and tactical shooters: fatigue.

He notes that the QDM150 "can save your arms from having to hold your 10 lb rifle and using it as a tripod for your thermal."

For serious field use, relying solely on a battery-powered thermal is risky. He also introduces the QDM-RMR QDM150 Side Plate Adapter, an optional accessory designed to work with the QDM150. This adapter allows you to mount a red dot offset to the side. As he explains, "if anything happens to your main thermal, you've got a constant, more reliable option on the side." This setup also "saves you a little bit of space."

Conclusion

The verdict is clear. DNT's mounting solutions are not just accessories, but essential tools to unlock your scope's full potential. For shooters who want to switch their optic between handheld and rifle-mounted use, upgrading to the QDM150 is a smart move.

If you're looking for a versatile thermal scope, here's even better news: Starting March 6, 2026, every DNT HYDRA scope will ship standard with a QDM150 mount at no additional cost, so that you get full versatility right out of the box!

[Shop QDM150] | [Shop Red Dot Adapter] | [Explore the HYDRA line]