Quick answer
The iRayUSA RICO MICRO PICTAIL 2 combines a standard helmet dovetail with a Picatinny interface designed for the ADM MQD mount. The updated IRAY-AC59 design improves compatibility with newer mounting hardware for compatible RICO MICRO setups.
Who this is for
Best for
RICO MICRO owners building a compatible helmet or weapon mounting setup who need a standard dovetail shoe with an ADM MQD-compatible Picatinny interface. Confirm exact optic and mounting hardware compatibility before ordering.
Not ideal for
Buyers needing a complete helmet mount or complete weapon mounting assembly, or owners of optics without confirmed PICTAIL 2 compatibility. Not an upgrade that adds clip-on capability to an unsupported optic.
Quick specifications
- Category
- Helmet Accessory
Why buy from Thermal Bros
You get real product guidance, financing options, and trade-in or consignment help when available.
Full product description
The iRayUSA RICO MICRO PICTAIL 2 Helmet & Weapon Mounting Shoe combines a standard helmet-mount dovetail interface with a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny interface in one shoe. Designed for RICO MICRO mounting applications, the IRAY-AC59 updates the original PICTAIL design to improve compatibility with newer helmet and weapon mounting hardware.
Choose the PICTAIL 2 when you need the mounting shoe that connects a compatible RICO MICRO setup to helmet dovetail hardware or works with the ADM MQD mount for weapon mounting. Confirm your optic, helmet interface, and weapon mount before ordering; the shoe is one component of the mounting system.
What Does the PICTAIL 2 Do?
The PICTAIL 2 brings two mounting interfaces together. Its dovetail side works with standard dovetail receptacles used in helmet mounting hardware from Wilcox, KVC, and other manufacturers. Its Picatinny side incorporates a dedicated slot designed to interface with the ADM MQD mount.
- Helmet mounting interface: Standard dovetail shoe for compatible helmet mounting hardware.
- Weapon mounting interface: MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny geometry designed to work with the ADM MQD.
- Updated design: Revised from the original IRAY-AC52 PICTAIL to accommodate newer mounting interface hardware.
- Configurable positioning: The PICTAIL and MQD combination supports different mounting positions for compatible standalone and clip-on applications.
PICTAIL 2 vs. the Original PICTAIL
The PICTAIL 2 is the updated version of the original IRAY-AC52 PICTAIL. According to iRayUSA, the redesign increases compatibility with newer weapon and helmet mounting interfaces while retaining compatibility with the standard helmet dovetail receptacles supported by the original design.
iRayUSA partnered with Ultimate Night Vision to redesign and produce the PICTAIL 2. American Defense Manufacturing produces the companion MQD mount.
If you already own the original PICTAIL and it works correctly with your mounting hardware, check whether the revised interface addresses a specific need before replacing it.
How the PICTAIL 2 Works with the ADM MQD
The PICTAIL shoe and ADM MQD work together to create an adjustable mounting footprint on a standard Picatinny rail. iRayUSA publishes the following positioning details for the combined system:
- Standalone optic configuration: More than 4.5 inches of rear offset.
- Reversed clip-on configuration: Approximately 1.5 inches of rear offset.
- Forward rail requirement in clip-on configuration: Four rail slots in front of the day optic.
These measurements describe the PICTAIL and MQD used together. Actual suitability depends on your optic, day optic, rail layout, and mounting hardware. A mounting shoe does not add clip-on or weapon-sight capability to an optic that does not support those uses.
Specifications
| Brand | iRayUSA |
|---|---|
| Product | RICO MICRO PICTAIL 2 Helmet/Weapon Shoe |
| Manufacturer Part Number | IRAY-AC59 |
| UPC | 850048751736 |
| Product Type | Helmet and weapon mounting interface shoe |
| Helmet Interface | Standard dovetail |
| Weapon-Side Interface | MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny interface designed for the ADM MQD |
| Previous Design | IRAY-AC52 PICTAIL |
Who Is the PICTAIL 2 Best For?
- RICO MICRO owners assembling a compatible helmet or weapon mounting setup.
- Users who need a shoe that combines helmet dovetail and ADM MQD-compatible interfaces.
- Owners evaluating the updated PICTAIL design for compatibility with newer mounting hardware.
What to Check Before Ordering
- Your exact optic: Confirm that your model supports the PICTAIL 2 attachment and your intended use.
- Your helmet hardware: Confirm the dovetail receptacle and any required bridge or helmet mount.
- Your weapon mount: The published weapon mounting configurations use the companion ADM MQD.
- Your available rail space: Check clearance and positioning for your complete setup.
The PICTAIL 2 is a mounting shoe, not a complete helmet mounting system. Do not assume that an optic, helmet mount, bridge, or ADM MQD is included unless the package contents explicitly list it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the iRayUSA PICTAIL 2?
The PICTAIL 2 is a RICO MICRO mounting shoe that combines a standard helmet dovetail interface with a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny interface designed to work with the ADM MQD mount. Its manufacturer part number is IRAY-AC59.
What changed from the original PICTAIL?
iRayUSA redesigned the original IRAY-AC52 PICTAIL to improve compatibility with newer helmet and weapon mounting hardware while retaining standard helmet dovetail compatibility.
Does the PICTAIL 2 work with Wilcox or KVC helmet hardware?
iRayUSA states that the PICTAIL 2 retains compatibility with standard dovetail receptacles used in helmet mounting interface hardware from Wilcox, KVC, and others. Confirm the exact hardware combination before ordering.
Do I need an ADM MQD for weapon mounting?
The weapon mounting system described by iRayUSA uses the PICTAIL shoe together with the ADM MQD mount. The shoe alone is not the complete rail-clamping assembly described in that setup.
Does the PICTAIL 2 make any thermal optic a clip-on?
No. The optic itself must support clip-on use. The PICTAIL 2 provides a mounting interface; it does not change the operating capabilities of your optic.
Will the PICTAIL 2 fit every RICO MICRO or other thermal optic?
Do not assume universal compatibility. Confirm your exact optic model and mounting hardware before purchase, especially when adapting a different product family or generation.
Get Help Choosing Your Mounting Setup
Need help checking compatibility? Email info@thermalbros.com with your optic model, helmet mount or bridge, and intended use. Thermal Bros can help you identify the mounting components to verify before ordering.
Explore our helmet mounts and accessories to plan your setup.