A good riflescope and a good scope mount; alongside good ammo, a combination helps you get accurate and precise shots on the target. Today, I’m here to talk about the best scope mounts for AR 15 rifles.
Well, most people tend to focus more on a good riflescope. They don’t give as much attention to the scope mount. But here’s the thing; without a decent scope mount, you won’t have a good zero. And without a good zero, hitting your target becomes tricky. Hence, a good riflescope and a good scope mount should go hand in hand.
There are high-quality, rigid scope mounts out there. But sometimes it’s hard to tell since some products are over-advertised for profitable purposes. Well, I’m here to fill the gap with a roundup of the best riflescope mounts for AR 15.
10 Best Scope Mounts for AR 15
1. Burris Optics PEPR Tactical Scope Mount
Key Features
- One-piece aluminum construction
- Mounts on both Picatinny and weaver-style bases
- Available in two sizes and two mounting systems
It costs slightly more than other scope mounts in its category. But the tactical ability and the unique design are worth the price.
Well, Burris P.E.P.R. Tactical Scope Mount is for 30mm tubes. What I like the most are the multiple configurations.
It comes with a set of smooth ring tops and railed top scope rings. Hence, it’s versatile enough to mount on weaver or Picatinny-style bases.
This tactical mount allows you to position the scope 2 inches forward. For this reason, it provides optimal eye relief and a full field of view.
Notably, the Burris scope mount has a high riser. As such, it provides plenty of height clearance for most AR 15 optics. Likewise, the high riser provides a nice cheek weld, particularly on a flattop rifle.
This scope mount comes in a one-piece aluminum construction. Hence, it’s rock solid and relatively light as well.
Burris tactical scope mount is super easy to install. It has two full-length guide bolts and comes with an appropriate size Allen wrench for tightening. It’s a good thing that Burris provides the correct torque to prevent over-tightening. Once set, this scope mount holds its zero without fail.
I want to commend Burris for the lifetime warranty. It shows you’re getting premium-quality worth years of use.
Don’t Miss To Read: The 7 Best Powder Trickler Reviews
2. American Defense AD-RECON 30 STD Scope Mount
Key Features
- Plenty of height clearance for objective housings as large as 2.2 inches
- Tool-free quick-detach system
- Accommodates both in-spec and out-of-spec rail systems
- Superior clamping surface for maximum rail engagement
- Hard coat anodized aluminum finish
- AD-RECON is for mounting high powered scopes on flattop-style guns
Like Burris scope mount, it fits 30mm tubes. But it has excellent height clearance for up to 2.2-inch objective housing. Thanks to the unique cantilever design, the mount throws the scope forward. For this reason, it provides optimum eye relief.
The patented QD Auto-Lock lever system is perhaps the most defining feature of AD-RECON. It’s a spring-loaded system that allows for tool-free adjustments. Moreover, it’s versatile enough for both in-spec and out-of-spec rail systems. Plus, it offers maximum surface area contact with Picatinny rail systems.
Notably, AD-RECON doesn’t clamp directly on to the rail. As such, it doesn’t bite into your rail or scratch the finish. Also, it provides variations in scope and rail tolerances. As such, it allows for solid, repeatable mounting.
AD-RECON is built like a tank but surprisingly light at the same time. It comes in precision machined 6061 T6 aluminum. Also, it has a hard coat T3 Mil-Spec finish. That makes it a solid mount for AR 15 rifles.
Don’t Miss To Read: The 10 Best Brass Tumbler – Check Our Top Picks!
3. Warne Gen 2 Extended Skeletonized 30mm AR Mount
Key Features
- Designed for Picatinny 1913 rail system
- Skeletonized rings shave the weight and maintain a simple look.
- Steel thread inserts prevent stripping.
Warne makes one of the best cantilever mounts for AR 15. Gen 2 Extended scope mount is one such model. This scope mount is for 30mm tubes. Notably, it’s designed for the Picatinny 1913 rail system.
Well, Warne Gen 2 is a zero MOA scope mount. Hence, it’s ideal for short-distance shooting, up to 500 yards. Such specs make it an ideal option for AR 15 modern sporting rifles.
This scope mount gives comfortable eye elevation and eye relief. It sits 1.5 inches above the rail, providing enough clearance for a 50mm lens scope. The rings are skeletonized, both at the top and at the bottom. Also, the scope mount has three relief holes underneath. Well, such specs help reduce the weight and maintain a simple design.
Notably, the bottom ring halves have steel thread inserts. Hence, you don’t have to worry about stripping anything out.
The tactical nut provides a quick way to attach the mount. Also, it enables you to tighten to precise torque. Well, Warner recommends 65 pounds per square inch of torque. At such spec, the mount holds its zero through hundreds of mounts.
Warne Gen 2 is a durable, rock-solid mount. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
4. Nikon P-Series Riflescope Picatinny Mount
Key Features
- Fits Picatinny-style AR platforms
- Reversible 2-piece construction
- Strong alloy construction
Nikon needs no introduction. The Japanese brand has years of experience in the optics segments. Apparently, it makes one of the best riflescope mounts for AR 15. Enters the P-series scope mount. It’s a scope mount that combines strength, precision, and good looks.
Well, the P-series scope mount is for 1-inch tubes. And as the name suggests, it fits Picatinny-style AR 15 rifle platforms.
This scope mount allows a proper forward position and is at the ideal height. Hence, it rewards you with optimal eye relief. Moreover, it allows easy access to the coking handle of any rifle.
Notably, this scope mount has a 2-piece design. Unlike one-piece scope mounts, it’s reversible for flexible mounting.
P-series scope mount requires you to slide it onto the rail. Hence, it takes a bit of effort to get it into position. But once in place, it holds its zero.
This scope mount boasts a strong alloy construction. And at 6 ounces, it’s among the lightest out there.
5. Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever Riflescope Mount
Key Features
- Available in two ring sizes and two offset sizes
- The excellent height clearance accommodates large objective riflescopes.
- Durable aluminum construction
- Vortex is an excellent scope mount, both for the occasional hunter and recreational shooter.
It’s for mounting 1-inch riflescope tubes. And as the name suggests, it can a cantilever design. Hence, it gets the scope out far enough. As such, it provides optimal eye relief and correct head placement on your rifle. Notably, this scope mount has a 2-inch offset.
Likewise, the Vortex scope mount has excellent height clearance. It keeps the center of the scope tube at 1.59 inches from the base. Hence, it sets fairly high. And depending on the clearance of your handguard, it can mount a 50mm objective scope.
At just under 7 ounces, this scope mount is pretty light. Still, it offers a durable aluminum construction.
The screws fit securely. Hence, there’s no need to worry about the sight shifting or the recoil shaking them loose.
Vortex scope mount comes with a lifetime warranty that generously covers any damage. It clearly shows how the company stays behind its product.
6. Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm Scope Mount
Key Features
- Ultralight construction
- Fits 1913 Picatinny rail bases
- Cross-slot keyway provides recoil protection
- Rugged extruded aluminum construction with hard coat anodizing finish
Aero Precision is a special projectile rifle scope mount. Hence, it’s compatible with most high-end optic platforms. Notably, it fits AR 15 rifles with 1913 Picatinny rail.
Like most products on the list, this scope mount has a cantilever design. It pushes the mounting rings 2 inches forward for better eye relief.
Aero Precision scope mount has a cross-slot keyway. Hence, it protects you from recoil. Moreover, it holds the scope in position, even on powerful firearms.
As the name suggests, this scope mount frees you from unnecessary bulk. At 3.36 ounces, it’s among the lightest in the industry.
The scope mount comes in 6061 T6 extruded aluminum. Hence, it’s ultralight and rugged at the same time. It’s pretty strong and capable of high-load applications.
Notably, the aluminum surface has a hard coat anodizing finish. It increases its wear and corrosion resistance. Also, it improves the hardness of the surface to provide rugged durability.
7. Larue Tactical LT104 QD Cantilever Scope Mount
Key Features
- Available in multiple ring sizes
- Quick-detach lever system
- The innovative backbone provides a robust platform for high-powered rifles.
- Precision machined and with threaded steel inserts for lifetime durability.
- Durable anodized aluminum construction
Larue is a top-notch company renowned for its premium quality products. So, in as much as it’s a bit on the expensive side, the LT104 scope mount is worth every penny.
Notably, this scope mount is available in different ring sizes: 1-inch, 35mm, 34mm, and 30mm. It’s a cantilever mount that positions the scope upfront for optimal eye relief.
LT104 scope mount has a more flexible quick-detach lever system. You can attach or detach your optics without any tools and still retain your zero.
The mount holds the center of the optics 1.5 inches above the top of the rail. Hence, it’s high enough for optimum cheek weld. Also, it provides enough clearance for a 55mm objective scope.
The innovative backbone is perhaps the most defining feature of this scope mount. It connects the split vertical rings, rewarding you with a more robust platform for your optics. Also, it increases repeatability and eliminates time-consuming lapping.
LT104 scope mount comes in a precision-machined one-piece anodized aluminum construction. It provides tight tolerances and boasts threaded steel inserts for lifetime durability.
Tension adjustment is pretty easy. Plus, Larue includes a tightening wrench for the purpose.
8. Nikon M-223 XR Mount
Key Features
- Built-in 20 MOA incline boosts the elevation for extreme long-range shooting.
- Lightweight, one-piece alloy construction
- Fits flattop Picatinny rails
This is another decent scope mount from Nikon. But unlike the P-series, M-223 XR adopts a one-piece construction.
Notably, M-223 XR is a cantilever mount for 1-inch scope tubes.
It’s an incline mount with a built-in 20-MOA incline. Unlike Zero MOA scope mounts, it maximizes elevation. Hence, it accommodates extreme long-range shooting.
So, what shooting range can it do?
Well, depending on your thermal scope and caliber, M-223 XR can accommodate a shooting range of 500-1000+ yards. Hence, it’s the perfect scope mount for whatever distance you want to shoot.
This scope mount comes in one-piece alloy construction. Thus, it’s pretty solid. And at 5.1 ounces, it also rewards you with lightweight construction.
9. Springfield MA4GENAM M1A 1-Piece Scope Mount
Key Features
- Picatinny-style rail above the receiver
- Plenty of clearance for long-range shooting
- Aluminum construction creates a stout platform for large scopes.
- A powder-coated finish increases corrosion resistance.
Springfield makes one of the best mounts for MIA rifles. Among them is this one-piece mount designed for competitive and long-range shooters.
This scope mount fits MIA rifles with a Picatinny-style rail above the receiver. Since it’s mounted on the rifle’s receiver, it provides plenty of clearance.
The center of the tube, for instance, sits a good 1.5 inches above the base. So, there’s enough clearance for a 50mm scope. And with three points of contact with the receiver, it holds its zero well.
Thanks to the sturdy aluminum construction, it creates a stout platform for large scope. Still, it remains light for added convenience. Notably, the scope mount has a black powder finish. As such, it increases the resistance to rust and corrosion.
10. Monstrum Slim Profile Series Cantilever Scope Mount
Key Features
- Slim profile and aircraft-grade aluminum provide rigidity and lightweight construction.
- High-torque Torx screws
- Fits standard Picatinny-style rails
Monstrum slim profile scope mount is among the least expensive. Yet, it rewards you with all the basic features. I’d say it’s an excellent choice if you’re on a tight budget.
Well, this scope mount is for 1-inch tubes. Also, it fits rifles with standard Picatinny-style rails. It’s a cantilever mount scope. It holds the scope 2 inches forward for better eye relief.
This mount scope has a 1.6-inch center height. Hence, there’s enough clearance for large-diameter objective scopes, up to 50mm.
Thanks to the one-piece 6061 aircraft aluminum construction, this scope mount is light and rigid at the same time. It weighs in at only 6 ounces.
Well, the aluminum construction isn’t the only feature that cuts down the weight. This scope mount also has four square-shaped integral recoil stops. They shave down the weight as well as increase the strength of the mount.
Notably, this scope mount uses heat-treated Torx screws that withstand high torques. Hence, you can tighten screws without worrying about stripping them off. The package also includes a T15 Allen wrench.
Best Scope Mounts for AR 15 Rifle: Complete Guide
Quality Construction
Aim for a scope mount that uses quality materials. After all, you want a scope mount that holds up well every time.
Well, as far as the construction material goes, settle for 6061 aluminum. Also, consider the finish. In this case, I recommend a hard coat anodized aluminum or black powder finish. It increases the resistance of the material to wear and corrosion.
Type of Scope Mount
There are two types of scope mounts on the market: one-piece and two-piece.
Generally, one-piece scope mounts add more height to the scope. And in most cases, it has a cantilever design that offsets the scope forward for better eye relief. Apart from that, the one-piece construction keeps both rings aligned automatically.
A two-piece scope mount is much lighter. Also, it can be adjusted to accommodate the length of the scope. However, they’re not tactical, and the rings need a proper alignment.
Ring Diameter
It’s pretty obvious, but important nonetheless. Choose a scope mount with a ring size that fits the diameter of the scope tube.
Mounting Interface
What type of rail do you have on your AR 15 rifle? Well, scope mounts are designed to fit Picatinny rails, weaver rails, or both. Hence, choose the type that’s ideal for your rifle.
Cantilever Design
The AR 15 rifle doesn’t have a ton of room for large optics. Hence, you need a cantilever mount that pushes the rings forward. It provides optimal eye relief and leaves room for backup iron sights.
Attachment System
Some scope mounts attach to the base of the rifle via bolts and screws. It’s a bit time-consuming, but secure nonetheless.
Though not a must-have, I recommend the quick-detach system. It uses a lever system for a quick mount and dismount. Also, there’s no worry about over-tightening or under-tightening. Again, the process is tool-free.
Mount Height
You want a mount that holds your scope as low as possible without touching the barrel.
But what’s the correct mount height for AR 15?
Well, the correct mount height will depend on the size of your scope’s objective lens. More height clearance allows you to mount a riflescope with a larger objective lens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What’s the best scope mounts for AR 15?
Answer: Our list comprises the best scope mounts for all types of needs and budgets. But out of all the options, I choose two as the overall best: Burris Optics PEPR tactical scope mount and Vortex Optics Sport cantilever scope mount. These are high-performing scope mounts with more room for customization.
Question: What’s the best lightweight scope mount for AR 15 rifle?
Answer: Aero Precision Ultralight mount is easily the best. It’s rigid but extremely light at 3.7 ounces.
Question: What’s the best budget scope mount for AR 15?
Answer: I’ll go with the Monstrum Slim Profile Series cantilever scope mount. Though inexpensive, it has excellent build quality and gets the job done.
Question: What’s the ideal center height for AR 15 scope mounts?
Answer: You don’t want to mount the scope too low. Hence, I recommend 1.4-1.6 inches center height. Otherwise, you’ll have to use a riser, which is an additional expense.
Question: Why are the cantilever scope mounts a popular choice for AR 15 rifles?
Answer: Well, AR 15 rifles don’t have a lot of room. Hence, you want a mount that will push the scope far forward. And that’s where cantilever scope mounts come in handy.
Conclusion
Even with the best AR 15 riflescope, holding your zero is tricky, not unless you have a good scope mount. Well, I’ve rounded up the best scope mounts for AR 15. And as far as it goes, I think I’ve done my part. So, I leave the ball in your court; to select the AR 15 scope mount that works best for your needs and budget.
Leave a Reply