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  • Post category:AR-15 / Scopes
  • Post last modified:May 31, 2022
  • Post published:April 20, 2021

Choosing a reliable scope system, the scope mounts should not be neglected. The scope mounting components are the scope itself, bases, and rings (depending on the type: Weaver Style, Extension, Dovetail, and Quick Detach rings). As a rule, the first real check of the affix happens in the hunting or at the shooting field.

Best Scope Mounts for AR 15 - Editor's Choice

Why do we need a scope mount for AR15?

Only a tightly fitted mounting connection ensures due work of scope and rifle combination. Secure attachment allows the scope to hold the zero. The mount height is important to be suitable for a good eye to optical alignment.

Table of Contents

Best Scope Mount for AR15 | Best AR Scope Mounts

ImageProductBrand
Vortex 30mm Cantilever Riflescope Ring Mount for AR-15VortexBUY
Leupold Mark AR Integral Mounting SystemLeupoldBUY
Geissele AR-15/M4 Super Precision Series Scope MountGeisseleBUY
EOTech PRS 2 in Cantilever AR 15 Riflescope Ring MountEOTechBUY
Midwest Industries 30mm Gen 2 AR 15 Scope MountMidwest IndustriesBUY
Swampfox Independence Mount 30mm Ring Riflescope for AR 15SwampfoxBUY
Atibal Tactical Precision Lightweight 30mm QD MountAtibalBUY
Atibal Pro Mount 30 mm Scope Mount for AR-15AtibalBUY
Steiner AR-15 P-Series Cantilever Scope MountSteinerBUY
LUCID Optics Quick Detach High Scope MountLUCID OpticsBUY
Brownells 30mm AR-Style Rifle Cantilever Scope MountBrownellsBUY
Monstrum Slim Profile Series Offset Picatinny Scope MountMonstrumBUY
Noveske American Defense Recon Scope MountNoveskeBUY
Weaver Premium Modern Sporting Mounts For AR 15WeaverBUY
GG&G Accucam QD Base w/ 30mm Integral RingsGG&GBUY

#1 Vortex 30mm Cantilever Riflescope Ring Mount for AR-15

Vortex 30mm Cantilever Riflescope Ring Mount for AR-15

Specification

Offset: 2 in; 3 in
Length: 5.89 in; 6.7 in
Ring Height: 1.59 in
Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Height: 1.59 in
Weight: 6.7 oz

The Vortex Single mount is a one-piece construction consisting of the mount itself and two integrated rings with Torx 15 mounting Bit. 30-mm scopes and telescopic sights can be attached with this Black Matte Aluminum ring mount. Offset mount configuration is orientated forward, delivering due eye relief and head position to the AR-15 rifle scopes.

Pros:
  • Durable aluminum construction;
  • Looks aggressive;
  • Easy to install;
  • Weather-resistant;
  • Offset scope mount provides efficient scope mounting to the AR-15 rifle flat top;
  • Decent quality for the price;
  • Lightweight and effective;
  • Holds zero;
  • Vortex Lifetime Warranty in case of manufacturer’s defects.
Cons:
  • A bit heavy;
  • No QD attachment.

#2 Leupold Mark AR Integral Mounting System

Leupold Mark AR Integral Mounting System

Specification

Ring Diameter: 1 in
Ring Height: 1.4 in
Weight: 5.8 oz
Length: 5.43 in
Front Offset: 1.75 in

The Integral Mounting System comprises a platform with a one-piece Base and one-inch Ring to keep securely the scope in place on the most powerful AR rifles. Punisher Tested mounts can operate in severe conditions, withstanding strong recoil. The kit comes with an installation tool.

Pros:
  • Keeps zero and its perfect height;
  • Five-bolt secure hold on the optic;
  • Top-notch beefy hardware;
  • Made in the USA;
  • Lightweight Aluminum construction;
  • Easy to mount and assemble;
  • Very stable and rock-solid;
  • Completely adjustable slide for eye relief;
  • The mount height is excellent for a perfect eye to optic alignment.
Cons:
  • A bit pricey.

#3 Geissele AR-15/M4 Super Precision Series Scope Mount

Geissele AR-15/M4 Super Precision Series Scope Mount

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm, 34 mm

This scope mounts series are suitable and effective for the M4 upper of the AR-15. The mounting surface comprises seven Picatinny sections and four shear lugs. The mount is clamped to the Picatinny rail with the Geissele’s updated method of the classic nut and bolt. 12 models are available with three options of length in Black and Desert Dirt colors, covered with Anodized (Type 3).

Pros:
  • Reliable Geissele attachment method of the scope to the rifle: nut-and-bolt joint delivers 1,400 pounds of clamping force, which is securer than any lever mounting;
  • Lightweight;
  • Holds and returns zero after removing to clean the rifle;
  • Sturdy: made from Alcoa 2099;
  • Perfect elevation;
  • Machined out a single piece of high-grade aluminum with superb anodizing.
Cons:
  • Not a quick detach mount.

#4 EOTech PRS 2 in Cantilever AR 15 Riflescope Ring Mount

EOTech PRS 2 in Cantilever AR 15 Riflescope Ring Mount

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm, 34 mm
Height: 37 mm
Distance between rings: 2.5 in

The EOTech engineered precision-machined Cantilever single Ring Mount for AR-15, not needed lapping. There are two mount models available with 30 and 34 mm tube diameters.

Pros:
  • Rigid;
  • Lightweight;
  • Fits accurately;
  • Proven QD lever design from the holo sights;
  • Four screws per ring.
Cons:
  • None yet.

#5 Midwest Industries 30mm Gen 2 AR 15 Scope Mount

Midwest Industries 30mm Gen 2 AR 15 Scope Mount

Specification

Ring Height: 20 MOA
Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Offset: 1.4 in
Length: 5.875 in
Width: 0.85 in
Weight: 8.4 oz
Distance between rings: 2.8 in

The Midwest Industries crafted Scope Mounts with a forward offset to provide due to eye relief on the AR platform rifles. Solid construction is outfitted with 30-mm diameter rings, steel dual-locking lugs, one-piece long clamp bar, 1/2″ steel locking nuts. These mounts are manufactured from aluminum (6061), coated with hard anodized.

Pros:
  • Fair price;
  • No loosening or shift of the clamp bar even after recoil or harsh use;
  • Sturdy made mount to fine tolerance;
  • Returns to zero;
  • Built-in elevation (20 MOA) delivers long-range shooting;
  • Quality materials;
  • A 50-mm objective can be used due to the 1.50 scope placing above the rifle top.
Cons:
  • California’s Proposition 65.

#6 Swampfox Independence Mount 30mm Ring Riflescope for AR 15

Swampfox Independence Mount 30mm Ring Riflescope for AR 15

Specification

Diameter: 30 mm
Length: 2.7 in
Height: 1.5 in
Weight: 6.5 oz

The Swampfox designed mounts with offset, forwarded parapet, suitable for flat-top rifles to be attached with a Picatinny or Weaver rail on the AR platforms. Hooded 30-mm rings mount ensure tight lockdown, excluding any movement or wobbling between mount and rail, as well as the rings. The scope mount kit comes with T10 Star Nut Clamp. This extended one-piece mount (2.7 in) is CNC machined aluminum (6061 aircraft grade) with a Matte black finish.

Pros:
  • Head position and eye relief can be maximized as the scope is mounted in a forward position due to the parapet;
  • Highly stable hooded rings;
  • Easy leveling the scope on this mount;
  • Surprisingly lightweight;
  • Scratch-resistant finish;
  • Secure mounting to Picatinny or Weaver rails.
Cons:
  • No option for different heights;
  • Do not mount the scope at the advertised 1.5 in: it is probably 1.25 in: not suitable for AR-15 platforms.

#7 Atibal Tactical Precision Lightweight 30mm QD Mount

Atibal Tactical Precision Lightweight 30mm QD Mount

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Weight: 6.8 oz
Height: 1.57 in

The Atibal Tactical Precision developed the mounts, which extend the scopes forward (about 6.35 mm), allowing optimal eye relief. The quick detach system ensures an easy-to-press button on each oversized lever top, helping detach the mount just with a press-and-pull motion, easy even in gloves. These mounts are precision machined from aluminum (6061 T6) and finished in T3 Mil-Spec anodize.

Pros:
  • Patent-pending quick detach lever system;
  • Lightweight;
  • Water Proof;
  • Completely adjustable to be suitable for both in spec and out of spec rail systems;
  • Reliable fasteners;
  • Holds zero;
  • No tools need for adjustment;
  • Fits well.
Cons:
  • Known the case when QD levers were loose on the rail.

#8 Atibal Pro Mount 30 mm Scope Mount for AR-15

Atibal Pro Mount 30 mm Scope Mount for AR-15

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Length: 6 in
Height: 1.57 in
Weight: 6 oz

The Atibal developed lightweight cantilever scope mounts with 2 inches forward extension of the upper receiver for the Picatinny rails system attaching on the flat top AR-15 platform. These PRO-mounts should be put on 30-mm riflescope tubes The mount is precision machined from aluminum (6061 T6), covered with hard T3 Mil-Spec anodize.

Pros:
  • Cantilevered Design lengthens scope 2-inch forward;
  • Heavy-duty mount;
  • Affordable price;
  • 2-inch forward extension provides longer eye relief without giving away due to cheek weld;
  • No need for adjustment tools due to the spring-loaded mount system;
  • Warranty;
  • Index Bar ensures flawless alignment.
Cons:
  • None yet.

#9 Steiner AR-15 P-Series Cantilever Scope Mount

Steiner AR-15 P-Series Cantilever Scope Mount

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm, 34 mm
Height: 35 mm

The Steiner designed two models of P-Series cantilever mount with the Torx screws in the rings for flat-top and AR-15 platforms to any Picatinny style rail. These cantilevered mounts are lightweight but sturdy as they are machined from rigid aluminum alloy.

Pros:
  • Excellent eye relief on the AR-style rifles;
  • Properly aligned rings;
  • Robust construction;
  • Reasonable price;
  • Needs just a little adjustment to get dialed in the mount;
  • Perfect machining and finish.
Cons:
  • Not compatible with Vortex Razor HD scope.

#10 LUCID Optics Quick Detach High Scope Mount

LUCID Optics Quick Detach High Scope Mount

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Weight: 7 oz
Height: 1.75 in

LUCID Optics manufactured High Mount with Quick Detach Attachment with medium distance 30-mm rings to fix high-power optics onto a flattop style AR-15. The proper eye relief is provided due to the cantilever placing the scope forward. The QD mounts are precision machined from aluminum (6061) with Matte Black anodized.

Pros:
  • Adjustable QD Lever attachment system fits in spec and out of spec rail systems;
  • Positive lock;
  • Quickly removable;
  • Installation can be done without proprietary tools;
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Cons:
  • None yet.

#11 Brownells 30mm AR-Style Rifle Cantilever Scope Mount

Brownells 30mm AR-Style Rifle Cantilever Scope Mount

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Height: 1.4 in
Weight: 7.5 oz

The Brownells position their one-piece scope mounts as attaching devices for Modern Sporting AR-style Rifles. The scope forwarding position delivers sufficient eye relief.
The scope elevation and 1.4 inches above receiver optics centerline give comfy head position and enough clearance for the objective bell. These mounts are made from a rigid billet of Aluminum (6061 T6).

Pros:
  • Stays in place, provided with great locking force, due to the pair of hardened steel 1/2 in hex nuts;
  • Lightweight, but sturdy.
Cons:
  • Not yet rated.

#12 Monstrum Slim Profile Series Offset Picatinny Scope Mount

Monstrum Slim Profile Series Offset Picatinny Scope Mount

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Length: 5.5 in
Weight: 5 oz
Distance Between Rings: 2.5 in
Center Height: 1.6 in (from Reticle Center to Rifle Mount Top)

The Monstrum Tactical designed Slim Profile Series of Dual Ring (2.5-inch between-rings space) Offset Scope Mount from aluminum (6061, aircraft-grade) with Picatinny base type (3-inch total length). Additional flexibility for comfortable eye relief and shooting position is provided with the 2-inch forward extension.

Pros:
  • Rock-solid set of lightweight and sleek rings;
  • Handy one-piece mount;
  • The one-inch height between the base top and the scope rings bottom delivers one-inch vertical clearance;
  • Puts the scope at the right height, allowing you to get an excellent sight picture and eye relief.
Cons:
  • The mount is too small for the scope: the rings are too close and the scope does not seat in them.

#13 Noveske American Defense Recon Scope Mount

Noveske American Defense Recon Scope Mount

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm, 1 in
Weight: 8.4 oz

The American Defense Recon Scope Mount is crafted from 6061 T6 Aluminum with Hard Coat for AR-15 platforms, available in Black and Flat Dark Earth color. Adjustable throw lever system ensures dependable mounting to 1913 rails, can be fixed with the finger or a flat blade screwdriver.

Pros:
  • Durable finish;
  • Easy adjustable mount;
  • Two options of the tube diameter.
Cons:
  • Not yet rated.

#14 Weaver Premium Modern Sporting Mounts For AR 15

Weaver Premium Modern Sporting Mounts For AR 15

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm, 1 in

Thanks to Weaver Mounts the AR15 rifle or carbine can be upgraded, getting superb control and maneuverability. These Modern Sporting Mounts come with full-length Picatinny quad rails.

Pros:
  • The sturdy two-piece construction delivers reliable interlock;
  • Perfectly slick MSR mounts;
  • Aesthetically pleasing;
  • Holds zero greatly on the .308 Win AR and .358 Yeti wildcat AR.
Cons:
  • California’s Proposition 65;
  • The heavy tooling burrs on both scope caps.

#15 GG&G Accucam QD Base w/ 30mm Integral Rings

GG&G Accucam QD Base w/ 30mm Integral Rings

Specification

Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Extra-height: 1.46 in base to center height
AR Ring Base from center to center: 4.4 in
Height from the dovetail top to the ring centerline: 1.4 in

Quick-detach dovetail scope mounting with a specific height to ensure a correct cheek weld with the AR15 or M16 firearm system. The Accucam Cam Lever is completely adjustable to be compatible with Weaver and MIL-STD-1913 dovetails. The mount is crafted from rigid aluminum alloy billet (6061T6), finished with a hard coat anodized matte black mil-spec (Type III), all edges are dehorned. The Accucam mechanism is made from sturdy billet steel (4140) and manganese phosphate matte black per mil-spec. The GG&G doesn’t recommend these mounts for lightweight machine guns or .50 BMG.

Pros:
  • The ring caps are held dependably in place with four socket head cap screws;
  • The base is installed fast on a dovetail rail by rotating the Accucam Cam Lever to the locked position;
  • The convenient operation of the unique finger loop even in gloves, such ergonomic rounded design is snag-proof;
  • The Quick disconnect feature is designed to operate smoothly with a positive lock.
Cons:
  • None yet.

How To Install Scope Mount At AR-15

Before start installation, empty the rifle, unload it, and the safety is on. The bubble level will be necessary and important at every mounting stage to make proper scope installation.

Define the comfort distance from the scope to your eye.

  • Fix the firearm tightly in the shooting rest to ensure its stability. The mount should be placed on the AR-15 rifle top and tighten its screws: first by hand then with the torque wrench, controlling the parallel and perpendicular levels by loosening or tightening the screws. Don’t over-tighten them, check the torque limit in the instructions.

How To Install Scope Mount At AR-15

  • After attaching the mount, the scope should be placed on the mount rings, on peer and flat areas on each side, and tighten (to about 80%) the screws with the hex bit screwdriver. Adjust the scope of eye reliefThe last step is to level the scope one more time, checking the parallelism and perpendicularity, finally tighten the mount rings screws, paying attention to the reticle alignment to an object.

How to Instal Scope Mount

  • The last step is to level the scope one more time, checking the parallelism and perpendicularity, finally tighten the mount rings screws, paying attention to the reticle alignment to an object.

Scope Mount for AR 15 - Instalation

That’s all, have an accurate shooting with a duly installed scope mount.

FAQ

What Is A 20 MOA Scope Mount?
A 20MOA base is leaned down in the front toward the barrel. Such base canting allows more convenient adjustment of the scope altitude and gun zeroing at a larger distance (at about 200 yards) One MOA equals 1 inch at 100 yards, so 20 MOA for 200 inches at 1000 yards.
How do you use scope rings?
Rings are circular clamps to attach the scope to the firearm. The inside diameter of the rings should match the outside diameter of the scope (typically 2 in or 30 mm). The ring elevation should correspond to the outside diameter of the objective lens, the scope length, the ocular bell size, bolt lift, eye relief, and barrel contour.
Do I need to lap scope rings?
The lapping is necessary for some scope mount designs to deliver the best performance. The surface contact between the scope tube and ring can be expanded due to the lapping, which allows due alignment between the scope rings as well.
What Is an Integral Mount?
Integral mount is a transmitter, which should be threaded right onto the sensor (U.S. style one: 1/2-inch NPT, better with a pipe union fitting).
What is the proper torque for scope rings?
Ring cap screws should be tightened to 15-inch pounds with a torque driver, but no more than 18 inch-pounds. The rings may need to be lapped if there are large gaps on the sides of the rings.

Conclusion

Reliable mounting system allows the scope to help the shooter make more precise shots. It’s better to choose the scope mount with an eye relief adjustable slide. The mount should be set up duly as well to prevent the scope from slipping. There are two types of rifle scope mounts on a Picatinny rail: one-piece and ring mounts. One-piece mounts are popular for the AR-15, providing dependability in any conditions. Cantilever mounts feature a smaller footprint, convenient to position the scope for optimum eye relief on the AR-15 rifles with short top rails. You can attach built-in elevation as well to enlarge the scope adjustment range.

The Best Pick

Geissele AR-15/M4 Super Precision Series Scope Mount

View on OpticsPlanet

Reliable Geissele attachment methods of the scope to the rifle are efficient for the M4 upper of the AR-15, ensuring perfect elevation.

Budget Picks

Vortex 30mm Cantilever Riflescope Ring Mount for AR-15

View on OpticsPlanet

These Vortex rings are cantilevered to distribute the weight and improve the mount orientation. orientated forward Offset configuration ensures proper eye relief and head position to the AR-15 rifle scopes. Vortex Lifetime Warranty is a pleasant bonus.
and

Leupold Mark AR Integral Mounting System

View on OpticsPlanet

The Integral Mounting System ensures keeping securely the scope in place on the most powerful AR rifles. Punisher Tested mounts can operate in severe conditions, withstanding even strong recoil.

Tags: scope mounts for ar 15, best scope mounts for ar 15, raised scope mounts for ar 15, scope mounts for ar 15 flat top, ar scope mounts, ar 15 scope mounts, high rise scope mounts for ar 15, ar 15 carry handle scope mounts

Tatiana Kursakova
Tatiana Kursakova
Professional shooter, traveller, survivalist
My love of guns is in my blood, since childhood I have spent hours enjoying the beauty of guns and adored going through their parts.

Tactical accessories are another passion of mine that I could write about endlessly - my house and garage are full of tactical gadgets, luckily my family shares my interests.

I'm infatuated with traveling that's why work at one place with a daily routine and standard schedule is not for me. I prefer copywriting and English tutoring as a freelancer. I live in a male family among constant talks about cars, guns, hunting, fishing, and, of course, dinosaurs 😊.

My husband is an obsessed hunter, and my two sons are fans of «Demolition Ranch» of YouTube blogger Matt Carriker. They are my best consultants about weapon and all-around ammunition topics. All together we share a love for adventures. Every camping or mounting hiking trip is a "small survival", giving irreplaceable experiences. Nothing can be better than the satisfaction of observing wild nature.

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