Understanding AR15 Scope Mounts: The Fundamentals
Mount Types: A Deeper Look
One of the first considerations is the type of mount. Each design offers unique benefits, and the ideal choice depends on your specific shooting requirements and preference.
Cantilever Mounts: Extending Reach
Cantilever mounts are a popular choice for AR15s. The key feature of a cantilever mount is its forward offset, extending the scope further over the handguard. This design is particularly beneficial on AR15s because it allows for proper eye relief. This forward extension allows you to position the scope correctly for optimal eye relief, ensuring a full and clear sight picture, critical for quick target acquisition and reducing eye strain. These mounts are often the go-to option for shooters who prefer a slightly longer eye relief or use scopes with larger objective lenses.
One-Piece Mounts: Rock-Solid Stability
For those prioritizing extreme precision and robustness, a one-piece mount is often the preferred solution. These mounts are constructed from a single piece of metal, typically aluminum or steel, integrating the scope rings and base into a unified structure. This design eliminates potential points of failure and minimizes movement, resulting in enhanced stability, even under the harshest recoil conditions. The enhanced rigidity contributes to greater shot-to-shot consistency, making one-piece mounts a favorite among competitive shooters and those seeking maximum accuracy.
Two-Piece Mounts: Versatility and Flexibility
Two-piece mounts offer a more flexible approach. Unlike their one-piece counterparts, these mounts feature separate bases and rings. This design offers the flexibility to adjust the scope’s position and is often easier to install, especially when working with different rail systems or configurations. They are available in a wider variety of configurations and heights, providing greater customization options. This makes them a versatile choice for various shooting scenarios, especially for shooters with specific scope mounting needs.
Offset Mounts: Integrating Backup Iron Sights
In situations where rapid target acquisition and redundancy are paramount, offset mounts come into play. These mounts typically incorporate a design that allows for the use of backup iron sights (BUIS). The offset ensures that the iron sights remain unobstructed, and readily accessible, alongside your primary optic. This is particularly valuable in tactical scenarios or environments where reliability is critical. The user can seamlessly transition between magnified optics and iron sights with a simple shift of the rifle, guaranteeing continued operational capability even if your primary optic malfunctions or loses power.
Key Features to Consider: A Critical Examination
Material Matters: Strength and Weight
The material from which a scope mount is constructed is a significant factor. Aluminum alloys are the most common choice due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and affordability. They provide a robust and lightweight platform for your scope. Steel mounts offer unmatched durability, ideal for rifles subjected to heavy use and extreme conditions. However, they are heavier. Titanium mounts represent the pinnacle of lightweight strength, but come with a higher price tag.
Ring Size: Matching the Scope
The ring size of the scope mount must correspond to the tube diameter of your scope. The most common ring sizes are one-inch and thirty-millimeter, with other sizes occasionally seen. Ensure the mount rings properly grasp your scope tube to ensure a secure and centered fit for optimal performance.
Height and Elevation: Finding the Sweet Spot
The height of your scope mount significantly impacts your cheek weld, the position of your cheek on the stock when acquiring a sight picture, which affects comfort and accuracy. The proper height allows for a comfortable and consistent cheek weld, leading to better shot placement. Factors such as the rail height, the objective lens diameter of the scope, and the profile of the rifle’s stock influence the appropriate mount height. Mounts are generally categorized as low, medium, or high, with the best height determined by the specific scope and rifle configuration.
Mounting System: Compatibility is Key
AR15s use various mounting systems, most notably the Picatinny rail, which is the most common and versatile. Ensure the mount you choose is compatible with your rifle’s rail system. Some rifles utilize KeyMod or M-LOK handguards, requiring compatible mounting options.
Weight Considerations: Striking the Balance
Balancing weight and durability is important. A lightweight mount enhances the rifle’s maneuverability, making it more comfortable to carry and use, particularly during extended shooting sessions. However, sacrificing durability for excessive weight savings may compromise the mount’s longevity and its ability to withstand recoil.
Durability: Protecting Your Investment
The *best AR15 scope mount* must withstand the rigors of repeated recoil, impacts, and environmental factors. Look for mounts made from high-quality materials and designed to withstand harsh treatment. Evaluate the manufacturer’s reputation for durability and consider the mount’s overall build quality.
Ease of Installation: Making the Setup Easy
A well-designed scope mount will be easy to install, usually requiring basic tools like a torque wrench. Check the installation process to ensure that it aligns with your skill level and the available tools. Clear instructions and the ability to be easily adjusted are valuable features that can save time and frustration.
Top AR15 Scope Mounts: Recommendations and Reviews
Now, let’s examine some of the best AR15 scope mounts available, looking at their strengths and weaknesses.
The Aero Precision Ultralight Scope Mount
The Aero Precision Ultralight scope mount offers an excellent balance of features and price, making it a favorite amongst budget-conscious shooters. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, providing durability while keeping the weight minimal.
Key Features: Lightweight design, Picatinny-compatible, available in various ring sizes.
Pros: Affordable, lightweight, reliable, easy to install.
Cons: May not be the best choice for extremely heavy use or the most powerful calibers.
Ideal User: Shooters who prioritize weight savings and value for money.
The Scalarworks LEAP/01: Precision and Innovation
The Scalarworks LEAP/01 series is widely considered a premium choice for serious shooters. Known for its innovative design and exceptional build quality, it is crafted with precision and offers impressive stability.
Key Features: Integrated design, lightweight, high-strength aluminum, precise manufacturing.
Pros: Exceptional build quality, lightweight, very secure.
Cons: Can be more expensive than other options.
Ideal User: Competitive shooters, tactical professionals, and anyone demanding the absolute best in performance.
The LaRue Tactical SPR-1.5 Mount: Proven Performance
The LaRue Tactical SPR-1.5 is a highly respected one-piece mount, famous for its robust construction and excellent return-to-zero capability. Its design ensures a secure, stable platform for your scope.
Key Features: Rugged design, return-to-zero capability, quick-detach levers.
Pros: Extremely durable, holds zero reliably, quick and easy scope removal.
Cons: Higher price point.
Ideal User: Shooters requiring maximum reliability, tactical applications, or those who frequently remove and reattach their scopes.
Vortex Optics Precision Rings: Budget-Friendly Reliability
The Vortex Optics Precision Rings are a more affordable option, popular for their simplicity and dependable performance. While not a one-piece design, these rings provide a secure hold and are an excellent value for the price.
Key Features: Available in multiple ring sizes, durable aluminum construction, easy to install.
Pros: Affordable, reliable, readily available.
Cons: Not a one-piece design.
Ideal User: Shooters looking for a dependable scope mounting solution at a reasonable price.
Factors for Choosing the Right Mount: Making the Decision
Selecting the *best AR15 scope mount* is not a one-size-fits-all process. Here are some important factors to consider to make the correct selection.
Your Shooting Goals: Tailoring Your Choice
The primary use of your AR15 will significantly influence your mount selection. Hunters might prioritize lightweight mounts and models with forward offset for proper eye relief. Target shooters might favor robust mounts providing enhanced stability and precision. Tactical applications necessitate mounts providing ruggedness, reliability, and possibly features like BUIS integration.
Financial Considerations: Budgeting Wisely
Setting a budget is crucial. Scope mounts vary considerably in price. While high-end mounts offer premium features and performance, excellent options are available at more affordable price points. Balancing price and the features is essential.
Scope Specifications: Matching the Components
The physical characteristics of your scope, specifically the tube diameter, objective lens size, and overall weight, will guide your mount selection. Match the mount’s ring size to your scope’s tube diameter. Consider the objective lens size to determine the appropriate mount height. Heavier scopes will benefit from more robust and secure mounts.
Personal Preferences: Fit and Feel
Consider factors like weight, aesthetics, and ease of use. Choose a mount that complements the overall look and feel of your rifle. Ensure the mount’s features and adjustments align with your shooting style.
Installation and Maintenance: Ensuring Long-Term Performance
Installation Steps: Secure and Correct
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the scope mount. Pay close attention to torque specifications, as over-tightening can damage the mount or scope. Ensure the mount is properly aligned with the rail, and the rings are centered on the scope tube.
Maintenance Tips: Maintaining Performance
Regularly inspect the scope mount for wear and tear. Clean the mount and surrounding area, and check the screws for tightness. Tighten screws if necessary, but be careful not to over-tighten them. Store the rifle in a suitable environment to avoid corrosion or damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the *best AR15 scope mount* is an investment in your rifle’s performance and accuracy. By understanding the different types of mounts, considering their key features, and taking into account your individual shooting needs, you can confidently select a mount that will enhance your shooting experience. Careful selection ensures that your chosen optic performs at its peak, and with the correct installation and maintenance, the mount will deliver exceptional performance for years. Enjoy your shooting!
