Selecting the proper scope mounts and risers is essential for optimizing your AR-15's performance. These components provide stability for your optics and improve accuracy and shooting comfort. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different types of scope mounts and risers and their key features and offer insights into choosing the right ones for your AR-15.

Scope mounts are crucial for securing your optic to your AR-15 and ensuring it remains zeroed under heavy use. The type of mount you choose can significantly affect your shooting experience.

1. Types of Scope Mounts

One-Piece Mounts

One-piece mounts offer a solid base for your optic, providing excellent stability and ease of installation. Leading manufacturers like Vortex Optics and Leupold produce high-quality one-piece mounts ideal for shooters seeking a reliable and durable option for their AR-15. These mounts are particularly beneficial for long-range precision shooting, where maintaining zero is critical.

Two-Piece Mounts

Two-piece mounts provide more flexibility, allowing for customizable placement of the rings on your rifle's rail. Aero Precision and Burris are known for their lightweight yet durable two-piece mounts, which are perfect for shooters who prefer to minimize the overall weight of their rifle while still maintaining a secure optic setup.

Cantilever Mounts

Cantilever mounts are designed to provide extended eye relief by positioning the optic forward on the rail. This design is handy for AR-15s equipped with scopes that require more space. American Defense Manufacturing and Warne are two brands that offer cantilever mounts with quick-detach options, allowing for easy removal and reattachment without losing zero.

1.2 Material and Build Quality

The material of your scope mount directly impacts its durability and weight. The most common materials are:

• Aluminum: Known for being lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum mounts, such as those from Vortex and Aero Precision, are popular among shooters who prioritize weight reduction without sacrificing strength.
• Steel: Steel mounts, like those from Leupold and Warne, offer maximum durability, making them ideal for rugged environments. While heavier, steel mounts provide added strength and longevity.

Choosing the suitable material depends on your shooting needs and the conditions you expect to encounter.

Overview of Scope Risers

2.1 Purpose of Scope Risers

Scope risers help adjust the height of your optic, allowing for better eye alignment and improved shooting posture. For AR-15 shooters, risers help ensure proper sight picture and shooting comfort.

2.2 Types of Risers

Fixed Risers: Fixed risers provide a simple, stable platform for raising your optic to a set height. These risers are commonly used by shooters who know their preferred height and don't require adjustability. Midwest Industries and UTG offer various fixed risers suitable for different AR-15 setups.

Adjustable Risers: Adjustable risers allow you to raise or lower your optic depending on your preferences or optic choice. These risers, like those from Leapers and Strike Industries, are perfect for shooters who frequently switch between different optics or require versatility in their setup.

Key Features to Consider while buying an AR-15 Scope Mounts

3.1 Height and Offset

Determining the correct height for your optic is essential for proper eye alignment and shooting comfort. If the optic is mounted too high or too low, it can negatively impact target acquisition. The offset, or how far forward or backward the optic is placed, also affects shooting posture. Aero Precision and Burris offer mounts with varying heights and offsets to accommodate different shooting styles and needs.

3.2 Mounting Systems

Most AR-15 scope mounts and risers use the Picatinny or Weaver rail systems. Vortex and Leupold provide mounts compatible with both systems, ensuring shooters can easily find options that fit their rifle's configuration. Picatinny rails are more commonly used and feature standardized spacing, making them ideal for most AR-15 setups, while Weaver rails offer slightly narrower slots and may require specific mounts.

3.3 Return to Zero

The ability to return to zero after detaching and reattaching a scope is crucial for maintaining accuracy. This feature ensures that your optic retains its zero without needing recalibration. American Defense Manufacturing and Warne produce quick-detach mounts that consistently return to zero performance, which is especially valuable for shooters who frequently switch optics or mounts.

Compatibility and Fitment

4.1 Compatibility with Optics

Choosing a suitable mount or riser for your optic ensures a secure and stable fit. Scope tube diameter is one of the most critical factors, as mounts are often designed for specific tube sizes. Brands like Vortex and Leupold offer mounts compatible with a wide range of scope sizes, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your setup.

4.2 AR-15 Variants

Not all AR-15s are identical, and different variants may require specific mounting solutions. For example, custom-built or modified AR-15s might have unique rail configurations or accessories that affect mount placement. Leading manufacturers like Burris and Aero Precision provide a variety of mounts designed to accommodate different AR-15 models, ensuring compatibility with your specific setup.

AR-15 Scope Mounts Installation Tips

5.1 Tools Required

Installing scope mounts and risers requires precision, and using the right tools is critical to ensuring a secure fit. A torque wrench is essential for tightening screws to the proper specifications, while screwdrivers and Loctite help secure the installation. Following the manufacturer's recommended torque settings ensures your optic stays firmly in place without over-tightening.

5.2 Step-by-Step Installation Guide

To properly install your scope mount or riser, begin by placing the mount on the rail and securing it with the provided screws. Make sure the optic is level and positioned correctly for your shooting stance. After securing the mount, use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the recommended specifications. This process ensures stability and prevents your optic from shifting during use.

Choosing the proper scope mounts and risers for your AR-15 is essential for improving accuracy, stability, and shooting comfort. Whether you need a one-piece mount for long-range precision or a cantilever mount for extended eye relief, manufacturers like Vortex, Leupold, and Burris offer high-quality solutions for every shooter. Explore your options today and find the perfect setup to enhance your AR-15's performance.