AR-15 Scope Mounts

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: 

Cantilever Mounts: 

1.2 Material and Build Quality

• 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.

Overview of Scope Risers

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

4.2 AR-15 Variants

AR-15 Scope Mounts Installation Tips

5.1 Tools Required

5.2 Step-by-Step Installation Guide