Secure your scope firmly on your AR-15 and ensure it’s properly aligned for optimal visual performance. The best AR-15 scope mounts will lock down your optics precisely to ensure the proper height and forward placement.
After investing in a rifle scope for your AR-15, you will need decent mounts to attach the scope to the firearm. Some scopes come with mounts, so you don’t have to buy them separately.
However, such mounts are subpar in terms of quality and hard to use with AR-15 considering the recoil it generates. Other scopes don’t come with any mounts leaving you with no option but to purchase them separately.
The scope mounts that are available on the market today are diverse and finding the right set for your AR-15 is often a tricky subject. Our needs are uniquely different and the scope mount that works on your neighbor’s AR-15 might not work for you as well. But we are here to help.
Why Getting the Right Scope Mounts is Important
Scope mounts are very important both for hunting and competitive shooting applications. If you are using the most accurate rifle or the highest quality rifle scope, both will be of no great help to you if you don’t have the right scope mounts.
A scope mount forms the critical link between a firearm and its sighting system. Any element of this link that is not right will affect the performance of the two and the result will be an inaccurate firearm.
Today, you can get a scope mount for your rifle from a brand that is different from that which you go for your scope. All you need is to get the right ring size depending on your scope’s body tube.
It is also important to get a scope mount that has a well-machined base and high-quality screws to ensure secure mounting. With secure mounting, the scope will hold its zero throughout and perform consistently in all conditions.
7 Best AR-15 Scope Mounts
We have done some research on the best AR-15 scope mounts to help you find one that works best for your AR-15. Additionally, we have included a buyer’s guide with all the information you need when making your selection. Let’s get started.
1) Burris AR-P.E.P. R Rifle Scope Mount
Burris makes a wide range of high-quality optics and optic accessories and the ARP.E.P. R Rifle Scope Mount is not any different. Built with long-range rifle scopes in mind, this mount is perfect for both hunting and competitive shooting.
This rifle scope mount is designed to mount the rifle scope on any Weaver or Picatinny style rails. It has quick-detach models available in 1” and 30mm sizes for quick installation and easy removal from the firearm. Additionally, it is a perfect solution for AR and any other flattop mounting solution.
Another feature that makes this accessory one of the best AR-15 scope mounts is its durable construction. It is built with high-strength aluminum to provide long-lasting holding power and unmatched durability no matter the recoil or weather conditions it is subjected to.
Moreover, the mount allows up to 2 inches of forward scope positioning when installed. It also provides optimum eye relief for comfortable scope use with or without eyeglasses, and a full field of view which is vital for quick target finding.
The Burris AR-PEPR Rifle Scope Rings will not only secure your optics on the rifle but will also ensure you have a full field of view and excellent eye relief when firing high-recoiling rounds. Properly attach your scope on your AR-15 using these scope rings.
Features
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Picatinny ring tops
- 30mm size
- Two quick detach levers
Pros
- High durability
- Easy to mount and detach
- Affordable
- Great accuracy in any situation
Cons
- Slightly heavy
2) Spuhr SP-5616 Rifle Scope Mounts
The Spuhr SP-5616 Rifle Scope Mounts are outstanding when it comes to mounting a scope on the AR-15. It allows for absolute co-witness with most clip-on NV units making it a perfect addition to any hunter’s arsenal.
Additionally, these mounts allow the scope to be mounted 40mm/ 1.57” more forward than with a non-cantilever mount. This lets you position the scope where you need it to be for proper eye relief.
With a weight of 9 oz / 255g only, these 35mm rifle scope mounts will not add any extra bulk to your AR-15. The 10-degree wedge included makes the scope more functional, while the bubble level integrated into the rear plane of the mount prevents canting of the rifle.
On top of that, the rings in these mounts are diagonally cut for increased visibility of both the elevation and windage turrets.
When it comes to construction, the mounts are made from 7075-T651 aluminum to maximize durability. All the aluminum parts are hard coat anodized to be scratch-proof and rust-resistant. Moreover, the screws come pre-waxed to ensure proper torque values.
Features
- 35mm ring size
- 10-degree wedge
- 6 MOA / 6 MIL tilt
- Built-in bubble level
- Hard coat anodized finish
- 7075-T651 aluminum construction
Pros
- Absolute co-witness with a night vision clip-on
- Solid construction
- Lightweight design
- Versatile
Cons
- Pricey
3)American Defense Manufacturing AD-RECON Scope Mount
If you want to make the best out of that top-tier AR-15 scope you have bought, you need high-quality scope mounts like the American Defense Manufacturing AD-RECON Scope Mount.
This mount doesn’t require proprietary tools for adjustment and can be easily adjusted with a finger or flat-blade screwdriver. It is also designed to work with different scopes with an objective housing as large as 56mm.
The selling point of this scope mount is its durability. It is made from 6061-T6 aluminum which offers unrivaled durability without being bulky. Additionally, the entire mount is anodized to offer a lifetime of performance by being fully scratch-proof and resistant to corrosion.
To ensure maximum rail engagement, the mount is built with a superior clamping surface. Moreover, the cantilever design allows for more eye relief which is vital to ensure comfortable glassing. This scope mount is also fully adjustable to fit both in-spec and out-of-spec rail systems.
Features
- 2-inch offset
- Hard coat anodized finish
- Cantilever design
- 6061-T6 aluminum construction
- QD auto lock lever system
Pros
- Superior clamping surface
- Lightweight and durable
- Sleek design
- Great locking system
Cons
- Poor bore alignment
4) Trijicon 1in Quick Release Mount AC22034
Trijicon is a household name in the optics industry. All their optics and accessories are hard to beat in terms of durability and functionality, and the Trijicon 1in Quick Release Mount is not any different.
Built with a single lever system, this mount fits all 1-inch tube scopes from Trijicon and other brands. Furthermore, the mount features a patented BLAC lever system to ensure easy installation and adjustment. With this system, users require no manual adjustments to attain proper, rock-solid engagement on a 1913 Picatinny rail.
Moreover, the mount is adjustable for eye relief to accommodate all users with or without eyeglasses. During installation, the scope rings can be put in four different locations along the base until the scope is mounted securely.
To top it all off, the mount has an ultra-lightweight design of 7.92oz only to scatter recoil effectively and ensure that it doesn’t add any extra weight to the firearm.
Features
- Patented BLAC lever system
- Adjustable eye relief
- Single lever system
- Accepts scopes with the 1-inch main tube
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Outstanding durability
- Easy to install and dismount
- Easy to adjust forward or rearward
Cons
- No drawbacks
5) Vortex Sports Cantilever 30mm Rifle Scope Ring and Mount
As one of the best AR-15 scopes mounts the Vortex Cantilever 30mm Rifle Scope Ring and Mount mounts easily and provides a sturdy platform to mount your 30mm scope.
It is built with a forward-oriented offset mount configuration that allows for proper head positioning during use. This configuration also ensures ample eye relief which is vital for comfortable glassing.
This scope mount is cantilevered for even weight distribution and ideal mount orientation. On top of that, the 30mm ring fits all 30mm scopes and telescopic sights and holds them in place securely under any recoil.
Vortex made this scope ring and mount to offer unmatched durability. It has a one-piece construction crafted from sturdy aluminum which is not just durable, but also lightweight so as not to add any unnecessary weight to the AR-15 or hinder its accuracy.
Features
- Forward-oriented offset scope mount
- Sturdy aluminum housing
- Accepts scopes and telescopic sights with 30mm main tube
- One-piece construction
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Lightweight and efficient
- Decent price
- Easy to set up and mount
- Excellent fit and finish
Cons
- Not scratch proof
6)Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm Scope Mount
Next up we have the Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm Scope Mount. This sleek and cost-effective scope mount is a perfect complement to a wide range of high-end optics. It mounts easily on the AR-15 to provide a dependable platform for mounting any 30mm rifle scope.
Built from 6061-T6 aluminum, the mount is tough enough to withstand heavy recoil and rough handling that comes with shooting and hunting.
Additionally, the entire mount is coated with a black anodized finish that reflects light away to keep you hidden when you are hunting in broad daylight. The finish also adds durability by providing an additional shield from scratches and corrosion.
Another impressive feature of the mount is the ultra-lightweight construction. It weighs 3.70z only to scatter recoil more effectively and not add any extra weight to the rifle. On top of that, the mount is ridged to ensure secure mounting on the firearm.
Features
- 30mm ring
- Ridged design
- 6061-T6 extruded aluminum construction
- Type III black hard-coat anodized finish
- Standard profile
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Quality construction
- Inexpensive
- Excellent fit and finish
Cons
- Poor design
7) Steiner AR1-15 P-Series Cantilever Mount
Lastly on our list of the best AR-15 scope mounts is the Steiner AR1-15 P-Series Cantilever Mount. Built for the AR-15 rifle, this cantilever mount provides a perfect mounting solution for 34mm and 30mm scopes from different brands not just Steiner.
For both the 34mm and 30mm rifle scopes, this mount is available in a 35mm height. It is designed to mount directly to any Picatinny rail and offers the perfect eye relief of all modern AR-pattern rifles.
Furthermore, the mount combines ruggedness and value to be a perfect addition to your firearm. It is made from rugged aluminum alloy that guarantees great strength and durability no matter the environment or punishment the mount is subjected to.
Above all, the Steiner AR1-15 P-Series Cantilever Mount has an ultra-lightweight construction to ensure that it disperses recoil efficiently and enhances the accuracy of the firearm by not adding any unnecessary bulk.
Features
- Designed to fit 30 and 34-mm scopes
- Rugged aluminum alloy construction
- Mounts to any Picatinny-style rail
- 35mm height
Pros
- Solid construction
- Smooth and elegant finish
- Functional
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Reasonably affordable
Cons
- None
Related Posts
- Best 1-4x Scopes for AR-15
- Night Vision Scopes for AR-15
- Best AR-15 Red Dots
- LPVO Scopes for AR-15
- Best Red Dots for AR Pistols
How to Choose the Best AR-15 Scope Mounts
When it comes to getting the best AR-15 scope mounts, the following are some of the important factors to take into consideration before settling on any mount.
Build Quality
The first and most important thing to consider is the quality of construction the scope mounts have. A cheap mount might cost you less but it will end up letting you down. Cheaply made mounts are rarely consistent or durable.
To avoid that, go for a mount that is ruggedly built from high-quality materials like aluminum alloy, steel, or any other high-quality metal.
The best AR-15 scope mounts also feature a hard anodized coat that provides additional protection from scratches and corrosion.
Mounting Interface
The next thing to consider is the mounting interface. A great quality AR-15 scope mount comes with a well-machined base for proper mounting on the rifle.
For this kind of rifle, it is best to get a mount with a cantilever interface. Such mounts keep all the mounting hardware on the receiver to ensure solid mounting.
Read: Best Leupold AR-15 Scopes
Clamp Diameter
While this might seem obvious, you must get a scope mount whose clamping system matches the main tube diameter of the scope.
If you have a 34mm tube scope the mount you get should have a 34mm mounting system. If you have a 30mm or 1-inch tube rifle scope, same deal.
Ease of Use
Next, consider the installation of the scope mounts. You will want a scope mount that is not just easy to mount on the AR-15, but also simple to dismount after use. That way, you don’t end up wasting your precious time attaching the mount rather than shooting or hunting.
Additionally, you will want to get a mount that provides ample eye relief for your particular sighting tool.
Read: Best Vortex AR-15 Scopes
Weight
The weight of the best AR-15 scope mounts varies from one product to the other. Majorly, the type of material used to make the mount determines how heavy it weighs.
Go for the lightest scope mounts possible. Such mounts are easy to install and detach from the firearm. They also don’t interfere with the accuracy and balance of the rifle.
Read: Best AR-15 Laser Sights
Best AR-15 Scope Mounts FAQs
Q: What kind of Scope Mount is best for the AR-15?
The best AR-15 scope mount is that which fits both the scope and the rifle. Majorly, scope mounts with a single-piece cantilever base coupled with a matching ring are the most ideal for use with the AR-15.
Q: What is the Best Scope Mount Height for an AR-15?
1.5 inches. The best scope mount height for the AR-15 or any other similar rifle is 1.5 inches. If it’s lower than that, you will have a hard time getting a clear-sighted picture through the scope.
On the other hand, when you mount the scope above 1.5 inches, you will keep lifting your cheek off the rest to sight. This makes the scope uncomfortable to shoot with and can be very painful on the neck.
Conclusion
Getting the right scope mount for your AR-15 is important if you want to maximize your performance in the shooting range or hunting fields. Each scope mount we have mentioned above works well with the AR-15.
They are durable, compatible with scopes from different brands, and most importantly functional and simple to install. Whichever model you end up getting, we hope that this article has been of great help to you.