Best Scope Mount for AR 15
A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking for the best scope mount for your AR 15? If yes, you’ve come to the right place. We have made a list of a wide selection of mounts that will fit any budget and are compatible with the legendary AR 15.
American Defense AD-RECON 30 STD Riflescope Optic Mount, Black
$
234.99
$0
In Stock
4 new from 234.99 Free Shipping
Amazon.com
Last update was on: Oct 08, 2023 05:48:52 PM
- Does not require proprietary tools for adjustment
- Can be adjusted with your finger or a flat blade screwdriver
- Lever can be configured to lock to the front or the rear
- Superior clamping surface to insure maximum rail engagement
- The AD-Recon works with scopes with Objective Housings as large as 2.2 inch
Well, before you go out and buy the first one that looks good to you, take some time to read this article. There are so many options to choose from that it can be hard to know what’s best for your gun. We will help you figure it out with this list of the top 10 scope mounts on Amazon! But before we get started with the mounts, let’s see what makes a good scope mount for a rifle like AR 15.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best scope mount for AR 15, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best Scope Mount for AR 15
$99.99
$109
109 new
from 99.99
in stock
$149
$224.99
224.99 new
from 149
in stock
$234.99
$0
0 new
from 234.99
in stock
Why are Scope Mounts Important?
Before zeroing in a rifle, it is necessary to first mount and align the scope correctly on the weapon. A good quality AR 15 scope mount helps ensure that proper alignment can be attained while optimizing accuracy. The main advantage of using mounts made of aluminum alloy as opposed to ones made of steel is that they are lighter than their counterparts and are thus better suited for use on weapons such as the AR-15. Most mounts are made from either aluminum alloy or steel, but one can also find the occasional hybrid model which draws inspiration from both materials and incorporates features of each alloy into its design in order to produce a mount that is lighter yet not prone to damage due to being too brittle. Aluminum alloy is often sought out as a material for producing mounts because of how lightweight it is.
Steel is also used, albeit less so due to its much higher weight compared to aluminum. The cross-sectional area of the mount should be as small as possible while still being capable of supporting the telescopic sight firmly. Mounts made from high-grade aluminum alloys are quite expensive but represent the ideal choice for users who wish to upgrade their rifle’s sighting system and maximize its accuracy. Rifles such as the AR 15 have a tendency to produce recoil when fired, which can cause the scope to shift position if it is not perfectly aligned with the barrel of the weapon. This can lead to diminished accuracy, as the shooter will have to re-align his or her sights after each shot in order to make a successful follow-up. This is largely due to the fact that it is impossible for a human being’s eyes to focus on two different objects at once.
8 Best Scope Mount for AR 15 (Ranked And Reviewed)
$234.99
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4 new
from $234.99
Specifications
-
Height:
Medium
-
Material:
Aluminium
-
Ring Diameter:
1-Inch
The AD-Recon is a unique and innovative design that allows the shooter to mount their optic directly to the Picatinny rail without the use of any tools. The AD-Recon will allow you to keep both eyes open when shooting, giving you a wider field of view and increased situational awareness. It also provides more mounting options for your scope. Mount your scope on top of your receiver or anywhere along the side of your receiver with no need for proprietary tools. This makes it easy to move from one firearm platform to another.
The AD-RECON is a lightweight, high-strength aluminum mounting solution that provides maximum rail engagement and superior clamping surface to insure maximum rail engagement. It features an easy-to-adjust lever that can be configured to lock the mount to the front or rear. The AD-RECON is compatible with the TPS, Atlas, and Picatinny 1913 rails and has a black anodized finish. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s built tough enough for any application.
Positive
- Made in the USA for the patriots
- Anodized black finish matches the rifle
- Ensures maximum rail alignment
Negatives
- Can pinch or mark the scope body if overtightened
2. Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever Riflescope Mounts
$99.99
$109
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
17 new
from $99.99
$119.99
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
Specifications
-
Height:
Medium
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Material:
Aluminium
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Ring Diameter:
1-Inch
Use this cantilever mount for mounting 1-inch telescopic sights. The 2-inch offset of this cantilever mount positions the scope in a forward location, allowing the correct eye relief and head placement. Constructed from 6061 aluminum with a matte black finish, this cantilever mount is lightweight and durable. This cantilever mount also features an integrated bubble level that allows you to easily ensure that your rifle is perfectly level before you mount the scope.
Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever Ring Mounts are designed to position the center of the riflescope tube at a height of 1.59 inches (40.39 mm) from the base. This cantilever ring mount positions your scope forward, which improves eye relief and head placement on your firearm by allowing you to place the butt of the rifle against your shoulder. The cantilever ring mount positions the center of the riflescope tube at a height of 1.59 inches.
Positive
- Has a built-in bubble level to help install the mount correctly
- Best for long-range scopes from Vortex
- Holds the scope tight but does not damage it
Negatives
- Difficult to mount on the gun
3. Vortex Optics Pro Riflescopes Mounts
$149
$224.99
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
14 new
from $149
Specifications
-
Height:
Medium
-
Material:
Aluminium
-
Ring Diameter:
1-Inch
The Vortex Pro 1-inch cantilever ring mount provides the correct height and forward placement for proper scope mounting. It positions the center of the riflescope tube at a height of 1.435” (36.45mm) from the base, which is ideal for most rifle setups. This cantilever ring mount features an aluminum construction that is both lightweight and durable, making it perfect for any shooter looking to upgrade their optics setup with a high-quality mount that will stand up to years of use in any conditions, while maintaining its zero retention properties.
The mount allows you to attach your riflescope to a one-inch tube. This mount is compatible with most riflescopes, including Burris XTR II 3–10x40mm, Vortex Viper PST 6–24x50mm, and more. The Vortex Optics Pro Riflescopes Mount can be attached to the receiver of your rifle or shotgun with ease. It’s easy to install and requires no special tools for assembly or installation.
Positive
- Balanced height and forward placement of the scope
- Excellent zero retention properties
- Works with a variety of rifles
Negatives
- Needs a wrench every time to transfer from one weapon to another
4. Weaver Thumbnut Spr 1″ Mount
$46.41
$61.49
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
25 new
from $46.41
$57.99
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
Specifications
-
Height:
Medium
-
Material:
Aluminium
-
Ring Diameter:
1-Inch
The Weaver K4 is a 1” medium-high mount with thumb-nut bolts for turning leverage. It has an 11mm offset, giving the scope a low centerline. The K4 comes with 4 screws and 2 hex wrenches to allow installation on any firearm. This mount will hold zero through all types of recoil, including .375 H&H magnum rifles that means it will last decades on AR 15. Weaver’s Thumbnut SPR 1″ Mount is an optimal height and forwards cantilever mount for AR platform rifles. The sleek design of this mount positions the centerline of the optic closer to the shooter’s eye, reducing neck fatigue and allowing for a more comfortable shooting position. This mount has a four-screw ring design with a cross-lock base for added gripping power, so you can be sure your scope will stay secure during heavy recoil.
Positive
- Easy to adjust without tools
- Provides the optimal balance of scope height
- Comes with all the needed screws and wrenches
Negatives
- Will need some packing to secure the scope between the rings
5. UTG ACCU-SYNC 30mm Integral Picatinny Rings
$49.97
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
1 new
from $49.97
$29.97
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
Specifications
-
Height:
Low
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Material:
Aluminium
-
Ring Diameter:
30 mm
The UTG Accu-Sync 30mm Integral Picatinny Rings are designed with significant lightning cuts to massively reduce weight without compromising durability. The rings feature radiuses edges and corners to prevent snagging, scratching, or tearing of other gear and for effortless access to scope windage and elevation turrets. These high-quality rings are constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with a black anodized finish, they also include mounting screws.
The UTG Accu-Sync 30mm Integral Picatinny Rings are precision CNC machined from aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte black anodize, designed to fit on MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail platform. The single mount utilizes locking torn screws and square-shaped integral recoil stops for a secure zero hold. These mounts are made to withstand the most extreme of conditions while still providing the best accuracy over their lifetime. Available in 1 inch or 30mm tube diameter, these mounts will fit on all standard Weaver/Picatinny/ rails.
Positive
- Ergonomic design offers easy access to the scope
- Fast to install and remove
- Made to stand against the harshest conditions
Negatives
- Screws come loose if thread locker is not used
6. Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm Scope Mount, Standard
$62.74
$68.39
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
9 new
from $62.73
$72.81
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
$78.51
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
Specifications
-
Height:
Low
-
Material:
Aluminium
-
Ring Diameter:
30 mm
Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm Scope Mount is a lightweight and rigid scope mount that complements many high-end optic platforms. This scope mount is designed to fit upper receivers with Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny rails and features a cross-slot keyway that offers excellent recoil protection. Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm Scope Mounts are the lightest mounts in the industry, free you from unnecessary bulk. These scope mounts are made with 6061-T6 Aluminum to provide one of the lightest mounts in the industry. The Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm Scope Mounts give you a rock-solid optic platform while keeping weight to an absolute minimum. No other company can stack up to our level of quality and lightweight design.
Positive
- Won’t add any weight to your weapon
- Stands the test of recoil for years
- Holds the zero perfectly well
Negatives
- Installing the scope in the rings is tricky
7. Aero Precision Ultralight 30MM Scope Mount, Spr
$52.25
$89.99
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
21 new
from $52.25
$161.48
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
Specifications
-
Height:
Low
-
Material:
Aluminium
-
Ring Diameter:
30 mm
Aero Precision Ultralight 30MM Scope Mount features a rear ring that is pushed forward 2 inches, resulting in better eye relief. This mount is designed to fit type upper receivers with Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny rails and features a cross-slot keyway that offers excellent recoil protection. The Aero Precision Ultralight 30MM Scope Mount weighs a mere 3 ounces! This lightweight scope mount is constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum and finished with hard coat anodizing for superior durability. You will hardly feel the weight of anything added to the rifle if you use these scope mounts. Rest assured, Aero’s link to the aerospace industry makes sure that the product they are delivering is nothing short of perfection.
Positive
- You’ll literally not feel the weight of these rings
- Sturdy enough for the weight they have
- Can fit a lot of rifles in addition to AR 15
- Built to very tight tolerances
Negatives
- Leveling at the time of installation is hard
8. Primary Arms 30mm Basic Scope Mount
$0
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
Specifications
-
Height:
Medium
-
Material:
Aluminium
-
Ring Diameter:
30 mm
The Primary Arms 30mm Basic Scope Mount is a versatile scope mount that works with 1913 Picatinny mounting and other similar “flat-top” platforms. The mount allows you to attach your scope to the rifle, remove it for storage or transport, then reattach it quickly without having to zero your rifle again. This is possible because the mount design allows you to leave the ring on the scope when you remove the scope from your rifle. It also ensures proper alignment of crosshairs when you reinstall your scope.
The Primary Arms 30mm Scope Mount is the perfect option for AR-15 owners looking to mount a scope on their rifle. This solid aluminum mount weighs only 6.6 ounces, provides 2.1 inches of clearance between the rings, and centers your scope 1.5 inches above the rail! The matte black anodized finish will look great on any tactical rifle with its durable construction and lightweight. This mount is compatible with 30mm scopes including Red Dot sights, Holographic Sights, Reflex Sights, and Scopes with the standard.
Positive
- Matches the color of the rifle
- Lasts a good long time
- Compatible with a lot of scopes
- Holds the zero for thousands of rounds
Negatives
- A bit hard to fit a 30mm tube scope
What To Consider While Buying The Best Scope Mount for AR 15?
There are three main considerations when choosing a scope mount. These include the profile of your receiver, the clamp diameter, and the mounting interface needed to attach the mount to the scope tube or rail. Scope mounts should be compatible with your firearm to prevent damage in use. The height that you need for the optics is another consideration.
Quality Construction
The best mounts are machined from solid billet aluminum, which provides the most strength and durability. The precision of the mount is also critical to accuracy, so use reputable manufacturers that have an established track record for quality.
Clamp Diameter
If you have a Picatinny rail, then your scope will require either a one-inch or 30mm clamp. If you have a standard Weaver rail, then your scope will need a one-inch or 34 mm clamp and if you have a carry handle, the mount should have a 40 mm or 1-inch clamp.
Mounting Interface
The primary consideration for this type of firearm will be how far the scope is from the eye. For a carry handle without a rail, you will need a high mount and for a riflescope with long eye relief, the low mount is needed. High mounts are also suitable for people wearing protective glasses or face masks. Mounts are either secured by windage screw adjustments on the side of the scope rings or caps that are tightened to the body of the scope tube such as for a carry handle mount.
Mount Height
Low mounts are popular because they allow you to get lower on your gun or maintain eye relief when in awkward shooting positions. The downside is that scopes will not be mounted as far forward, so an extended cheek rest may be needed or the scope has to be offset to one side. There are several things to consider when deciding on the best scope height, such as make and model of your firearm, type of stock you have, the number of rounds fired consecutively without cleaning, and if there is an after-market trigger fitted. The most common scope mount heights are designed for either three or four inches above bore height.
FAQs
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Due to the difference between the slot size, Weaver devices can fit on Picatinny rails but all Picatinny devices do not fit on Weaver rails.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
No, all scope mounts are not the same. They are made of different materials and have different heights and ring diameters. You need to get the ones that are compatible with your rifle and can fit the scope you are going to install.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
The ideal ring height is half the maximum diameter of the scope. This is usually the diameter of the objective bell of the scope.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Yes, you can very easily mount your own scope on the rifle and calibrate it to adjust the aiming. If there is a problem with the aiming of the rifle that you cannot adjust, go to a gunsmith to have it fixed.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Not every gun is equipped to install scope mounts directly on it. Some weapons do need a scope base to install the rings. The AR 15, however, does not need a scope base and you can go straight to installing the mounts on it.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 10 scope mounts for AR 15. We hope that this list helps you find the perfect mount to meet your specific needs and get outside into nature with your rifle in tow! Thank you so much for reading our blog post today. We love hunting just as much as you do and are always looking for new ways to help people enjoy their time outdoors. If you want more posts like this one or need advice on choosing a different product type keep visiting Ballachy.com ! And don’t forget to subscribe so that when we release another article, all of these great articles will be delivered straight to your inbox.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
