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7 Best AR Scope Mounts to Buy in 2020 (Honest Buying Guide)

Last updated on May 30, 2020 By JF Martin

AR scopes are considered essential for better shooting and overall user experience with rifles. Not quite popular a few years ago, AR scopes got their fame by the fact that they help improve basic shooting variables. So what are scopes and what do they do?

A scope is a short form of “telescopic sight” – which as the name implies, magnifies and clarifies the target for better shots. They help increase accuracy and range mainly. To keep it simple, let’s just call it the cream to your coffee (if you’re a fan of it).

Say you decide to get an AR scope for your rifle but a quick search confuses you as to what the best rifle scope mount would be. The mount you use is critical, as it is the link between your rifle and your scope. But don’t worry, we got you covered.

7 Best AR Scope Mounts to Buy in 2020

This article will help you choose the Best Scope Mounts for AR 15, keeping in mind the two main types of rifle scope mounts, One-Piece and Two-Piece, so that you can enjoy better shooting next time you use your rifle with a scope.

1- Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever Mounts – The Best AR Scope Mounts

Sale

Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever 30mm Mount - 2-Inch...

Use this cantilever mount for mounting 30 mm telescopic...
The 2-inch offset of this cantilever mount positions the...
The cantilever ring mount positions the center of the...
Aluminum construction.

The Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever Mounts come in two options: 30 mm mount with 2-inch offset, and the 1-inch mount with 2 inches offset. It can be used to mount scopes on flattop rifle styles.

Design

The Vortex has a minimalistic design and comes in black. It’s made of aluminum and weighs 6.75 ounces. Overall length is 5.89 inches (149.81 mm). It positions the center of the scope tube at a height of 1.59 inches (40.39 mm) from the base. Distance between the rings is 2.52 inches (64 mm). It’s a fixed scope mount with Torx screws.

Features

The mount is easy to install; one can be up and running in a few hours. Versatile, as it allows for installation with many different ARs and scopes, which makes it easy to change in case you have more equipment to use it on.

Performance

Essentially known for its performance, the Vortex mount is quite robust and sturdy. Fits well on the base and delivers maximum efficiency. Customer reviews show that the screws don’t lose their place and hold zero after hundreds of rounds and/or long periods of time. It is also known for its durability.

Pros

Inexpensive option with great quality
Easy installation
Reliability, versatility and efficient ergonomics are the few key traits of the mount.

Cons

Some customers argue that the lack of being a quick detach is its biggest flaw. Other than that, it’s a great product.

Verdict

All in all the best option for an inexpensive AR scope mount, especially for flattop rifle styles.

Do you prefer Red Dot Scopes? Read The 10 Best Red Dots of 2020

2- Burris P.E.P.R. 1-Inch Mount – Quick Detach Mount for AR with Picatinny Tops

Burris Optics 410342, 410343, 410344 P.E.P.R....

Material Type: Aluminum
Sport Type: Hunting

Another one of the most well-known scope mounts is from Burris. The AR-P.E.P.R. mount is one of the best scope mounts for ARs. The basic template for it is simple with a lot of variety for customization in rings and bases trimmed to the customer’s needs. It can mount on both Weaver and Picatinny styles. The 410344 model is a 1-inch quick detach mount with Picatinny ring tops.

Design

Modern design. The mount comes in matte black and is made from aluminum and weighs 8.3 ounces. The distance of the start of one ring to the end of the second is 4.15 inches (105.41 mm) and the distance between rings is 2.15 inches (54.61 mm).

Features

The Burris AR-P.E.P.R. mounts are known to be a solution for all rings and bases. The mount has a 2 inch forward positioning for the scope, which leads to proper eye relief and shooting. The customization allows for various changes in accordance to needs such as sporting, hunting, tactical, etc. The quick detach option not only helps achieve quick mounting on other rifles while holding zero on every switch, but also helps switch between short and long range configurations.

Performance

The AR-P.E.P.R. mount is known for heavy duty performance. The product is long lasting and delivers great performance. It was made keeping in mind the potential mounting switches. It is also used by duty officers, which shows the efficiency and ability of the mount.

Pros

This mount is considered the best 30 mm scope mount for ARs.
It offers customization with heavy-duty performance, making it an ideal choice for any type of shooter.

Cons

The main issue for the Burris AR-P.E.P.R. mounts is the price, which starts low but increases with every add-on, making it pricey for most consumers.
Secondly, the mounts are heavier than the competition.

Verdict

If you can afford the price, this is the best available for option an AR.

Don’t know how to mount a scope? Here’s your guide!

3- Hammers One Piece Offset QD Scope Mount

Flat Top Offset One Piece QD Scope Mount with Quick...

Install in seconds with finger adjustable quick release cam...
Offset design for better eye relief position
Works with both 30mm and 1inch main tube rifle scopes
Machined from aircraft grade aluminum alloy

Hammers is an optic company that has a wide range of different optic products. One of them is their One Piece Offset QD Scope Mount. It is one of the AR mounts that is one the lighter side of price while providing great quality.

Design

It has a simple design and comes in matte black. Its made from extruded aluminum alloy and weighs 8 ounces. Overall length is 5.30 inches (134.62 mm). Distance between rings is 2.52 inches (64 mm). It’s a quick detach with cam locks for Picatinny rails.

Features

The scope is very basic in its function. The cam locks are quick release, making it easy to adjust on the go. The offset ring helps mount different scopes allowing proper eye relief. It comes with an extra rail for accessory attachment.

Performance

Although this is a very basic one piece mount, it is durable and robust to use. The quick release helps hold zero and makes it a switchable mount piece for ARs.

Pros

The Hammers mount is a very simple and basic mount that helps fulfill its purpose. The extra rail that comes out of the box is a nice bonus for a mount in such a price.

Cons

The only con is the lack of customization for the mount.

Verdict

Simple, effective and does its job without any extra traits, a nice budget scope mount for many.

4- American Defense AD-RECON STD Riflescope Optic Mount

American Defense AD-RECON 30 STD Riflescope Optic...

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

A product of American Defense MFG., the AD-RECON mount is a worthy inclusion on this list. American Defense MFG. offers various options in its catalogue to help you get the option that best suits you.

Design

It has a modern, stylish design. Comes in various colours; something that could be of importance to some users with custom gun skins. It’s made from aluminum with an anodized finish and weighs 8.4 ounces. The 30 mm option has different models, but dimensions of all are almost the same. It can be used both with and without a riser, depending on what you require.

Features

It features the Patented QD Auto Lock™ and with its straight forward mechanism it allows the user to adjust the scope without the need to use proprietary tools; they can simply fit the scope using a flat blade screwdriver or even with a finger. The scope mount fastens firmly to the rail ensuring optimal engagement with the firearm and on top of that the lever locks to the front or the rear according to the user’s needs. The length of the cantilever provides a comfortable exit pupil and good eye relief to prevent the user from getting a scope bite.

Performance

The AD-RECON mounts are known for being a tactical-oriented mount option, making it a worthy scope mount for flattop AR 15 scopes. It’s known to have superior clamping power to help hold zero and switch between different scopes with ease due to the Patented QD Auto Lock™ lever system.

Pros

One of the most commendable qualities of the American Defense AD-RECON is that the scope rings on the structure can be taken out completely with a screw and be placed again with the scope in place: an easy to install mount that has great clamping power. Another good thing is the lifetime warranty that American Defense offers making it quite a durable scope mount option.

Cons

Very expensive for the features it offers.

Verdict

A mount that offers the best clamping power but at a hefty price. The lifetime warranty is sure to put some users at ease even for such a price tag.

TIP! What do Numbers Mean on a Rifle Scope?

5- Nikon P-SERIES Riflescope Mounts

Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9x40 Matte BDC600

The BDC 600 reticle offers Shooters unique open circle...
One inch body tube
Spring loaded instant zero resets turrets
Elevated windage and elevation turrets

Most famously known for their digital cameras for years, Nikon is a name we can easily trust in the optic business. It’s one of the companies that is evolving and adapting to the changing times. For riflescope mounts, the P-SERIES has 4 mount options, where our reviewed product is the P-TACTICAL mount for 1-inch tubes.

Design

It’s a 2 piece design that comes in black or “dark earth” colours. It has a lightweight aluminum construction and weighs 6.1 ounces.

Features

The reversible 2-piece design provides extreme mounting flexibility. It allows proper mounting height and proper fore-aft positioning for proper shooting technique with comfortable eye relief. It is also reversible for ultra-compact scopes. It fits all flattop Picatinny rails

Performance

The 2-piece design helps in versatility for different scopes. The scope holds zero even with the two pieces. They’re precise and strong even with the lightweight which makes it a tough competitor for other one-piece mounts.

Pros

2-piece design that is reversible and gives many switching options while working as other scope mounts. It’s lightweight and low in price.

Cons

Some people prefer one-piece mounts for sturdy shooting.

Verdict

A nice customizable option that has its specific users. However, search engine autocompletes show fitting issues on some ARs.

6- UTG 1″/2PCs Med Pro LE Grade Picatinny QD Rings: 22mm Wide

UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot,...

30-millimeter SWAT 3-12X44 IE tactical range estimating...
30-Millimeter tube built on True Strength Platform: sealed...
Best in class multi emerald coated lenses; integrated angled...
Special circuit and housing design for uninterrupted...

The Sister company of the decades-old Leapers company, UTG has a very wide variety in mount sizes. Our product is a 1-inch option. Another 2-piece on our list, the mount is made specifically for Picatinny rails.

Design

Good looking design. Black matte finish colour. It is made from aluminum alloy with anodized finish and weighs 6.4 ounces. 15 mm saddle height and 22 mm ring width.

Features

Robust and user-friendly ergonomic quick detach lever locks. This allows mounting on all Picatinny rails. It has only 4 screws for mounting, which make it very easy to use. It fits up to 55 mm objective diameter scopes.

Performance

The 2-piece design delivers great performance. It keeps zero even while being so lightweight. This is due to the strong, durable construction of the mount. Tested in extreme conditions and approved by field experts and law enforcement personnel; a good 2-piece option even for tactical purposes.

Pros

Price is great, making it the best budget scope mount in 2-piece designs.

Cons

Medium profile of the mount might be limiting for some. Lacks customization in the same model; meaning that if you want more options, you’ll have to buy new rings.

Verdict

Best 2-piece design that is simple, straightforward and gives maximum performance.

Editor’s Suggestion

There are a number of best ar scope mounts out there that fit all types of users, their needs and their budget. Out of all the types of rifle scope mounts we’ve reviewed in this article, the top two are the most recommended. Both the Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever 30mm Mount and the Burris 410341 AR PEPR 30-mm Scope Mount are high-performing, premium quality scope mounts and come with great customizability.

Before you buy your new ar scope mount, make a note of what your rifle requires specifically. Here’s a guide on what to consider while buying a rifle scope. That will ensure that you buy the right product and don’t waste your hard-earned money. When the mount is correct, it helps you make the best use of your ar scope as well.

Hint: How far should a scope be from your eye?

What Scope Do I Need for 300 Yards? 3 Points to Consider!

Last updated on February 5, 2019 By JF Martin

The average distance from which most rifle users shoot at their target is 100-150 yards approximately. A 300 yard distance is considered long for normal hunting/shooting activities. This is why the scope you use for 300 yards will need some special features to enable you to take that long range shot perfectly.

3 Basic Components for a Long Range Scope to Consider

Here are basic components which you need to look for while shooting from 300 Yards:

1. Optimal Magnification

First, long range scopes have greater magnification than others. Optimal magnification is essential for a good shot as it gives you a clear image of the target. “Greater magnification”, however, does not mean too much magnification as the latter comes with problems of is own. It narrows the field of vision for the shooter and decreases the exit pupil making it hard to spot your target in the dark. The best magnification is that which gives you a good solid view of your target. On average a 4x-6x magnification is best for long ranger shooting, depending on how big or small your target is and what the lighting conditions are.

Got a scope for AR15? Learn How to Mount it!

2. Diameter of Objective Lens

Secondly, the diameter of the objective lens on your scope matters. The objective lens is the bigger lens placed at the end of your scope. Its job is to gather light and redirect it to the ocular lens (at the start of the scope, from where the hunter sees) so that you can see your target in plenty of light. Objective lenses are quite useful in low-light conditions where the shooter needs to see their target clearly, e.g. when shooting deer in the woods at dawn or dusk. Larger objective lenses attract more light and are better for shooting targets at a distance. However, too much light can also be a hindrance as it will too much for the eye to take in during good natural light such as in the morning. It also entails a bigger objective lens which adds to the weight of the overall scope. A 32mm-40mm objective lens is best for long range shooting such as at 300 yards. It provides you with ample light and a wide enough field of view.

Also Read: Distance you need to keep between your eye and the scope.

3. Glass Quality of Lens and Its Coating

Lastly, you should focus on the glass quality of the lens and the lens coating. High density, low dispersion glass gives the best image. Investing in a scope with good quality glass lenses will take you further than a cheaper, low-quality scope would. Next, the lens coating is just as important as the quality of the ends. When the objective lens gathers light from the surroundings, some of it reflects off of its surface resulting in a loss of light. This is why most manufacturers put a thin chemical coat on the lens which helps reduce the loss of light. Fully multi-coated lenses are great for long range shooting as they minimize the loss of light up to 92% approximately.

You might want to check out: What do Numbers Mean on a Rifle Scope?

These are some of the key points you should keep in mind when choosing a scope for 300 yards. It is beneficial to note that in such cases bigger and greater is not always better. The best scopes are those that fit the need of the individual user.

How Far Should a Scope be From Your Eye?

Last updated on March 16, 2020 By JF Martin

If you are planning to get a scope for your rifle or you already have a scope and you are wondering how far should a scope be from your eye while using. Either way, you are at the right place. This guide will help you find exactly what you are looking for.

Eye relief is something very important to be considered when buying a rifle scope.

What is Eye Relief?

The distance of the eye and the scope eyepiece is decided by eye relief. Eye relief is the distance that you need to achieve and hold by your shooting eye from the scope eyepiece, in order to get the full image being produced by the rifle scope.

What does “Short Eye Relief” mean?

A short eye relief would mean your eye needs to be closer and a large eye relief would mean your eye needs to be farther. If you’re too close than the proper eye relief, the image becomes blurry; if you’re too far, it becomes a tiny object in the center of the scope lens. A health hazard related to eye relief is that if your eye gets closer than the proper level, a rifle or firearm with greater recoil could make the scope slide back explosively when its shot, resulting in an injury to the shooter’s eye.

If you are wondering how to mount a scope on your AR 15, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the complete guide on How to mount a scope on AR15.

How to Measure Eye Relief?

Eye relief is measured in inches or millimeters, and it’s mostly found in product descriptions and/or packages, unlike power and objective diameters and any other essential information found on the scope itself. A common low power rifle scope’s eye relief distance is 4 inches or 101.6 mm, which means that loss of image clarity will occur if one moves in closer or farther from it. The distance can vary between different brands and models of scopes. In general, more eye relief is considered to be better in scopes. For example, magnum rifles have large recoils and therefore, require more eye relief for safe shooting.

Keeping in mind the need and requirement of the shooter, eye reliefs vary from scope to scope. For instance, spotting scopes have short eye relief; their eye reliefs are always precise and close. This is due to the fact that they are only used for spotting and not for actually shooting, so short eye relief doesn’t cause trouble for the shooter.

ALSO SEE: What do Numbers Mean on a Rifle Scope?

As mentioned above, the distance of the eye and the scope eyepiece depends on the eye relief given by the product creator. However, the practical execution isn’t as simple as said. One cannot simply pre-decide an eye relief distance for a rifle scope. Before mounting a scope, you need to check its different models for different rifles, as the shoulder support for various stocks changes.

Once you decide your rifle and scope and have checked all possible bracing positions, only then you will know the eye relief for your rifle scope eyepiece. It is always recommended to loosely attach the scope to the rifle and check all positions for maximum scope efficiency and also to ensure proper usage of the scope. Adjustments can also be made to the scope rings while mounting to help achieve the required optimum eye relief because once the scope is securely attached, there is no way to change it.

Into Long-Range Shooting? Here’s a guide for you “What Scope Do I Need for 300 Yards?“

What do Numbers Mean on a Rifle Scope?

Last updated on February 5, 2019 By JF Martin

Whenever you see rifle scopes, they have numbers that give us information about them. The typical format is (power – power x objective diameter). The first power number, to the left of the hyphen, is the minimum magnification limit or level; the second power number, to the right of the hyphen, is the maximum magnification limit or level; the third and last number is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters.

Numbers on a Rifle Scope Explanation:

1st Number (left of the hyphen):

Let’s start with the power range first. Power range is also known as magnification levels, which gives us a fair idea of what it is. A magnification level is simply the level at which the object would be magnified compared to the naked eye. For example, 2x scope or “2 power” would mean it is magnified 2 times the size of the naked eye. Similarly 3x scope would be three times, 7x scope would be 7 times and so on.

Second Number (right of the hyphen):

The second number is the upper limit of the magnification level. For example 4-10×50. The two numbers show that it is a zoom lens or scope. The shooter can set any number between the two limits according to the need. Most scopes today have variable range. However, sometimes there is only one number. In that case, the scope stays fixed at the specific level of magnification and is unchangeable.

Third Number (the diameter):

The third number is the diameter of the objective lens; the end closest to the barrel. According to the principles of lenses and light, a bigger objective lens allows more light to pass through the lens, helping increase low light performance and clarity of the scope. So a 50 mm scope would have better brightness and clarity than a 20 mm lens.

Learn how far your scope needs to be from your eye!

Tube Diameter:

Next up is tube diameter. It is also a variable that needs to be considered when buying rifle scopes. The tube diameter is measured from the central part of the scope tube. The two common sizes are 1 inch and 30 mm diameters. The former is most commonly found, with the latter being found in some European products, is increasing with time too. Contrary to popular belief, the diameter doesn’t have anything to do with the allowance of light in the tube. It is helpful in giving more strength and rigidity to the rifle scope, due to the greater cross-sectional area. It also helps in having better windage and elevation adjustments.

Wanna learn How to mount a scope on AR15?

Field of View (FOV):

Field of view (FOV) is another important aspect in scope buying. As the name implies, it is the extent of the observable world from the human eye or any optical device. In the case of rifle scopes, it is measured in feet or degrees at specific yardage. The power of the scope has an inverse relationship with FOV; as the magnification increases, the FOV decreases. One has to trade off one for the other. A bigger FOV is better for acquiring targets or following moving targets. An example of FOV is 100-150 ft @ 1000 yards and 1.5-3.1 degrees @ 1000 yards

Into Long-Range Shooting? Here’s a guide for you “What Scope Do I Need for 300 Yards?“

How to Mount a Scope on AR 15?

Last updated on March 27, 2020 By JF Martin

Mounting a scope on your AR-15 for the first time is a difficult task. It takes a lot of time and patience, and sometimes a few tries, to nail it perfectly. But don’t worry, we got your back covered.

Here’s How You Can Mount a Scope on AR 15

This guide will help you mount your rifle scope in the first attempt.

Items you need:

Torque wrench – used to attach the rifle scope mount to your AR-15
Scope mount – the link between the gun and scope; the part which attaches the scope to the gun
Hex bit screwdriver– used for tightening the screws on the scope
Bubble level – used to level all the parts for complete accuracy during installation
Riflescope – the scope you have chosen to your AR-15
Gun or shooting rest – used to hold your AR-15 rifle in place for the installation.

Step 1 – Preparation:

You need to prepare your rifle and tools for the installation. Make sure that your rifle is empty, unloaded and the safety is on. Gun safety is vital not only during storage but also in processes such as accessory attachment/detachment, cleaning, etc. Fix it in the shooting rest so that it’s stable and tight for being worked on. Use the bubble level to check level. Checking the level on every step is key to successfully mounting your scope in the first attempt, as a mistake on any level could lead to wrong installation of the scope, ruining all your hard work.

Learn how far your scope needs to be from your eye!

Step 2 – Attaching the mount:

Attach your ar scope mount to the rifle. Place the mount on the top of the AR-15 and tighten its screws by hand so that it holds its place properly. Take the torque wrench and tighten the screws to secure it in place. Be careful about the torque limit on the screws as given by the scope mount instructions. Tightening it more could result in the mount being spoiled. Use the bubble level again to check for the level of the mount. Check both parallel and perpendicular levels to make sure it’s leveled. Adjust by tightening or loosening the screws to achieve proper level so that you’re able to go ahead.

Planning to buy a shotgun scope? check out the best shotgun scopes available on the market currently.

Step 3 – Attaching the scope:

Your scope mount is now secure and ready for the rifle scope to be attached. Place the scope carefully on the mount rings, on equal and flat surfaces on both sides. Place the top of the scope rings and tighten the screws with the hex bit screwdriver to about 80%, in an X pattern. This helps keep the scope even. This is the final time where you can adjust eye relief of the scope.

ALSO SEE: What do Numbers Mean on a Rifle Scope?

Step 4 – Finalizing and leveling:

Level your scope by placing the bubble level on some flat knob or adjustment of the scope to check parallel and perpendicular levels. Once satisfied, tighten the screws of the mount rings in the same X pattern for proper tightening. Re-check the AR-15 for the last time for levels. Check the alignment of the reticle. This can be done by aligning the reticle to an object that it already been verified vertically by the bubble level.

Your AR-15 is ready to use with the rifle scope. Safe and happy shooting!

Into Long-Range Shooting? Here’s a guide for you “What Scope Do I Need for 300 Yards?“