The 9 Best AR Scope Mounts for Your AR15 [Full Reviews]

So you’re locked and you’re loaded. You already spent thousands of dollars for that AR 15 of yours, and it came with a kick-ass scope, too!

But now you’re wondering…

How do I put my scope on my rifle?

Well, of course, you’ll need the proper scope mount for your AR 15 rifle!

We’ve tried and tested the best that the market can offer, and we made a guide for the best scope mount for the AR15, just for you!

Ready to mount? Let’s get started.

Best Value

Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever 30mm Riflescope Mount

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Best Overall

Burris 410341 AR PEPR Tactical Riflescope Mount

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Budget Pick

Primary Arms AR-15 Basic Scope Mount

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Best AR Scope Mounts Review: 9 Picks to Lock in With

1. Burris 410341 AR PEPR Tactical Riflescope Mount

BEST OVERALL

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Precision is the name of the game, without a doubt! Taking our top spot for a prime guarantee on the Best AR 15 scope mount is the Burris Optics AR PEPR Scope Mount.

Like the way this bad boy is named, PEPR stands for “Proper Eye Position Ready” so yes, this is definitely a HOT AR SCOPE for you to get!

Wondering why?

Well, the PEPR is the best mount for AR 15 because of all the functionality it has for a great price of under $100!

You have a superb mounting design that can adapt to almost any rifle scope, this wonder mount just easily attaches on your AR 15 with Picatinny rails.

With a scope mount that has two inches of forward scope positioning to adjust, you can achieve a FULL FIELD of view and eye relief for your comfort!

The best part? This rifle scope mount is easy to install to your AR, while still being stable and dependable after attaching!

Props to Burris Optics for creating such a durable and user-friendly scope mount at such an affordable price.

Should You Lock In With This?

If you’re a hunter or a long-range shooter looking for a reliable way to mount your precious scope on your AR 15, then the Burris Optics PEPR is right for you!

You can achieve optimum precision through the right FOV and eye relief through this scope mount, all while being affordable and durable as hell.

We highly recommend this mount!

2. Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever 30mm Riflescope Mount

BEST VALUE

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Getting the right value out of your purchases for your beloved hobby is one thing. Naturally, we’d want something that we can completely maximize, right?

Well, let us introduce to you the GOLD STANDARD for value in the world of scope mounts, and it comes from a reputable brand, too!

Say hello to the Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever Scope Mount and the great flexibility it offers for you (and your wallet, too)!

Vortex Optics is without a doubt an institution in our world of shooting brands, and they have presented us with an essential scope mount for ARs.

Here’s why:

• Made of lightweight aluminum construction for 30mm or 1″ tube diameter scopes, making it take one of the top spots for AR 15 scope mounts.
• This mount comes with two options for scope positioning, a 2″ and 3″. Adjusting for the proper eye relief and head placement will be easy breezy!
• With the integrated recoil lug, you’ll be sure that your precious scope will be secure, preventing any unwanted movement and lessening the stress on the screws of your scope mount.
• It comes with two mount options, too! This snazzy scope can fit in either Weaver and Picatinny rails,  making it a flexible scope mount for your AR 15.

PLUS: It comes in this amazing lightweight aluminum construction, too! Talk about value, huh?

Should You Lock In With This?

This Vortex Optics scope mount is without a doubt a stellar choice to secure your riflescope on your AR-15.

If you’re looking for something that’s a bang for the buck without compromising the quality, then this scope mount should be the right one for you!

3. Primary Arms AR-15 Basic Scope Mount

BEST BUDGET PICK

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Who says that dirt cheap scope mounts have dirt quality? Maybe you can change your mind about it!

Taking the top spot for our budget choice of the best scope mounts for AR-15 is the Primary Arms AR-15 Basic Scope Mount.

You’d be surprised at how much value you get for $30 and no we’re not kidding!

Hailing from one of the most beloved shooting brands in the industry, Primary Arms released a relief for AR-15 shooters of all backgrounds.

If you’re looking for the best budget choice for your build, then look no further than the features that it offers!

This basic scope mount has all the bare essential features you need for an AR-15 scope mount, WITHOUT sacrificing quality!

It fits 30mm tube scopes, but also comes with a 1″ adapter for other riflescopes!

Made with durable aluminum construction and an adonized matte black finish, this small but terrible bad boy is made to last!

If you have a Picatinny rail, you wouldn’t regret this budget choice

Should You Lock In With This?

If you’re a beginner with a budget AR-15 build and you’re looking for the right scope mount to start your hobby, then you can’t go wrong with this offering from Primary Arms!

It features all the bare essentials you need for a good scope mount, and for a decent price, too!

Just take note that this mounts with Picatinny rails!

4. Aero Precision Ultralight Mount

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Heavy builds can be annoying to carry around with you, especially while you’re on the hunt.

Just imagine lugging around an AR-15 rifle that’s already heavy, and we don’t think you need to add any more weight to that.

With the Aero Precision Ultralight, the heaviness will be the LEAST of your worries.

This is one of your best AR-15 scope options in the market, just because of how light it is!

Coming in at a WHOPPING 4oz, the Aero Precision Ultralight Mount lives up to its name, making it one of the lightest in the market.

But just because this lightweight mount is light, doesn’t mean it can’t hold up to HIGH CALIBRE POWER. Wanna know why?

It uses a smart little feature called a cross-slot key way to keep the scope secure even under HUGE RECOIL jumps from your AR-15! It can really hold up, believe us. The dual-screw tightening provides excellent hold, too!

To top it all off, the Aero Precision Ultralight Mount is crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum that is hard coated to a black or flat dark earth. Just choose how you want it to look!

Now, remember: aluminum alloy materials are strong enough to handle strong recoil. That means it’s a great solution if you’re looking for the best ar scope mounts that don’t crack after prolonged use.

Should You Lock In With This?

If you’re looking for a lightweight scope mount for your AR-15 rifle, you wouldn’t regret the Aero Precision Ultralight Mount.

This lightweight yet dependable riflescope mount offers the security and reliability you need to take on your adventures.

5. Leapers UTG Max Strength LE Grade QD Picatinny Riflescope

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Looking for something like a grab-and-go scope mount for your favorite AR-15 rifle scope?

Look no further from this offering from Leapers!

This is a QUICK AND EASY way to add your Picatinny rail-compatible accessories!

Wondering why?

Okay, so picture this:

Carrying and maintaining your AR-15s on your hunting trips can be a tedious task, but having an easy-to-use scope mount made everything easier!

The UTG Max Strength LE Grade Picatinny Riflescope offers easy installation and detaching, tight tolerance control, and positive locking to suit your needs!

The customization options for this scope are ENDLESS.

You’ll definitely appreciate the ring design of this scope mount, too! It is a two-piece mount and has a high-quality Synthetic Protective Tape to protect your scope from scratches.

The fact that this scope mount is made of premium aircraft-grade aluminum makes durability issues the least of your worries while you’re on the field.

Should You Lock In With This?

Ease and ergonomics are KING when it comes to comfort in the field!

If you’re looking for an easy-riding, function-packed scope you can just snap in with ease, don’t think twice about this product!

6. Warne Gen 2 Extended Skeletonized MSR Mount

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Among shooting brands that we all know and love, Warne has truly proven themselves as one of the TOP CALIBRE providers of rifle goods.

They are extremely well known for the cantilever scope mount that we all know and love!

And we’re proud to recommend this Warne scope mount.

Don’t be surprised why! The features really are something else to suit the needs of the modern AR-15 rifle shooter.

Right off the bat, we’re definitely sure you’ll be a huge fan of how the 6061 aluminum body is constructed! The scope design gives it the lightness you need WITHOUT SKIMPING on quality.

To strip off all the weight, the scope has only the bare essentials you need to focus on a comfortable shooting experience.

Lightweight and skeletonized, just how we like it!

It also features an additional 1″ forwarding cantilever mount design that can give you the extra eye relief you need for comfort!

Using this Warne scope mount assures a precise and reliable shooting experience for you and your AR-15.

Should You Lock In With This?

If you’re in need of reliable and lightweight AR-15 scope mounts with a cantilever mount, then this Warne scope mount is the right one for you!

The best part is, you can show off a bit of your personality with it since it comes in different colors, too!

We promise you wouldn’t regret slapping your AR scope on this mount, especially if you prefer Picatinny rails.

7. Trijicon AccuPoint Quick Release Flattop Mount

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The shooting world truly is filled with plenty of options to choose from, with ar scopes and mounts to choose from then and there.

Entering the world of Trijicon, though, is like entering the distinguished gallery of the best possible products to get for your shooting needs.

And, of course, we all know: TRIJICON IS SYNONYMOUS WITH QUALITY.

Their offering, the Trijicon AccuPoint Quick Release Mount is here to show you what they’re all about!

This Trijicon scope mount is available in a multitude of configurations to choose from. It’s flexible for any kind of scope you want to slam in your AR-15!

Of course for your AR-15, you’d want to get the 30mm or the 1″ variants.

It features a quick-release system that attaches well to the rails, and can definitely handle the BIG CALIBRE RECOIL.

We can assure you, this one will tick all of the boxes on your list.

Should You Lock In With This?

Trijicon equipment is definitely expensive, without a doubt.

If you think getting the features that you want and need is worth shelling out some big bucks for, then don’t think twice about this amazing offering from Trijicon!

Trust us, this Trijicon is of the AR-15 scope mounts that we think are well worth it. Experience the pinnacle of precision through this, it just oozes with quality.

8. American Defense AD-RECON STD Riflescope Optic Mount

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In the world of scope mounts, you gotta bet that the American Defense AD-RECON optic mount is an extremely high-quality scope mount JAM-PACKED with features!

There are PLENTY of reasons why investing in this scope mount is well worth it! Of course, having the best AR scope isn’t anything without one of the best scope mounts to support it, right?

Yes! Precision GOES BOTH WAYS.

Curious about the American Defense AD-RECON STD Riflescope Optic Mount? We bet you’re intrigued. Let’s get into the 2 ASPECTS we absolutely love about it:

• This proudly American-made scope mount’s crowning glory is the patented QD Auto Lock Lever system that will make mounting process the most STRESS-FREE part of your shooting experience! This feature allows for flexibility in rail tolerances and mounting.
• Through this easy-to-use system, snapping your scopes in and out will be a breeze! The entire design of the AD-RECON pushes for versatility and rock-solid stability. So what does that mean? Of course, the American Defense AD-RECON is meant to handle SOME SERIOUS FIREPOWER!

Factor in that this bad boy is built like a tank for your rifle, too!

Made with 6061-T6 aluminum and coated with Mil-Spec adonized finish, there is no doubt this is one of the most durable scope mounts in the market and is well for the best AR-15 scope in your arsenal!

NOTE: You won’t need any tools to adjust this! All you need to do is to release the lever and twist slowly until you get your preferred tightness.

Should You Lock In With This?

Ease-of-use? Check.

Rock-solid versatility? Check.

Durable and scratch-proof build? Check and check.

Do we need to say more?

As one of the best scope mounts for AR-15 in the market, the American Defense AD-RECON optic mount is well worthy of the Best AR-15 scope you have in your arsenal for that pristine precision you’ve been craving for.

Lock this optic mount in your rifle and you’re in for a real treat!

9. Atibal 30mm TMP-LT

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Featuring a unique QD design for your ease of use and mounting, the Atibal 30mm is one of our contenders for the best scope mounts for the AR-15.

Why, you ask? Let us indulge you, then!

• First of all, this mount doesn’t require any tools for adjusting it and is fully flexible to fit both Picatinny and Weaver rails.
• What makes this rifle scope mount more interesting is that it DOES NOT NEED any tools to adjust!
• Using this in the field won’t be a real hassle AT ALL.
• And to make it one of the best mounts for AR-15, it features 30mm rings for your scope tube diameter to fit snugly and surely!

Getting the right optimum relief on this one will be the easiest thing, too! The cantilever design of the scope will enable you to extend the scope out front, giving you all the adjustment room you need.

And of course, durability is KING for your investments, and we’re proud to tell you this mean mount is precision machined from 6061 T6 aluminum and adonized for EXTRA TOUGHNESS.

Should You Lock In With This?

Having an easy-to-use lightweight scope mount that wouldn’t break the bank will make your experience with your rifle the easiest thing in the world!

Choosing the Atibal scope mounts is a decision you wouldn’t regret, and is an investment that is well worth it!

PLUS: Who doesn’t want a lifetime warranty? IT’S A GUARANTEED WIN FOR YOU!

Buying Guide: Things to Check When Choosing the Best AR-15 Scope Mounts

Of course, looking for rifle scope mounts can be a bit overwhelming with the plethora of features that they offer.

Keep reading for tips on how to find the right mounts for your rifle scope!

Durability and Weight

Of course, our investments in our hobbies are a huge deal, and spending your hard-earned money is no joke!

What makes good scope mounts for AR-15s is, of course, durability that will make your investment worthwhile.

What separates the cheap mounts and the good mounts is the used material.

• The cheaper ones are usually made of brittle pot metal or thin aluminum that wouldn’t stand your HIGH CALIBRE RIFLES!
• It is best to find AR-15 scope mounts that are constructed from high-grade aluminum that is adonized for extra protection from abrasion.

Finding the right fusion of durability and weight is prime! So always consider the best AR-15 scope mounts with premium material to make sure it lasts you for years.

Remember: QUALITY CONSTRUCTION IS KEY TO PRISTINE PRECISION!

Mounting Interface

Of course, your scope wouldn’t work how it is intended to be if it can’t fit, right? Always make sure that it’s compatible with your rifle!

Keep in mind that Picatinny rails wouldn’t always work because of their design. You’d want to look for something like a cantilever design. That way, you can also adjust the eye relief, among other features!

Having solid, one-piece scope mounts for AR-15 makes sure that your rifles are rock solid and stable!

Mounting System

Another thing to consider is the mounting system that your rifle has! There are two kinds:

Fixed Mount

This is the type of mount that’s good for attaching an accessory like a scope to the rifle permanently.

This gives fewer chances of damaging the parts simply because the accessory is fixed, sturdier, and weighs less!

Detachable Mount

Having a detachable mount is ideal for people who own multiple rifles and would like to interchange their accessories.

Choosing a detachable mount makes the removal of accessories easier, and is usually in the form of QD levers. Generally, these are easy to install.

Choosing the kind of mount to use depends on how you’d want to use your accessories.

• If you’d like to keep specific attachments for specific rifles, use a fixed mount.
• Alternatively, if you’d like a little more flexibility with your attachments and rifle arsenal, choose a detachable mount.

How great would it be to be able to switch out your scopes for ACOG clones right off the fly? REALLY great if you ask us.

Rails

Keeping in mind the kind of rails is also essential! These play a big part in choosing the best scope mounts for you.

There are two kinds:

• Picatinny – These rails have wider base slots compared to weaver rails. It’s interesting to note that Weaver rings can fit in Picatinny rails, but Picatinny rings will generally be a bit wider if you have a Weaver rail.
• Weaver – The Weaver is the most commonly used rail in mounts. It’s easier to detach than Picatinny, and it usually has a 7/8″size broad base with recoil slots.

Which Has Better Rings?

You’re well aware that rings are the link/point where your scope attaches to the firearm. As a result, an unsecured mount or attachment would mean the scope could easily move when firing or during recoil.

Between a Picatinny mount and Weaver rings, which is the better option? To tell you the truth, the best ring option depends entirely on preference.

Before you decide on your preferred option, take note of the differences between the two:

• The recoil stopper on Weaver rings is 3.8 mm wide while the recoil stopper on Picatinny rings is 5 mm wide.
• You CAN’T fit a Picatinny ring on a Weaver rail; however, you CAN fit a Weaver ring onto a Picatinny and Weaver rail.

Note: The second notable difference is a question we get asked a lot about since some users are curious to know if they can use Weaver rings on a Picatinny rail system.

However, most users prefer Picatinny rings as the better option since it’s more robust. Nevertheless, both Picatinny and Weaver provide reliable mounting solutions, so either option is a solid choice.

Scope Tube Diameter

A big thing to consider when you’re in the market for scope mounts for AR-15 is to make sure it matches the scope tube’s diameter.

The standard scope tube diameter for an AR scope is 30mm, so it’s best to make sure you have the same size for your mount.

Of course, this is self-explanatory, but it wouldn’t be bad to be more aware and knowledgeable!

Remember: SIZE MATTERS FOR PRECISION.

Get the right scope mount for the right AR-15 scope for you!

Eye Relief

Considering the proper eye relief measures on your rifles is essential for comfortable shooting!

You wouldn’t want the rifle to slam the scope tube first towards your eye, in heavy recoil right?

PLUS: Considering the proper eye relief for your shooting style, scope, and rifle will give stellar and efficient precision! Guaranteed bulls-eye every time, we promise!

Scope Height

A good rule of thumb for an AR scope mount is to keep the scope height as low as possible, WITHOUT barring off the other parts of your rifle.

Usually, AR-15 rifles and other rifles with flat tops have cheek rests.

Imagine this: If you have a high-mounted scope, you’ll need to tilt your head higher, which makes viewing your scopes an EXTREMELY unpleasant experience.

Always consider the design, size, and mount system to adjust your scope to your ideal relaxed shooting position.

Also, having a good cheek rest on your rifles makes shooting more comfortable, making it easier to shoot sharply!

Scope Mount

Essentially, there are two kinds of scope mounts to choose from, and there has been plenty of discussions among the community on which one is the superior mount!

We’d like you to learn and choose for yourself, as choosing a particular scope mount is subjective and entirely up to preference:

One-Piece Mount

One-piece mounts are great because…

• The mount adds height to make it more comfortable to use
• Has the ability to push the optic forward and adjust eye relief and FOV
• Scope rings are always aligned since both are in one mount
• Heavier, but sturdier as a unified mount where all parts are there.

Two-Piece Mount

A two-piece scope mount is for you if you’re looking for…

• A lighter mount since it has fewer pieces
• Easy to align, but may take some time
• More affordable than one-piece mounts
• Interchangeable scope rings

Whether you prefer one-piece mounts or two-piece scope mounts, ensure that they’re compatible with your rails and scope tube size before making a purchase.

FAQs

We compiled some generally asked questions about scopes, mount type, and general technicalities!

We hope these answers help you!

Would All Kinds of AR Scopes Work on My AR-15 Rifle?

Having the right kind of AR-15 scope to suit your needs for your rifling is essential, and it’s best to always consider the one with the right features and specs.

It’s best to consider choosing one with the right kind of reticle, illumination, and build quality!

And to make things better, choose the right kind of riflescope mount to make for better rifle accuracy!

If long-range shooting is what you’re looking for, however, you might be better off checking out our guide on the best 500-yard scopes on the market.

What Do I Need to Consider in the Design of Riflescope Mounts?

Of course, consider a mount design that is easy to install and lightweight makes all the difference in comfort.

Another quality to always check for in the design of your potential mount is durability!

High-quality aluminum mounts ensure stability, longevity, and precision in AR scope mounts.

How Much Clearance Do I Need Between the Scopes and the Barrels?

A general rule is that, as long as the scopes aren’t in contact with the rifle’s barrel, there shouldn’t be an issue!

Although, we recommend having no less than 1/8″ of clearance between the bottom of the objective lens and the top of the barrel.

What Is the Proper Way to Mount an AR-15 Scope?

The mounting process of a scope can be a tedious process, depending on what kind of mount you’re using.

For example, there are standard scopes for AR15s, and there are also scopes meant for 300 Blackouts. It’s best to follow the guide that came with your mount!

Conclusion

The right AR15 scope mount is essential to keep your shooting precise, and choosing the one that suits your needs is key to hitting your targets.

The Burris Optics AR PEPR takes the top spot in our list of best scope mounts because of the perfect mix of function, design, and eye relief comfort!

But if we’re talking about the best scope mount in value for AR 15 scope mounts, then look no further from the Vortex Optics 30mm Cantilever Mount. This is a HUGE bang for the buck without any compromise.

Finally,  the Primary Arms AR-15 Basic Scope Mount proves that size and price don’t always matter to get the function you need as the best budget option in AR scope mounts.

We hope you thoroughly enjoyed our buying guide, and we helped you out in your quest to conquer the MOUNT-ain of the best riflescope mounts!

FINAL TIP: If you’re looking for other sights, you can check out our full review of the best reflex sights under 100 dollars.