11 Best AR 15 Scope Mounts 2023
The AR-15 is a favorite among gun enthusiasts due to its amazing features. Nevertheless, the results that you get will depend on the type of accessories that you have mounted on your rifle.
When attaching a scope on your AR-15, you should use a high-quality scope mount since this will determine the overall performance of your optics.
A scope mount that is poorly designed may lower your accuracy or damage the riflescope that you are using.
To avoid this, you can go for any of the AR 15 scope mounts that we have listed below. These pieces of equipment will place your scope in the right position, allowing for fast target acquisition.
Additionally, the scope mounts on our review list are recoil-resistant, so your scope will be protected at all times.
11 Best AR 15 Scope Mounts
1. Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever Riflescope Mount

Built from premium quality aluminum, the scope mount from Vortex is not only lightweight but also durable.
All the parts are precision machined to ensure that your AR-15 scope stays in the correct position at all times.
This scope mount looks very simple but it will surprise you with what it can do. First off, it can withstand recoils and rough handling, so you won’t have to worry about it coming loose or falling off when firing your gun.
It has two rings, meaning the front and rear side of the scope will get maximum support. To add to this, this scope mount is exceptionally versatile and can work with most mounting platforms.
With that said, it is compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver rails, thus making it convenient for users.
Moreover, this equipment is very easy to mount, so it won’t waste your time when switching from one rifle to another.
The rings are slightly pushed forward to give users unlimited eye relief. That way, the rifle will be less likely to hurt your dominant eye during kickback.
Also, the rings are well spaced, so users will have easy access to the scope turrets when making adjustments.
The base is sturdily built to prevent breakage, while the surface is covered in a protective coating to keep rust at bay.
This riflescope mount provides you with enough clearance and is compatible with most AR-15 optics, so you won’t be limited when it comes to choosing a scope for your rifle.
Pros
- High quality
- Strongly built
- Reliable
Cons
- Detaching the scope is somewhat challenging
2. American Defense AD-RECON 30 STD Riflescope Optic Mount

Next on our review list is the AD-Recon, a sturdily built scope mount that will provide you with exceptional results.
The materials from which this equipment is made are of superior quality, so you can rest easy knowing that you will get long-lasting service.
Thanks to its straightforward design, you can easily mount this unit onto your AR-15 in a matter of minutes.
Additionally, the mount is easy to adjust, so there will no need of using additional tools during customization.
Furthermore, this scope mount is fitted with a quick-detach lever that will make your work easier. With this feature in place, you can easily unmount this piece from the rail without straining.
Besides, the lever has a locking mechanism, which will ensure the scope mount stays in place after you have made the necessary adjustments.
In terms of durability, you will be happy to know that the lever is titanium-built so it is virtually unbreakable. And the fact that it is fully adjustable means it can be customized to fit most AR-15 rail systems.
Plus, you can configure the scope mount according to your preference. As such, you can lock it towards the rear or front side.
Either way, your scope will stay in the exact position that you want it to. The base has a wide surface area for optimum rail engagement.
As a result, the scope mount won’t shift positions even when multiple rounds are fired simultaneously.
Pros
- Easy to mount
- Anodized to prolong durability
- Lightweight
Cons
- The quick-release lever is a bit stiff at first
3. Nikon P-Series Riflescope Picatinny Mount

If your AR-15 rifle has a flattop Picatinny rail platform, then the Nikon P-Series may just be what you need to get maximum results from your scope.
The manufacturer has combined precision and strength to give you a scope mount that you can rely on in different scenarios.
This unit features a two-piece design and is equally easy to mount. Like most scope mounts on the list, this product is constructed from high-quality aluminum to maximize durability while reducing weight.
As a result, it won’t add extra weight to your rifle, and neither will it weigh you down. The good thing about this equipment is that it allows you to space the scope rings according to the size of your optics.
In addition to this, it is designed with your comfort in mind, so you won’t strain when acquiring targets.
You can position the scope rings in whichever way that you want. However, you need to ensure that both rings are perfectly aligned before attaching your scope.
This scope mount is corrosion resistant, so its quality won’t degrade with time. The other thing that you will like about this scope mount is that it is reversible. This means you can interchange the rings should there be a need to do so.
Pros
- Quality construction
- Easy to work with
- Offers good eye-relief
Cons
- Aligning the scope mount is not as easy compared to most one-piece models
4. MIZUGIWA Cantilever Flat Top Dual Ring Rifle Scope Mount

This is also another dependable option that you can consider mounting on your AR-15 rifle. It will provide you with a perfect fit on most Picatinny and Weaver rails, thus making it an ideal option for all users.
The base is precision milled to increase the surface area for maximum contact when mounting the unit.
This scope mount is both lightweight and tough, so it can be an excellent addition to your rifle.
The aluminum alloy used in the construction is of superior quality, making this scope mount even more reliable.
It can handle recoil very well and is also resistant to corrosion and rust. Besides, the black matte finish protects the base material from destructive agents.
Each ring is fitted with six fasteners for maximum stability. Consequently, the scope won’t detach when the gun is fired.
The bolts at the base are well spaced, so both the front and rear side of the scope mount won’t shift.
Moreover, this scope mount ships with an Allen wrench that will help you fasten the bolts during installation. Since it has a one-piece design, you won’t experience any problem when aligning the rings.
By using this scope mount, your riflescope will always provide you with accurate results when acquiring targets.
Pros
- Durably built
- Quick installation
- User friendly
Cons
- The bolts can easily come loose if they are not fastened properly
5. Aero Precision Ultralight Scope Mount

Aero Precision provides you with a well-built scope mount that you can easily mount on AR-15 rifles.
This equipment has amazing features and is also durable, so you can fully count on it. Additionally, it is compatible with a wide range of scopes and enables users to acquire targets with ease.
The whole unit is made of 6061 T6 aluminum to increase its overall durability. Plus, its surface is anodized to limit rust and corrosion, so you can use this unit in wet conditions without worrying about anything.
That is not all; the front and rear rings are conveniently pushed forward to give the shooter maximum eye relief.
The rings are designed with the safety of your optics in mind, so they won’t cause any damage to the scope body even when fastened to the maximum limit.
To add to this, the scope mount is not as heavy, meaning it won’t change how you handle or use your rifle.
The front ring will ensure that the objective lens is focusing on the target at all times, allowing for precise shot placement.
And because the rings have cross-slot keyways, this equipment can effectively resist recoil when a round is fired, thus protecting the scope from damage.
The mounting system can fit most rail receivers, hence making it even more convenient. If you are after precision and quality, this scope mount may just end your search.
Pros
- Not bulky
- Designed to last
- Heavy-duty design
Cons
- Leveling the scope mount is not easy
6. Modkin Rifle Scope Mount

The high-profile scope mount by Modkin is compatible with virtually all standard size Picatinny and Weaver rails.
When you buy this product, you will get a pair of scope rings that you can easily install on your rifle using the included Allen wrench.
Each ring features a built-in tape, which prevents slippage, so the scope will hold its position throughout the shooting session.
Aside from that, the tapes also safeguard the optics by ensuring the rings don’t scratch the surface of the scope body.
The rail clamps are designed in such a way that they cannot come loose during recoil. Nonetheless, this will only apply if all the bolts are firmly fastened.
These scope rings are recoil-resistant, so you can mount them on your AR-15 rifle knowing that they will deliver quality results.
With this unit, your scope will always hold zero, thereby allowing you to hit the target multiple times without making additional adjustments.
Thanks to its low-profile design, this scope mount won’t make your rifle bulky, thus making it a suitable option for tactical applications.
The rings are fitted with precision machined bolts that will allow you to attach the riflescope within the shortest time possible.
This scope mount is exceptionally lightweight and is, therefore, ideal for professional shooters. To add to its list of features, this unit can accept most scopes on the market.
Pros
- Interchangeable
- Professional-grade
- Well made
Cons
- Getting the perfect alignment can be a bit difficult
7. Burris Riflescope Mount

Coming from a brand that is known for designing premium quality gun accessories, the scope mount from Burris has all the features that you may look for in a product of this type.
This unit is compatible with all flattop platforms and can be mounted with minimal fuss. The rings are uniquely designed, allowing for precise scope placement.
That way, you will be able to make clean shots with each round. You can securely attach this unit to your rifle using the included bolts.
Both the rings and the base are machined from superior quality aluminum for durability purposes.
In addition to this, the components are corrosion-resistant, so you can make use of this scope mount in just about any environment.
Plus, it has a durable finish, which is rustproof. The space between the rings is wide enough, so you’ll be able to adjust the elevation and windage turrets on your scope without taking the whole thing apart.
More to this, the rings have exceptional holding power, meaning the scope won’t slip or come loose when you fire your gun.
This equipment is not only efficient but is also accurate. When mounted correctly, you won’t have to make additional adjustments to the mounting system.
The ring tops are fitted with multiple bolts that will hold the scope in place during and after recoil.
Pros
- Allows for easy switching of optics
- High-quality construction
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Somewhat bulky
8. CCOP USA Cantilever Scope Mount

If you are a tactical shooter or a hunter, this is one of the scope mounts that you can consider using. It comes with twelve Torx fasteners that will help you fasten the scope onto your rifle with ease.
Consequently, the scope will hold zero at all times, thereby increasing your accuracy. Moreover, it features a one-piece design, so you won’t have a hard time during set-up.
As it is with most AR-15 scope mounts, the rear ring is pushed forward to give you unlimited eye-relief when scoping targets.
The base is heavily reinforced to prevent breakage. Also, there are two fasteners that will allow you to mount this unit onto Picatinny rails without causing any damage to your rifle.
Included in the package is a strong Torx driver that will simplify your work when installing the bolts.
The rail clamps feature a keyway design to maximize recoil resistance. This will, in turn, prevent the unit from falling apart when the rifle is fired.
Besides, this equipment can accept all scopes that are designed with 30mm tubes and will allow you to use multiple riflescopes without changing the mount. Since it has a high-profile design it will prevent the scope from touching the rail.
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Forward design
- Abrasion-resistant
Cons
- Not easy to detach
9. Primary Arms Basic Scope Mount

When choosing a scope mount, durability is one of the factors that you should consider, and that is exactly what this product offers.
Made of high-grade aluminum, this equipment is as tough as they come. It can withstand recoil and is equally resistant to rust. Furthermore, the surface is anodized to increase durability.
The rings have a large clearance, so you can easily access the controls on your scope. Apart from that, this scope mount is not heavy and also has a straightforward design for user convenience.
That said, it can assist professional hunters and amateurs. The bolts are accurately threaded and are also hardened to prevent stripping when installing the scope.
When it comes to the scope rings, each is fitted with four bolts that will ensure the scope is perfectly centered, allowing for fast target acquisition.
Also, the walls are thickened, so the rings won’t crack or break when the rifle kicks back. In as much as this scope mount only has one fastener at the base, it will not loosen as you fire your rifle.
The base will provide the rings with optimum support, so the scope won’t move provided that you fasten the bolts tightly.
This unit will greatly boost the performance of your scope, thus enabling you to take every shot with confidence.
Pros
- Good quality
- Sturdy
- Dependable
Cons
- Likely to come loose if the base is not tightly fastened
10. Warne Scope Mount

The scope mount from Warne is designed for performance, thus making it one of the dependable units that you can mount on your rifle.
Besides, this scope mount can withstand even the toughest conditions, meaning you can use it in different environments without it rusting.
To add to this, the surface won’t corrode since it is coated in a protective finish. This scope mount is available in a wide range of colors, so you can choose the option that matches your taste and preference.
But most importantly, it is easy to install and also comes with heavy-duty fasteners that you can rely on.
The front ring is pushed forward to create enough clearance, so you can effortlessly access the turrets when adjusting your scope.
This unit will place your riflescope in an ideal position, thereby enabling you to make accurate shots.
Moreover, the material used in the construction makes it lightweight and durable. It will provide you with a tight fit on all compatible rail platforms, thus preventing the scope from falling when the rifle is in use.
Additionally, it allows the scope to hold zero, thus saving you from making further adjustments when engaging targets.
Pros
- Very strong
- Offers good eye-relief
- Versatile
Cons
- Not compatible with all scopes
11. Ade Advanced Optics PS001C One Piece Rifle Scope Mount

Featuring a three-bolt clamping system, the one-piece scope mount by Ade is also another amazing product that you can consider buying.
This equipment is professionally designed to ensure that users get quality results when using their AR-15 rifles.
The scope mount comes with two Allen wrenches, meaning you won’t have to buy bolt drivers separately.
Also, an installation manual is included in the package to limit unnecessary guesswork when mounting the equipment.
And since both rings are pushed forward, the scope won’t hit your aiming eye when you fire the rifle.
According to the manufacturer, the mounting system will provide you with up to 6,500 lbs. of clamping power.
That means the scope mount will firmly cling onto the rail, thus boosting your accuracy. The bolt holes are recessed, so the fasteners won’t scratch your hands when adjusting the optics.
In addition to this, the tube-bearing surfaces are precision machined to ensure that the clamping force is equally distributed to all parts.
Through this, the scope body will stay intact even when the bolts are tightly fastened. This unit is not only hardened but is also anodized to give users long-lasting service.
Pros
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Durable
- Very efficient
Cons
- Installation may take time
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of scope mounts for AR-15s?
There are different ways in which you can classify scope mounts depending on their design. With that said, you can categorize scope mounts as two-piece or one-piece.
As the names suggest, the former implies that the scope mount is made up of two separate pieces that work in concert while the latter suggests the scope is a single unit.
What is the best scope mount for an AR-15?
This will depend on your needs and the design of your rifle. And that is why we have handpicked several options to increase your chances of finding the right scope mount for your AR-15.
How high should a scope be mounted on an AR-15?
According to gun experts, the centerline of your scope should be placed 1.40 inches above the rail.
One-piece or two-piece, which scope mount is ideal for an AR-15?
Both options will provide you with exceptional results on an AR-15. However, you need to consider the quality of materials used in the construction and the overall design of each scope.
Some users may have a hard time aligning the two-piece models, so ensure that you go for a product that you are comfortable with.
Are all scope mounts compatible with AR-15 rifles?
No. Scope mounts are designed with different mounting systems and also come in a wide range of sizes. As such, it is up to you to check the specifications of your rifle to get the perfect match.
Final Verdict
With the right AR-15 scope mount, you will get the best results from your rifle. Additionally, the scope mounts that we have highlighted above will ensure that your scope is securely mounted, so it won’t detach during recoil.
Since we care about your safety and needs, we have only handpicked high-grade scope mounts, so ensure that you go for a product that is compatible with your rifle.