Now that you have your AR 15, the next step would be to improve your accuracy by getting a rifle scope. But, even with a great AR 15 and a superb scope, you also have to choose among the many scope mounts for AR-15 available on the market. Without the proper mounting, even the perfect scope for your well-cared for AR-15 won’t let you shoot successfully.
—>Check Price on Amazon:Scope Mounts for AR 15
The point of the mount is to make the scope remains in place, no matter what happens. The mount should be suitable for your AR-15, and it should also be right for the scope you want to get. And, since scope mounts for AR-15 are the “weak link” in your shooting system, you may want to get a qualified gunsmith to make sure that it’s properly installed.
So let’s take a look at what kind of scope mount you need to get:
Do you plan to use the scope mount on just a single weapon?
If you answer yes here, then a fixed mount is your best option. It will help keep your scope stable and sturdy. With a scope that’s permanently affixed. You also won’t risk damaging your scope when you move the scope from one rifle to next.
With fixed mounts, you have two options:
• Dovetail scope mount. The mounting system of rings and base has a wedge (called the dovetail) on the bottom half of each ring. It inserts into the base and enables the scope to turn 90 degrees. This mount may be a bit too heavy for the AR 15, but there’s a new version called a dual dovetail, which can really stand up to hard recoil.
—>Check Price on Amazon for Dovetail scope mount
• Universal scope mount. This system isn’t as sturdy as the dual dovetail, but you can use it for many different types of firearms.
—>Check Price on Amazon for Universal scope mount
Do you have lots of guns, but don’t want to buy a separate mount for each one?
Then what you need is a detachable mount, and you have three options:
• Weaver style scope mount. The most popular option in this category. It allows the scope to be removed while the mount is still attached to the gun. That means you can always remove the scope anytime you want. You can remove the scope when you’re travelling, when you want to clean it, when you want to use the scope on another gun, or you want to use another scope on your AR 15.
—>Check Price on Amazon for Weaver style scope mount
• Picatinny style scope mount. It’s similar to the Weaver system, but the Picatinny system has wider base slots. You can’t use Picatinny rings on a Weaver base, but you can use Weaver rings on a Picatinny base.
—>Check Price on Amazon for Picatinny style scope mount
• Clamp-on mounts. These are very easy to use. They can even work on a gun that has been pre-drilled for scope mounts. They are also easy to remove without damaging the gun or the scope.
—>Check Price on Amazon for Clamp-on mounts
How high is the scope mount?
Here you want to make sure that it clears the iron sights so you get a clear view of your target. A lot of AR 15s come with fixed A2 front sights despite the fact that most of us put scopes or reflex sights on them. But if the mount is high enough, then the line of sight of the scope won’t be impeded by the front sights.
Does it have enough slots for scope ring adjustments?
A very important feature that you should check before getting your mount.
Does the design allow you to use AR 15’s front sight?
Some scope mounts are designed with a peep sight that allows you to use the front sight as well.
How much does it cost?
While sticking to a budget is important, what’s more important is to remember that with scope mounts, price and quality tend to match. You truly get what you paid for. So it doesn’t make sense to get an expensive scope and then try to get a cheap mount to go with it.