Best mount?

[sunborder]

I'd just get a basic $50 AR mount. They don't move around. Semi/FAs are intrinsically not high precision rifles. For me, an expensive "tactical" QD mount that costs $400 on an AR is usually not that necessary. Look at the cost of your upper receiver. For folks running things like Les Baer and GAP ARs that are higher end that have a little accuracy, they tend to not play musical chairs with their optics.

Wow...

If the OP isn't planning on running backup sights, and doesn't need/want QD, then your advice is pretty solid, as to what he should buy. The problem is that he specifically mentioned what he wanted.

A solid QD mount, however, does not necessarily cost $400. ADM can be had for $150, and Bobro for $215. Larue is somewhere in between the two. Methinks thou dost exaggerate too much. If he wants/needs QD, then it doesn't have to break the bank to be quality.

Higher-end AR's have "a little accuracy?" I suppose that depends on how you define "a little accuracy". Sub-MOA with match ammo? Probably won't make the benchrest or 1500 yard shooters all that happy, but none of them are going to be mounting a 1-6x scope anyway. Not every shooting application with an optic involves launching 300 grain pills at ridiculous velocities at ridiculous distances. Without a lot more information about the OP's needs, I have a hard time telling him that he is wrong to look for a QD mount. In fact, there are a lot of reasons to have them that don't involve musical chairs, but simply verifying your iron sight zero if you change your load, ammo lot, or other parameters, without having to re-zero the optic. This is particularly important if you are developing several loads at a time for the different sighting systems.

Socalmedix: Do you plan on mounting a heavier/higher power scope at some point down the line, or do you just want better glass to upgrade the PA? If you want a heavier/larger scope (generally necessary for higher mag/optical performance), then you may want to get a dual throw lever mount, even though the 1-6x doesn't really need it. That's more of a judgement call, than anything else, but it beats buying a second mount down the line.

[Socalmedix]

Thanks sunboarder, I will probably be upgrading the glass, not necessarily going up in size, like you pointed out in your post, I'm not looking to shoot my ar 1,500 yards. I am looking for a nice mount which will be able to easily removed for BUIS use without messing with the zero.

Im a fan of the LaRue mounts due to the dual QD levers, looking at the LT-104 currently.

Thanks again for your feedback.

[JMP]

Wow...

Methinks thou dost exaggerate too much.

Wow...this is coming from one of the most dramatic posters.

Higher-end AR's have "a little accuracy?" I suppose that depends on how you define "a little accuracy". Sub-MOA with match ammo? Probably won't make the benchrest or 1500 yard shooters all that happy, but none of them are going to be mounting a 1-6x scope anyway.

I have and use a 1-6x scope. So, yes, I am aware of various applications. I think you might be a mount snob.

[HK Dave]

To the OP...

Really it depends on what accuracy your rifle is capable of and to what distances you are shooting to and the size of your targets.

GDI is for the precision rifles group... their mounts easily have the largest bearing surface and are proven to come closest back to original zero.... but if your rifle is not capable of super tight groups, or groups just don't matter to you, then don't buy it... the price is just stupid.

From my own personal testing... between Bobro, Larue and ADM, Bobro has always come back to zero for me... and the fact that it self adjusts is simply awesome.

Larue will probably come back to zero within 1 moa and thats plenty for folks not trying to hit tiny targets far far away.

I feel ADM is about the same with return to zero as the Larue... the difference is, it doesn't mar your pic rail.

For me, as long as Bobro exists, I see no reason to buy Larue or ADM... simply because I've always found it to come back to zero better than the other two.

I stopped buying GDI because I prefer non QD mounts or rings on my precision setups... or Bobro gets me close enough.

Bobro Return to Zero Test

ADM Return to Zero Test

[sunborder]

Im a fan of the LaRue mounts due to the dual QD levers, looking at the LT-104 currently.

That is a respected setup. It's not to my taste, but it works. For a few bucks less, you can get the ADM, which, as HK Dave mentions, will grind up your rails less. For about a 60% premium over the ADM you can get Bobro. Both options also have dual levers.

At the end of the day, though, unless you are really picky, you're going to be pretty happy with any of those three.

I have and use a 1-6x scope. So, yes, I am aware of various applications. I think you might be a mount snob.

I like inexpensive non-QD mounts just fine. I just consider the application before I make a choice. If you aren't using irons at all (eliminating pests like P-dogs, or benchrest target shooting, where your life doesn't depend on the rifle, and there is no real penalty for a problem with your optic--think 3-gun) then they are a fine choice, and I own a couple of them. The point I was making is that the OP specified that he wanted them, without discussing the reason, so it doesn't make much sense to start criticizing that decision or pointing him away from QD without more info. Now we have that info, and it sounds like he does need QD for his application.

Also, do you use that 1-6x for benchrest? If not, the point stands. You aren't using that optic on your artillery pieces.

[HK Dave]

That is a respected setup. It's not to my taste, but it works. For a few bucks less, you can get the ADM, which, as HK Dave mentions, will grind up your rails less. For about a 60% premium over the ADM you can get Bobro. Both options also have dual levers.

At the end of the day, though, unless you are really picky, you're going to be pretty happy with any of those three.



I like inexpensive non-QD mounts just fine. I just consider the application before I make a choice. If you aren't using irons at all (eliminating pests like P-dogs, or benchrest target shooting, where your life doesn't depend on the rifle, and there is no real penalty for a problem with your optic--think 3-gun) then they are a fine choice, and I own a couple of them. The point I was making is that the OP specified that he wanted them, without discussing the reason, so it doesn't make much sense to start criticizing that decision or pointing him away from QD without more info. Now we have that info, and it sounds like he does need QD for his application.

Also, do you use that 1-6x for benchrest? If not, the point stands. You aren't using that optic on your artillery pieces.

Pretty much this... i'm guessing you aren't using a 1-6x to shoot tiny little groups and my guess is that you're not running match ammo nor a match barrel... so it's all a moot point...

Just get the cheaper of the bunch and be happy... it will serve you well.

[WartHog]

Another highly-rated mount, although not QD, is the Leupold Mark 2 IMS 30mm Integral Mounting System. It's one-piece, US made, and although relatively low-cost, compares well to mounts costing 2-3 times more $.

You can get it for as little as $70 shipped free after entering code PRESEASON14 at checkout with the seller linked below.

http://www.webyshops.com/brand/Leupold-Mounting-Systems-brand/LEUPOLD-Mark-2-IMS-30mm-Integral-Mounting-System-Matte-110291_2.html

[SuperSet]

I don't get the fascination with QD levers, unless you're frequently swapping optics.
In non QD, I prefer the Aero Precision Extended mounts. Less than <$100 and super light (<3.3 oz). It makes a big difference with how the gun handles.

[WartHog]

Had never heard of AP - looks like they make a quality, lightweight mount that seems highly regarded from the reviews I found. Friggin half the weight of the Leupold Mk 2 I bought.

[thenotoriousmo]

seeing as this setup you have is a temporary setup and WANT to reuse this mount for a future optic, the adm may be the best choice I think. with the adm you can change ring size without buying a whole new mount, just a new ring set (larue too maybe?). And with everything going to 34mm it seems this may be the best option for you as this scope is a 30mm.

but you pretty much did say this is a temporary setup and money is not a concern, this is a very cheap setup for someone who can say that. so just stay cheap with the mount. Not bashing PA at all as the make a great product in their price point, but seeing as we are in this price point, spending 200+ bucks on a mount for a scope that costs that much makes no sense to me. A 50 dollar burris mount will be just fine. Then when you get the optic you want, you can get the mount that works with it. Not working around with the mount you have.

[Socalmedix]

seeing as this setup you have is a temporary setup and WANT to reuse this mount for a future optic, the adm may be the best choice I think. with the adm you can change ring size without buying a whole new mount, just a new ring set (larue too maybe?). And with everything going to 34mm it seems this may be the best option for you as this scope is a 30mm.

but you pretty much did say this is a temporary setup and money is not a concern, this is a very cheap setup for someone who can say that. so just stay cheap with the mount. Not bashing PA at all as the make a great product in their price point, but seeing as we are in this price point, spending 200+ bucks on a mount for a scope that costs that much makes no sense to me. A 50 dollar burris mount will be just fine. Then when you get the optic you want, you can get the mount that works with it. Not working around with the mount you have.

Thats a good point, I'm looking heavily into the BoBro and PEPR now, thanks for the advise guys!!

[sunborder]

I don't get the fascination with QD levers, unless you're frequently swapping optics.

Did you miss the part about the OP wanting to shoot the iron sights too?

A lot of folks only have 1 or 2 rifles to practice and train on. They may want to train with both optics and irons. QD lets you do this without having to have a dedicated rifle. Sometimes it's not just 1 purpose that people have for their 1 rifle. The modularity of the pic rails and QD can make 1 rifle serve many purposes. It's not as ideal as having dedicated rifles, but it's a decent option. It also is quite helpful if you are working up loads for your own ammunition, testing powder charges, seating depth, crimp, etc... If you want to test new loads with irons, then you have to re-zero the optic at the range when you are done, regardless of whether or not you like the results of your testing. With the QD, if your test loads give crap results, you simply slap the optic back on and go back to your old load recipe until you find something you like better.

seeing as this setup you have is a temporary setup and WANT to reuse this mount for a future optic, the adm may be the best choice I think. with the adm you can change ring size without buying a whole new mount, just a new ring set (larue too maybe?). And with everything going to 34mm it seems this may be the best option for you as this scope is a 30mm.

but you pretty much did say this is a temporary setup and money is not a concern, this is a very cheap setup for someone who can say that. so just stay cheap with the mount. Not bashing PA at all as the make a great product in their price point, but seeing as we are in this price point, spending 200+ bucks on a mount for a scope that costs that much makes no sense to me. A 50 dollar burris mount will be just fine. Then when you get the optic you want, you can get the mount that works with it. Not working around with the mount you have.

Burris is not QD. It's hard to find a quality QD for less than ADM. Primary Arms sells the QD mount for $149, don't know where you are getting the $200+ from.

For the mount, if you know you are going to upgrade the glass, there is no reason not to buy the one you want in the end, if you can afford it. The difference in price between fixed mounts ($50 or so) and ADM ($149) is minor compared to the difference in price of the scopes ($269 vs $800+ or thereabouts). The money spent on the mount won't be wasted, it's just that the value will not be fully realized until later. It's the smart money move. If you buy a mount you know you will throw away or sell at a loss (and hassle), that's not really a saving in the long run. I know it offends some people's sensibilities to buy a mount that is a sizeable percentage of the cost of the glass. But the mount to glass cost ratio will be much smaller after the upgrade.

[JMP]

Burris is not QD. It's hard to find a quality QD for less than ADM. Primary Arms sells the QD mount for $149.

I do not know where you get your information, but you should expand your horizon.

http://swfa.com/Burris-AR-PEPR-QD-30mm-Scope-Mount-P48180.aspx

95 bucks, and it'll do just fine.

[SloChicken]

I do not know where you get your information, but you should expand your horizon.

http://swfa.com/Burris-AR-PEPR-QD-30mm-Scope-Mount-P48180.aspx

95 bucks, and it'll do just fine.

Well, it is $95, but don't expect it to return to zero for squat. I own 2 of them, the QD is nice if you have a failure in the field and need to remove it to use Irons. But it will not return to zero for me and I always push my mounts farthest forward in the rail channel each time - still too much slop in the Burris to be a repeatable dismount-remount scope setup.
I also have ADM and Bobro. Bobro has the best mount system but ADM are quite good.
LaRue, like ARMS mounts will scar your rail with each use.

The Aero mounts look nice, but a little frail in the effort to be light.
There is nothing wrong with a set of quality rings btw.

[thenotoriousmo]

The 200 number I was getting was me thinking of the "best" qd mounts. The ones that come to mind are bobro, gdi, larue and adm. With the adm is the cheapest of the bunch (price, not quality) at 180ish for their cantilever mount it will probably get to close to 200 with shipping.

As for the qd... If this is a range rifle, well let's be real. it take a whole minute to remove a non qd mount/rings. this can easily be done during a cease fire with time to spare. If someone wants to be extra anal on their group size and return to zero, bring a torque screwdriver to the range and it will return to zero just as good as any qd mount will. qd is nice, but not needed unless you are changing optics multiple times a day every time you go out. now that is my opinion and others will differ which is fine.

the main reason I say don't waste the money on a mount with that scope is because you are right about it being a hassle selling a mount you no longer need. hell I'm trying to sell one right (weirdly enough is because I'm trying to get away from qd mounts). all my point is that the trend for optics seems to be moving to a 34mm main tube right now, and if the op decides to upgrade to a scope with this diameter, this new mount will be pointless (unless it is the adm which had the ability to change tube diameters). so why limit your choices for an optic based on a mount size you have.

now if the op has an extra 30mm optic that has a mount that could use it in case this one no longer can be used for a new setup, then I say go for the one that gets you everything you want. i could justify that to myself. And even if there isn't one that can use if and he wants if well I say go for it, it never hurts to have quality parts on your rig. Just because I wouldn't do it doesn't mean is a wrong choice.