At a Glance: The Best AR-15 Riser Mounts For The Money
- OUR TOP PICK: UTG Super Slim 3 Slots Picatinny Riser Mount
- 13 Slot UTG Super Slim Picatinny 1″ Riser Mount
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: UTG 3 Slot Med-Pro Compact 0.83″ Riser Mount
Comparison of The Best Ar-15 Riser Mounts For The Money
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick
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UTG Super Slim 3 Slots Picatinny Riser Mount |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
|
13 Slot UTG Super Slim Picatinny 1″ Riser Mount |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
|
UTG 3 Slot Med-Pro Compact 0.83″ Riser Mount |
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View Latest Price |
AR-15s are some of the most versatile rifles you can buy and customize. Many of us love to add red dot optics and specialty scopes to our AR-15’s to boost our accuracy and tailor our rifles for specific uses, like tactical training or hunting tools. Let’s look at the Best AR-15 Riser Mounts!
However, some AR-15s come with poorly positioned fixed front sights that get in the way of mounted optics. Other AR Rifles have unique rail systems or frames that make positioning your optic trickier than normal.
The solution to either case is usually an AR-15 riser mount: an attachment that allows you to boost an optic’s sitting height or scope on your rifle. While these attachments can be useful, it’s tough to find AR-15 riser mounts worth your time.
Fortunately, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Let’s break down the 8 best AR-15 riser mounts for the money now.
Our Guide To The Top 8 Ar15 Riser Mounts You Can Get Today
AR-15 riser mounts are everywhere, and it can be tricky to separate the best picks from the lackluster options. Fortunately, we did a lot of research to ensure that the below 8 riser mounts are worth your time and money. Just be sure to read through each carefully to ensure that the mount you pick will fit your AR-15 rifle.
UTG Super Slim 3 Slots Picatinny Riser Mount
The UTG Slim riser mount for AR-15s has it all: a Picatinny base, three slots for easy mounting of an optic or scope, and a precision-machined body.
Specifically, the body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which grants it exceptional durability without making the riser mount too heavy for comfort or so heavy that it’ll throw your balance off.
Even better, the riser mount is made with a black anodized finish. The matte black finish will both ensure that it doesn’t flash and glare in the sun, which can give away your position, but it’ll also reduce the likelihood of corrosive damage. Thus, it’s a perfect choice for use with an AR-15 that you frequently use in inclement weather (for instance, as a hunting rifle).
But we also really like the well-designed, scalloped Picatinny slots. This allows you to quickly and easily mount any accessory you choose with a minimum of fuss. It even includes a wrench for making adjustments. While the default riser mount size is 0.5 inches, you can also get it in 0.75 inches or 0.83 inches depending on your needs and preferences.
All in all, there’s a lot to like and almost nothing to dislike. The one minor downside is that some users have found the items shipped to be defective, so you might get a dud by accident and have to contact the manufacturer.
Pros
- Made with lightweight but durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Has a matte black anodized finish to prevent sun glare and corrosive damage
- Has distinctive slots for easy mounting of optics or scopes
- Very easy to mount on to your AR-15
- Comes in multiple sizes for different users’ needs
Cons
- Some of the riser mounts are reportedly shipped defective
13 Slot UTG Super Slim Picatinny 1″ Riser Mount
This riser mount is a little more expensive than the last, but it’s also slightly higher by default at 1″ even. Like the previous UTG offering, this AR-15 Picatinny riser mount comes constructed with precision CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum and a matte black anodized coat on top. Again, this imbues the riser mount with the same lightweight but durable and corrosion-resistant qualities.
It also comes with scalloped Picatinny slots so you can quickly and easily mount most optics and scopes on to your AR-15 rifle without too much finagling. This longer UTG riser mount will allow you to install multiple accessories at once or install multiple riser mounts depending on your unique build and goals.
It’s an AR-15 riser mount designed for those enthusiasts who like to continually tinker with their rifles and build unique guns that you can’t find in shops. The only “downside” is that once secured, it takes quite a bit of effort to remove the riser mount from your Picatinny rail. So be sure that you place it perfectly the first time to save yourself some time.
Pros
- Made with aircraft-grade and precision machined aluminum
- Has a matte black anodized coating to reduce corrosive damage
- Made to fit long AR-15 rifles and can fit alongside multiple accessories or attachments
- Has enough room for multiple scopes and optics
- Very easy to initially install
Cons
- Very difficult to adjust the position of the riser mount after initially placed since it’s so tight
UTG 3 Slot Med-Pro Compact 0.83″ Riser Mount
UTG makes our list once again with this affordable AR-15 riser mount. What’s most interesting about this accessory initially is its compatibility with both Weaver and Picatinny rails. This means you can use it on most modern AR-15 platforms today without having to worry about compatibility.
That being said, the top of the riser mount is Picatinny style and comes with three slots. That means you should only combine it with optics or scopes that are set to work with Picatinny rails, anyway. Still, there’s a lot to like here, including a slight plate function you can use to quickly and easily install the riser mount on your AR-15.
Made with aircraft-grade aluminum and anodized with a matte black coating to reduce corrosive damage and minimize the possibility of sun glare.
One last thing – the riser mount has a “see-through” design that includes a tube or tunnel through the center of the mount’s apparatus. This can let you use fixed iron sights in conjunction with your red dot optic or scope at the same time to some degree. It’s versatile and affordable – what’s not to like?
Pros
- Very affordable compared to other riser mounts
- Has a see-through tunnel to let you use fixed sights in conjunction with mounted optics
- Very easy to install thanks to the side plate that uses spring tension
- Can fit on both Weaver and Picatinny AR-15 rifle rails
- Made with aircraft-grade aluminum and a matte black anodized finish
Cons
- Though the bottom is versatile, the top is still limited to Picatinny optics and scopes
UTG 3-slot Slim Picatinny Short 0.5″ Riser Mount
Here’s another exceedingly cheap but effective UTG AR-15 riser mount. Unlike the last, it doesn’t have quite the same see-through capability, meaning you’ll have to choose between using your fixed sights for your mounted optic (most will go with the latter). Even with this minor downside, this riser mount is super affordable and made with the same attention to detail and durability as the other UTG picks on this list.
For instance, this riser mount is made with aircraft-grade aluminum and features a matte black, anodized finish to reduce the likelihood of corrosive damage. It uses the same spring-loaded side plate that allows very quick installation and adjustment if necessary.
It’s set to 0.5 inches by default and comes with 3 Picatinny slots. It can also work for Weaver rails upon initial installation. Still, once more, only Picatinny optics or scopes will be a good fit here. All in all, it’s best to think of this particular riser mount and the last as essentially the same, though the first is sized for 0.5 inches of height and this one is sized for 0.3 inches.
Pros
- Made with durable but lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum and a matte black finish
- Works for Weaver and Picatinny rails
- Very easy to install and adjust thanks to the spring switch on the side
- Very affordable, even compared to other AR-15 riser mounts
- Can be swapped with the last depending on your height needs rapidly
Cons
- The “see-through” tunnel here barely qualifies as such since this riser mount is so much lower than the last
Monstrum UTG High Profile Picatinny Riser Mount
UTG isn’t the only good AR-15 riser mount manufacturer! Monstrum also has good pieces to consider, starting with this 1-inch riser mount that’s perfect for optimal sight clearance for larger scopes and optics over tall fixed iron sights.
At 5.7 inches in length, this High Profile Picatinny Riser Mountan is an excellent riser mount for most AR-15 weapon platforms. This mount can accommodate both Weaver and Picatinny scopes, red dot, and optics. This makes it one of the most versatile riser mounts as the others so far have been limited to Picatinny attachments. A very stable scope mount.
It only weighs 6 ounces despite its larger than average size since it’s made with aircraft-grade aluminum. Even better, it comes with a see-through tube you can use to make use of your fixed iron sights at the same time as your chosen scope. Versatility is often the name of the game for tactical engagements, so we like to see riser mount incorporating this.
It’s also relatively easy to install and adjust thanks to the heat-treated locking nut that comes built into the mount’s side. It’s secure enough that even heavy recoil shouldn’t result in your mounted optic shifting about. The only minor flaw is that the anodized finish isn’t as notable or high-quality here as it is with many other choices.
Pros
- Has a hollow tube to let you use your fixed sights and mounted optics at the same time
- Works with both Weaver and Picatinny optics and scopes
- Only weighs 6 ounces and is made with lightweight but durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Has a heat-treated locking nut for securing the mount to your AR-15
- Has good height for many larger scopes and optics
Cons
- The anodized black finish isn’t quite as high quality, so corrosive damage is more of a concern.
3-slot Slim Picatinny Short Riser Mount 1″
Here we have another high-quality short Riser Mount that also features a hollow see-through design, enabling you to use any mounted optic in conjunction with fixed iron sight on your AR-15 rifle. As with many top-tier UTG pieces, this pick is pretty easy to mount since the screws only need to be slightly loosened before it should snap over any typical Picatinny rail.
At 1 inch of height, it’s a good choice for short but relatively fixed scopes and thicker red dot optics. The continuous rail edge design will let you mount multiple of these riser mounts one after the other in conjunction. The scalloped slots do a good job of ensuring that mounting your accessories on the riser mount should be quick and painless.
While you won’t adjust its position without using a tool and a little elbow grease, it is a good pick if you want to combine a riser mount with your fixed iron sights. It’s a versatile and well-designed riser mount that follows many of the same construction and durability standards seen so far.
Pros
- Made with a matte black anodized coating that provides great durability and longevity
- Made with aircraft-grade aluminum to keep the weight down despite its size
- Has a hollow see-through design so you can use your optics and fixed iron sights at the same time
- Made to mount pretty quickly and easily
- Can be used with multiple riser mounts for added versatility
Cons
- Taking the mount off requires the use of a small hex wrench and some elbow grease
Fyland Picatinny Riser Mount – For Scopes and Optics
This AR-15 riser mount from Fyland is also sized for 1 inch of clearance, though it’s a lot shorter, slimmer and better suited for red dot or other tactical optics instead of heavy scopes. Regardless, it’s designed to fit any standard Picatinny rail, so it should go well with most typical AR-15 platforms.
This riser mount features a continuous rail design that should allow you to install multiple of these (admittedly affordable) units one after the other. In this way, you can combine multiple of these short riser mounts with small optics to give your AR-15 lots of versatility and tactical use.
Installing the riser mount is quick and easy, as all you have to do is loosen the screws, snap them out over your Picatinny rail, then screw them back into place once again. The mount uses scalloped slots so your accessory mounting is similarly snappy and fast. The only downside is that mounting and unmounting it requires the use of tools instead of a switch
Pros
- Very lightweight and easy to install initially, though modifications take more time than mounts with a switch
- Has a continuous rail edge design so you can use multiple of the mount at once
- Has a see-through, hollow design for fixed and mounted optic use in combination
- Very snappy accessory mounting thanks to the scalloped slot design
- Fairly affordable compared to other riser mounts
Cons
- Have to use the included tool to mount and shift the mount around
Monstrum Low Profile Picatinny Riser Mount
This last AR-15 riser mount is a particularly low-profile piece, meaning it’s better designed for red dot optics as opposed to thicker and long-range scopes. It’s sized for 0.5 inches of height and it’s 1.5 inches long, affording it good versatility in terms of the optics you can combine with it. Although it technically has a see-through model, this is so small in practice that you won’t really be able to use your fixed iron sights with your mounted optic here.
Still, it’s a solid piece of equipment that can work with both Weaver and Picatinny red dots and optics. This is a good pick for AR-15 owners who have multiple optics of both system types, so you don’t have to pick between one or the other.
It also only weighs 1.2 ounces since it’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum. This keeps the riser’s weight mount down and means it shouldn’t unduly influence the balance or feel of your AR-15 rifle. We’d recommend it as a particularly cheap and easy to install riser mount for lower red dot optics.
Pros
- Works with both Weaver and Picatinny attachments
- Made with lightweight but durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Has a quick mount and adjust switch so you can fiddle with it as necessary
- Very easy to install as a result of the above switch
- One of the most affordable AR-15 riser mounts
Cons
- The hollow tube in the middle isn’t large enough to really be used with your iron sights.
Introduction: Looking for the best AR-15 riser mounts for your money?
There are so many different options to choose from, so it can be overwhelming to make a decision. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve put together a list of some of the best AR-15 riser mounts available.
- UTG Super Slim 3 Slots Picatinny Riser Mount The UTG Super Slim 3 Slots Picatinny Riser Mount offers excellent benefits like scalloped Picatinny slots, a black anodized finish, and multiple different sizes to choose from. It’s made of aircraft aluminum and precision CNC machined, which ensures its durability and high quality. This mount has a slim design, which makes it a perfect low-profile mount. It’s also very easy to install, so you won’t have any trouble getting it set up.
- Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight If you’re looking for a red dot sight, then the Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight is a great option. It has a rugged construction that can withstand harsh conditions, and it’s equipped with a 2 MOA dot reticle that can be used for both short and long-range shooting. The sight is also parallax-free, which means you can easily shoot with both eyes open. It’s a very popular choice for serious shooters and tactical rifles, and it’s available today.
- Primary Arms 2 MOA Advanced Micro Red Dot (MD-ADS) Another option to consider is the Primary Arms 2 MOA Advanced Micro Red Dot (MD-ADS). This compact optic has a matte black finish and a top rail for attaching additional accessories. It’s a great choice for AR-15 setups because of its lightweight and compact size. It has a 50,000-hour battery life and is equipped with a quick-release mount that makes it easy to install. The MD-ADS is also backed by a 3-year warranty and has a very affordable price point.
- Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier If you’re looking for a magnifier combo, the Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier is worth checking out. It’s designed to work with Vortex’s red dot sights, and it can magnify up to 3x. The VMX-3T is constructed of a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum and has a matte black finish. It’s also equipped with a quick-detach mount that allows you to easily attach and detach it from your rifle. This is a great option for those who need a magnifier for their red dot sight, as it is reliable and easy to use.
- Leupold Mark 2 IMS The Leupold Mark 2 IMS is another popular choice for those in need of an AR-15 riser mount. This mount is a cantilever mount that provides the right height and forward positioning for your scope. It’s designed for flat top rifles and has a durable and lightweight construction. The Mark 2 IMS is also equipped with a Picatinny mount, which allows for easy installation and a secure hold. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality mount that can withstand heavy use.
- Midwest Industries Quick Detach Scope Mount Last but not least, the Midwest Industries Quick Detach Scope Mount is a great option for those who need to quickly switch out their optics. This mount has a snag-free design and a low profile that’s perfect for tactical use. It’s made of high-quality materials and has a matte black finish that looks great on any AR-
Consider Key Factors
When choosing the best AR-15 riser mount for your rifle, it’s important to keep in mind key factors such as the mount height, rail space, and type of rail. Mount height determines the height of your optic or scope, which affects how you place your head and eye to look through them. Rail space and type of rail can determine the compatibility of the mount with your rifle. For example, most AR-15s use Picatinny rails, which have larger slots and more space between slot centers than Weaver mounts. It’s important to choose a mount that matches your rifle’s rail system for the best fit and performance.
High-Quality Mounts
Fortunately, there are high-quality AR-15 riser mounts available today at a variety of price ranges, from affordable options to high-end mounts designed for serious shooters. The UTG Super Slim 3 Slots Picatinny Riser Mount is a great option, with its scalloped Picatinny slots, black anodized finish, and multiple sizes to choose from. Made of aircraft aluminum and precision CNC machined, it’s durable and high quality. Its slim design makes it a perfect low-profile mount, and it’s easy to install.
Red Dot Sights
When it comes to red dot sights, the Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight is a great option. Its rugged construction can withstand harsh conditions, and it’s equipped with a 2 MOA dot reticle that can be used for both short and long-range shooting. The sight is also parallax-free, which means you can easily shoot with both eyes open. It’s a very popular choice for serious shooters and tactical rifles, and it’s available today.
Magnifier Combo
If you’re looking for a magnifier combo, the Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier is worth checking out. It’s designed to work with Vortex’s red dot sights and can magnify up to 3x. The VMX-3T is constructed of a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum and has a matte black finish. It’s also equipped with a quick-detach mount that allows you to easily attach and detach it from your rifle. This is a great option for those who need a magnifier for their red dot sight, as it is reliable and easy to use.
Affordable Price
The Primary Arms 2 MOA Advanced Micro Red Dot (MD-ADS) is another option to consider. This compact optic has a matte black finish and a top rail for attaching additional accessories. It’s a great choice for AR-15 setups because of its lightweight and compact size. It has a 50,000-hour battery life and is equipped with a quick-release mount that makes it easy to install. The MD-ADS is also backed by a 3-year warranty and has an affordable price point.
Cantilever Mount
The Leupold Mark 2 IMS is a cantilever mount that provides the right height and forward positioning for your scope. It’s designed for flat top rifles and has a durable and lightweight construction. The Mark 2 IMS is also equipped with a Picatinny mount, which allows for easy installation and a secure hold. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality mount that can withstand heavy use.
Quick Detach Scope Mount
The Midwest Industries Quick Detach Scope Mount is a great option for those who need to quickly switch out their optics. This mount has a snag-free design and a low profile that’s perfect for tactical use. It’s important to consider the personal preferences of the shooter when choosing the best AR-15 riser mount for their rifle. Some prefer a low-profile mount, while others may want something that is quick to install and remove. There are many types of riser mounts to choose from, and they come in a variety of price ranges. The most important thing to keep in mind is to choose a mount that fits your needs and budget.
Snagging Issue
One potential issue with some riser mounts is the snagging issue. When mounted too high, your rifle may catch on obstacles when moving through tight spaces. To avoid this, many shooters look for a sweet spot that provides the right combination of height and clearance. When choosing a riser mount, it’s important to consider the height of your iron sights and front sight, as well as the type of rifle scope or red dot sight that you’re using.
Mount Height, Rail Space, and Type of Rail
When choosing the best AR-15 riser mount for your rifle, it’s important to keep in mind the mount height, rail space, and type of rail. Mount height determines the height of your optic or scope, which affects how you place your head and eye to look through them. If you have a high mount, it may be uncomfortable to use and can affect your accuracy. On the other hand, a low mount may make it difficult to acquire your target. Rail space and type of rail can determine the compatibility of the mount with your rifle. For example, most AR-15s use Picatinny rails, which have larger slots and more space between slot centers than Weaver mounts. It’s important to choose a mount that matches your rifle’s rail system for the best fit and performance.
Saddle Height
Saddle height is another important factor to consider when choosing an AR-15 riser mount. This is the distance between the top of the rail and the bottom of the scope or red dot sight. The saddle height you choose will depend on the type of optic you’re using and the height of your iron sights or front sight. You want to choose a saddle height that allows for comfortable use and proper sight picture.
Backup Sights
When using a riser mount, it’s important to also consider backup sights. Backup sights allow you to use your iron sights in case your primary optic fails or is damaged. This can be especially important in tactical or hunting situations where you need to be able to quickly switch between optics and iron sights.
Customer Service and Warranty
When shopping for a riser mount, be sure to consider the manufacturer’s customer service and warranty. Look for companies that provide an email address or phone number for customer support, and be sure to choose a company that stands behind its products with a solid warranty. If you have any questions or concerns about your riser mount, it’s important to have a reliable and responsive customer service team that can help you.
Choosing the Right AR-15 Riser Mount for Your Rifle Scope or Red Dot Sight
When it comes to selecting an AR-15 riser mount, there are several factors to keep in mind. The type of rifle scope or red dot sight you’re using is one of the most important considerations. Depending on the saddle height of your optic, you may need a riser mount that provides a higher or lower mount height to maintain the correct sight picture.
Selecting the Right Optic:
One of the most popular options for AR-15 rifles are holographic sights. These sights use a laser to project a reticle onto a holographic film, which creates a clear and precise sight picture. Additionally, many holographic sights have a hollow body, which allows for a low-profile mount that won’t snag on obstacles.
If you’re using a rifle scope, you’ll want to consider a Picatinny rail riser mount. This type of mount is compatible with most rifle scopes and offers a secure and reliable attachment. The same is true for Picatinny optics as well. One example of a high-quality mount that works well with rifle scopes is the UTG Super Slim Picatinny Riser Mount.
Choosing the Right Mount:
For those looking for a riser mount that is specifically designed for red dot optics, consider a red dot riser mount. These mounts are designed to provide the correct height and clearance for red dot sights, and they often feature a quick detach mount or a compact design that makes it easy to attach and detach the mount from your rifle. The PCS Slim Picatinny Riser Mount is an excellent example of a red dot riser mount that is both affordable and durable.
When it comes to selecting the right mount, personal preference is also an important consideration. Some shooters prefer quick-release mounts, which make it easy to install and remove the mount. Others prefer a more secure mount, such as a single-piece mount. Additionally, the type of rail on your AR-15 platform will dictate whether you need a Picatinny rail riser or a Weaver rail riser.
Another factor to consider when selecting an AR-15 riser mount is the overall setup of your rifle. The easiest way to determine the correct height for your mount is to consult the manufacturer’s specifications, which will provide a recommended saddle height to ensure optimal target acquisition and eye relief. Additionally, quick-release mounts and quick-detach mounts are a great choice for those who frequently switch out optics or need to quickly remove the mount from their rifle.
Selecting the Right Height:
One of the most important considerations when selecting a riser mount is the correct height. A mount that is too high or too low can affect your sight picture and make it difficult to acquire targets. When selecting the correct height, it’s important to keep in mind your rifle’s cheek weld and the amount of adjustment needed to achieve a proper sight picture.
Another factor to consider is the type of rifle platform you’re using. The AR-15 platform, for example, is designed with a Picatinny rail, which is compatible with a wide range of Picatinny rail risers and mounts. Additionally, a matte finish can help reduce glare and provide a low profile that won’t snag on obstacles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing the best AR-15 riser mount for your rifle, there are many factors to consider, including mount height, rail space, and type of rail. You should also consider the personal preferences of the shooter, the height of your iron sights or front sight, and the type of optic you’re using. With so many different options available, it’s important to choose a high-quality riser mount that fits your needs and budget. Don’t forget to also consider customer service and warranty when making your decision. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect AR-15 riser mount for your rifle and take your shooting to the next level.
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