Best AR-15 Riser Mounts of 2022 โ€“ Top Picks Reviewed

| Last Updated:
August 21, 2024

If youโ€™re looking for the best AR-15 riser mounts, chances are you may run into some challenges. One of them is choosing one which sticks out from the numerous other riser mounts flooding the market.

To get you started on the right path, weโ€™ve included seven of the best AR-15 riser mounts currently on the market today.

Before we get to the complete list, weโ€™ll talk about what a riser mount is and what itโ€™s used for. Weโ€™ll also talk about how you can find a good one for your own just by distinguishing it from a product that is considered low-quality and crappy.

Comparison of the Best AR-15 Riser Mounts

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Fits almost any flattop AR-15
  • Made from CNC-machine aluminum
  • Mounts to all kinds of Picatinny rails
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  • Hex nuts included for easier installation
  • Works with most flattop AR-15 and M16 rifles.
  • Accepts most Picatinny or Weaver rail optics and scopes
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  • Best AR-15 riser mount for the money
  • Made from high-quality aircraft grade aluminum
  • Fits on most Picatinny rails and allows for maximum customization
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  • Has a quick attach and detach
  • Picatinny rail for easy fitting of red dot sights
  • Made from high-quality aluminum for superior durability
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  • Gives scopes and optics a 2.5-inch boost
  • Made from high-quality, lightweight aluminum
  • Available in a wide variety of slot settings for better customization options
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  • Accepts Picatinny rail scopes and optics
  • Made from high-quality aircraft aluminum
  • Unique design to ensure that the mount is light in weight
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What is a Riser Mount and What is it Used for? 

A riser mount is designed to be added onto the top portion of your AR-15 rifle. The purpose is to provide an extra amount of height for your favorite scope or optic on your rifle.

Youโ€™ll notice that some riser mounts will have rails (like Picatinny or Weaver rails) to accommodate any scope or optic you choose. Itโ€™s important to make sure that what youโ€™re installing is compatible with the type of rail. Some scopes may even be universal (meaning they can be attached to either rail).

Benefits of Investing in a Great Riser Mount

If youโ€™re looking to invest in a riser mount of your own, chances are you are wanting to enjoy some of the advantages and perks of using one. Whether youโ€™re using it for an upgrade or if adding one to a new building project youโ€™re working on, youโ€™ll be able to experience the following benefits:

Better Accuracy

Yes, a scope or optic will definitely sharpen your accuracy. However, there will come a time that it wonโ€™t be so precise in itโ€™s shooting. More specifically, the shot may be a little too low for your liking. A riser mount will bump up the height of your scope to make sure it will keep in line with your target and in turn, make your shots more accurate. Your shot will land exactly where you want it and not just an inch above or below it.

Better Customization

Riser mounts come in handy if youโ€™re looking to give your AR-15 a more customizable approach. As mentioned, most of these riser mounts have Picatinny or Weaver rails. Both rails are best known for allowing you to customize your rifle to your liking.

That also includes the addition or scopes, optics, flashlights, and any other pertinent accessories that might better the performance of your rifle. In this situation, riser mounts only accommodate scopes or optics that are compatible with a certain rail system.

How to Choose an AR-15 Riser Mount

Finding the right AR-15 riser mount does take a bit of time. And yes, it even takes a bit of detective work as well. By that, we mean being able to distinguish a great product from one that is considered crappy and ineffective in quality. As a first-time buyer, you may want to pay close attention to this list so you know exactly what youโ€™ll need to look for. Hereโ€™ are some tips on how to choose a riser mount for your own:

Price

You might be one of the many AR-15 rifle owners looking for accessories on a budget. We wonโ€™t blame you a bit if you do. The price tag will always be of importance when looking for an upgrade.

Other than the affordable price tag, you should always look for secondary qualities like the overall quality of a riser mount. This way, youโ€™ll be able to make the determination of whether or not if itโ€™s the best one you can afford or if itโ€™s another one of the cheap quality riser mounts that tend to crowd the market.

Picatinny or Weaver Rail?

You may be a fan of the Picatinny rail system or more of a Weaver rail kind of shooter. Either way, itโ€™s important to find a rail that best fits your personal needs and preferences. An easier way to make a decision is to take a look at the current scopes and optics you may already have.

For example, if you have a scope that can fit Picatinny rails, the answer is a no-brainer. Likewise, if you have a scope or optic that fits Weaver rails, choose a Weaver rail riser mount that will accommodate it.

Installation

If youโ€™re not an expert gunsmith, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on these riser mounts. In fact, most of them will be drop-in style versions that will be easy to install. These will take minutes of your time and require the right kind of tools.

Review of the Best AR-15 Riser Mounts

Below are seven of the best AR-15 riser mounts currently on the market as of today. While going through the list, you should take note of the features and functions of each product. Youโ€™ll never know which one will check off your list of โ€œthings to look for in a riser mountโ€.

If you think you have a winner on your hands, you should always do more in-depth research to see what others are saying about it before considering buying it. Now, letโ€™s begin by diving into our list by unveiling the โ€œbest overallโ€ product:

Best Overall:
TruGlo Picatinny 1/2 Riser Mount

Pros

  • Easy to Install
  • Super Durable
  • Accepts Almost Any Picatinny-Style Scope or Optic

Cons

  • May Not Accept Any Weaver-Rail Scopes or Optics

First on the docket, weโ€™ll be taking a look at the Picatinny ยฝ Riser Mount from the TruGlo brand. Right off the bat, youโ€™ll notice that is has a Picatinny rail system for the easy attachment of any Picatinny-compatible scopes or optics. The mount is CNC-machined aluminum thatโ€™s tough all over and will serve as an extra layer of protection from the shock produced by recoil.

Sometimes, youโ€™ll have just enough shock to throw off your scopeโ€™s zero to a point where you need to re-sight the scope again and again. With a good riser mount like this, that is a thing of the past. This will not only work on your scope or optic of choice, but if you have a red dot sight, youโ€™ll be able to fit it perfectly without any issues.

If you have a flattop AR-15 rifle, this mount will fit perfectly. Just a few minutes of installation and the right kind of tools, youโ€™ll be in business as long as you take good care of your rifle and all the parts that make it run so smoothly. Once installed, your scope or optic will have a half-inch boost to better align your scope with your target.

If your shotโ€™s a little too low, you can definitely give it a slight boost so itโ€™s more accurate and precise and not a half-inch or more off. If youโ€™re looking for a product considered to be the best of the best, the TruGlo Picatinny ยฝ Riser Mount might be exactly what youโ€™re looking for to give your scope a bit of an extra boost.

Bottom Line

The TruGlo Picatinny ยฝ Riser Mount, in our view, is deserving of the โ€œbest overallโ€ honor. If youโ€™re looking for a decent mount for your flattop AR-15, youโ€™ll be quite pleased that this will fit, no problem.

All you have to do now is put it to good use by finding a scope that will be easy to attach. You may have one laying around or not. Either way, this mount is solid and delivers reliable performance in keeping your scope or optic steady.

Runner-up:
Brownells - AR-15/M16 Flattop Riser

Pros

  • Mounts Easily on Most Rifles
  • Construction is Solid and High-Quality
  • Most Effective With Scopes That Have a 40mm Objective

Cons

  • None

Next, we'll be taking a look at the Brownells AR-15/M16 Flattop Riser. If you're looking for a riser mount that will work with all kinds of AR-15 or M16 flattop rifles, then look no further than this model. This has the 1913-style Picatinny rail you can add onto the scope or optic of choice for better precision and accuracy when it comes to your shots.

Even better, this will accept not only your Picatinny-style scopes and optics, but also those that you'll typically find on Weaver rails. So it's quite versatile in accepting any kind of scope or optic. If you have one laying around, don't hesitate to attach it to your rifle and spend a day at the range. To ensure easy installation, this comes with two hex nuts that will easily fasten the riser directly to your rifle.

This is a CNC-machined unit made from high-quality aluminum. The bottom design is intended to keep the riser light in weight so it doesnโ€™t add on any additional weight to the rifle. Plus, itโ€™s also designed to prevent the riser from โ€œcatchingโ€ on any gear you might be wearing.

If youโ€™re looking for a good, reliable choice that will work with just about any scope or optic, youโ€™ll want the Brownells Flattop Riser.

Bottom Line

The Brownells Flattop Riser is excellent for your flattop rifle if you want a mount that will work with all kinds of scopes and optics. This might be the closest thing you can get to universal at this point. Whether Picatinny or Weaver scope, youโ€™ll be able to add it onto this mount to boost your rifleโ€™s accuracy, no matter the application.

Best for the Money:
Yankee Hill Machine Co. Inc. - AR-15/M16 Mini Riser Assembly

Pros

  • Installs in Less Than a Minute
  • Construction is Sturdy and Very Solid
  • Super Durable. Protects the Scopeโ€™s Zero and Settings From Shock and Recoil

Cons

  • Loosening it Might Be a Bit of a Challenge

Next, weโ€™ll be taking a look at the best AR-15 riser mount for those currently on a budget. Our choice for this is the Yankee Hill Machine Co. AR-15/M16 Mini Riser Assembly. This mount is compact in size and will fit almost any Picatinny rail attached to an AR-15 or M16 rifle.

If youโ€™re looking for a product that is compatible will all types of scopes, optics, and other accessories, you might want to consider adding this mini riser to your rifle. Youโ€™ll be more apt to customize your rifle the way you want it. And that, of course, will be based on your intent and purpose.

If you want to increase accuracy, obviously a good scope or optic will do that. If youโ€™re intending to use it in low-light or night conditions, add on a flashlight so you can navigate with ease and be able to identify your targets. You can do this at a price that is quite affordable for most budgets.

This is constructed from high-quality, aircraft-grade aluminum. So, in plain English, this puppy is quite durable. Itโ€™s the kind of aluminum built to last and impervious to a whole lot of shock, weather, and abuse.

If youโ€™re looking for the best in high-quality at a price thatโ€™s shockingly affordable, youโ€™ve hit the jackpot with the Mini Riser Assembly from Yankee Hill Machine. This is a lightweight unit that wonโ€™t cause your rifle to get a heavier after you install it. Thatโ€™s because the design itself includes a center slot that is milled out.

Bottom Line

This exceeds a whole lot of expectations for a budget riser mount. Itโ€™s just at the right height to give your scopes and optics a boost. Plus, it is compact and low-profile, so it doesnโ€™t take up too much room on your rifle. Yankee Hill Machine had the customizing AR-15 owner in mind when they designed this.

Whether you're on a budget or not, this item is worth the investment if youโ€™re looking to add on something durable which allows for as many customizable options as you wish. If this checks off any boxes on your wish list, you know youโ€™ve got a winner with the Yankee Hill Machine Mini Riser Mount.

Best for Red Dots:
Vortex Optics - AR-15/M16 Razor Red Dot Riser Mount

Pros

  • Accepts All Kinds of Red Dot Sights
  • It Increases Accuracy Considerably
  • Easy to Install and Uninstall. Can Be Done in Seconds

Cons

  • Some Have Reported Losing Their Zero After a Few Hundred Rounds

If you have a red dot sight you want to install on your AR-15 rifle, then weโ€™ve got a riser mount you might enjoy. This is the Vortex Optics AR-15/M16 Razor Red Dot Riser Mount. This is a mount that features a Picatinny-style rail that you can use to add on your favorite red dot sight.

If you have one laying around, donโ€™t let it sit there and collect dust. If youโ€™re looking for something thatโ€™s more of a quick-detach model, youโ€™ll find it with the Vortex Optics riser mount. You can add it on quickly, detach it, and re-install it on other AR-15 style rifles. If youโ€™re looking for that kind of flexibility, then your search ends here.

This will give your red dot sight a little bit of a boost so you can adjust any accuracy issues that you might have. If youโ€™re shooting a little lower than expected, youโ€™ll know itโ€™s time for a riser mount that will work perfectly with all kinds of red dot sights.

Bottom Line

If youโ€™re looking for something that is durable and reliable for your red dot sight, the Vortex Optics mount might be something thatโ€™s right up your alley. The best thing about this is that you can install and uninstall this on an AR-15 rifle with the greatest of ease. You can consider this the closest thing to interchangeable.

Best Quick Detachable Picatinny Riser Mount:
Monstrum Lockdown Series Adjustable Height Picatinny Riser Mount with Quick Release

[amazon fields="B076XQQ8PK" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • Solid and Sturdy Construction
  • Secures Nice and Tight. No Looseness
  • You Can Adjust Your Optics and Scopes to Be High Enough for Your Personal Needs

Cons

  • Might Be a Little Too Tall for Some Shooters
  • Some May Have Issues With the Screws at First. May Need Some Loctite, Just in Case

Next up, weโ€™ll be taking a look at the best quick-detach Picatinny riser mount for an AR-15. We present to you the Monstrum Lockdown Series Adjustable Height Picatinny Riser Mount with Quick Release. This isnโ€™t just your standard Picatinny riser mount.

Not only will you be able to add on any optics or scopes compatible with the rail system itself, but you can add on any Weaver-rail scopes and optics. This will give you 2.5 inches of height so you can line up your scope perfectly with your target for a perfectly accurate shot, every time. This is made from 6061-T6 aluminum that is lightweight but tough as nails.

It will definitely keep your scopeโ€™s zero settings intact and wonโ€™t give up on you in even the heaviest of applications. Best of all, itโ€™s easy to attach and easy to release so you can switch it to almost any AR-15 rifle you choose. If adaptability is more of your speed, this Monstrum riser mount might be something thatโ€™s worth the investment.

This is available in a wide variety of slots: three-slot, five-slot, seven-slot, and 13-slot. Choose one that best fits your needs and preferences so youโ€™re ready to add on as many much accessories as you need. Plus, the performance will be a heck of a lot better than ever.

Bottom Line


If youโ€™re looking for something that will allow you to easily attach and adjust your scope or optic to the settings you want, the Monstrum riser mount might just be your cup of coffee. While it gives you a bit of an extra boost in your optics and scopes, it also has all kinds of slots available if youโ€™re looking to add on more parts or accessories like flashlights.

If you just want to add on a simple scope or optic that is compatible with Picatinny or Weaver rails, then you can choose one that has the fewer slots. Either way, you cannot lose with the Monstrum brand product.

Best From UTG:
Leapers UTG Super Slim Picatinny Riser Mount

Pros

  • Great for Red Dot Optics
  • Affordable for Most Budgets
  • Fits Almost Any Picatinny-Style Scope With the Greatest of Ease

Cons

  • None

Next, weโ€™ll be taking a look at the best AR-15 riser mount from the UTG brand. If youโ€™re a fan of UTG, youโ€™re going to want to pay close attention to this product. If youโ€™re a first-time buyer looking for a brand to rely on, this is your first look opportunity at one of the most reliable brands on the market for AR-15 parts and accessories.

What weโ€™ll be looking at is the Leapers Super Slim Picatinny Riser Mount. At first glance, the design looks pretty unique. That probably explains why the thing is so darn lightweight.

This has a Picatinny rail constructed from aircraft-quality aluminum and designed to stand the test time. It can withstand abuse, shock, and all kinds of damage. If youโ€™re looking for something that might be the last riser mount you buy for a while, the UTG riser mount could be the one youโ€™re looking for.

Itโ€™s so durable that it will guarantee that your scopeโ€™s zero will be held even after hundreds or thousands of rounds. We know how tedious things can get when youโ€™re dealing with a riser mount that doesnโ€™t do its job in protecting the scopeโ€™s zero from recoil shock.

Plus, itโ€™s light in weight, so donโ€™t expect your rifle to feel like a one-ton weight once youโ€™ve finished installing it on your rifle. Once installed, all you have to do is add on a scope or optic of your choice. Plus, it gives you enough room to add on any accessories you wish to tack on, like flashlights.

Bottom Line

The UTG brand riser mount is solid, sturdy, and less of an obstruction for most shooters. Plus, it will give your rail more room in case you need to install more accessories on your rifle. This is a customizerโ€™s dream. Add on a scope or optic, maybe a flashlight and you have the makings of a rugged AR-15 rifle that might just be the envy of the range.

Plus, you can use it in night hunting applications or, when the situation arises, a home defense situation. Either way, the UTG Riser Mount might be exactly what youโ€™re looking for if youโ€™re more of the โ€œAR-15 my wayโ€ kind of shooter.

Best See-Through Riser Mount:
Gizmo Supply AR15 M4 Flat Top 1-Inch Compact Riser Mount

[amazon fields="B00BC1ZVP0" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • Easy to Install
  • Fits All Kinds of Large Objective Scopes
  • Works Perfectly With Most Scopes and Optics

Cons

  • May Get a Little Loose at Times After Repeated Use
  • Some Claim That the Mount is Heavy Despite the Designโ€™s Intent to Keep it Lightweight.

For our final riser mount, weโ€™ll be taking a look at the Gizmo Supply AR-15 Flat Top One-inch Compact Riser Mount. One of the things youโ€™ll notice upon first glance is the design. Its skeleton-style design makes this light in weight and unable to add any significant weight to the rifle itself.

This will bump up the height of your scope or optic by just one-inch and will instantly improve your accuracy. Who knew a little adjustment here or there can turn your AR-15 rifle into a sharpshooter? This will attach to almost any flattop AR-15 rifle, so if you have one, this wonโ€™t give you any issues when you install it.

Once installed, you can add on your scope or optic that youโ€™ve been dying to try out for a long time. Nothing is more exciting than breaking in a new scope so you can use it for years to come.

To ensure the settings stay the same after several hundred rounds, youโ€™ll need a product that will get the job done. The Gizmo Supply Compact Riser Mount might be the one thing youโ€™ll need to get you by for years or even decades to come.

Bottom Line

This scope mount is probably the most minimal in terms of design. If you need just one thing to keep in mind while looking for accessories, a minimalist design will usually equal lightweight. But donโ€™t let it fool you, itโ€™s still crafted with the same high-quality materials that make it tougher than nails.

If you fancy yourself someone who wants a see-through design for their riser mount, the Gizmo Supply could be something thatโ€™s worth the try.

Pros and Cons of AR-15 Riser Mounts

While there are some advantages to having a riser mount installed on your AR-15, it does come with its own disadvantages as well. Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll expect once you install one on your own rifle:

PROS:

  • Better Accuracy

Your shots are a little too low. So accuracy would be suspect if that were the case. A riser mount will give your scope or optic a considerable boost in height so the shots are more accurate and allow you a much better aim.

  • Fits on Most Rail Systems

As youโ€™ve already noticed, a riser mount will always cooperate with rail systems like Picatinny and Weaver rails. This will give way for better customization options for you. Most standalone scopes can easily be installed using a Picatinny or Weaver rail. However, there will come a time when your scope needs a boost. So a standard riser mount will fit on your rail system while it will have a rail of its own for easier attachment of your scope or optic.

  • May Work With Red Dot and Iron Sights

If youโ€™re using red dots and iron sights, a riser mount might just give the red dot enough of a boost so itโ€™s perfectly aligned with the iron sight itself. Thus, it will make accuracy a little better for those who prefer these types of sights.

CONS:

  • May Look a Little Bulky

Some riser mounts, in terms of design, might be a little bulkier than normal. Some designs may also be a bit slimmer. But either way, one disadvantage is that it may not be pleasing in terms of aesthetics. If you care more about your rifleโ€™s looks, then a riser mount may not be what you need.

  • Some May Say it Could be Pointless to Use

Some seasoned AR-15 users think a riser mount may be pointless to own. Therefore, it might be just a waste of your hard-earned money and we understand that. However, if youโ€™re a first-time owner, you might want to consider one as a potential solution if your scope or optic somehow doesnโ€™t line up your shots properly.

Conclusion

If youโ€™re looking for the best AR-15 riser mount, youโ€™ve got a whole lot of choices. No matter your intent or your personal preference, thereโ€™s a mount just for you. Choose one of the seven listed above and find a scope that might complement it.

If you already have a scope, please take the necessary measurements before choosing a mount. To err on the side of making it easier on you, if you have a Picatinny-compatible scope, then a Picatinny rail mount is your best solution (and vice versa if you own a Weaver rail scope or optic).

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