If youโre 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, weโve included seven of the best AR-15 riser mounts currently on the market today.
Before we get to the complete list, weโll talk about what a riser mount is and what itโs used for. Weโll 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.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR15 Riser Mounts
- OUR TOP PICK: TruGlo Picatinny 1/2 Riser Mount
- RUNNER-UP: Brownells - AR-15/M16 Flattop Riser
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Yankee Hill Machine Co., Inc. - AR-15/M16 Mini Riser Assembly
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Riser Mounts
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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.
Youโll notice that some riser mounts will have rails (like Picatinny or Weaver rails) to accommodate any scope or optic you choose. Itโs important to make sure that what youโre 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 youโre 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 youโre using it for an upgrade or if adding one to a new building project youโre working on, youโll 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 wonโt be so precise in itโs 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 youโre 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 youโll 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 wonโt 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, youโll be able to make the determination of whether or not if itโs the best one you can afford or if itโs 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, itโs 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 youโre 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. Youโll never know which one will check off your list of โthings 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, letโs begin by diving into our list by unveiling the โbest overallโ product:
Best Overall:
TruGlo Picatinny 1/2 Riser Mount
Pros
Cons
First on the docket, weโll be taking a look at the Picatinny ยฝ Riser Mount from the TruGlo brand. Right off the bat, youโll 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 thatโs tough all over and will serve as an extra layer of protection from the shock produced by recoil.
Sometimes, youโll have just enough shock to throw off your scopeโs 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, youโll 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, youโll 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 shotโs a little too low, you can definitely give it a slight boost so itโs more accurate and precise and not a half-inch or more off. If youโre looking for a product considered to be the best of the best, the TruGlo Picatinny ยฝ Riser Mount might be exactly what youโre 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 โbest overallโ honor. If youโre looking for a decent mount for your flattop AR-15, youโll 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
Cons
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 doesnโt add on any additional weight to the rifle. Plus, itโs also designed to prevent the riser from โcatchingโ on any gear you might be wearing.
If youโre looking for a good, reliable choice that will work with just about any scope or optic, youโll 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, youโll be able to add it onto this mount to boost your rifleโs accuracy, no matter the application.
Best for the Money:
Yankee Hill Machine Co. Inc. - AR-15/M16 Mini Riser Assembly
Pros
Cons
Next, weโll 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 youโre 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. Youโll 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 youโre 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. Itโs the kind of aluminum built to last and impervious to a whole lot of shock, weather, and abuse.
If youโre looking for the best in high-quality at a price thatโs shockingly affordable, youโve hit the jackpot with the Mini Riser Assembly from Yankee Hill Machine. This is a lightweight unit that wonโt cause your rifle to get a heavier after you install it. Thatโs 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. Itโs just at the right height to give your scopes and optics a boost. Plus, it is compact and low-profile, so it doesnโt 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 youโre 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 youโve 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
Cons
If you have a red dot sight you want to install on your AR-15 rifle, then weโve 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, donโt let it sit there and collect dust. If youโre looking for something thatโs more of a quick-detach model, youโll 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 youโre 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 youโre shooting a little lower than expected, youโll know itโs time for a riser mount that will work perfectly with all kinds of red dot sights.
Bottom Line
If youโre looking for something that is durable and reliable for your red dot sight, the Vortex Optics mount might be something thatโs 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
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Pros
Cons
Next up, weโll 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 isnโt 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 scopeโs zero settings intact and wonโt give up on you in even the heaviest of applications. Best of all, itโs 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 thatโs 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 youโre 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 youโre 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 youโre 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
Cons
Next, weโll be taking a look at the best AR-15 riser mount from the UTG brand. If youโre a fan of UTG, youโre going to want to pay close attention to this product. If youโre 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 weโll 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 youโre looking for something that might be the last riser mount you buy for a while, the UTG riser mount could be the one youโre looking for.
Itโs so durable that it will guarantee that your scopeโs zero will be held even after hundreds or thousands of rounds. We know how tedious things can get when youโre dealing with a riser mount that doesnโt do its job in protecting the scopeโs zero from recoil shock.
Plus, itโs light in weight, so donโt expect your rifle to feel like a one-ton weight once youโve 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 customizerโs 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 youโre looking for if youโre more of the โAR-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
Cons
For our final riser mount, weโll be taking a look at the Gizmo Supply AR-15 Flat Top One-inch Compact Riser Mount. One of the things youโll 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 wonโt give you any issues when you install it.
Once installed, you can add on your scope or optic that youโve 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, youโll need a product that will get the job done. The Gizmo Supply Compact Riser Mount might be the one thing youโll 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 donโt let it fool you, itโs 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 thatโs 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. Hereโs what youโll 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 youโve 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 youโre using red dots and iron sights, a riser mount might just give the red dot enough of a boost so itโs 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 rifleโs 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 youโre a first-time owner, you might want to consider one as a potential solution if your scope or optic somehow doesnโt line up your shots properly.
Conclusion
If youโre looking for the best AR-15 riser mount, youโve got a whole lot of choices. No matter your intent or your personal preference, thereโs 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).