There are times you want to quickly and easily remove or attach your scope. Perhaps it’s just for storage and you don’t want to be bothered with all the hassle. Maybe there are circumstances where you want to switch out for another accessory. Or maybe you hunt with the same gun day and night.
The quickest answer to this problem will be a mount that will provide ease of attachment and reliability without losing your zero. Optics are the most valuable upgrade of any long-barreled firearm, especially traditional bolt-action rifles. In order to attach that excellent piece of glass to your rifle, you have to sift through the myriad scope rings and bases on the market to find an appropriate mount for this scope.
Objectively speaking, high-quality optics also need a scope mount of equal quality to go with them. Unfortunately, 90 percent of scope owners do not care which rings or bases they use to mount their optics. That fact has a particular weight when we consider that there are scope mounting systems specialized for hunting, tactical, sport, and recreational shooting. They also run the gamut from very affordable to beautifully machined pieces of mechanical art.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Quick Detach AR-15 Scope Mounts
Quick Comparison: Best QD Mounts For the AR-15
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What Makes a Great Quick Detach Scope Mount?
This is a question that gets asked a lot. The answer is quite simple; a great quick detach scope mount is often based on a few characteristics and features. Knowing these will allow you to distinguish a great scope mount from one that isn’t the best in reliability and quality. Here are some things to look out for while in search of a quick detach scope mount:
Price
Yes, it’s not a feature or characteristic of a scope. But in reality, you’ll need to know which scope is affordable for your budget. As always, you need to find something that is the best in quality and performance. Most importantly, it should be something that you can afford. However, don’t sacrifice quality just for the sake of saving yourself a few dollars.
AR-15 with UTG Med-pro Compact Riser Mount
High-Quality Materials
The best quick detach scope mounts are usually the ones made from high-quality materials. For example, steel or aluminum are two of the best materials that most manufacturers go for. Why? Because they want to make the best scope mount when it comes to durability. Not only that, a scope mount’s responsibility is to hold the scope in place as you fire your rifle.
Installation And Removal
A great quick detach scope not only should live up to its name, but it should also be easy to install to begin with. So, it’s important to find a scope mount that will take just a couple of minutes to install and with as few tools as possible. The good news is that these are much easier to add on and remove than some other scope mounts.
Why Have a Quick Detach Mount?
There are a lot of different mounting systems, but practically all scope mounts fall into two categories: fixed and quick-detach. Fixed scope mounts provide better durability since they can easily absorb the recoil of the more powerful calibers or the dominant Magnum rounds without issue.
As an added bonus, they generally weigh less and do not cost as much as quick-detachable hardware. But there are still times a quick-detachable mount will better suit your needs.
Burris 410344 AR-PEPR
While a good detachable set will cost more than an equivalent fixed ring, it’s good to remember one thought from a wise man: “Always buy the best equipment you can afford." The best thing about quick detachable or quick release mounts (let’s just go with QD or QR) is that they enable a shooter to mount and dismount optics with no tools. They make mundane tasks like cleaning and maintenance easy too.
There are few other reasons for utilizing QDs. First, the user can switch between open sight shooting and scope shooting without having to re-sight in his rifle every time he remounts the scope. Another reason would be to change daily optics for thermals or night vision. Finally you might want to load multiple loads per gun with just a scope swapping.
How Does it Work?
A detachable mounting system includes scope rings and a base, which are fastened together with throw levers instead of screws or bolts. It will hold zero incredibly well as long as you keep the levers tight.
Europeans have long preferred detachable scope mounts featuring extremely tight tolerances. This mount type was particularly prevalent in classic sporting applications on rifles intended for dangerous game. As most of us would agree, it makes a lot of sense to remove the scope and use iron sights for close-in work in a situation like searching for a wounded wild boar through thick brush.
There were attempts to overcome those situations with high tunnel-mounts or see-through rings. These have largely fallen out of favor because the higher you mount a riflescope above a barrel axis, the less force is needed to knock the scope out of zero.
Another advantage of QD/QR rings is the capability of the shooter to carry another type of optic, such as red dot. Or you might want to have a backup pre-zeroed scope with you in case of damage during an expensive outfitted hunt in the remote wilderness.
Besides civilian use, QD scope mounts are most commonly used in tactical systems, as they afford shooters the option of inconspicuously carrying a sniper rifle in hostile territory.
You might hear or read online complaints that QDs will not return to zero after removing and reinstalling your optics. However, a shift in point of impact happens when the shooter has not remounted the scope correctly. It could also be because of using cheaper, low-quality QR rings.
QDs and the AR
The common use of flat-top AR-15 uppers with different optic types has made quick-detach scope mounts somewhat popular in recent years. All of the described features make an AR-15 ideal platform for detachable mounts. This is especially true if you’re planning to shoot 5.56 mm, since it has almost non-existent recoil.
Also, the best QD scope mounting systems, such as Picatinny or Weaver rails fully complement the AR-15’s design, making your rifle more modular.
Unlike traditional bolt-action rifle stocks and receivers that have been drilled and tapped for scope bases, AR-style rifles have their stocks placed in line with the barrel. Because of that, you may need to get the optics higher than traditional mounts allow. This setting is possible with the help of riser blocks attached directly to the Picatinny rail.
Reviews of the Best QD Mounts for the AR-15
The following is a list of the five best quick detach scope mounts. As you look through each one, it’s important to note any characteristics and features that may stand out. There’s a good chance that you may have a scope mount in mind and you’re looking to see if one of these five matches your list of must-haves. If you find one close enough, you might see it as a winner in your eyes.
As with other AR accessories, there is a sea of options and styles for AR detachable scope mounts out there. We`ll recommend several quick detachable systems for you to choose from. Hopefully, it will help you make the right choice and avoid creating a weak link that fails at the most inopportune time.
Now, let’s begin by taking a look at the first quick detach scope mount on the list:
Best Overall:
Burris 410344 PEPR
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers loved this scope mount. They were able to install and remove it in a quick amount of time each way. The construction was solid, durable, and allowed for many scopes to be attached. One user said he uses this for various applications like target shooting and hunting. Either way, his scope stayed in place through many rounds.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This scope mount stands out as one of the best for a few good reasons. One is the amount of ample room it has for scopes with a good amount of eye relief. This is where you can see through the scope with both eyes from a really good distance. How good? More like six inches or longer. Other than that, it allows you to adjust it to any position you find comfortable.
Most mounting systems come as three-piece units - you have two ring halves and a base. But this model from Burris comes with a ring and base in a two-piece solution. Having fewer components allows for a more rigid construction.
The Burris AR-PEPR or "Proper Eye Position Ready" scope mount is made as a one-piece aluminum base. This mount is extremely efficient to use since it will provide up to two inches of forward scope positioning for perfect eye relief and full field-of-view.
There are qhree sizes to choose from, two that are QD. The Quick detach mounting option is available in one-inch and 30 mm rings. There’s also a version with 34 mm size rings but it’s designed as a fixed mount offering 20 MOA of integrated cant.
An added benefit is that the top ring halves sport a small, three-row Picatinny rail for attaching accessories. In all three, each ring is secured with six T-15 Torx screws. The mount is tightened with two 1/2″ hex nuts to the Picatinny rail at a high torque value to ensure no slippage.
Compared to other scope mounts, this Burris is more compact. However, that means it does not give a lot of flexibility for placing the scope on the rifle, especially if it has large turrets.
As a small surprise, considering this is China-built hardware, Burris guarantees 1/4 MOA return upon remounting.
Although the Burris AR-PEPR is an excellent mount for the money, it does not come without drawbacks. We’ve already-mentioned limited space between the rings for larger scope knobs. Some shooters also complain about the weight. At 10.4 ounces, including the top Picatinny rails, it is heavier than a lot of the rival mounts.
Who Will Use This Most
This might be a good general-purpose scope mount for AR-15 rifles. In other words, it can be used for target practice, hunting, competition shooting, and so on. As long as you’re able to attach or detach this so you can add it onto another rifle, this scope mount will do you some good.
Bottom Line
The Burris Optics Riflescope Mount is by far, one of the best mounts on the market. If you want something that’s excellent in quality and lives up to its purpose as a quick detach scope mount, you’d be hard-pressed to find something as good as this.
Runner-up:
Warne 1-Inch Quick Detach Rings Medium Matte 201LM
Pros
Cons
A lot of new users were happy with the scope mounts. They were quick to conclude that these scope rings were reliable and did a good job holding their scopes together (while protecting the scope’s zero settings in the process). They were mostly hunters looking for big game and even some varmints.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Scope rings have long been considered the most reliable types of scope mounts on the market. Sure enough, these are modernized for today’s shooters. Yes, your father used scope mounts (and so did your grandfather, too), but these rings don’t come close to them. They are made with highly durable materials and will fit all kinds of one-inch scopes. Best of all, you can remove them anytime you like without any complex procedures.
Warne Manufacturing Company had incredible success with its RAMP, a one-piece, cantilever-style scope mounting platform featuring an innovative design. It offers unique 45-degree mounting rails on both sides of the mount. The next step from this renowned Oregonian manufacturer was to release the now-famous Quick Release Maxima Rings.
In this model, the horizontally-split rings are more spread out, so they are easier to install onto the rifle. The vertically-split rings apply pressure like a hose clamp. This leaves just one small gap not making contact with the scope tube.
Since there are two screws placed on the top and two screws on the bottom of the scope tube, the rings with vertical orientation have an added advantage in this design. This takes the form of a slim side profile and a bit more stylish look than most of today's tactical rings.
The Warne Scope Mounts QD steel rings are a great product, fulfilling three primary requirements of a top quality scope mount: alignment, rigidity, and strength.
Warne’s rings and bases are precision-made and CNC-machined from sintered steel technology. The manufacturer claims that using its Maxima bases and QD rings, this mount will keep accuracy within 1/1000th of an inch when removing and reattaching the optics. Each ring, with its broad surface area, supports your scope securely. A square stainless steel crossbolt ensures positive engagement and great recoil absorption.
In addition, Warne rings fit any standard Weaver-style, cross-slot base, so there is no need for the proprietary bases. Warne's Built-In Integral Mount rings are available in one-inch and 30 mm sizes with various finishes such as silver, matte, or gloss.
All in all, many shooters consider this the best buy in integral scope rings. However, for the inexperienced user, it can be a little challenging to get them mounted on the scope and adjusted to the rifle It can seem like you need three hands to set up this mount. Some owners also warn that solid steel Warne Maxima rings can crush the scope tube if you overtighten those screws.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be a staple among hunters., especially those looking for a scope mount that will keep the scope in place through many rounds and many hunting adventures. At the same time, this is a scope mount that can take on any impact and abuse (especially bad weather). If you want scope mount rings that are dang-near indestructible, these might be for you.
Bottom Line
The Warne 1-inch Quick Detach Rings are perhaps your best possible option if you want scope rings that will be more reliable than past models. Attach these onto your favorite scope of choice and you’ll have an excellent scope mount that will get you through any application.
Best for the Money:
Nikon P-Series Riflescope Picatinny Mount for 1-Inch Tube
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, most recent buyers were impressed with this scope mount. They were quick to point out the solid durability plus the high-profile design, that allow scopes to be elevated enough for a good height boost. On top of that, they were happy with how easy the scope was to align once it was tacked onto the mount.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This mount is a hybrid of the scope rings and the flat-type scope mounts. They converge together to provide users with a really good scope mount that can keep any scope in place, all while protecting the scope’s zero settings from being thrown off by multiple instances of shock. This is easy to install and as expected, easy to remove. The materials are proven to be sturdy and can handle so many beatings over time.
Who Will Use This Most
This might be considered a general-purpose scope mount but it is exclusively for AR-15 owners. So if you need a scope mount that will keep your favorite scope in place and allows for zero settings to stay the same through more than 100 rounds, you may want to consider this mount as a possible option. Sturdiness and reliability are the two best things you can get out of a mount like this.
Bottom Line
The Nikon P-Series Riflescope Picatinny Mount is sturdy, reliable, and will fit your one-inch scope of choice without any issues. Once you’ve installed this on your rifle along with a scope, you’ll have something that will give you a long future of devoted service. Whether you hunt or prefer to shoot targets, it’s the kind of mount that won’t steer you wrong.
4. UTG Integral 1" Offset QD Ring Mount
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to one new buyer, these were not only the strongest scope rings on the market, but he also called them one of the tightest fitting rings for his scope. He was able to attach it in a matter of minutes without issue. Most other buyers were satisfied with the ease of installation of these scope rings.
Why it Stands Out to Us
No other scope mount we can think of can fit on almost any Picatinny rail like this. Sure enough, if you have a Picatinny rail, you’ll be able to tack this onto your rifle. What makes this even more interesting is that these can only take scopes measuring at 22 mm in diameter. So, it can handle smaller scopes, all while protecting the zero settings in the process.
The Leapers UTG Integral QD Offset Quick Detach Mount is a simple and affordable solution with a bi-directional offset feature. This provides extra compensation distance to the eye relief in addition to what the mounting rail usually allows.
Utilizing the flip-levers for the QD mechanism by hand (no tools necessary!), the Leapers UTG mount can be locked to or detached from the gun in a second.
The UTG Offset Scope Mount can be attached reliably to any Picatinny rail system. The high tolerance control enables repeatable scope zero after multiple QD engagements and disengagements.
Featuring one-inch rings with Picatinny grooves on top and a reinforced locking system with adjustable tension, this QD mount works the same as its rivals but at around half the price.
The Leapers UTG Integral Mount is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum with a posi-lock crossbar design. Though the construction feels solid, you may want to apply blue Loctite to the screws, including the QD adjustment. Some shooters have also complained about the distance between the rings. Because of this lack of space, riflescopes with target turrets and side parallax will not fit between the rings.
Who Will Use This Most
This will likely be a scope mount that hunters and competitive shooters will mostly rely on. Even those who have a Picatinny rail they want to put to good use will want to find a scope mount to fit the rail without any installation issues. Sure enough, if it can fit any rail, then these will work for you.
Bottom Line
The UTG 30 mm Hi-Pro Picatinny QD Rings are another pair of scope rings you can rely on if you want your scope and the zero settings to stay in place. These will fit smaller-sized scopes just nicely. So if you need a scope mount that will work with scopes smaller than one-inch in diameter, this might be right up your alley.
5. American Defense AD-Recon STD
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were quite happy with this scope mount. Especially those who use this for target shooting and hunting. Either way, these scope mounts held their own and kept the scopes in place without any wiggle room. One user said this scope also helped keep his zero settings in place. Even after switching it from one AR-15 rifle to the next, the zero settings stayed the same.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Once again, we see another hybrid design that features scope rings and a flat-mount. This design will keep the scope in place and will also provide excellent protection for the scope’s zero settings. Both work together to make sure your scope is working properly and doesn’t get badly damaged by the shock associated with recoil. All in all, this is a solid scope mount that sets the example of how a mount should work.
American Defense Manufacturing (ADM) produces numerous types of mounts, including ring sizes of one-inch, 30 mm, 32 mm, 34 mm, 35 mm, and 40 mm. They also offer various centerline heights and standard or larger tactical levers in black or dark earth color.
Unlike most other mounts in this guide, ADM's Recon scope rings are split vertically. This makes installation easier since you don't need to worry about spacing, as you would with horizontally-split rings.
The AD-RECON is a cantilever design that accommodates traditional riflescopes. It provides adequate eye relief on a flat-top-style AR-15. The AD QD mount lets you easily adjust the tension on each lever through adjustment nuts opposite the levers. In other words, this patented ADM system, with the Auto Lock Lever system, enables easy changing of lever tension in the field without tools. It fits any mil-spec rail.
Overall, it is a well-built and very stable scope mount fashioned from 6061 T6 aluminum. However, its split ring design may make the initial mounting of your scope a bit more difficult than you are used to.
Like other American Defense QD mounts, it comes with a wrench and thread locker.
Unlike the Leapers UTG Mount, the American Defense QD mount is a pricier version of the Burris PEPR base at around twice Burris’ price.
Who Will Use This Most?
This will be used by AR-15 users that want to add on their favorite optic for the purpose of some good old fashioned close-range shooting. So if you’re casually shooting around at the range or looking to land a varmint from a good 100 to 200 yards away, this sturdy optic mount can hold it all together even through as many as 100 rounds or more.
Bottom Line
If you want a solid, all-around scope mount that will work in your favor in any situation, the American Defense AD-Recon STD Riflescope Optic Mount will probably be something you’ll want to look at a little closer. This might be the best mount for your AR-15 if you want your scope to stay reliable for as long as possible.
6. UTG Med-Pro Compact Riser Mount
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This mount is a sturdy little unit that has been nothing short of impressive for according to most users. They said that it took a few minutes to tack it on to their rifles. One user said once he added it onto his rifle, it stayed securely in place.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a smaller version of a Picatinny rail. But it’s large enough to handle so many scopes and optics. So if you want to add on whatever eight you can depend on, this mount could be exactly what you need.
Compared to standard scope mounts, the Leapers UTG Compact Riser Mount presents a new approach to scope mounting systems for rifles with a Picatinny or Weaver rail.
The latest UTG riser mount adjusts any optic accessory that is not quick detachable to a quickly-detachable configuration, allowing you to customize it to your needs and wishes.
The Leapers UTG offers its riser mount in three different mounting lengths and three of the most commonly sought-out saddle height profiles. Our suggestion would be a model with a see-through design that features a saddle height of 0.83” and with three Picatinny slots.
UTG is known as the maker of low-end stuff, but this sleek profile, well-designed riser creates an ideal solution for getting 1/3rd co-witness with iron sights for your optics. This perfect, low-cost upgrade is constructed out of aircraft-grade aluminum and then finished with a hard-anodized black matte finish.
This UTG riser is convenient and durable, but you might face the to need to retighten the mounts via the plastic-like wingnut. It’s a commonly-seen recommendation that this screw be turned into a quick detach lever instead.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a great accessory for AR-15 owners that want to add on a little extra for customization purposes. If you plan on adding a scope or optic to your rifle and need a long enough riser mount to handle it, this should an accessory that you must have.
Bottom Line
The UTG Med-Pro Compact Riser Mount will look good on just about any AR-15. Yes, it’s short and stout. But it can handle all kinds of impact and recoil. So you have a mount that can stay intact even after hundreds of rounds.
Conclusion
Already the most popular sporting and tactical rifle, the AR-15 becomes even more versatile by utilizing a finely-machined QD mounting system to enhance your shooting experience. This handy bit of equipment is the ideal accessory to bring your optic to the most comfortable and safest shooting height.
Today's manufacturers, by applying modern technological processing, have reduced the average shift after reattaching the QD mounts to the rifle to mere hundredths of an MOA. Even though they’re generally more expensive, quick detach scope mounts are undoubtedly a good choice when you want versatility in your optics.
