A scope mount is a device that allows you to attach your rifle to a tripod or stand while maintaining the rifle’s level and stability. You can also use it to attach a scope to your rifle. When shooting at targets further than 500 yards away (457 meters), having this piece of equipment is very important.
The best scope mounts are those that are not only adaptable but also versatile and long-lasting. It shouldn’t be necessary to make regular adjustments or resets to them. Anyone, with the right amount of training and experience, is capable of becoming a sniper if they use the appropriate optic on the appropriate scope mount.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Scope Mount
When looking for a new scope mount, there are a few different things that you should keep in mind. The following section will go into further detail on these topics.
Intended Use
- Long-range shooting: This type of hunting involves firing shots from beyond 100 yards and requires a high degree of accuracy. For this reason, many long-range shooters prefer a mounted scope rather than a traditional firearm handle.
- Short-range shooting: At short range (usually within 50 yards), your gun is more likely to be used as a club or a hammer than a precision instrument. However, a good mount can make a big difference here too.
- Tactical use: While you may not be taking down game at home with a telescoping pole, a scope that mounts to your weapon could help you stay alive while on patrol or in battle.
Material
- Aluminum: Aluminum scope mounts tend to be lighter weight and less expensive than steel models. They’re also easier to clean because aluminum doesn’t rust like steel.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is about 30 percent lighter than aluminum and 25 percent cheaper. It doesn’t corrode either, but it does pick up moisture, which makes it prone to rusting.
Size/Weight
A scope mount that is the appropriate size for you will fit comfortably on your shoulder and will not restrict your movement or your ability to breathe. It is essential to keep in mind that these items aren’t usually on the small side; some of them have enormous knobs that can get in the way. Also, keep in mind that the majority of these tools are not always designed to be lightweight. There are certain heavy-duty tactical scope mounts that can weigh more than 10 pounds.
Mount Type
There are two main types of scope mounts: peep sight and flip up.
- Peep sights consist of four small prongs that attach directly to the gun barrel. These prongs sit behind the front sight post, which leaves only the very top of the scope visible. Peep sights were developed for military applications where visibility was important, so they’re designed to be as compact as possible.
- Flip-up mounts cover all of the gun barrel except for the area between the thumb and index finger when flipped open. Flip-ups are great for quick adjustments since you don’t need to loosen any screws or adjust any knobs.
Adjustability
The adjustment of the scope mount is dependent on the intended use of the device. If it is an optical device that has to be zeroed in on a target, then use the knob(s) or slider(s) to fine adjust the focus in order to get it there (s). If, however, it is a laser guide beam device, then there should be a scale that looks like gears on the side of the tube that you may use to dial in the distance.
Ease of Adjustment
If you want to make frequent adjustments to your scope mount, then the ease with which you can make such adjustments should be something that you look for. The majority of flip-up mounts do not include knobs or switches but instead utilize simple tabs that slide over the end of the tube to adjust either the angle or the direction of the mount. Other types of peep sights permit vertical adjustments to be made by twisting a knob located on the side of the weapon; however, the vast majority of these changes can only be made using a hex key.
Durability
The material that a scope mount is made out of has a significant impact on how long it will last. Even if both the aluminum and the steel scope mounts are made to the exact same requirements, the aluminum scope mount will be more lightweight and, as a result, less durable than the steel scope mount. However, there are quality control mechanisms in place to prevent aluminum scopes of poor quality from making their way into the market. It is also important to keep in mind that titanium is stronger than steel and almost twice as strong as aluminum, making it a material that is frequently used for scope mounting.
Cost
Scope mounts aren’t cheap, nor should they be. After all, they’re not toys! So price becomes a major consideration. Scope mounts generally fall into three categories based on cost: budget, midrange, and premium.
- Budget: $100 – $300
- Midrange: $300 – $600
- Premium: Over $600
Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on whether you buy direct from the manufacturer or through a dealer. Direct from the factory usually results in lower overall costs.
Types Of Scope Mounts
Scope mounts come in a variety of different sizes and styles. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before making your purchase.
Mil-spec
The military uses MIL-PRF-31013 precision optics for sniper rifles. They don’t want the glass blown out when they need an accurate shot, so they demand that each piece of equipment perform its function without failing. That means no cheap plastic pieces that will break or fog up the lens. It also means that all the parts must be made from high quality materials that can withstand intense use. The mount is built like a tank to ensure that nothing will interfere with your view through the scope.
Most rifle scopes are designed around the idea of being able to switch between various calibers. This allows users to have one optic that works well with their current weapon while still having options for other firearms and ammunition. Most mil-spec mounts work similarly, although some may limit themselves to a single caliber due to size constraints.
Compact
A lot of people shoot varmint species such as rabbits and quail at close range. These shooters appreciate having a small, light scope mount that won’t get in the way during rapid shooting. Compact scope mounts generally weigh less than eight ounces and are shorter than 24 inches overall. Many are much smaller and lighter than traditional rifle scopes. While these compact mounts do hold a lower magnification, most offer variable power lenses similar to those found on larger rifle scopes. Having a low magnification rate isn’t ideal for long-range shooting, but it does help keep things moving along quickly. You’ll also find that these mounts often incorporate a reticle similar to the MIL reticle used by many snipers. These reticles typically include bullet drop and windage markings. Some even have tools like rangefinders integrated into them. These features make it easier to line things up prior to opening fire.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We take the time to listen to individuals who have firsthand knowledge, looking through reviews on professional journals and enthusiast blogs to find the most accurate information that is currently accessible. This is done to ensure that we do not let you down.
When deciding on our top choices for the best scope mount, we took a number of different considerations into account. These aspects included things like cost, size, and accessibility, among others. In the end, we came up with our top recommendations, which we believe represent the most comprehensive solution to meet your requirements as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scope Mounts
What is the best way to mount a rifle scope?
The most important thing when mounting a scope is proper eye relief. Make sure you have room to see the target without moving your head away from the sight picture, and then adjust accordingly.
How do I zero a gun with a scope?
Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer or someone who has done it before you. Most manufacturers provide clear instructions in their owner’s manuals. If not, there are several online video tutorials available that show how to properly use both the base of the gun and the scope to achieve accurate placement of the shot at 100 yards.
Can you wear a telescope/scope on top of a pistol grip shotgun?
Yes, depending on the length of the barrel. Some shorter-barreled pistols can only accommodate a certain height scope, while some longer-barrel ones can accept any height scope.
Are laser sights legal?
In general, no. However, each state has its own laws regarding the legality of using lasers on firearms, so make sure to check local regulations.