Best AR-15 Quick Detach Scope Mounts – 2020 Buyer’s Guide

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Finding the best AR-15 quick detach scope mount might be a challenge. If you have a better understanding of how these mounts work, then the search process won’t be so difficult. If you own more than one AR-15, these mounts will definitely come in handy so you won’t have different scopes for every single one of them.

The beauty of these mounts is that you can attach and detach them in a short amount of time. So, you can rely on one scope mounted on one of these and you can change them out between one rifle to the next. 

If you are looking for a scope mount that will work perfectly for your AR-15, then you may want to take a look at the superb options that we have laid out for you on our list of top choices. Before we get to the list, we’ll talk about what these quick detachable scope mounts are and how you can choose one for your own use. 

Comparison of the Best AR-15 Quick Detach Scope Mounts

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall
  • Designed to fit 1-inch scopes
  • Made from high-quality materials
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  • Runner-up
  • Works for both 30mm and 1-inch scopes
  • Machined from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy
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  • Best for the money
  • Compatible with Picatinny rails
  • Designed to fit 30mm and 1-inch scopes
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  • Comes in two-piece rings
  • Made from aluminum grade alloy
  • Best 30mm quick detach scope mount
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  • Can fit up to 35mm scopes
  • Best Larue quick detach scope mount
  • Precision machined from high-quality aluminum
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What is a Quick Detach Scope Mount?

A quick detach scope mount is pretty self-explanatory. These mounts are easy to attach to an AR-15 on a rail system like a Picatinny or Weaver rail. They are also easy to detach so you can switch it on from one AR-15 rifle to the next. You can do this even with a scope intact and still manage to keep the zero settings in place.

What Should I Look For When Buying a Quick Detach Scope Mount?

If you must look for a quick detach scope mount of your own, it’s important to know what features and characteristics make them stand out among the rest. You’ll also need to know what distinguishes a great quick detach scope mount from one that isn’t so great. Here are some things to look for prior to making a decision:

Price

Of course, the price is going to play some kind of role in your decision, particularly if you are on a budget. But don’t let that be the only reason why you went with such a scope mount. Assuming you are looking for an affordable model, be sure that you invest in one that is the best quality that you can afford. This shouldn’t be confused with selecting one that is cheap and flimsy.

Which Rail Will It Fit?

There are quick detach scope mounts that will fit Picatinny rail systems, while some will fit Weaver rails. There may be some that will fit on either of them. Regardless, you should be able to find a scope mount that will fit perfectly on a rail that will support it (along with the scope that you choose). 

Which Scope Size is Suitable?

There are scopes that come in different sizes when it comes to things like the tube, the objective, and even the length of the scope. You will need to look for a quick detach scope mount that will be fitting for the scope’s measurements. If you have a scope already, know the measurements so you can find a scope mount that is best for you.

Review of the Best AR-15 Quick Detach Scope Mounts

The following is a list of the five best AR-15 quick detach scope mounts. While looking through the list itself, please take note of any features and characteristics that may stand out as interesting. Even if you have a good idea of what your dream scope mount looks like, you can rely on the notes you took to find the perfect match.

Now, let’s take a look at the “best overall” choice on our list:

Best Overall:
Burris Optics PEPR Mount, 1"

Pros

  • Super durable
  • Easy to install
  • Easily attachable to Picatinny rails
  • Easy to remove and switch to other rifles
  • Designed to fit Burris scopes up to one inch

Cons

  • Design could be better
  • Maybe a little heavier than expected
  • Some report the product is made in China instead of the United States

What Recent Buyers Report

This scope mount was a hit with many new users. They said that the ability to attach and detach it to their Picatinny rails was quick and easy. On top of that, it was able to fit most of their Burris scopes without any fitting issues. One user said that his Burris Fastfire scope fit this mount without any wiggling or security issues. And when he felt like it, he could switch the scope to another rifle without losing its zero in the process.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This scope is made from high-quality materials that are designed to absorb any kind of shock that will come from recoil. So long as the scope is attached to this mount, you won’t have to deal with a single instance of having to reset your zero settings. Even if you remove the mount on your current AR-15 and try it out on another rifle, they stay intact. No need to “zero” it in again, nor will you need to make any adjustments to “get it right”.

Who Will Use This Most

This will be the perfect scope mount for any AR-15 shooter that relies on a Burris scope. After all, they are designed exclusively for that brand. It will be great for multiple purposes like hunting, target shooting, or competition shooting. Either way, you have a scope mount that will make sure that your scope will make every shot count no matter which rifle you use.

Bottom Line

The Burris Optics PEPR Mount 1” is probably the best overall choice among the quick detach scope mounts available on the market. But you better believe that it can hold its own when you fire off as many shots as you want on your AR-15. You’ll be quite impressed with how well it can handle Burris scopes. Just attach this to your rifle and you will be ready for any hunting or target shooting situation.

Runner-up: 
Flat Top Offset One Piece QD Mount with Quick Release

Flat Top Offset One Piece QD Scope Mount with Quick Release Cam Locks 1913 Picatinny Rails

Pros

  • Superior durability
  • Fits on most rail systems
  • Quick-release is a breeze
  • Easily installs and removes in seconds
  • Fits most scopes, even those with a good amount of eye relief

Cons

  • May not release all the way sometimes
  • Some Loctite may be needed for a better fit
  • Some have reported having to make adjustments to their scope after removal and re-attachment

What Recent Buyers Report

New buyers say that this scope mount was really light in weight, but provided superior durability like no other. They said that it was easy to attach a good number of scopes to this mount and it took them less than a minute. These new users were mostly hunters that relied on their scopes for mid to long-range hunting.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is probably one of the most durable scope mounts available on the market today. That’s because aircraft-grade aluminum is perhaps one of the toughest types of material that you can find on any AR-15 accessory. It can take on shock and it can take on the bumps, bangs, and abuse. At the end of the day, it stands strong. It can accept all kinds of scopes like 30mm to 1-inch tubes (with some having large objectives for a better field of view). If you want a scope mount that will be perfect for all kinds of hunting applications, this is it.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a detachable hunting scope that will be best for all kinds of AR-15 rifles that will be best for hunting big game or even varmints. It all depends on the scope that you choose for all your hunting needs. No matter how far you need to go to hit the target, you have a scope mount that you can depend on.

Bottom Line

If you have a scope (regardless of what brand name it is), then the Flat Top Offset One Piece QD Mount with Quick Release will be the best possible choice for any hunter that relies on an AR-15 rifle. Just attach this sucker exactly where you need it along with your favorite scope of choice and be ready for more successful hits against your hunting target of choice.

Best for the Money: 
MIZUGIWA 1"/30mm Quick Release Mount

Mizugiwa 1inch /30mm Quick Release Cantilever Weaver Forward Reach Dual Ring Scope Mount

Pros

  • Easy to attach and detach
  • Perfect fit for most scopes
  • Affordable for most budgets
  • Excellent for hunting and competition shooting
  • Great construction; can take on the bumps and knocks

Cons

  • May need to be tightened occasionally
  • May be a little heavier than some users prefer
  • Machine tolerances are not what some people expect

What Recent Buyers Report

New buyers were looking for a scope mount on a budget that allowed for quick attachment and quick detachment for most AR-15s (preferably with a Picatinny rail). They also said that it was pretty durable from the inside out and had the ability to handle a good number of scopes with good-sized objectives. One user was a varmint hunter who was quite happy with the mount’s ability to absorb shock, even after firing 100 rounds.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We now focus on a scope mount that is the best fit for Weaver rails. The last one we’ve looked at was only for Picatinny rails, so it’s only fair. This scope mount is pretty dang versatile as it can handle all kinds of scopes from the smaller 30mm tubes to your one-inch tubes. No matter what the size, you have a mount that allows for the best fit possible. Once you have the scope attached, you’ll be able to take your rifle out for a spin at the range or out in the field honing down on your hunting target of choice.

Who Will Use This Most

This scope mount is perhaps one of the best starter mounts that you can find anywhere on the market. Often times, anything that fits within an affordable budget will always be the best for beginner users. The overall quality and performance itself definitely outperform the price tag. Just buying this will make you feel like you’re stealing.

Bottom Line

The MIZUGIWA 1-inch/30mm Quick Release Mount might be one of the most affordable quick detach scope mounts you can find. But you can be sure of one thing, it is anything but cheap and flimsy. You can definitely fit this on a Weaver rail and using your favorite scope, be able to hit your targets with such precision and accuracy you’ll think that your sharpshooting skills are better than expected (and perhaps they will be).

Best 30mm Quick Detach Scope Mount:
UTG 30mm/2PCs Hi Pro LE Grade Picatinny QD Rings

Pros

  • Simple to install
  • Fits most 30mm scopes
  • Easy to remove and reattach
  • Priced reasonably for most budget shoppers
  • Scope never loses zero even if you detach and reattach from one rifle to the next

Cons

  • Screw heads may be a little weaker than expected
  • Some overtightening/stripping may occur if you’re not careful

What Recent Buyers Report

New buyers were not messing around when they said that this scope mount stood out as one of the best for 30mm scopes. They said that the installation of this mount and their scope of choice lasted no less than a couple of minutes each. By the time it was all said and done, they instantly noticed a secure and tight fit that allowed for easy removal. One user said that he was quite happy with not having to re-zero the scope after moving it from one AR-15 rifle to another.

Why it Stands Out to Us

At this point, we’ve looked at scope mounts that would accept either 30mm or 1-inch scopes. This time, we have a mount that can handle 30mm scopes only. These are scope rings that are much stronger and a heck of a lot more reliable than the scope rings that your father and grandfather used. Don’t get us wrong, their scope rings were reliable and kept their scopes secure. But now, scope rings are thicker and lighter than ever before; they have some pretty good durability to boot as well.

Who Will Use This Most

If you want a scope mount that will be perfect for all kinds of 30mm scopes, then you would be hard-pressed to find a set of scope rings that will hold your favorite scope in place. It’s got the quality and the security to keep all your scopes intact while protecting the zero settings from shock and even constant changing between rifles.

Bottom Line

The UTG 30mm/2PC Hi-Pro Picatinny Rings will certainly stand out among the rest of the pack when it comes to scope ring mounts. While they provide excellent security, they do in fact have that quick release feature that will make it easier for you to transfer it from one rifle to the next. This mount is no slouch when it comes to quality and performance, so if you want something that is solid and can go the distance you cannot go wrong with these.

Best Larue Quick Detach Scope Mount:
Larue Tactical LT104-35 SPR 1.5 Scope Mount, 35mm

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Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Superior durability
  • Fits on most rail systems
  • Fits a variety of 30mm scopes
  • Keeps scopes secure and intact; no wobbling to report

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

As expected, this scope mount was pretty solid in quality while it didn’t feel like it was heavy enough to weigh down the rifle. All it took was a couple of minutes for most users to install this mount along with their scope of choice. One user said that he was using his AR-15 for some good old fashioned deer hunting and managed to attach his scope to this mount. He later knocked down a deer from a good 400 yards out.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This scope mount is made from a name that you might have ever heard of until now. But Larue is known for making some pretty durable scope mounts that can be reliable and handle all kinds of abuse. That’s because they are machined from bar-stock aluminum and anodized to ensure more durability, making them built to last. If you want a scope mount that might be the last one you ever buy for a long time, this could be what you need.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a pretty solid mount that will get the job done if you are looking to do some long-range hunting. You may have a Creedmoor 6.5 or a similar rifle that can go the distance. All you have to do is attach this scope onto such a rifle and you’ll be ready to lock in on your target from anywhere between 500 to 1000 yards (and possibly beyond).

Bottom Line

The Larue Tactical Scope Mount will undeniably stand the test of time and so many elements that would otherwise damage a cheap and flimsy scope mount. But you can make sure that this puppy can last you a good long while and hold up any kind of scope that you consider as your most reliable long-range scope. Once you are able to tack this onto your rifle, you’ll be dying to give it a spin.

Pros and Cons of Quick Detach Scope Mounts

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of quick detach scope mounts:

Pros

Knowing the common pros of quick detach scopes is essential. If you need to dig a little deeper into what these scopes can do for you, here are just a few pros that will work to your advantage:

Super Easy to Install (And Remove)

We begin with the obvious. Quick detach is basically easy to install (and uninstall). This is key if you want to remove the mount from one AR-15 and need to move it to another. It will save you a whole lot of time and a whole lot of frustration in the process. 

No Need to Re-Install the Scope

The beauty of quick detach scope mounts is that you don’t need to disassemble the scope from the mount itself. So you won’t need to remove and re-mount it, which would be a waste of time if you did so. Again, this is another time saver for those who want to waste little to no time with the entire installation process. 

No Zero Reset Needed

If you are worrying about having to reset your zero each time you have to remove a scope from one rifle to the next, you are in luck. Most of these mounts will preserve your zero settings whenever you switch rifles. Once attached to the new rifle, you will go back to your regularly scheduled shooting without the fear of the shots being a little off.

Cons

The cons shouldn’t discourage you from purchasing a quick detach scope mount.  But here are the following cons that are usually common with quick detach scope mounts.

Some May Not Be Compatible With All Rails

One of the common cons with any other scope mount is the inability to fit certain rail systems. While there are some quick detach scope mounts that will be compatible with either Picatinny or Weaver rails, there are some that will be exclusive to one or the other. Be sure to find the best QD mount that fits your rail system prior to purchase.

Some May Not Be Light in Weight

The last thing you want to do is carry a rifle that may seem a little bit heavier than normal. That may come with the territory, depending on the mount you choose. But rest assured, it won’t feel like you are carrying a hundred-pound dumbbell. Just keep in mind that a slightly heavier rifle may affect the overall control of your rifle. 

How to Assemble a QD Scope Mount

Knowing how to assemble a QD scope mount is important. And you will need to know how you can attach one onto your rifle if you need to replace an old mount with one of the quick detach scope mounts that you can find on the list above. Here are the following instructions:

  1. First and foremost, check to see if your rifle is clear. Make sure your mag well and the chamber is clear of any rounds. Once you have an all clear, move on to the next step. 

  2. Check the rail to ensure that it’s clean. Make sure it doesn’t have any dirt or debris. Check the underside of the mount for any pieces of tape or any debris. Metal to metal contact is the goal. 

  3. Place it on your rail (Picatinny or Weaver). Push the lever into the rail and tighten the nut on the back side. Be sure that the lever is about 45-degrees. 

  4. Using a Wheeler fat wrench, set it to about 25-inch pounds and fasten each of the bolts from back to front. Start from the bottom of the rings. Don’t tighten the top to bottom. 

  5. Using a leveling kit, you need to make sure that the scope is straight and square. The turret needs to be square with the top of the mount. Use the level to ensure that it’s nice and square. If it doesn’t appear square, wiggle the scope back and forth until it doesn’t wiggle. At that point, it should be square. Tighten any bolts if necessary. 

  6. Tighten any screws on the top of the mount to ensure that your scope is secure. Once each screw is tightened, double-check to see if everything is square.  

  7. Now, align the reticle by putting a plum line out and keep the scope mount loose. The plumb line should be about 25 to 50 yards out. Keep the rifle in the vise while making sure that it’s leveled. Make adjustments if necessary until the reticle is perfectly aligned with the plumb line.

Conclusion

The ideal AR-15 quick detach scope mount for you is out there. It is important that you find one that will handle your scope of choice so you are able to fire accurate and precise shots every time you put your rifle to good use. These scopes are solid, easy to use, and will certainly give your rifle the enhanced shooting ability it deserves.

People Also Ask

If you want to be more informed about AR-15 quick detach scopes, then you may want to consider taking a look at the following frequently asked questions below. Use these as a guide so you have a better understanding of how these mounts work.

Do QD Scope Mounts Hold Zero?

Yes, they do. In fact, they will hold zero every time you quickly and smoothly remove a QD scope mount and replace it on another rifle. If the scope indeed loses its zero, then it pretty much defeats the entire purpose.

Are Weaver and Picatinny Mounts The Same?

No. Picatinny mounts have a space that is consistently measured at .206 inches. A Weaver rail’s spacings are usually smaller in space and are measured at .180” wide. The spacings of the latter are usually not consistent.

Will a 30mm Scope Fit a 1 Inch Ring?

It is not possible for a 30mm scope to fit rings that are measured at 1 inch in diameter. Make sure that you always purchase a set of scope rings that will fit the diameter of your chosen scope (30mm or 1-inch).