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View Full Version : Which mount for aimpoint (or other red dots)



scw2
12-13-2015, 10:13 PM
I tried to find existing threads here plus did some searching here and at other forums and seem to be running into some uncertainty on what I should consider when looking at mounts. I'm leaning towards aimpoint so have done some research on the options, and manufacturers may be biased due to that.


Obviously holding zero is key, but in addition to that what else should be considered:

Is the consensus that a 1/3 co-witness is probably best with a red dot sight like the aimpoint micro?
Is it worth getting a QD if I am just getting into AR hopefully next year? Seems like it would add unnecessary cost.
What manufacturers tend to satisfy the preferred mounts at a good price point? It seems that Bobro, Larue, Daniel Defense, ScalarWorks were the ones people tended to recommend, though some of those are pricier than others and may be overkill for someone that isn't going on patrol with their AR or have multiple guns they're using in training.


Thanks!

Hauptmann
12-13-2015, 10:26 PM
I tried to find existing threads here plus did some searching here and at other forums and seem to be running into some uncertainty on what I should consider when looking at mounts. I'm leaning towards aimpoint so have done some research on the options, and manufacturers may be biased due to that.


Obviously holding zero is key, but in addition to that what else should be considered:

Is the consensus that a 1/3 co-witness is probably best with a red dot sight like the aimpoint micro?
Is it worth getting a QD if I am just getting into AR hopefully next year? Seems like it would add unnecessary cost.
What manufacturers tend to satisfy the preferred mounts at a good price point? It seems that Bobro, Larue, Daniel Defense, ScalarWorks were the ones people tended to recommend, though some of those are pricier than others and may be overkill for someone that isn't going on patrol with their AR or have multiple guns they're using in training.


Thanks!

Let me just say that if you do not have experience with a quality RD like an Aimpoint, then it is hard to realize just how much of an "all conditions" speed and accuracy advantage that they can give you. So, you want a good mount to keep that sighting system zeroed and strong, but should pigs fly and that RD fails, then you need to be able to quick detach and get your iron sights in the fight. Even if you are not LE or military, times are getting crazy and you never know when you might have to deploy your AR in defense of self, family, and maybe even country.

That being said, there are some great mounts out there. I prefer a 1/3 coewitness. I have experience with Bobro and LaRue, and both make great mounts. My preferred mount right now is the LaRue 1/3 tall mount on an Aimpoint T2. If you go to LaRue Tactical, they actually sell the 1/3 tall mount with the T2 to save you money.......they take the factory low mount out of the package to reduce the cost.

breakingtime91
12-13-2015, 10:49 PM
My advice would be to get an Aimpoint PRO and just use the QRP2 mount that comes with it.

Same

Stone
12-14-2015, 12:41 AM
I run the Larue 660's on three rifles. T1's, H1's I like the QD for obvious reasons but also my insurance will cover anything that's not permanently attached to the rifle. Optic,light,sling... So if the rifle is stolen anything that's on it is covered. Go figure...

Josh Runkle
12-14-2015, 04:31 AM
I'm a fan of the bobro mounts. I like an absolute cowitness, not a 1/3.

CS Tactical
12-14-2015, 06:34 AM
American Defense and Bobro make great mounts as well as GDI but they are pricey. 1/3 Co-witness is way more popular IME.

SteveB
12-14-2015, 07:30 AM
I like lower 1/3 cowitness if the upper has a fixed front sight; absolute co-witness for a flip-up, as the optic sits a little lower. Larue and Bobro are outstanding; Scalarworks it the lightest if that's important to you. That said, for your first RDS, I agree with the guys above; start with the Aimpoint PRO and the included mount and worry about upgrading after you have some time with it.

rjohnson4405
12-14-2015, 10:42 AM
I leave my front sight up and absolute co-witness.

If your dot goes down, you can still use the red dot tube as a rear ghost ring and it's (surprisingly to me) pretty accurate.

I showed up to the Sean M/F2S carbine class with a lower third co-witness and tried to do this drill (using tube as rear ghost ring) and it wasn't really possible for me. Having to remember to hold unreasonably high in an uncommon situation didn't make sense. Sean advocated front sight always deployed, absolute co-witness for this reason.

Default.mp3
12-14-2015, 11:02 AM
LaRue has kinda fallen out of favor for Aimpoint mounts; still totally serviceable, with great CS behind them, but they're a bit long in tooth at this point, as they have less clamping surface overall. I just bought a 1/3 cowitness GDI mount from CS Tactical, and they cut me a damn fair deal; if GDI is too rich for your blood, generally people tend toward ADM and Bobro for QD mounts, Scalarworks being the intermediate between QD and fixed, DD being the go-to for fixed mounts (Spuhr being the GDI of fixed mounts); haven't heard too much about the KAC mounts. 1/3 cowitness is useful with a pro mask or when shooting from unconventional positions, as you have a bit more leeway with head positioning, or so is my understanding.

Lon
12-14-2015, 11:43 AM
I use a DD fixed mount. I prefer the lower 1/3 set up. Rear sight stays down unless needed, fixed front.

Peally
12-14-2015, 12:08 PM
I use the PRO's included mount, no issues with zero. Rifle bangs around in trunk plenty and holds fine when I confirm it once a year.

Cookie Monster
12-14-2015, 12:32 PM
To tag along, any suggestions for an RMR? I mostly see American Defense.

Default.mp3
12-14-2015, 12:58 PM
To tag along, any suggestions for an RMR? I mostly see American Defense.For QD, there's GDI, ADM, LaRue, Midwest Industries, and Samson Mfg. that I can think of. MI and Samson are still new to the mount game.

JM Campbell
12-14-2015, 01:02 PM
I've used the ADM QD mount and loaned it out to others to try a rmr on a rifle, I like it and so far everyone that has borrowed it had nothing really negative to say about it

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

41magfan
12-14-2015, 05:16 PM
I use a DD fixed mount. I prefer the lower 1/3 set up. Rear sight stays down unless needed, fixed front.

Ditto .....

If you have no need for a QD option, this is a rugged and lightweight setup. I was patient when I purchased and the total tab for the H-1 and mount was less than $500 brand new.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/633/YOZUDb.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/hlYOZUDbj)

Stone
12-14-2015, 05:25 PM
KDG has a real sturdy new mount out for the Aimpoints. https://kineticdg.com/product/sidelok-aimpoint-t1-t2-h1-h2/ I am going to be getting a T2 shortly and will probably going with their mount. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ibh3xUluqk

StraitR
12-14-2015, 07:44 PM
I've used LT mounts for years, never had an issue, and have been treated exceptionally well by Mark Larue personally as well as his staff. Almost 10 years ago I ordered one of their rails, back when they were the jam, and after getting it I regretted the length and wished I had bought a longer one. Mark read my post on AR15.com to that effect and sent me a PM saying to call the shop in the morning and talk to his office manager, who already had the longer rail waiting for me, free of charge, and no need to send back the other one.

Because of that, when LT is an option, LT is my answer. I have/had an LT139, LT752, LT110, multiple LT660's, and I literally just ordered an LT104 two hours ago after calling them and talking to Ben about what he recommended for my VX-R Patrol 3-9x40 on 16" BLK gun I'm building. I've had nothing but positive experiences with all my LT products, and as much as there's a lot of new hotness to choose from, LT just keeps putting out the same ole same ole proven quality kit.

To the OP, I did recently swap out a LT660 for KAC micro mount so I could lower my T2 to line up with mounted NV, as the LT660 was a little tall. It's in very good condition and I put it up for sale on Arfcom this afternoon, but haven't listed it here because I honestly expected it to be gone by now. And FWIW, the $185 KAC micro mount absolutely will not retain zero, according to my iron sights, when removed and reinstalled. I tried five times. That said, I bought it to put on a KAC factory gun, so whatever, I'll deal with it.

I have no experience with ADM or Bobro, but from what I've read, it's hard to go wrong with them too.

Lost River
12-14-2015, 08:49 PM
I use the PRO's included mount, no issues with zero. Rifle bangs around in trunk plenty and holds fine when I confirm it once a year.

I am in this camp. Practically speaking, I have found no reason not to use the supplied mount, at least on the PRO model.

scw2
12-14-2015, 11:15 PM
Ditto .....

If you have no need for a QD option, this is a rugged and lightweight setup. I was patient when I purchased and the total tab for the H-1 and mount was less than $500 brand new.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/633/YOZUDb.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/hlYOZUDbj)

I'm thinking that I'll either go for the PRO or an aimpoint H-1. What's a good/great price on the DD mount?

41magfan
12-15-2015, 08:32 AM
Any price below $70 is good .....

CS Tactical
12-15-2015, 08:45 AM
I'm thinking that I'll either go for the PRO or an aimpoint H-1. What's a good/great price on the DD mount?

I can PM you prices when I get to the office later.

Sasage
12-15-2015, 09:22 AM
I'm thinking that I'll either go for the PRO or an aimpoint H-1. What's a good/great price on the DD mount?

Lanbos has one for $68 but shipping for me is $10

41magfan
12-15-2015, 09:35 AM
http://www.strohmanenterprise.com/catalog/aimpoint/accessories/mounts.php

Chuck Whitlock
12-15-2015, 10:33 AM
Anyone have experience with this mount?

http://www.holsterops.com/sight-mount

From the description, it can be set for absolute or lower 1/3 co-witness. Looks like just a riser for a factory pic mount. I'd be very leery of it, but Bill Rogers generally knows what he's doing....

Sasage
12-15-2015, 07:58 PM
Anyone have experience with this mount?

http://www.holsterops.com/sight-mount

From the description, it can be set for absolute or lower 1/3 co-witness. Looks like just a riser for a factory pic mount. I'd be very leery of it, but Bill Rogers generally knows what he's doing....

Usually the QD mounts increase the weight of the mount (slightly) than say the DD mount. A lot of people go DD, ADM or Larue. 1/3 vs absolute is just preference.

HCM
12-16-2015, 03:51 PM
Another option

http://www.recoilweb.com/new-ar-ready-micros-from-aimpoint-80023.html

Dagga Boy
12-16-2015, 07:04 PM
Another option

http://www.recoilweb.com/new-ar-ready-micros-from-aimpoint-80023.html

That is what I am running with no issues.

Sigfan26
12-16-2015, 07:41 PM
Another option

http://www.recoilweb.com/new-ar-ready-micros-from-aimpoint-80023.html

Those mounts are pretty awesome

HCM
12-16-2015, 09:55 PM
Those mounts are pretty awesome

I'll let you know, we just got our first H-1's on LRP mounts at work to replace our EO-Thingie's.

HCM
12-16-2015, 09:57 PM
http://www.strohmanenterprise.com/catalog/aimpoint/accessories/mounts.php

Joe Strohman is good people. highly recommended.

Sigfan26
12-16-2015, 09:57 PM
I'll let you know, we just got our first H-1's on LRP mounts at work to replace our EO-Thingie's.

They used to sell that package on the T1 through Interstate arms. If it's anything like the old ones, you'll love it

HCM
12-16-2015, 10:06 PM
They used to sell that package on the T1 through Interstate arms. If it's anything like the old ones, you'll love it

I hope so. Our National Firearms Unit has been testing the H-1 / LRP combo as far back as 2011/2012.

johncorey
12-16-2015, 11:58 PM
I'm actually kicking around the idea of replacing my Larues with a non-QD option right now. I have run LT without any issue stateside and OCONUS. It sort of sucked when the dropped their mil discount a while back, but the product is still solid. Bobro seems to be the new hotness, although they've been churning out mounts for while now. A buddy of mine has one for his Micro, and the QD lever just looks massive to me. Like sail in the wind massive. He has no issues with it. The DD seems to be about legit as they come for a non-QD option. And for those who don't read SSD, an element within the Bureau just picked Spuhr to mount their T2s to their guns.

I want to say it was Recoil which did a QD return-to-zero piece a while back. IIRC, Bobro and GDI were top 2, unsure of order. Keep in mind the differences were measured in 0.0xx of an inch, so not something I would lose any sleep over.


To echo what has already been said, Joe Strohman will definitely not lead you wrong. It appears the forum has a new supporting vendor, so maybe check them out as well.

BWT
12-18-2015, 11:05 PM
I'm debating the DD 1/3 mount or waiting for the Scalar Works LDM 110 mount.

I just want light and durable.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/736329/daniel-defense-aimpoint-micro-t-1-t-2-h-1-sight-mount-absolute-co-witness-matte

https://scalarworks.com/shop/optic-mounts/ldm-micro/

They both seem within about .5 ounces of one another. I wouldn't mind the removable nature of the Scalar Works mount; I'd blue Loctite any threaded screws. Therefore, the DD would pretty much be permanently attached.

Food for thought.

By the way, because I love you guys. Scalar Works' mount runs about $149 (everywhere that has it listed and out of stock usually). I bought my Black Friday AIM Surplus deal (sold out in less than 24 hours) H2 for $579. Scalar works offers Aimpoint bundles for H2 and mounts for $729 and T2 and mounts for $779. The savings I made on black friday for an H2 plus the mount I want equal out to $729 ($729 - $149 = $580 and add $50 for a T2). The bundle they offer is pretty much identical to what I paid; so it's a good deal.

So what I'm saying is if you want a screaming deal on an H2 or T2 bundled with a mount that seems at least fairly decent (although pricey); keep an eye out at this website.

https://scalarworks.com/optic-bundles/

They're due back in stock late December of 2015. So, I'm guessing here soon.

Anyway,

God Bless,

Brandon

ETA: I'm selling my ML3 with Bobro mount to a family member (great mount just heavier), and I'd echo any advice for an Aimpoint PRO. It's absolute great value. I just decided I wanted a lighter optic, I knew I could re-sell my Aimpoint in the current market and make back about 60% of what I spent to re-invest in an H2 or T2 (I went H2), and figured I'd upgrade my Aimpoint ML3 to an Aimpoint H2.

I have absolutely zero complaints about the ML3 except it's a tad heavier; I was very pleased with the optic. But at 4.8 ounces with the mount and 7.8 ounces with the scope covers totaling 12.6 ounces (ball park a lb) versus a 1.42 ounce mount and 3.3 ounce optic totaling around 5 ounces (with scope covers, a dot that's more conducive for people with astigmatisms (I have them), and the more common CR2032 battery); it simply was worth it. Both 2 MOA and both rated for 50,000 hours; I can't really fault the ML3. I just thought if I was going to make a change to a smaller dot; now was the time to do it.

rob_s
06-16-2017, 10:35 AM
Reviving this due to this (https://www.facebook.com/scalarworks/photos/a.200246103507481.1073741827.190644411134317/681598118705608/?type=3&theater)

https://scalarworks.com/shop/optic-mounts/ldm-pro/

Looks like an interesting new solution for the 30mm red dots.

For those not on facebook...
17386

WobblyPossum
06-16-2017, 12:58 PM
Reviving this due to this (https://www.facebook.com/scalarworks/photos/a.200246103507481.1073741827.190644411134317/681598118705608/?type=3&theater)

https://scalarworks.com/shop/optic-mounts/ldm-pro/

Looks like an interesting new solution for the 30mm red dots.

For those not on facebook...
17386

I've been waiting for this to come out. It's been the only thing stopping me from buying the Bobro for my patrol rifle Aimpoint PRO. I'm glad it's finally coming out soon so I can make my decision. I've heard good things about Scalarworks mounts and I love how lightweight they are.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

KeeFus
06-16-2017, 03:56 PM
Just getting started into the red dot world but the factory mount on the PRO seems plenty robust for anything I could throw at it. How do the factory mounts on the Micro's holdup?

HCM
06-16-2017, 08:51 PM
Just getting started into the red dot world but the factory mount on the PRO seems plenty robust for anything I could throw at it. How do the factory mounts on the Micro's holdup?

We have issued several thousand LRP mounts for H-1's. About 2 years in, so far so good.