Thanks for taking the time to comment folks, I appreciate. A couple of responses:
I wasn't thinking of this replacing discrete rings, so much as the scope mounts that tie together two rings into one long base. (ie mounts from Geissele / Larue). Not sure if that was clear from my description. Looking at a variety of those types of mounts they seem to follow a pretty consistent pattern wrt to ring position and height.
https://d3cfki0l5o2ps6.cloudfront.ne...t-ddc-01_1.jpg
Not sure if this picture will show up. Here is a link:https://geissele.com/ar15-m4-super-p...ope-mount.html
That is interesting. It seems the mounts I'm referring to are more popular in the 30mm. I don't know what it would take to make one version in 30 and one in 1", or you can use inserts on the 30 to run a 1".
Regarding the thread issue you mentioned earlier: I hadn't considered that. Perhaps using replaceable threaded steel inserts in the aluminum base is the solution?
Yeah that is a really good point, and in my original post I mentioned going that route. Now I understand why you brought it up. Excellent advice. Given this far afield of my day job I have no interest in making money off of the idea. If someone does make money off of selling these things I would be happy if they sent me a free sample, and gave a donation to the forum.
I do find it odd that there are literally hundreds of muzzle brakes, rails, scope mounts, stocks, magazines, pistol grips, but for uppers there is pretty much 'carry handle' or 'flattop' (I know there are a few exceptions, but no where near the variety of the other components I mentioned). I also agree that rails have been a boon to the industry, but I hope that doesn't mean we need to stop there in innovation.
One other thought: A typical stripped upper is ~$100. A decent mount from can run you from 200-350. What would be the cost of an upper with an integrated mount?