Ins and Outs of Quick Detach Scope Mounts

Quick dispatch scope mounts are a convenience that many hunters enjoy. A quick detach scope mount can make it easy to move a scope from one firearm to another with a little complication. The quick detach scope mount, if properly manufactured, can add a wide range of versatility to your firearm and your scope.

Quick Detach Scope Mounts typically feature rail mounts that clamp or clip onto the receiver of the rifles using levers or cams. This allows the entire scope and mounts to be removed from the rifle quickly and easily. Quick Detach mounts can look like traditional mounts or cantilever style mounts to gain eye relief on short action rifles. Quick detach mounts are as secure and accurate as traditional mounts when properly installed.

If you are searching for a quick detach scope mount for your rifle and scope, there are some considerations to make before purchasing your mount. You must find the best quick detach mount that meets the needs of your rifle and your hunting style to ensure long life and accuracy. Before buying, a bit of due diligence can prevent scope and mount combination problems.

My Choices for Quick Detach Scope Mounts

There are hundreds of quick detach scope mounts on the market, sorting through them all to find the best combination of features and price. Add to the confusion that the need to match a quick detach scope to the rifles, the caliber, and the type of shooting you do can be challenging. We have looked at quick detach scope mounts based on application, features, and shooting styles to give you an idea of our choices for the best for each option.

Best Overall Quick Detach Scope Mount – Burris PEPR 30mm Scope Mount

Burris has a long reputation in the optics industry for quality construction. The Burris line of scope mounts is no exception. This reputation and the experience of other hunters using the Burris PEPER mounts to get the nod from us as the best overall 30mm quick detach scope mount system.

The quality of construction and the materials used are as good as you can find, which translates to a robust and strong scope mount. Burris puts a lot of pride into their production and machining. This pride shows in the tolerances and fit of the parts.

Burris’s PEPR scope mounts are modified cantilever mount that positions a scope as much as 2 inches forward of normal scope mounts to increase eye relief. This can be an advantage on short-action rifles such as AR-15, where eye relief can be a problem. Among the other features you can expect from Burris are:

• Includes the Burris Forever Warranty for no question askes repair or replacement for covered warranty issues
• The PEPR scope mount system weighs 8.7 ounces.
• Manufactured from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum.
• Available with both smooth top and Picatinny rail mounts on the top of the rings
• One inch, 34mm, and 30mm right sizes are available to fit more scopes.
• PEPR stands for Proper Eye Position Ready

These are high-quality scope mounts. We really like the ix screw right attachment on each right about these mounts. Six screws per mount mean a top-notch mount that won’t work loose from shooting. The prices are reasonable for this quality of riflescope mount.

Last update on 2022-02-23 at 13:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Traditional Style Single Piece Quick Detach Scope Mounts for Large Calibers – Midwest Industries QD Extreme 35mm QD Scope Mount

Large caliber high-power rifles require a different level of quick detach riflescope mounts. Heavy calibers deliver higher recoil energies which can stress quick detach mounts. Ensuring that your mount is built to withstand these sorts of stresses is important to ensure that your scope remains on zero.

Midwest Industries have built a reputation for strong and reliable scope mounts. The Midwest Industries QD Extreme scope mounts are designed for high-performance and high-demand shooting situations. These QD high-performance scope mounts from Midwest Industries are designed for large caliber rifles and large, heavy long-distancer scopes.

 The features included in the Midwest Industries QD scope mounts are a good indication of the quality put into these mounts. Midwest reputation among shooters also upholds the position of Midwest with shooters. You can count on the quality of these mounts as you look at the features.

• Each Midwest Industries Extreme QD scope mount include three QD levers to ensure reliable operation with calibers up to 50 BMC
• The highest quality of materials and macing ensure smooth operation  that won’t mar or damage your rails
• No tools are required to adjust or operate the QD features
• 100% made in the USA
• Handles scopes with an objective lens up to 56mm
• Overall length 6.75 inches
• Right Width .850 inches
• Weights 10.2 ounces

Finding a reliable quick detach scope mount that will reliably manage the recoil from high caliber rifles such as a 50 BMG or 338 Lapua can be difficult. Midwest industries Extreme QD riflescope mounts perform well and provide the best we have found in QD mounts for large caliber rifles. The price of these mounts is a bit more than most people expect, but when mounting a scope that can cost a thousand or more dollars, the price of the scope mount seems reasonable.

Last update on 2022-02-23 at 13:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Best Individual Quick Detach Scope Mounts – Warne 202LM 1 Inch QD Rings

Many shooters prefer traditional individual-style rings for mounting their riflescopes. However, when you add the ability to quick detach individual rings, the complexity of the mount is a challenge. Quick detach assemblies on individual rings often lack the structural stability to maintain rigidity and function.

This lack of rigidity must be compensated by the strength and heft of the ring mount itself and the locking cams’ design that allows the quick detach feature to operate effectively. Warne quick detach scope rings are known for their precide manufacture, rugged design, and ease of use. Warne is one of the few scope ring manufacturers to offer a return to zero guarantee. Coupled with the Warne reputation for quality, the Warner quick detach Maxima rings are in a class by themselves.

You won’t suffer for features with the Warne rings. If you prefer the classic look of individual scope mount rings with the customizable and convenience of quick-detach, the Qarned Maxima QD rings are your answer.

• Return to Zero Guaranteed on the Maxima QD rings sets
• Square recoil control key for positive engagement of ring to base
• Index-able level allows placement of the levers in any position desired
• Rings mount securely around the scope using 4 Torx style t-15 cap screws.
• Available to fit 1 inch, 30mm s4mm, and 38mm scope tubes
• Scope ring heights available from low to ultra-high for optimum scope position

If you prefer the look of individual scope rings on your rifle but want the advantage of quick-detach, these Warne Maxima QD rights may be your solution. Warne builds these rings to the highest quality and ensures that they perform exceptionally on the largest rifles and the hardest hitting recoil.

Last update on 2022-02-23 at 13:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Tactical Quick Detach Scope Mount – Vortex Optics Precision Quick-Release Mount

Quick detach scope mounts for tactical uses are a niche product. Tactical scopes tend to be more compact than regular optical scopes. Many are of the red dot variety. In general, these types of scopes and mounts are fitted to AR-15 platforms where maneuverability and lightweight are favored.

The need for a cantilever-style mount on an AR015 platform is well understood. Many shooters using this rifle platform use red dot scopes that allow both eyes open aiming. This requires a longer eye relief than some scope mounts may provide.

We have chosen the Vortex Optics Precision Quick-release extended cantilever scope mount for this slot on our list. The Vortex Optic mount is lightweight, strong, and offers a 2 inch forward offset to give you increased eye relief. Feature-wise, you won’t find anything lacking in the Vortex precision mount.

• A full 2” offset allows positioning the rifle scope for the optimum eye relief based on your shooting needs.
• This scope mount is designed to position the center of the riflescope at 1.45 inches high.
• Vortex Optics machines these scope mounts from 6061 T6 aluminum stock and hard coats the finished product with 3 mil-spec anodized black finish.
• Total Weight – 8.9 ounces
• Your scope is positioned and held securely with 8 TORX T15 screws, 4 on each ring.

Vortex Optics has built a reputation for quality products, impeccable manufacturing, and unmatched customer service. Like their optics, these Vortex scope mounts offer a no questions asked repair and return warranty.

Last update on 2022-02-23 at 13:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Rimfire Quick Detach Scope Mounts – Monstrum Slim Profile Series Cantilever Offset Scope Mount with Quick Release

Mounting a scope on a .22 rimfire rifle usually doesn’t present any problems with high recoil. However, paying attention to the quality of the mount you choose can make your shooting more pleasurable and more accurate. Unless you are participating in some highly competitive precision target shooting, the need for an expensive and heavy quick detach mount for your rimfire rifle is not needed.

Our choice of most rimfire shooters who want to use a quick detach mount for their 22 caliber rifle scope is the Monstrum Slim Profile cantilever offset mount. Monstrum produces exceptional quality optical products for a quite reasonable price. These quick detach scope mounts we have chosen fit this bill nicely. You won’t find them lacking in features because of the low price.

• Dual 30 mm rings fit most rimfire scopes on rifles equipped with Picatinny rails
• Lightweight, slim design keeps the weight of the overall package manageable without sacrificing strength and rigidity.
• Quick detach functions easily without additional tools
• 2 inches of forward cantilever extension allow you to position your scope for the best view and eye relieve
• Weighs 5 ounces and is only 5 inches long.

Most of us quickly add a rimfire scope to our .22 caliber rifle. Finding the right scope mounts is usually not as challenging as a .338 Lapua. However, you want to ensure that the mounts are structurally sound and well manufactured. When you choose Monstrum rimfire mounts, you can count on your scope finding and holding zero reliably.

Last update on 2022-02-23 at 14:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Things to Consider When Selecting a Quick Detach Mount

We use several considerations when we begin shopping for quick detach scope mounts. Some of these considerations involve the gun onto which the mount is being placed, the scope that is being mounted, and your personal shooting expectations. There is more to finding the right quick detach mount than just clamping a scope to the top of your rifle receive.

Scope Size

The size of the scope you are mounting is a big issue in selecting the scope mounts. Obviously, riflescopes come in a wide range of sizes, magnification and tubes. You must match your quick detach scope mount to the scope you are mounting. You must match the strength of the scope mount to the size of the scope. A large and heavy long-distance high magnification scope requires mounts that can take the stress of the mounting. Tactical scopes tend to be lighter and shorter and can be mounted using lighter scope mounts.

Rifle Caliber

Recoil is directly related to rifle caliber and is also the primary consideration in scope mount strength. You must choose a scope mount rated for the caliber of cartridge you shoot. A scope mount that is too light for the intended cartridge is almost impossible to zero initially and keep zeroed as it is used.

Quality of Construction

By nature, quick detach scope mounts have less mass and less structural integrity. The clamping mechanism is designed to be removed and reattached, creating a weak component in the design. Because of this weak portion, the quality of the rest of the construction is very important.

Unfortunately, many companies make quick detach mounts overseas that use inferior grade metals and less than quality construction methods. The lack of tolerances in the manufacturing can make these cheaper quick detach scope mounts almost impossible to zero properly. When mounting your scope, saving a few dollars will give you nothing but headaches and missed shots.

Design and Operation

Choosing the right design is as important as quality construction and design. You can choose between traditional single ring quick detach mounts, combination mounts, or cantilever mounts. The style of mount you choose is a personal selection. If you are mounting a scope of an AR-15 style rifle, a cantilever mount is probably your best choice. Large and long high-magnification scopes need bigger heaver mounts to support the weight.

Price

Price is always a factor. Unfortunately, we all live with budgets that affect our shooting sport hobby. Finding the best combination of qualities, features, and price is the goal of selecting a scope mount. More expensive doesn’t always mean better, and cheap doesn’t always mean poor quality. However, when considering these sides of price, you must be very careful to ensure that you get everything you want.

Convenience and Reliability are the Aspects to Look For

Quick detach scope mounts can add a level of versatility to your rifles and scopes. The ability to easily change scope and rifle combinations can add a new dimension to your hunting. However, care should be taken to ensure that the quality of the scope mount matches the demands of your rifles and your hunting styles.

Dennis Howard

A life long hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, after surviving a devastating tornado in his home town, he saw the effects on people’s lives as they struggled to cope. He built his first bugout bag a few weeks later and has been a dedicated prepper/survivalist since that time. After a career as a fireman, Dennis opened a retail store (FFL approved) catering to the military, law enforcement, and like-minded individuals. The store built their own AR platforms. Furthermore, Dennis was also an NRA instructor in both long gun and handgun as well as a certified range safety officer. Read his full interview here.