Scope mount for longer-range AR10

[curetsky]

Ok, newbie here and also recently took up making my own builds. I'm putting together an AR10 that I'm making for longer range shooting (maybe out to about 1000yds). Aero Precision M5 upper, Wilson Combat 18" match super sniper barrel, and putting a Steiner T5Xi scope on it. What recommendations would you offer for the scope mount? I don't want to cheap out, but I also don't want to break the bank (or my back with a heavy mount). I was looking at the Aero Precision ultralight mount, and though it seemed to get mostly positive opinions in a thread I read here, there were good points made about the vertically split rings for a precision rifle, as well as a couple of people who have experienced broken rings (I've read that elsewhere as well).

Any recommendations on rings vs. cantilever (have looked at Steiner rings and mounts, Warne XSKEL, Seekins rings, maybe even something on which a red dot could be mounted for transitioning to cqb...) would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[drewthebrave]

While I appreciate the Aero Precision Ultralight mounts for what they are, I have low confidence in their durability. I had a few on my AR15s, but have sold all of mine except for the one on my wife's superlight AR15. I would NOT want one on a large frame AR.

Considering you have a ~$1500+ scope, I would recommend to go with the best dang one-piece mount you can afford. I like Warne, ADM, and LaRue mounts for my budget optics, but would recommend that you at least consider Spuhr, Badger Ordinance, Scalarworks, and Geissele (among others) as well. There's no point buying a Corvette if you're just going to put cheap tires on it. Spend a little extra for the peace of mind that your scope and rifle will work well together.

 

[curetsky]

While I appreciate the Aero Precision Ultralight mounts for what they are, I have low confidence in their durability. I had a few on my AR15s, but have sold all of mine except for the one on my wife's superlight AR15. I would NOT want one on a large frame AR.

Considering you have a ~$1500+ scope, I would recommend to go with the best dang one-piece mount you can afford. I like Warne, ADM, and LaRue mounts for my budget optics, but would recommend that you at least consider Spuhr, Badger Ordinance, Scalarworks, and Geissele (among others) as well. There's no point buying a Corvette if you're just going to put cheap tires on it. Spend a little extra for the peace of mind that your scope and rifle will work well together.

How about Steiner's own one-piece mount (t-series cantilever) or EOTech's PRS cantilever mount?

 

[curetsky]

While I appreciate the Aero Precision Ultralight mounts for what they are, I have low confidence in their durability. I had a few on my AR15s, but have sold all of mine except for the one on my wife's superlight AR15. I would NOT want one on a large frame AR.

Considering you have a ~$1500+ scope, I would recommend to go with the best dang one-piece mount you can afford. I like Warne, ADM, and LaRue mounts for my budget optics, but would recommend that you at least consider Spuhr, Badger Ordinance, Scalarworks, and Geissele (among others) as well. There's no point buying a Corvette if you're just going to put cheap tires on it. Spend a little extra for the peace of mind that your scope and rifle will work well together.

Managed to snag a Scalarworks LEAP from SCTactical (only place that has the 34mm standard height in stock). Thanks!

 

[Ape_Factory]

I second Scalarworks. Love the engineering that went into it.

 

[JustinTX]

I went with the Seekins one piece mount for my 6.5 Larue and it has been great. It seems to be good value for the money.

 

[strike33]

Badger Condition One
Geissele
Spuhr

 

[it_b_will]

I realise this is several months old, but once upon a time I had the same dilemma as the OP.
T5Xi 3-15x50 34mm and wanting to shoot as far as possible but no idea what ring setup to get for the sucker.
My solution was to call Steiner up and ask. They directly suggested Burris XTR Signature Rings over their own rings and others. If one found themselves in the same scenario, would give the XTR's a look over as a solid option.

 

[thehun]

Anything but Aero...lol

I’ve had several scopes slip with Aero...yes. Properly torqued...

 

[Straw Hat]

I used American Defense to mount a Trijicon 3x9x40 on mine. I'm happy with it.

 

[338LM_Sniper]

Just buy a Spuhr Cantilever with the built in bubble level and be done and never worry about it. You get what you pay for and why not buy the Best from the get go. I have a Spuhr SP-4016 Cantilever on my GAP-10 and it is Rock Solid, and it looks Great too.

I would prefer the Geiselle Super Precision SR25 Mount but I can't find one or they are no longer made.

 

[cstumpf750]

I really like my ADM QD mount. It always returns to zero, which is important as the scope doesn’t live on the rifle. It’s only attached if I’m shooting it. I shot a sub 1” group of 10 rounds at 100 yards removing the scope between each shot, wh is no different than if I had left it on for all 10 shots. The tool less adjustment of the locking levers is nice too, especially if you move the scope between guns and it clamps on the flat, not in the groove like the Spuhr does. I tend to look for the best cost to benefit ratio in my purchases and while you get what you pay for, more expensive is not always better and if it is, the cost is exponentially higher for a small increase in performance or usability.

Here’s my setup. POF P308 16.5” with a SWFA SS 3-15x 42mm scope on an ADM QD mount with 20moa of elevation built in.

 

[longshot2000]

Badger Condition One
Geissele
Spuhr

Pretty much this.

 

[Bigtrucknut]

I've been running a 20 MOA Nightforce Ultralite Unimount for about two years now - never had a problem with it. Aluminum with titanium hardware, it is pricey but I think it's worth every bit what I paid.

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachments/lr243sized-jpg.7505209/

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

I've found the Warn Mounts to work very well. I don't know about return to zero taking it on and off because I don't take my scopes on and off the rifle they are for. If you just want a solid mount that you won't have any trouble with and won't break the bank, Warn is a good choice. The other mounts mentioned here are obviously great and I have a few of them, but it depends on function you are looking for.

 

[Guyotrd]

I realise this is several months old, but once upon a time I had the same dilemma as the OP.
T5Xi 3-15x50 34mm and wanting to shoot as far as possible but no idea what ring setup to get for the sucker.
My solution was to call Steiner up and ask. They directly suggested Burris XTR Signature Rings over their own rings and others. If one found themselves in the same scenario, would give the XTR's a look over as a solid option.

Steiner and Burris are the same company so not surprising although I like both branded scopes.

I used ADM when weight is not important - I think they are a good value. I just bought a Nightforce and it is much lighter and seems to be of high quality - although they are not quick detach.

I have seen the SPUHRs and they seem very high quality, very heavy and very expensive.

 

[Runnineh]

Never had an issue with adm.