Shooting groups with M4/AR - options for optics

[Maineshooter]

I know the title makes it sound like it should be in the optics session, but I am really looking to touch base with handloaders for this.

I have a Colt 6920 that I have been shooting mostly factory ammo from. Since I actually have some components on hand now, I am going to work up some loads for accuracy. I am running iron sights at the moment and will be picking up a RDS soon. I want to mount one of my hunting scopes on it just for the purpose of shooting groups - it won't be on there for long.

I am curious to know what mounts most of you guys use for load development. I'm not going to spring for a Larue mount because I can't justify the price for what I would be using it for. Once I get my load data nailed down I will be sticking with it. If I were going to keep a scope on this weapon, I wouldn't blink about spending the bucks for a good mount.

Any recommendations? I know I can just put on a set of high rings and call it good but I am in hopes that someone may have developed a trick or two for this purpose that is fairly low cost but will still hold a zero during a range session. FYI - I am not worried about the shadow from the front post.

Thanks in advance.

[JW5219]

When I had a scope on one of my uppers I used an Armalite one piece scope mount. Put the scope at the right height (for me), and was easy to put on and take off. I think I paid 80 bucks for it. Look around and you may be able to find a used one.

[markm]

I bought one of the RRA one piece mounts for $60. It cantilevers the scope forward. Now it sits a little too high for a good cheek weld... but for the price, it's something I can tollerate.

You can get them in 30mm or 1". I'd loan you mine, but I don't know you like that... and the world is full of cuckoos. ;)

[jmnielsen]

You can probably get a cantilever mount off eBay. Saw a boatload of knockoffs when I bought my Burris off of there.

[bowietx]

Per your post, not the answer that you wanted, but I have found that the Larue mounts work the best for repeatability. They are rock solid and are easy to remove and replace. It does buy you value from the standpoint that your scope can be used on multiple guns with a consistent return to zero. I bought my first one used and found a decent price after doing some looking and waiting. Hard to find the same quality in a lesser mount, even it if it used very little it is worth it in the long run.

[Maineshooter]

I bought one of the RRA one piece mounts for $60. It cantilevers the scope forward. Now it sits a little too high for a good cheek weld... but for the price, it's something I can tollerate.

You can get them in 30mm or 1". I'd loan you mine, but I don't know you like that... and the world is full of cuckoos. ;)

Looks like the best option so far. I can deal with the cheek weld as long as the zero holds.

[Maineshooter]

Thanks for the replies - there are some good options to try, a couple of which I wasn't aware of.

[markm]

Looks like the best option so far. I can deal with the cheek weld as long as the zero holds.

Yeah.. it's built like a brick outhouse. So.. it's a little bulky, heavy, and tall... but I bought it for the EXACT usage you're looking for.

[Kain]

Have the RRA mount markm is talking about on one of my rifles, an RRA of all things. Thinking one of our heads must be build wrong as I have no issues with it being too tall, so by that one of us is a freak :D. Haven't had any issues with it personally and worked well for the $60 I paid for it so I would have some sort of optic on the 20 heavy barrel of a brick that the RRA rifle I have is. If nothing else $60 shouldn't break the bank. Though if I had the money I would love to have another Larue mount.

[markm]

My skull is funky. I'm always raising the comb on my stocks too high for most others to shoot.

[wahoo95]

Hard to beat the Leupold Mark 2 as a mount. Rock solid and under $100

Mine even holds zero when removed

[Kain]

My skull is funky. I'm always raising the comb on my stocks too high for most others to shoot.

Well good to hear I am not the freak. ;)

On another note, to do your best shooting a kit that fits you is worth the extra money in my opinion. I also believe that anyone doing a significant amount of shooting is going to modify their kit to suit their needs. There is no one size fits all in other words.

[eperk]

I bought the rings for a Nikon P-223. They are 1" rings. Got rid of the P-223 and use the same rings for my Leupold 2x7 ultralight. Still loving those rings.

[Maineshooter]

I bought the rings for a Nikon P-223. They are 1" rings. Got rid of the P-223 and use the same rings for my Leupold 2x7 ultralight. Still loving those rings.

Are these the rings you are referring too?
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/nikon-p-series-mounting-system.aspx?a=993875

[eperk]

Are these the rings you are referring too?
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/nikon-p-series-mounting-system.aspx?a=993875

Yes, and for the price they're a steal.

[gman556]

For shooting groups, and testing/working up loads, I use a Nikon P-223-3X9X40 IN A LaRue SPR/M4-EER.

I use it on both my AR's. I switch back and forth all the time, and it holds zero at 100yds on both AR's. The cool thing is that I have it zeroed on my favored AR, and all I have to do when I mount it to my other one is click the windage and elevation a few clicks, and it's zeroed to that one.

I mainly use an Aimpoint T-1 in a LaRue t660, and an Eotech EXPS3-2. They both return right to zero when I'm done playing with the Nikon.

This set up works great for me, YMMV.

[Agnostic]

How about the aero precision mount that is currently being discussed in a current thread? It is only 3oz, and it is listed at $84.99 on the manufacturer's website.

I know nothing of it other than the information in the thread and the information on the manufacturer's website (link in the current thread). But, it is another option.