2" or 3" offset for AR scope mount

[Rshooter]

I am looking at mounting a Steiner 1x4 scope to my AR. Larue Tactical has 2 and 3 inch offsets on their mounts. Any advice on why I should choose one over the other? Thanks.

 

[imashooter]

I had a similarly sized optic (Vortex PST) on an ADM QD Recon w/ 2" offset. Just right. You just wanna make sure the mount you choose is compatible with your eye relief.

 

[Skylerbone]

I find the best option for optics mounting is a mock-up. Grab some clay or Play-Doh (clay is firmer and easier to measure) from WalMart and determine height, eye relief, bolt clearance, etc. before ordering. Cheaper than buying a second mount or sending one back with a re-stock fee. I often use wooden blocks and electrical tape but I have ready access to those materials so whatever works.

 

[Rshooter]

I find the best option for optics mounting is a mock-up. Grab some clay or Play-Doh (clay is firmer and easier to measure) from WalMart and determine height, eye relief, bolt clearance, etc. before ordering. Cheaper than buying a second mount or sending one back with a re-stock fee. I often use wooden blocks and electrical tape but I have ready access to those materials so whatever works.

Thanks very much, I had never considered the idea but it is a very good one. Common Sense: The art of thinking what should come naturally to others.

 

[imashooter]

Here was the Vortex on the 2" cantilever. Weapon is fixed stock 20".






Longer Vortex w/ a different (non-qd) 2" cantilever mount.

 

[Rshooter]

Here was the Vortex on the 2" cantilever. Weapon is fixed stock 20".

Longer Vortex w/ a different (non-qd) 2" cantilever mount.

Thanks for the pictures.

 

[imashooter]

Thanks for the pictures.

You bet.

 

[Laphroaig]

I've been following this thread closely but didn't want to post until I had an opportunity to try my new setup. I've mounted a scope on my AR last year for across the course service rifle competition. I've had a lot of problems with eye relief between the three positions shot in that type of shooting, namely prone, sitting, and standing, due to differences in head position. The scope needs to be furthest forward for comfortable prone position, but further back for the other positions.

I started out with a fixed A2 stock. My mount is a Leupold Mark 2 which I assume is a 2" offset. I just replaced the A2 stock with an adjustable (Magpul CTR with the 0.7" butt pad extension) which allows the stock to be shortened for the other positions if you can get it far enough forward for a comfortable prone head position. I finally had a chance to shoot it prone yesterday, and it was more comfortable than previous, but still not 100%. I'm going to try and live with it because I'm tired of throwing money at it.

I received a email from Creedmoor the other day advertising a 2.5" offset mount. I think that would be just about perfect for me. Dennis Demille definitely has his hand on the pulse of competitive shooting.

I guess the conclusion to this rant is that, it depends on what type of shooting you plan to do as to what offset you need. If prone is in the mix, and you are a stock crawler like me, get the longest cantilever that you can. The scope can always be moved back, either thru the rings or on the rail.

I have never had this problem with any of my non-AR rifles. It seems for a bolt gun I can always find a reasonable compromise that allows for comfortable eye relief for most positions. I also sighted in a hunting rifle yesterday that I had replaced the scope on. I shot it on the rifle range prone because the bench rests were jammed. No problem with eye relief what so ever.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

I've been accused of having no neck but even with a traditional bladed rifle stance I usually have to turn my cantilevers around to bring the scope closer to the eye. Are you guys laying your head over the stock like a pillow or is this a NTCH thing?

Mike

 

[Sam1911]

Do you shoot with your nose to the charging handle?

 

[Laphroaig]

Do you shoot with your nose to the charging handle?

I did prone with irons. I'd need a 2 1/2 or 3" to do it with a scope.

traditional bladed rifle stance

That's standing, I assume.