Rifle Scopes If not Larue what QD scope mounts hold zero?
- Thread starter Climate17
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Why not just get a Larue? I love my Larue and it works awesome.
My Larue mounts return to zero no problem. Great customer service as well. That all I buy in QD mounts.
Of you're switching scopes between rifles, you're probably going to have to make adjustments per each platform. I would want to verify the zero anyway, so there shouldn't be a huge issue to dial a few clicks to get back to a true zero.
I see RTZ more important if you're switching optics on a single platform. Such as alternating between a red dot and magnified optic.
I see RTZ more important if you're switching optics on a single platform. Such as alternating between a red dot and magnified optic.
I had a couple of larue's but I have since switched them out for ADM. I have had ARMS too but I have never had issues with any of them. I went to ADM because you can adjust the tension with your finger nail whereas with the larue you need a wrench. Also the ADM don't need to be lapped...
Ok that makes sense. Generally speaking when you switch platforms how close are you for windage?
What's the cost on the adm and where do I find them. I'd like to research that product.
Thanks big pimpin'
I pretty much only use Larue. I have an ADM mount on my atlas, but I prefer the Larue mounts, they just feel more solid. Never had a problem returning to zero with the Larue. Like someone else said, if you are changing optics on different rifles, each rifle will have it's zero. As long as you zero one of them on the scope and know that the other rifle is say 4 clicks up and 2 clicks left, then it shouldn't be a problem to switch them out. I mainly just swap between my RDS and Acog though. I just bought a NF to throw into the mix so that may change.
Try here as long as you want a mount with 1.47" height and no built in eye relief?
American Defense SCOUT S Scope Mount 30mm rings
American Defense SCOUT S Scope Mount 30mm rings
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Bobro. SWFA sells them both as bobro and as their own brand. When I ordered the SWFA one it shipped 10 minutes later.
I'll admit I'm a larue fanboi. The bobro mount kicks their ass.
I'll admit I'm a larue fanboi. The bobro mount kicks their ass.
Be aware it is the Scout model, single lever as opposed to the Recon, which has two levers.
I just took my last Larue mount off a rail, you could see where the finish is shiny where the rotating surfaces rubbed. Won't get that with ADM/Bobro.
Two reasons no more Larue:
Need little wrench to adjust.
I don't know what to call it, the correct term, but the rotating cams rub your mount, can't be good, there are better ways to attach to the rail.
Lots of little pieces, and IIRC, fucking Torx fasteners, what's not to love?
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+1 for larue. I've heard why some dont like larue but I've never had any of the issues with them that are usually given and or they aren't issues for me. Of all the brands mentioned so far, I think any of them would serve you well and they cover several price ranges as well.
I've never used a Bobro but both of my experiences with ADM scope mounts have been negative. Both have pinched the tubes of the scopes and one even creased it. I tried lapping one but due to the design it was a PITA so I gave up. I do use ADM mounts for other things like bipods and lgihts though. Larue is the best I've used and returns to zero within 1MOA every time. Mark Larue is a douche but if you can get past that and give him your money he makes a great mount.
That said, in my years of shooting I have never needed to quickly detach a scope. Never ever. The only time I have taken a scope off of a rifle is to sell it, upgrade it, or because its jacked up. Never have I needed to get it off so fast I couldn't use a tool. I've also found that a good set of rings, or another picatinny mount, on a straight rail, and torqued with a torque wrench returns 100% to zero 99% of the time. Badger, Nightforce, AI, Seekins, and MK4 mounts have all returned to zero perfectly for me, not within X amount. I'd buy a good mount or rings and a good torque wrench.
That said, in my years of shooting I have never needed to quickly detach a scope. Never ever. The only time I have taken a scope off of a rifle is to sell it, upgrade it, or because its jacked up. Never have I needed to get it off so fast I couldn't use a tool. I've also found that a good set of rings, or another picatinny mount, on a straight rail, and torqued with a torque wrench returns 100% to zero 99% of the time. Badger, Nightforce, AI, Seekins, and MK4 mounts have all returned to zero perfectly for me, not within X amount. I'd buy a good mount or rings and a good torque wrench.
ADM.
I do like Bobro too but ADM has a plethora of sizes and configurations.
I have two USO's and MK6 all on AR's that come on and off - all hold zero great.
I do like Bobro too but ADM has a plethora of sizes and configurations.
I have two USO's and MK6 all on AR's that come on and off - all hold zero great.
this is some great realworld experience compiled here.
the issue with Larue is, it has the least amount of bearing surface holding the mount to the rail. The knife edge is just not enough for anything bigger than a 5.56, realistically. Sure people get away with it, but then again, people get away with a lot of stuff.
You want surface area. I was told of an Army Test involving the various mounts, this happened around the beginning of the year or just before SHOT Show. As it was told to me, and take it for what it's worth as second hand, the Larue failed on the ground. The winner of the test was the Alamo Four Star mount out of the ones tested. I believe they did a weight / stress test, or something to that effect, we are going back 6 + months here, and they were lifting with the mount and it (Larue) broke free pretty fast. Lack of bearing surface.
I have several Larue mounts and I find the vertical rings a pain, and you definitely have to loctite them or they loosen up. I had my S&B Short Dot in a Larue and it came loose twice so I ditched the Larue. If you watch the Magpul Precision Rifle video that talks about them on a bolt gun, the reason for the scope swap / monkey drill was to cover the fact the / a Larue mount was loose on one of the rifles from the day before. (not sure if they kept that part in the production video, I saw a pre-edit version) I would recommend tightening them down with the tool, but then you risk the gouging everyone complains about.
Most of today's rings don't need lapping, a $50 piece of steel stock is not gonna be better than a $100k CNC machine or even more expensive one. Today's tolerances are tight, Larue is no exception I would not lap any modern rings.
As I said I have at least 4 sets of Larue QD mounts, and use them when necessary. But there are better ones on the market if QD is the goal. Personally I want to torque my rings in anything designed for precision. If you are shooting inside 100 yards 90% of the time on a Man Sized target you'll never see a difference, so definitely get the Larue if you want the cool guy points. You can't deny he has a loyal and rabid following. But if it was on bigger, more precise rifle platform... I would look elsewhere, of course your mileage may vary.
You want surface area. I was told of an Army Test involving the various mounts, this happened around the beginning of the year or just before SHOT Show. As it was told to me, and take it for what it's worth as second hand, the Larue failed on the ground. The winner of the test was the Alamo Four Star mount out of the ones tested. I believe they did a weight / stress test, or something to that effect, we are going back 6 + months here, and they were lifting with the mount and it (Larue) broke free pretty fast. Lack of bearing surface.
I have several Larue mounts and I find the vertical rings a pain, and you definitely have to loctite them or they loosen up. I had my S&B Short Dot in a Larue and it came loose twice so I ditched the Larue. If you watch the Magpul Precision Rifle video that talks about them on a bolt gun, the reason for the scope swap / monkey drill was to cover the fact the / a Larue mount was loose on one of the rifles from the day before. (not sure if they kept that part in the production video, I saw a pre-edit version) I would recommend tightening them down with the tool, but then you risk the gouging everyone complains about.
Most of today's rings don't need lapping, a $50 piece of steel stock is not gonna be better than a $100k CNC machine or even more expensive one. Today's tolerances are tight, Larue is no exception I would not lap any modern rings.
As I said I have at least 4 sets of Larue QD mounts, and use them when necessary. But there are better ones on the market if QD is the goal. Personally I want to torque my rings in anything designed for precision. If you are shooting inside 100 yards 90% of the time on a Man Sized target you'll never see a difference, so definitely get the Larue if you want the cool guy points. You can't deny he has a loyal and rabid following. But if it was on bigger, more precise rifle platform... I would look elsewhere, of course your mileage may vary.
Without a doubt ADM.
Fuck Larue. Get a GDI or as Lowlight mentioned, an Alamo Four Star.
I use the GDI the most, but they are pricey for the average guy, especially on a lower end rifle.
The GDI has a lot of surface area holding the mount to the rail, and you can tighten it with a flat head screw driver, heck even a Leatherman will work. And you can accessorize it with other optics like the RMR above. They have plates for Trijicon, MRDS, or Aimpoint.
On my 338LM AWSM I also use a GDI and it works great beyond 1500m.
it is really about picking the right tool for the job and also, just importantly for a lot of guys, if it makes you feel good. If you tell someone you use a GDI they look at you funny, then tell them how much they cost and they faint. if you tell them you are using a Larue chances are you'll have something in common with them. you need to square things in your head just as much as on your rifle.
The GDI has a lot of surface area holding the mount to the rail, and you can tighten it with a flat head screw driver, heck even a Leatherman will work. And you can accessorize it with other optics like the RMR above. They have plates for Trijicon, MRDS, or Aimpoint.
On my 338LM AWSM I also use a GDI and it works great beyond 1500m.
it is really about picking the right tool for the job and also, just importantly for a lot of guys, if it makes you feel good. If you tell someone you use a GDI they look at you funny, then tell them how much they cost and they faint. if you tell them you are using a Larue chances are you'll have something in common with them. you need to square things in your head just as much as on your rifle.
I just got a Bobro 35mm for my Razor on my SR25. I am impressed with the build quality and lockup. The interface has a lot more contact than other throw lever designs I have seen.
GDI or A.I. is very robust, though not exactly QD.
Holy shit thats pricey. I'm not cheap by any means, but I had to talk myself into the Spuhr. My justification was that it has a built in level conveniently tucked underneath and I would spend another $100 for the USO swivel level over the cost of the AI mount I was going to get. The ability to hang a ACI directly on the mount is cool too. The cost of the GDI is a glass upgrade. I'm glad I'm happy with NF, Badger, and AI mounts. The Spuhr is the fanciest mount I've bought, maybe one day I'll order a GDI.
I like my larue mounts.
Bobro all the way. They just work and are of high quality. For true QD, I'd pick them over all others.
Question for Lowlight,
Those GDI mounts are way out of the price range for some of use little guys. What other QD mounts would you recommend and why?
Those GDI mounts are way out of the price range for some of use little guys. What other QD mounts would you recommend and why?
I shoot 308 semi auto out to 600 every couple weeks(that's as far as our range goes out) as well as corn field coyotes year round and on those I use the A.R.M.S #22 throw lever rings. I don't buy gear to replace stuff that works and those were considered pretty good when I bought them. Have 3 pairs for 9+ years and never had a problem with loosening if correctly installed and torqued. Return to zero is within 1.5" at 100 yards so a couple shots and a couple clicks and your back in business. If I'm removing a scope for whatever reason, I wouldn't even consider shooting a match or at an animal without rechecking the zero. I live in the midwest, not the middle east.
You can get a pair of new ones for around $125.
If you have to have what's currently all the rage then try one the ones suggested above( i've tried and or have most of them) and see if it works for you. If not you can always sell it here at a reasonable price to someone else and try something else! And so it goes.........
You can get a pair of new ones for around $125.
If you have to have what's currently all the rage then try one the ones suggested above( i've tried and or have most of them) and see if it works for you. If not you can always sell it here at a reasonable price to someone else and try something else! And so it goes.........
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I have a few ADM mounts, scopes and Aimpoint T1s
They hold zero and I change optics a LOT.
One of my AR uppers has been I use for several years and has had optics on and off a ton..
No wear marks on it and zero is always on.
They hold zero and I change optics a LOT.
One of my AR uppers has been I use for several years and has had optics on and off a ton..
No wear marks on it and zero is always on.
Bobro makes a well machined mount. They are rebranded for Trijicon as well. Very good quality in my opinion. I'm pretty certain they are well available.
Not the nicest looking but GG&G claims return to < 1/2 moa and they are very fairly priced if that's an issue.
If your looking for a convenient way to change... Another idea could be to pick up more portable torque wrench. There are quite a few with fixed values that are smaller, with palm/flat handle grips. The Borka tool is recommended here often and has a number of Pre set values.
Just something to think about if the few extra seconds aren't crucial. Spending a little extra for another torque wrench could lower the cost of additional mounts (buying fixed) or give you the opportunity to go higher quality.
Good luck with your search,
Bob-
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I've used ADM, LaRue, GDI, and Accuracy International.
The two LaRue mounts both came loose on me multiple times. I was cussing my rifle at one point having gone from shooting about .6 MOA to 2.0 MOA. I couldn't figure it out, pulled the scope off, cleaned the barrel, and went to reattach the scope and that's when I realized it wasn't tight. The other was on a K-Dot and it wouldn't stay tight either...both these were on 5.56 rifles.
I've got a LaRue bipod mount that works fine. It comes loose once in a while, but on a bipod it doesn't need to be tight. I much prefer the ADM on the Atlas.
I've got a GDI mount, reason being, I am swapping my Bender back and forth between my AI and my .308 gasser. Though I have to slightly tighten the flat-head screws from one to the other, it still returns to zero within .25 MOA of where it was when I took it off. The GDI is good stuff, but I personally wouldn't have bought it at retail price, especially if I wasn't sharing a scope. I'd much rather have a solid mount like the Badger, Nightforce Unimount, Sphur, or AI. Once I can afford another scope so they don't have to share, I'm going to swap out the GDI and get to solid mounts because I won't need the QD function anymore.
The two LaRue mounts both came loose on me multiple times. I was cussing my rifle at one point having gone from shooting about .6 MOA to 2.0 MOA. I couldn't figure it out, pulled the scope off, cleaned the barrel, and went to reattach the scope and that's when I realized it wasn't tight. The other was on a K-Dot and it wouldn't stay tight either...both these were on 5.56 rifles.
I've got a LaRue bipod mount that works fine. It comes loose once in a while, but on a bipod it doesn't need to be tight. I much prefer the ADM on the Atlas.
I've got a GDI mount, reason being, I am swapping my Bender back and forth between my AI and my .308 gasser. Though I have to slightly tighten the flat-head screws from one to the other, it still returns to zero within .25 MOA of where it was when I took it off. The GDI is good stuff, but I personally wouldn't have bought it at retail price, especially if I wasn't sharing a scope. I'd much rather have a solid mount like the Badger, Nightforce Unimount, Sphur, or AI. Once I can afford another scope so they don't have to share, I'm going to swap out the GDI and get to solid mounts because I won't need the QD function anymore.
I've used Larue quite a bit until I noticed it kept marring up my rails. They will also slide back and forth, of course the movement isn't much due to the lugs. Kinda sucks because Larue makes a plethora of mounts. I recently switched to ADM and am pretty happy so far. The GDI looks like a higher grade ADM but at $560 or whatever insane price, I'll stick with ADM. I really like the looks of the Addmount but it lacks QD. The Alamo 4 Star and Bobro also look good. I kind of wish Seekins would design a QD mount.
For those who find the GDI too expensive the Bobros & Alamo 4 Stars are good mounts, personally when you consider back in 90s you had a $2000 custom rifle, $1000 Leupold and $200 Badger rings. Now move to 2013 and we have rifles that are anywhere from $4000 to $8000, scopes that are over $3000 and a $500 mount that is also QD, and holds other optics, etc. it is right in line. A Spuhr is not QD and is $450... so $100 more for QD follows the trend exactly. If back in the day you said a $30 set of mounts from where ever would do the job as well as the Badgers you would have been laughed at. Consider in any system the scope is the most mechanical and prone to failure, the connection between the rifle and scope needs to be strong. As 1 thousandths of an inch at the scope can be 1 inch at 100 yards.
This tells me the rails are different sizes which is why you want to adjust them. The ability to adjust the mounts for different size rails is important.
This tells me the rails are different sizes which is why you want to adjust them. The ability to adjust the mounts for different size rails is important.
I use ADM QD mounts exclusively, partly because I have been able to find them for around $125 in the used market. They work well for me and I have not yet had an issue swapping scopes or pinching tubes.
To the posters saying their Larue mounts came loose, did you have the early versions with the non-locking lever or the version with the locking lever?
To the posters saying their Larue mounts came loose, did you have the early versions with the non-locking lever or the version with the locking lever?
I wish I could get LaRue rings on a Bobro base!
I like the Bobro QD mechanism best, but the rings will be a touch tight where the two halves join. Not enought to cause problems, but they will mar the scope. Lap them to eliminate the problem.
I've gone more to the LaRue mounts with the VFZ non-QD mount, since I really don't have a need on most my guns for a QD function.
I also like ADM.
I like the Bobro QD mechanism best, but the rings will be a touch tight where the two halves join. Not enought to cause problems, but they will mar the scope. Lap them to eliminate the problem.
I've gone more to the LaRue mounts with the VFZ non-QD mount, since I really don't have a need on most my guns for a QD function.
I also like ADM.
Yep, exactly. Another thing that sucks about the LaRue, a guy has to have that stupid tool to adjust them when the ADM works by hand or the GDI works with a multi-tool or small screw driver, etc.
The AI rail is slightly bigger than the rail on the gas-gun. I can take the mount when its adjust for the .308 gasser and put it on any of my ARs and there's no problem. I really like the GDI mount, its good stuff.
I run the slightly forward Bobro mount on my LMT and it returns to zero every time.
OK I really have to stop reading this forum! It keeps costing me more money lol. I just received a new GAP and had planned on using the Larue mount I had on another rifle for the scope but now I just over nighted some Badger rings for the rifle. Anyone want a Larue 34mm mount?
