Flat-topped ARs with a long rail across them are rapidly on the rise. This has caused a subsequent increase in popularity of quick detach scope mounts. A mount that is easily attached and detached comes in handy because it is more efficient than your regular scope mounts. The best scope mount checks all the boxes. It has to be efficient, easily detachable and affordable among other considerations.
Best quick detach scope mounts – comparison table:
Best QD Scope Mounts – Reviews
1. UTG 1″/2PCs Med Pro LE Grade Picatinny QD Rings: 22mm Wide
UTG is renowned company and they pride themselves in producing top-notch quality hunting and shooting accessories for many years now. They make sure that they rigorously test their products before releasing them to the market to ensure that they are not only durable but high-performing too. This is all very clear when you look at this UTG quick detach scope mount.
It comes with a 2-piece design that makes it very unique, especially when compared to many other QDs in the market right now. Furthermore, the design contributes to its versatility. The QD is made from aircraft-grade aluminum construction. That is why the device looks amazing and feels robust. The anodised matte black adds to its larue tactical appeal.
The two scope rings are designed to fit onto a weaver/ picatinny rail easily. Each of the clamps present on the scope mount locks down over your riflescope. There are four screws that will ensure that it is durable and secure to hold. They perfectly hold the scope delivering a perfect zero.
Unlike other QD scope mounts in this price range, this medium profile scope mount is very light, compact and you can effortlessly take it on trips with minimal space. The re-zero is near-perfect after you detach it.
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to re-zero after detachment
- It is very affordable
- Comes with a unique 2-piece design
- Highly versatile
- Some users claim it is too low for some rifles
2. Burris Optics P.E.P.R. Scope Mount, Includes Both Smooth and Picatinny Ring Tops, 1 Inch, Quick Release
Burris Optics is also a go-to manufacturer for many law enforcement and hunting experts because they deliver products and accessories that most experts rate as excellent. They manufacture different scopes and scope accessories for different rifles.
When it comes to delivering robust, respectable, superior quality and durable shooting and hunting accessories, they take no prisoners. This product is no different. It is ultimately one of the best QD scope mounts in the market. When you need some reassurance when out hunting game on superior performance, this device won’t let you down.
It comes as a base mount and a full scope ring one piece design, with its construction built from aircraft-grade aluminum. The construction has then been finished with anodised matte black that gives it that fierce look and appeal. The mount can easily fit onto Weaver or Picatinny rails. The rings have rails at the top that function to add any additional optics you may need like lasers and lights. When you fit it, it can give maximum eye relief and up to 2-inch forward scope positioning.
It is also important to note that P.E.P.R is an abbreviation for Proper Eye Position Ready. This indicates that the manufacturer made sure that the scope mount easily caters for your every need. It has the ability to perfectly hold without losing zero even after you detach it. Furthermore, you have a smooth time when you want to re-zero the scope mount.
- It is affordable
- It extends the field of view and eye relief
- Very easy to mount
- Excellent customer service and warranties
- It is a bit heavy
- It can be tricky to adjust it
3. American Defense AD-RECON 30 STD Riflescope Optic Mount, Black
It is a great QD scope mount that is incredibly lightweight. This scope mount is particularly designed for AR-15s. Its lightweight nature is mostly because of the precision-machined high-quality aluminum. Furthermore, all of the scope rings on the mount are skeletonized on their sides to further reduce its weight.
Additionally, the rings are aligned vertically and each of them is secured with four bolts. These rings are designed this way to ensure that you have the best grip and alignment. However, mounting the scopes can be a bit challenging because of this. The QD scope mount uses a proprietary quick-detach lever mounting system.
Even Picatinny rails that don’t exactly meet the base specifications can work with the mounts because of the mount’s design. Moreover, you have the ability to align the levers rearwards or forwards. This cantilevered design is the reason why you can get the chance to achieve perfect eye relief.
You don’t need any proprietary tools to make adjustments. You can even use a fingernail to manipulate the standard flathead bolts. Under normal use, you can enjoy a lifetime warranty, which is pretty impressive. You may find it a bit challenging to find one fault with this product or anything that comes with it in the box. What stands out are the tool-free adjustments and proprietary levers.
- Comes with proprietary levels
- Tool-free adjustments
- Comes with a lifetime warranty under normal use
- Superior clamping surface
- High-grade aluminum rings
- It can be a bit difficult to mount your scopes because of the vertically split design
4. UTG 30mm/2PCs Hi Pro LE Grade Picatinny QD Rings: 25mm Wide
If you are looking for a 2-piece design QD scope mount that will offer you value for the money, this is the product to go for. The rings are built out of aluminum and steel components. The rings are skeletonized to further reduce the mount’s weight. They are skeletonized in the top strap and the region below the rings. This does not only contribute to keeping the weight down, but also making it look pretty cool.
You can mount scopes with a 30mm tube, which is facilitated by their design. You can mount your scope either on a Picatinny rail or weaver rail. Each ring is secured with four bolts in a horizontal-split configuration, making mounting very easy. The surfaces are coated with superior quality, synthetic material to protect it. You can also easily adjust the tension of the best QD levers with an Allen key. This is only to make sure it properly holds and to easily re-zero it afterward.
You can buy some lo-cost rings that come with the best machining specifications if you want to use the scope mount on any other rifle apart from an AR. This mount typically checks all the boxes.
- It is machined with precise tolerances
- Great value for money
- It is guaranteed against any manufacturing defects
- You can adjust the levers to optimize the rail’s tension
- There are some occasional flaws here in there, which quality control miss
5. MIZUGIWA 1inch /30mm Quick Release Cantilever Weaver Forward Reach Dual Ring Rifle Scope Mount
Mizugiwa isn’t a very popular manufacturer unless you do a lot of online shopping. This is a Chinese manufacturer producing a small range of hunting, fishing and shooting equipment. Despite producing a small range of products, the products themselves are of superior quality.
This Mizugiwa quick detach scope mount isn’t only simple and cheap but also very affordable. It is the Swiss army knife scope mount version, quite literally. It comes with exceptional design and delivers optimum performance. When you buy it, you will enjoy shooting at your best.
With a length of 13.5cm, you are sure it will support a variety of scopes. The body is finished in matte black, giving it a tactical mount look and feel and it features 25.4 mm reducer inserts. If you exclude the inserts, you can use the mount with 25 mm and 35 mm body riflescopes with no issue. It will also easily fit 20 mm Weaver rails.
The design also allows you to add some accessories like lasers and flashlights, especially because of the built-in Weaver rail style. Such accessories come in handy when you want to support your shooting needs. It will also allow to move it back and forth to support eye relief.
Another great feature is the clampdown design that comes with six bolts. This plus the quick release lever mounts makes it very easy to detach in case you want to remove the scope for cleaning or safe storage. Furthermore, you can use your iron sights without the need to remove the scope because of its height.
- It allows you to fit accessories
- Comes with quick-release locks
- Surprisingly versatile
- You don’t have to remove the scope to use iron sights
- The manufacturer is not very well known
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do quick release scope mounts hold zero?
The best QD scope mount is designed to hold zero perfectly even after you detach it. Furthermore, they are also designed to make it easy for you to re-zero after cleaning or storage.
2. Why offset scope mount?
Offsetting a scope mount gives you the chance to mount your scope directly at the top of the receiver and at the same time sitting well forward of the mounting position. This means that your cope will be set at a desirable distance from your eye.
3. Why cantilever scope mount?
If you are using a large frame AR, a cantilever scope mount may not be entirely necessary. However, they play an instrumental role in getting your scope out far enough to make sure that you get the perfect eye relief.
4. What is a Quick Detach Scope Mount?
A quick detach (QD) scope mount is essentially a scope that you can quickly attach and detach on your rifle. The easier it is to detach or attach, the more efficient it is to use. When you buy a quick detach mount, there would be no need of buying additional screws to attach the scope. Apart from their ease of use, they are also very easy to pack down and clean after your hunting excursion.
Since the market is flooded with different quick detach scope mounts from a wide range of manufacturers, it could prove to be such an uphill task to find one piece that suits you best. It can be challenging to find one with the right size, eye relief, fit or weight and you can easily be driven crazy in the process. To help you find the best quick detach scope mount, we reviewed five of the best in the market right now to make your buying decision a lot easier.
Conclusion
A QD scope mount will be an excellent addition to your hunting equipment. All of these QD scope mounts are amazing in their own right. However, this post is meant to give you an idea of some of the best QD scope mounts out there and why most users prefer them. Choosing any of these scope mounts will do the job. It will now be up to you to factor in your needs and budget range to make the best choice.

Hi, I am Barry. I co-founded inteliscopes.com, so you get all the proper advice you need with such a vitally important purchase. With my love of guns and teaching people, I needed to share my knowledge with the world.