Timber Creek 30mm scope mount

  If you know anything about Timber Creek Outdoors, it’s that they make bright anodized and cerakoted AR parts. They happen to have a new 30mm cantilever scope mount. This mount is part of their “Enforcer” line of AR parts. Because of this, it comes in all of Timber Creek's colors.

View fullsize

  The Enforcer Cantilever Scope mount is a top quality scope mounting platform. It is made from 6061 aluminum. This gives the mount plenty of strength while still being lightweight. It weighs in at 6.56 ounces on my scale. This is quite a bit lighter than a lot of mounts in this category. Yes, it is for use with 30mm scopes, so you have plenty of options in the optics arena. There are 4 clamping screws to clamp it to your picatinny rail. These screws also act as the recoil lugs for this mount, making it extremely rigid to the mounting rail. Timber Creek also uses Torx head screws throughout, so no stripping the heads out on this mount.

View fullsize

View fullsize

  I opted for the Tungsten Grey cerakote finish on the Cantilever scope mount. As mentioned, the mount comes in Timber Creek’s assortment of colors. Some are anodized and some are cerakoted. From previous experience, I know that Timber Creek does a great job with their anodized colors. This is partly why I chose Tungsten cerakote. The cerakote on this mount is nicely done also, in fact maybe too nice. When I installed the scope, I had to sand the cerakote down inside the rings. Not all of it, just enough to smooth it down because there was some slight binding during the initial installation. The slight sanding cured it. I attribute this to the Tungsten cerakote being a slightly rough finish. Other products I’ve used with Tungsten cerakote also have this same feel to them. I suspect that smooth cerakote options, as well as the anodized ones, might not have this problem. But I really do like how the mount looks on a black AR, it adds just a hint of some color.

View fullsize

  Ring height on the TC Enforcer scope mount is 1.5”. Why do you care, you might ask. The 1.5” height is pretty much an industry standard. This height also gives you a proper cheek weld, on an AR rifle, with most optics. I installed a Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44 into the cantilever mount. There is plenty of room between the rail and the objective lens. I’d venture to guess that all 50mm objective lens scopes would still have plenty of clearance between the scope and the rail. Being a cantilever style mount, it also places the scope farther forward to give you proper eye relief on your favorite AR rifle.

View fullsize

  The Timber Creek cantilever mount won’t have any problems living on your AR rifle. But, I wouldn’t hesitate to use it on something larger. With those 4 mounting lug screws, it should handle some serious recoil. You could even mount it up on a bolt gun, if so inclined. It only comes in a standard 0 MOA base, but for most of us, that won’t make any difference. I’m pretty pleased with what Timber Creek has done with this mount. Being in the Enforcer line, means that it will match other Enforcer series parts.

View fullsize

  Timber Creek has done a fine job with the Enforcer Cantilever mount. It’s rugged and lightweight construction should last you eons. Having colors to match your other AR parts is a bonus too. If you are looking for a lightweight scope mount that is made in America, go check out the Cantilever mount from Timber Creek Outdoors. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight 30mm cantilever scope mount

Target Market:

Anyone who wants a lightweight scope mount, especially for AR style rifles

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Made from 6061 aluminum

• 30mm ring size

• Ring Height - 1.5”

• Cantilever design

• Weight - 6.56 ounces

• 4 clamping screws also double as recoil lugs

• Torx screws throughout

• Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different anodized and cerakoted colors

Price point:

MSRP = $224.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Timber Creek Outdoors or maybe Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Lightweight

• Rugged

• Color options

• Made in USA

• Standard 1.5” height

Cons:

• May need some fitting or sanding

• No 34mm option as of yet

• Price might deter some buyers

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense

Warne R.A.M.P. Scope Mount Review

The Warne R.A.M.P mount is a 1 piece scope mount for AR-15 style rifles, or any rifle that has a picatinny rail and needs a forward mounted optic.  R.A.M.P stands for Rapid Acquisition Multi-Sight Platform. It gets the multi-sight part because besides having built in rings, it also has 2 45degree angled mounts.  These mounts allow you to install a small red dot sight on one of the canted rails.  One could mount Iron sights on these also, but would then need the optional mount for the front sight to attach on.  The RAMP mount comes in three sizes for most needs: 1inch, 30mm, and 34mm.  I have the 1" version, but they are all essentially the same.

The 45 degree mounts are really what sets this mount ahead of its competition.  With the ability to mount something small on either the left or right side of the scope, it will appeal to both left and right hand shooters.  If you decide not to use one side or the other, or neither, the angled mounts are removable with 2 socket head screws on each.  Because of the added mounts, and space to attach the mounts, it is not the lightest mount out on the market.

Another nice feature on the RAMP mount is the 1/2" hex screws on the mounting base.  They are to be torqued to no more than 65in/lbs.  Also a torx style allen wrench is supplied to tighten down the top of the scope rings. There are 2 T-15 torx screws per side and should be tightened in an x pattern.

I really like the RAMP mount.  It puts the scope at the correct height and the proper eye relief.  With the option of adding a small red dot if one desires. The only negative I can see with the mount is the weight, but it is a very sturdy mount.  If you are in the market for this style mount, you cant go wrong with the Warne RAMP.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: 1 piece scope mount with angled side mounts for AR-15 style rifles

Target Market: 3-gun

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• 1 piece scope mount
• Proper eye relief distance on AR pattern rifles
• Solid aluminum construction
• 45 degree mounts for red-dot sights
• Available for just about any scope diameter
• Lots of color options from boring to flashy

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? Black, Zombie green, Red, OD green, Dark Earth, and Blue

What others are saying?:

Alex on Amazon 5/5 stars. Best AR mount anywhere.

Bought one of these for my RRA LAR 15 to use with a Leupold Mark AR on top and a Leupold Deltapoint on the side. Got it, opened it, and could not have been more impressed with the build of this mount! Rock solid craftsmanship. Placed it on my AR and it holds tight and sits perfectly. Take it off...no problem. Put it back on....exact return to scope zero. Just bought another one for my RRA LAR-8! Get one, or two, you will not ever want any other mount!

Jkrispies on Brownells 5/5 stars. Great mount for a 45 secondary mount.

A little heavy (even with the side mounts removed) if you're not going to use the 45 degree option, otherwise typical Warne quality, which is the best I've found out there. Only warning I'd give is to do some research before buying this-- will your Mini-Red Dod Sight clear the bell of your primary scope? Ironically, I think the perfect use of this scope with a 45 degree mount would be on a monolithic receiver (think SCAR) and the mount backwards. Height is perfect. If you don't foresee yourself ever using the side mounts, I would recommend going with the Warne SKEL mount, which is the same mount as this minus the extra attachments, thus reducing weight significantly.

Price point:

MSRP = $195.49

Retail = $121.20 on Amazon  $169.99 on Brownells

I need it now! Availability: Amazon and Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Proper eye relief
• Removable 45 degree angled mounts
• 1 piece optics mount
• Multitude of color options
• Available for 1", 30mm, & 34mm scopes
• Made in U.S.A.
• Rugged
• Returns to zero

Cons:

• Heavy
• No quick detach

Score: 8.50 Great

Chad's Favorite Link: Albany Rifle and Pistol Club

Xtreme Hardcore Gear Force Recon Tactical Rings

When you are dumping money into a precision rifle, whether it be an AR-15, AR-10, or bolt action platform, theres a saying that goes "spend two times the amount of the gun on the optic." Easier said than done if you do in fact mind sleeping on the couch for a week. No matter what you spend on the rifle itself or the glass, they still have to interface together. The scope rings are just as important, as they determine how true the relationship will be between where you are aiming, the adjustment of your dope turrets, and where that bullet will go.

High quality rings will make sure your scope is and remains mounted securely and consistently shot after shot. Generally speaking, the higher the price tag, the better the machining of the pair of rings to be within tight tolerances and will hold your scope true to the rifle's bore. Of course, if you are canting your rifle or resting on uneven ground, everything goes out the window. Thats where a bubble level comes into play. There are a handful of scope level products on the market, either clamping onto the scope tube or mounting via picatinny rail somewhere on the rings. I've seen plenty of rifles with them, and I have a couple on my own tack drivers. What I haven't seen is a premium quality scope ring with an integral bubble level... until I found the Xtreme Hardcore Gear Force Recon Tactical Rings.

Besides being a mouthful, the Xtreme Hardcore Gear Force Recon Tactical Rings are one of the only sets of scope rings I've seen to both be of high quality, and integrate the bubble level. At around $180 they are certainly a premium, but perfect for a high dollar rifle that's purposefully built for small groups at long ranges. A scope won't track correctly along the X and Y axis (windage and elevation) if your scope and bore aren't perpendicular with the ground, thats a simple as I can put it. Firing a bullet from an non-level position will skew that bullets course exponentially the longer the distance, and your scope's tracking adjustments will be diagonally "hinky" as well.

In addition to the integral bubble level, these rings offer a level of precision only rivaled by $200+ ring sets. The Xtreme Hardcore rings are designed and machined to not allow the scope to move under any recoil scenario. The rings interface with the rail with a robust .875" mounting platform while the two cross slot bolts provide awesome clamping power without any protruding bolt heads. The cherry on top is the pair of steel guide rails that press into the ring base. The ring base clamp rides on these rails to keep the clamp perfectly aligned as the two cross slot bolts are drawn tight against the pic mount.  Another detail I appreciate is the rings and caps have a .030" radius on both sides of the scope bore to eliminate any marring or sharp contact points on your scope. Together with the provided 6 torx bolts for an evenly distributed force onto the top of the scope, these features add up to the best scope rings you can buy for precision work.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Force Recon Tactical Rings feature a built in level housed into the rear scope ring, assuring a perfect parallel which is essential for long range shooting.

Target Market:  Long range rifle shooters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Ring Bore Diameter 30mm with tolerances +/-.001"
• USA Mills Billet 7075 T-6 Aircraft Aluminum
• Black Anodize Mill Spec 8625 Type 3 Hardcoat
• Rings are matched within .002"
• 6 Cap Screws (USA 8-40)
• 2 Clamp Screws (USA 10-24 SHC Grade 8)
• 2 Clamp guide Rails: (USA .125 Precision dowel pins)

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, 30 & 34mm diameter

What others are saying?: "While field testing, we found the bubble easy enough to see while sighting through the scope. Under very low light conditions, it took a little more effort to focus on the reference lines, most likely because the level isn’t exposed to any light from the top or bottom of the ring. At any rate, it didn’t interfere with the ability to make accurate long range shots at last light. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a set of very high quality rings for your long range rig, you owe it to yourself to check these out. The price point is comparable to other quality rings that require the additional purchase of an add-on bubble level.  You can purchase the the Force Recon Tactical Scope Rings here: Xtreme Hardcore Gear." Rockslide Blog

"I mounted each ring on my Badger scope rail and then did an alignment check with a 34mm lapping bar. Then I checked the alignment with a set of scope alignment bars and they were Dead On. The rings mounted Rock Solid and look Great. The level is calibrated perfect and there is no issues with these rings. These rings are of Excellent quality and I would highly reccomend these for any Tactical build. I like the fact that they are the lowest available for a 34mm scope. At .900" height they put my eye right on with my McMillan A5 stock." Sniper's Hide Review

Price point:

• MSRP: $179.95
• Retail: $169.99

I need it now! Availability: Brownells or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Level verifies action/bore and scope are perpendicular with ground / shooting rest is level.
• Less play forward/aft on picatinny rail before screw full torqued
• Base clamp rides on stainless steel guide rails keeping the clamp perfectly aligned
• 6 Torx bolts make a good solid mount
• Rings and caps radiused on both sides to eliminate any marring or sharp contact points

Cons:

• Clamp Screws used as crossbolt (some folks don't like this)
• Bubble location makes visibility difficult in low light

Score: 8.5 Great

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design