XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount Review

Let’s Dive into XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount

The XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount offers a budget-friendly solution for AR-15 owners looking to elevate their optics and maintain iron sight usability. Manufactured by XTS, this mount aims to provide a stable platform for accessories while preserving the ability to quickly transition to iron sights if needed. Let’s explore if this riser lives up to its promise.

What spurred my interest in the XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount? I’ve been experimenting with various optic setups on my AR-15, and I was seeking a cost-effective way to achieve a comfortable cheek weld while simultaneously retaining the use of my iron sights as a backup. I have found that some optics sit a little too low, and this was a chance to elevate them a bit.

Upon receiving the mount, my first impression was that it was surprisingly lightweight. The black finish appeared even and consistent, and the overall construction seemed decent for the price point. Time will tell if that holds up.

I considered a couple of other options, including a similar riser from UTG and a QD (Quick Detach) mount from American Defense Manufacturing. Ultimately, I opted for the XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount because of its simplicity, affordability, and the promise of a see-through design that would allow me to use my iron sights without removing the optic. It’s a good trade-off, especially for the range.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price was appealing, but I was concerned about the mount’s stability and ability to maintain zero under recoil. This is important for consistency in my shot groupings.

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Real-World Testing: Putting XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount was at an outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. I mounted a red dot optic onto the riser and secured it to my AR-15. I ran about 200 rounds through the weapon using the red dot optic.

The mount held up well during the initial range session. I noticed a slightly improved cheek weld compared to having the optic mounted directly on the receiver. The ability to see my iron sights through the mount was indeed functional, although the sight picture was a little cluttered, as expected with any see-through design.

There were no major issues after the first use. I did notice that the screws securing the mount to the receiver needed to be re-tightened after about 100 rounds, which is not uncommon with budget-friendly mounts. I will need to remember to check those screws periodically.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and a few hundred more rounds, the XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount has proven to be reasonably reliable for its price. There are some drawbacks, however. The mount exhibits some minor shifting under sustained firing, requiring occasional re-tightening of the screws.

Cosmetically, the finish is holding up well, with no significant scratches or wear marks despite being exposed to varying weather conditions. I make it a point to wipe it down and re-oil after each shooting session. The finish is surprisingly durable, though.

Maintaining the mount is simple; a quick wipe-down with a gun cleaning cloth is all that’s typically needed. Compared to my experiences with higher-end QD mounts, the XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount doesn’t offer the same level of rock-solid stability. This is to be expected at this price point. However, for casual shooting and practice, it serves its purpose adequately.

Breaking Down the Features of XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount

Specifications

• Manufacturer: XTS.
• Color: Black.
• Gun Model: AR-15.
• Height: 1 inch.

These specifications directly impact the riser’s performance and usability. The 1-inch height provides a noticeable lift for optics, potentially improving cheek weld and eye alignment for some shooters. The fact that it is specifically designed for AR-15 rifles makes it ready to attach without any need for modification.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount is to elevate optics and allow simultaneous use of iron sights. It accomplishes this adequately, though not perfectly. The elevation provides a more comfortable shooting experience, and the see-through design does allow for quick transitions to iron sights.

The main weakness is its tendency to loosen over time, requiring periodic tightening of the mounting screws. The sight picture through the mount isn’t crystal clear, but it’s functional in a pinch. Overall, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly riser, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount features a simple, utilitarian design. The materials used are lightweight but don’t inspire immense confidence in long-term durability. Its black finish is aesthetically pleasing and blends well with most AR-15 configurations.

There is virtually no learning curve. Installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of time. This is definitely a “plug-and-play” option.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction, the XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount is unlikely to withstand heavy abuse or extremely demanding conditions. However, with proper care and periodic maintenance, it should last for a reasonable amount of time for casual shooters. Cleaning involves simply wiping it down after use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount itself doesn’t offer any specific customization options. However, it’s designed to accommodate any standard Picatinny rail-mounted accessories, such as red dot sights, holographic sights, and even some smaller magnified optics. It’s compatible with most AR-15 accessories, making it a versatile platform for experimentation.

Pros and Cons of XTS 1in. See-through Long Riser Mount