The Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles Made a Bold First Impression
Mounting a scope on a rifle should be a straightforward process. However, finding a mount that provides the correct eye relief and a stable platform can be challenging. The Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles aims to solve these issues with its cantilever design, offering a secure and extended platform for various optics.
I was looking for a reliable and affordable cantilever mount for my AR-15 build. The goal was to achieve optimal eye relief with a traditional scope without bridging the receiver and handguard. This mount seemed like a viable option, promising a solid connection and proper height.
Unboxing the Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles, I immediately noticed its robust construction. The black anodized finish looked clean, and the mount felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The one-piece design gave an impression of enhanced stability.
Compared to other cantilever mounts I’ve used, such as those from Leupold and Aero Precision, this Aim Sports model felt slightly heavier. However, the price was significantly lower, making it an attractive option for a budget-conscious build. I chose this mount over others primarily because of its balance between affordability and the promise of reliable performance.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the finish and build felt decent, I reserved judgment until I could install and test it at the range. The 1.5″ mount height seemed ideal for my application, but the real test would be its ability to hold zero under recoil.
Real-World Testing: Putting Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles at my local shooting range. I mounted it on my AR-15 with a 16-inch barrel chambered in 5.56 NATO. The range offered a variety of distances, from 25 to 100 yards.
The mount performed well in dry conditions. Installation was relatively easy, and the scope sat securely in the 1″ tube diameter rings. Initially, the scope held zero, and I was able to achieve decent groupings at 50 yards.
However, after about 50 rounds, I noticed the screws on the rings started to loosen slightly. This required me to re-tighten them between sets. This was a bit concerning, but after tightening, the scope continued to hold zero reasonably well.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles has shown some signs of wear. The anodized finish has started to wear off around the edges where it contacts the receiver. The screws on the rings continue to require occasional tightening, even after applying thread locker.
Despite these issues, the mount has maintained its overall stability. It hasn’t completely failed or shifted dramatically, but the constant need to check and tighten screws is a definite drawback. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and re-tightening of screws.
Compared to my experiences with higher-end mounts, the Aim Sports model certainly falls short in terms of long-term reliability. It’s outperformed by mounts from brands like LaRue Tactical or American Defense Manufacturing, but it also costs significantly less. Ultimately, it meets a basic need but doesn’t inspire complete confidence.
Breaking Down the Features of Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles
Specifications
Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum. This provides a good balance of strength and weight for a budget-friendly mount.
Finish: Black Anodized. This offers some corrosion resistance and a tactical appearance, though it’s prone to scratching with use.
Tube Diameter: 1″. This is designed to accommodate scopes with a 1-inch main tube, which is a very common size.
Mount Height: 1.5″. The 1.5″ mount height is considered medium, providing enough clearance for many objective bell sizes on AR-platform rifles.
Base: One-Piece Cantilever. This provides extended eye relief and a stable platform, pushing the scope forward on the receiver.
Recoil Lugs: Twin Recoil Lugs. The twin recoil lugs aim to enhance the mount’s ability to resist movement under recoil.
These specifications are crucial because they directly affect the mount’s compatibility, stability, and ease of use. The one-piece cantilever design offers an advantage in achieving proper eye relief on AR-style rifles, while the aluminum construction helps keep the overall weight manageable. The 1″ tube diameter limits its compatibility to scopes of that size.
Performance & Functionality
The Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles performs adequately for its intended purpose. It provides a stable platform for mounting a scope and allows for proper eye relief adjustment on an AR-15. The mount’s ability to hold zero is acceptable, but the frequent loosening of screws detracts from its overall reliability.
Its strengths lie in its affordability and ease of installation. However, its weaknesses include the need for constant screw tightening and the potential for the finish to wear off over time. While it meets basic expectations, it doesn’t offer the same level of confidence as higher-end mounts.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for its price point. The use of 6061-T6 aluminum provides reasonable strength, but the finish isn’t as durable as more expensive options. The weight is acceptable, not excessively heavy but noticeably more than some premium mounts.
It is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special tools for installation other than standard Allen wrenches. The 1.5″ mount height is a good compromise for many AR-15 configurations, offering sufficient clearance without being excessively high.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability is questionable. The anodized finish is prone to scratching and wear, and the frequent loosening of screws suggests potential issues with the mount’s overall integrity. While catastrophic failure is unlikely, the constant maintenance needed detracts from its overall appeal.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning and tightening of screws, which can be tedious. Applying thread locker may help, but it doesn’t completely eliminate the problem.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Its primary function is to provide a mounting platform for scopes with a 1″ tube diameter. Aftermarket accessories like bubble levels or offset mounts can be added, depending on the user’s needs.
It is compatible with most standard AR-15 uppers and Picatinny rail systems. Because it utilizes a standard Picatinny rail interface, it can accept accessories from other brands. However, users should ensure that any added accessories are compatible with the 1″ tube diameter of the rings.
Pros and Cons of Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles
Pros
- Affordable Price: Offers a cantilever solution without breaking the bank.
- Easy Installation: Simple to mount on AR-15 platforms with basic tools.
- One-Piece Design: Provides a stable and rigid scope mounting platform.
- Suitable Height: The 1.5″ mount height works well for many AR-15 configurations.
- Decent Initial Performance: Holds zero reasonably well initially, before screws begin to loosen.
Cons
- Loose Screws: Requires frequent re-tightening of ring screws.
- Finish Wear: The anodized finish is prone to scratching and wear.
- Questionable Long-Term Durability: May not withstand heavy use or harsh conditions as well as higher-end mounts.
Who Should Buy Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles?
Perfect for: Budget-conscious shooters, casual range users, or those building a low-cost AR-15. Also suitable for individuals needing a quick and easy scope mounting solution for light to moderate use.
Who should skip this product? Serious shooters, hunters, or anyone who requires absolute reliability and durability in their scope mounting system. Those who frequently shoot high volumes or subject their rifles to harsh conditions should invest in a higher-quality mount.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Applying a high-quality thread locker (like Loctite) to the ring screws is highly recommended. Consider using torque wrenches to ensure proper tightening without over-stressing the screws.
Conclusion on Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles
The Aim Sports Cantilever Scope Mount Black Anodized 1-Piece Base w/1″ Tube Diameter & 1.50″ Mount Height for Rifles is a budget-friendly option that offers a reasonable solution for mounting scopes on AR-15 platforms. It provides adequate stability and eye relief adjustment, but it falls short in terms of long-term reliability and durability. The need for frequent screw tightening is a significant drawback.
The price is justified for what it offers, making it a suitable choice for casual shooters or those on a tight budget. However, those seeking top-tier performance should invest in a higher-quality mount from a reputable brand.
I would cautiously recommend it to individuals who understand its limitations and are willing to perform regular maintenance. For serious applications, I would advise exploring more robust options. Ultimately, it’s a compromise between affordability and performance.