First Thoughts on the Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15
The Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 is a straightforward accessory designed to elevate optics on AR-15 platforms. Aim Sports is known for providing budget-friendly options, and this riser mount seems to fit that bill perfectly, promising a simple solution for achieving proper sight alignment.
After years of running various AR setups, I’ve frequently encountered situations where an optic sits too low for comfortable and consistent use. A proper cheek weld is crucial for accuracy, and a riser mount can be the key to achieving it without resorting to cumbersome cheek risers on the stock. Other options exist, including integrated optic mounts with built-in risers or even taller iron sights, but these can be significantly more expensive. This particular Aim Sports riser, with its promise of a 1″ height increase and 5″ of rail space, looked like a potentially cost-effective solution to correct a red dot placement on one of my AR builds.
Upon opening the packaging (a simple blister pack, as expected at this price point), the mount felt surprisingly solid. The black anodized finish appeared even and free of major imperfections, and the single-piece construction gave an initial impression of robustness. Compared to other budget risers I’ve used in the past, this one seemed to have a slightly cleaner finish and a more substantial feel. I had previously considered a similar riser from UTG, and a cantilever mount that had an integrated riser, but the simplicity and single-piece construction of the Aim Sports offering won me over.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic; it seemed like a functional and adequately built product at a very attractive price. It remains to be seen how it will hold up under actual range conditions and repeated use, but the initial examination left me neither disappointed nor overly excited.
Real-World Testing: Putting Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 at my local outdoor shooting range on an AR-15 chambered in 5.56 NATO. The rifle was fitted with a red dot optic that consistently felt too low for my preferred shooting stance, causing me to crane my neck slightly.
The weather was dry and sunny, with temperatures in the mid-70s. Installation was straightforward; the riser attached easily to the AR’s Picatinny rail and secured firmly with its clamping mechanism. After mounting the red dot on top of the riser, the change in height was immediately noticeable and felt significantly more comfortable. During the first few magazines, the optic held zero reasonably well, and the increased height allowed for a much more natural and relaxed cheek weld. However, after approximately 100 rounds, the riser began to loosen slightly on the rail, requiring me to retighten the screws.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range trips and a carbine course, the Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 revealed both its strengths and weaknesses. While the initial height increase was beneficial for ergonomics, the riser’s tendency to loosen under recoil became a recurring issue.
Despite thoroughly tightening the screws before each range session, I consistently found myself needing to re-tighten them after every 50-75 rounds. There were no visible signs of wear and tear on the anodized finish, but the consistent loosening of the mount raised concerns about its long-term durability and reliability, especially for more demanding applications. Compared to higher-end risers I’ve used in the past, which feature more robust clamping mechanisms and recoil lugs, the Aim Sports riser clearly falls short in terms of secure optic retention. The experience led me to appreciate the quality of pricier options, even though the height increase was exactly what I was looking for.
Breaking Down the Features of Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15
Specifications
The Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 features a Picatinny rail interface, designed to mount on any standard AR-15 or tactical rifle rail system. Its high-profile design elevates the sight plane by 1 inch, providing a more comfortable cheek weld for many shooters. The mount offers 5 inches of rail space, accommodating a variety of optics and accessories. It has a black anodized finish for corrosion resistance.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The Picatinny rail compatibility ensures broad usability across various platforms. The 1-inch height increase is essential for improving ergonomics and sight alignment. The 5-inch rail space provides ample room for mounting optics and potentially other accessories like magnifiers or backup iron sights. The anodized finish protects against rust and wear, extending the product’s lifespan.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 is to raise the height of mounted optics, and in that regard, it performs adequately. The 1-inch elevation does improve sight alignment for many users, promoting a more comfortable and natural shooting stance.
However, the mount’s weakness lies in its retention. The tendency for the mounting screws to loosen under recoil detracts from its overall performance. While it initially holds zero well, the need for frequent re-tightening undermines confidence in its reliability. The riser meets the basic expectations for its intended purpose but falls short of providing a truly secure and stable optic platform.
Design & Ergonomics
The single-piece design of the Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 contributes to its overall robustness. Its weight is minimal, not adding unnecessary bulk to the rifle. The black anodized finish is aesthetically pleasing and provides a degree of protection against the elements.
The riser is user-friendly and requires no special tools or skills to install. Its simple design minimizes any learning curve, making it accessible to both novice and experienced shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
The Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 appears to be reasonably durable, with the anodized finish showing no signs of significant wear after several range trips. However, the loosening of the mounting screws under recoil raises concerns about its long-term reliability.
Maintenance is straightforward; the riser can be easily cleaned with a brush and solvent. Regular inspection and tightening of the mounting screws are crucial to ensure consistent performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 is primarily designed to accommodate various optics, including red dots, holographic sights, and low-power variable optics (LPVOs). Its 5-inch rail space also allows for the potential mounting of other accessories, such as magnifiers or backup iron sights.
The riser is compatible with any standard Picatinny rail-mounted accessories, allowing for a wide range of customization options. It does NOT include any accessories of its own.
Pros and Cons of Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15
Pros
- Provides a 1-inch height increase, improving sight alignment and ergonomics for many shooters.
- Offers 5 inches of rail space, accommodating a variety of optics and accessories.
- Its single-piece construction feels relatively robust.
- Its black anodized finish provides corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance.
- Extremely affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for raising optics.
Cons
- Mounting screws tend to loosen under recoil, requiring frequent re-tightening.
- Lacks recoil lugs or a more robust clamping mechanism found in higher-end risers, impacting overall stability.
- The durability might be questionable in the long run due to the loosening issues.
Who Should Buy Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15?
The Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need a simple and inexpensive way to raise the height of their optics. It’s suitable for casual range use or recreational shooting where absolute precision and unwavering optic retention are not paramount.
This product should be skipped by shooters who demand the highest level of reliability and precision from their equipment. Those engaging in competitive shooting, tactical training, or any scenario where optic failure is unacceptable should invest in a higher-quality riser with a more secure mounting system.
A must-have accessory for this riser is a thread-locking compound (such as Loctite) applied to the mounting screws to help prevent loosening under recoil. This can potentially improve its reliability, though it may not completely eliminate the issue.
Conclusion on Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15
The Aim Sports Riser Mount Black Anodized High Profile 1-Piece 5″ Long w/1″ Mount Height for AR-15 is a mixed bag. It successfully addresses the issue of low-mounted optics by providing a 1-inch height increase and ample rail space. However, its tendency to loosen under recoil detracts from its overall value proposition.
At a price of $15.45, the riser is undeniably affordable, making it an appealing option for budget-minded shooters. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations and be prepared to address the loosening issue with thread-locking compound and regular maintenance.
Personally, I would cautiously recommend this riser to casual shooters who understand its limitations and are willing to accept the trade-offs. For those seeking a more robust and reliable solution, investing in a higher-quality riser from a reputable manufacturer is a worthwhile investment. If you need a cheap riser, and are willing to keep an eye on it, go for it. But for serious applications, spend a bit more for peace of mind.