The Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT Made a Bold First Impression
The Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT promises to elevate your optic, offering a co-witness sight picture with your iron sights. Springfield Armory is a trusted name, and this mount aims to provide a reliable and affordable solution for AR platform users looking for that optimal cheek weld and faster target acquisition. I was intrigued to see if it lived up to the hype, especially given the budget-friendly price.
I’d been struggling with getting a consistent sight picture using a red dot on my AR; my cheek weld felt awkward, and I was losing valuable milliseconds trying to align everything. This mount seemed like the perfect solution to raise my optic to a more natural height, improving both comfort and speed. The package arrived quickly, and the Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT itself felt surprisingly solid for its price point.
The black anodized finish looked clean and durable, and the overall design was simple and functional. Compared to some bulkier, more expensive risers I’d seen, this one had a low profile that I appreciated. It’s certainly more basic than some of the QD (quick detach) options on the market, such as those from American Defense Manufacturing or Scalarworks, but those come with a significantly higher price tag. My initial impression was positive; it seemed like a well-made, no-frills mount that could potentially solve my problem.
I was excited to get it installed and see if it made a noticeable difference at the range. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping that the Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT would deliver on its promise of improved ergonomics and faster target acquisition, without breaking the bank.
Real-World Testing: Putting Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT was at my local outdoor shooting range. I zeroed my red dot optic on my AR-15 and the immediate difference in cheek weld was palpable. The raised optic allowed for a much more natural and comfortable head position, significantly improving my overall shooting stance.
The weather was clear, with a slight breeze, and the mount held zero perfectly throughout the session. Installing the riser was straightforward, using the two screws to securely attach it to the Picatinny rail. Initially, it took a few magazines to get completely comfortable with the new sight height. I was soon acquiring targets faster and more consistently than before, making me a believer in the 1/3 co-witness setup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT has proven to be remarkably durable. It has seen action in various conditions, including a dusty carbine course and a few rainy range days, and it still holds zero without issue. There are a few minor scuff marks on the finish, but nothing that impacts its performance.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to keep it looking and functioning like new. Previously, I had used a lower profile mount that caused neck strain after extended shooting sessions. The Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT has completely eliminated that issue, providing a much more comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT
Specifications
- The Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT is designed to raise your optic to achieve a 1/3 co-witness with your iron sights. This means the iron sights are visible in the lower third of your optic’s view.
- It is constructed from aluminum and features a black anodized finish for durability. This ensures resistance to corrosion and wear.
- The mount attaches to any standard Picatinny rail via two screws. This provides a secure and stable platform for your optic.
- It is lightweight and low-profile, adding minimal bulk to your firearm. This is important for maintaining maneuverability and balance.
- The “1/3 Co-Witness” designation means that when using standard-height AR-15 iron sights, the sights will appear in the lower third of the optic’s viewing window. This allows for quick transitions between optic and iron sights if needed.
Performance & Functionality
The Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT performs exactly as intended, providing a solid and stable platform for optics while achieving a comfortable 1/3 co-witness. This allows for a natural shooting posture and rapid target acquisition. The mount is reliable and holds zero consistently, even after extended use and exposure to various conditions.
One minor weakness is that it doesn’t have a quick-detach mechanism, requiring tools for removal. However, this is a trade-off for its affordable price. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a basic, functional riser mount.
Design & Ergonomics
The Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT features a simple, functional design that prioritizes utility over aesthetics. The aluminum construction feels solid and durable, without adding unnecessary weight. The low profile design ensures it doesn’t interfere with other accessories or handling.
The mount is easy to install and use, even for beginners. There’s no real learning curve involved, making it a straightforward upgrade.
Durability & Maintenance
The Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT is built to last, with a durable aluminum construction and a protective anodized finish. It has withstood months of use in various conditions without showing any signs of significant wear and tear. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
The simple design means there are few parts that could potentially fail. This contributes to its overall reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it is a standalone mount. However, it is compatible with a wide range of optics designed for AR-15 platforms. It can be paired with red dot sights, holographic sights, and even some low-power variable optics (LPVOs).
The mount is also compatible with most aftermarket iron sights. Users can customize their setup to achieve the desired co-witness. The standard Picatinny rail interface ensures compatibility with a vast array of accessories from various brands.
Pros and Cons of Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT
Pros
- Achieves a comfortable 1/3 co-witness with iron sights, improving ergonomics and target acquisition.
- Durable aluminum construction with a corrosion-resistant anodized finish.
- Easy to install and use, requiring no specialized tools.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Lightweight and low-profile design minimizes added bulk.
Cons
- Lacks a quick-detach mechanism for rapid removal and reattachment.
- The finish may be prone to minor scratches with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT?
The Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT is perfect for AR-15 owners looking to improve their sight picture and ergonomics without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for casual shooters, recreational range users, and those new to red dot optics who want a simple and reliable mounting solution. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who prefer a 1/3 co-witness setup, allowing them to seamlessly transition between their optic and iron sights.
Competitive shooters who prioritize rapid optic changes might want to consider a QD (Quick Detach) mount instead. Also, those requiring extreme durability in harsh environments might benefit from a more robust and expensive option. A must-have accessory would be a quality optic. It is equally important to ensure your iron sights are correctly zeroed before using the mount.
Conclusion on Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT
The Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT is a solid, reliable, and affordable option for AR-15 owners looking to improve their optic setup. It provides a comfortable 1/3 co-witness, enhancing ergonomics and target acquisition. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of more expensive mounts, it delivers excellent performance at a budget-friendly price point.
The value proposition is excellent, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a simple and effective riser mount. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable way to improve their AR-15 shooting experience. If you’re tired of craning your neck to see through your optic, give the Springfield RISER Mount 1/3 CO-WIT a try. You might be surprised at how much it improves your shooting!