I mounted a 3X9 scope on my standard Sport to see how I would like it, and to check the rifle's accuracy at longer ranges. I mounted the scope with "high" rings (20mm), which was the highest rings I could find. I found that my face against the buttstock was very uncomfortable. Do I need higher rings (if so where do I find them), or do I need an aftermarket buttstock to make the rifle more comfortable to shoot with a scope?

The easiest way is to purchase a mount that is made for an AR... this will put the scope at the proper height for a good cheek weld. Something like the Nikon M-223 mount, or the Burris PEPR. Or Nikon also has some P-series mounts that are not one piece, but two...



AR-P.E.P.R. Scope Mount | Burris Optics

I've found that having the center of the sights or scope 1.38-1.50 inch above the top surface of the top rail puts the height right where it needs to be for a good cheek weld. BTW, that's with two different rifles with 2 different butt stocks. Rifle One has an A2 fixed stock and Rifle Two has a Magpul ACS-L. BTW, have to highly recommend the Magpul stock for having an exceptionally comfortable cheek rest. As for the A2 stock, it's a classic A2 butt stock which means that comfort wasn't on the priority list at all. However, the A2 is mounted on a 20 inch Match rifle and there aren't a lot of options out there when you need a Rifle length Buffer.

Two problems occur when trying to mount a scope with regular scope rings.

(1) The removable iron sights for AR's are 2.6" above the bore center, or about 1.5" above the Picatinny rail. It's almost impossible to find standard scope rings that tall.

(2) Standard rings do not allow you to mount the scope far enough forward to get a proper sight picture or access the charging handle. Sure, you can get a charging handle with an extended latch, but that just adds cost. The ocular of a scope should be mounted pretty much in line with the rear of the receiver to achieve a proper sight picture when using the modern stance and cheek weld.

Save yourself some grief and money. Buy a cantilever mount like those suggested by cyphertext.

One inch tall rings or 25mm (from the ring base to the bottom of the ring) will put the centerline of the optic at standard AR sight height for 1in scope tubes.

I prefer one-piece mounts for an AR due to the ability to push the scope out further for accommodating eye relief needs. But if you are looking for rings then 1in tall can be found most places.

As an example, take a look at the Burris "Extra-high" rings here. They also describe cheek weld for an AR. "The 1" height is perfect for all scopes on AR15/M16 flattop receivers, providing proper cheek weld."

Burris 1 Xtreme Tactical Picatinny-Style Rings Matte

Be careful, some descriptions will measure from the ring base to the centerline of the ring. Burris does that as well. They describe their Extra Tall as 1in tall, but then the same ring is described at 1.5in to the centerline. Both are the same ring.

Thanks, Guys. I appreciate the help.

I've used the Burris PEPR 30mm and 1" on a number of 308 and 556/223 AR's and find that the 1.5" to scopes OC is perfect for all my scopes even ones with large objective and ocular lens's. It also allows enough clearance for the rear sights. Best price is at www.sportoptics.com. The last one I bought last week was $69.95.

I agree that using an AR specific mount for your AR will take care of any cheek weld issues you might be having. That being said,since most of my scope's are Nikon's BDC reticle,knowing that exact mid-bore to mid-scope height is important for your long range accuracy with the BDC reticle. Lot's of great AR mount's available in all price ranges. Recently RECOIL magazine did a nice review on QD mounts which I found very informative.

I use the PEPR QD on my M&P 15 OR

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I use the Nikon M-223 for my 1" scopes and a Primary Arms extended one piece mount for the 30mm's. I'm sold on the one piece mounts.You might look into the Ace skeleton stock for a fixed stock. I have one on my 3-gun build and my .458. Rock solid, comfortable, and a legitimate recoil pad for the .458. Windham Weaponry has the whole kit with tube, spring, and buffer for $120.