5 Best Budget Cantilever Scope Mounts

Outdoor Moran is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

The best budget cantilever scope mount should offer a perfect blend of affordability and quality, the mount should securely attach your scope while maintaining optimal eye relief and alignment.

In this guide, we will explore some of the top affordable options in the market, highlighting their features and benefits, to help you make an informed choice for your shooting needs.

What is a Cantilever Scope Mount?

A cantilever scope mount is a single-unit mounting system comprising rings that are fixed to the base. One of the rings extends forward beyond the firearm’s receiver and covers the barrel, designed for secure attachment to a Weaver-style or Picatinny rail.

What are the Benefits of a Cantilever Scope Mount?

Cantilever scope mounts offer incredible eye relief, improved ergonomics, stability, and versatility for shooters, making it a popular choice, particularly for modern sporting rifles and tactical applications.

With a Cantilever scope mount, you get Improved and ample eye relief since cantilever mounts allow for more flexible adjustment of the scope’s position enhancing shooting comfort and preventing injuries caused by the scope’s recoil.

By positioning the scope forward of the rifle’s receiver, cantilever mounts can help balance the weight of the rifle. This improved balance makes the rifle easier to shoulder and shoot, enhancing overall stability and accuracy.

Cantilever scope mounts will enhance Quick Target Acquisition. Shooters can bring the scope to their eye more efficiently, especially in dynamic or fast-paced shooting situations.

Cantilever mounts are compatible with Picatinny and Weaver-style rails, which are common on many firearms. This versatility means that shooters can use the same mount on multiple rifles or switch scopes and accessories easily.

With these scope mounts, you get more room for accessories, the forward placement of the scope creates additional space between the scope and the rifle’s receiver, providing room for accessories such as backup iron sights or magnifiers.

Cantilever mounts help in recoil management by absorbing and distributing recoil forces more effectively, reducing the risk of scope damage and maintaining zero settings.

Cantilever mounts come in various heights and configurations, allowing shooters to tailor and customize their setup to their specific needs, such as the type of scope, rifle, and shooting style.

Best Budget Cantilever Scope Mounts

1) NcStar Ar15 Qr Weaver Mount/ Cantilever Scope Mount 

NcStar Ar15 Qr Weaver Mount/ Cantilever Scope Mount 

The NcStar AR15 QR Weaver Mount/Cantilever Scope Mount is the best budget cantilever scope mount, it is a versatile and highly adaptable mount designed to securely attach any rifle scope or red dot sight to your firearm in different configurations.

This mount is designed with the NcSTAR QR Lever System for rapid and effortless installation onto your flat-top rifle.

Featuring 30mm mount rings equipped with 1-inch inserts, this mount ensures compatibility with a wide range of optics.

The Mount Rear Ring boasts a dovetail design, allowing for precise adjustment of spacing to achieve a customized fit that suits your preferences perfectly. The rear ring is conveniently detachable, enabling you to configure your Red Dot Sight for co-witnessing with your firearm’s iron sights.

Made from rugged hard-anodized aluminum combined with solid steel components, the NcStar AR15 QR Weaver Mount/Cantilever Scope Mount is built to withstand the rigors of the field and deliver long-lasting durability.

Whether you’re a tactical shooter or a sportsman, this mount offers a reliable and adaptable solution to enhance your aiming capabilities and overall shooting experience.

Highlights

  • Hard-anodized aluminum construction for durability and recoil resistance
  • The rear ring is conveniently detachable
  • 30mm mount rings
  • Rapid and effortless installation
  • Compatible with rifle scopes and red dot sights

 

2) Leupold Mark AR 30mm Integrated Mounting System

Leupold Mark AR 30mm Integrated Mounting System

 

 

 

The Leupold Mark AR 30mm Integrated Mounting System is an affordable Cantilever Scope Mount designed for precision shooters looking for reliability and performance.

This mounting system has a robust aluminum one-piece construction for strength and durability.

The mounting system is built to fit onto a Picatinny rail and accommodate scopes with a 30mm main tube.

Leupold’s tactical Mark AR family of mounts excels at positioning your scope at the optimal height and eye relief, ensuring a comfortable and precise shooting experience.

The Mark AR mount incorporates a 5-bolt design, delivering a secure and steadfast hold on your optic.

It boasts three lugs on the bottom, strategically engineered to endure even the most powerful recoil, maintaining your scope’s zero under intense firing conditions.

When it comes to safeguarding your rifle system’s accuracy, the cost-efficient Mark AR mount stands as the definitive solution. Recognizing the paramount importance of the connection between your scope and firearm, Leupold has engineered their mounts to be as rugged and dependable as their world-renowned optics.

With a wide array of mounting systems available to cater to different firearm platforms and shooting styles, you can be confident in finding the perfect match for your needs.

Highlights

  • Robust aluminum one-piece construction for strength and durability
  • 5-bolt design for a secure and steadfast hold on your optic
  • Three lugs on the bottom help to maintain the scope’s zero under intense firing conditions
  • Punisher Tested and Verified
  • Lightweight Aluminum Design

 

3) Monstrum Extended Series Offset Cantilever Picatinny Scope Mount 

Monstrum Extended Series Offset Cantilever Picatinny Scope Mount 

 

 

 

This Monstrum Extended Series Offset Cantilever Picatinny Scope Mount is designed to cater to the unique needs of long-range shooters. This scope mount is designed to accommodate high-powered, long-range scopes ranging from 6-24x magnification and beyond.

The Scope Mount stands out with its extended dimensions and larger adjustment housing, purpose-built to house and secure these larger optics with unwavering stability.

What sets this scope mount apart is the wider spacing between the two scope rings, a feature that sets the stage for accommodating scopes with bulkier segments that simply won’t fit into standard one-piece scope mounts.

Crafted to fit standard 30mm tube scopes, the Monstrum Extended Series Mount is engineered for quick and hassle-free installation on any standard Picatinny rail-equipped rifle.

The mount base mechanism boasts custom Picatinny locking bolts that seamlessly lock into your Picatinny rail with zero wiggle, guaranteeing rock-solid stability that maintains zero even in the face of the most punishing recoil.

The mount’s frame is constructed from lightweight yet incredibly durable 6061-grade aluminum, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of your shooting adventures while minimizing unnecessary weight on your firearm.

To further enhance longevity and reliability, the mount incorporates hardened steel Torx mounting hardware, effectively preventing the dreaded issue of stripped bolts.

Highlights

  • Designed to accommodate high-powered, long-range scopes
  • Quick and hassle-free installation
  • Lightweight yet incredibly durable 6061-grade aluminum
  • Crafted to fit standard 30mm tube scopes
  • Maintains zero even in the most punishing recoil

 

4)  Athlon Optics Armor Cantilever Scope Mounts 

Athlon Optics Armor Cantilever Scope Mounts 

 

 

 

The Athlon Optics Armor Cantilever Scope Mounts are snag-free, and have a low-profile design, making them an excellent choice for both seasoned hunters and recreational plinkers alike.

Constructed from rugged aircraft-grade aluminum, these scope mounts are built to withstand the harshest of conditions while maintaining their structural integrity.

The use of aircraft-grade aluminum ensures a combination of strength and lightweight characteristics, so you won’t be burdened by excessive weight when mounting your scope.

Furthermore, the Armor Cantilever Scope Mounts are hard anodized, adding an extra layer of durability and corrosion resistance. This hard anodized finish not only contributes to their longevity but also provides a sleek and attractive appearance.

The cantilever design of these scope mounts allows for precise scope positioning, ensuring optimal eye relief and alignment with your firearm. This feature is especially valuable for shooters who demand accuracy and consistency in their shots.

Whether you’re out in the field pursuing game or spending a day at the range honing your skills, the Athlon Optics Armor Cantilever Scope Mounts provide the reliability and functionality you need to achieve your shooting goals.

With their combination of aircraft-grade aluminum construction, hard anodized finish, and cantilever design, these scope mounts are a valuable addition to any firearm setup and definitely one of the best budget cantilever scope mount recommendations

Highlights

  • Snag-free and low-profile design
  • Rugged aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • Hard anodized finish for an extra layer of durability and corrosion resistance
  • Cantilever design

 

5) Vortex Sport Cantilever 30mm Rifle Scope Ring Mount

Vortex Sport Cantilever 30mm Rifle Scope Ring Mount

 

 

 

The Vortex Sport Cantilever 30mm Rifle Scope Ring Mount is one of the best budget cantilever scope mounts, it comes packed with features that enhance usability, accuracy, and durability making it a great scope ring mount for AR-15 enthusiasts.

This Cantilever mount is designed as an offset scope mount and is purpose-built for flat-top AR-15 rifles, ensuring that your scope is mounted at the ideal height and position for effective and comfortable use.

The forward-oriented offset mount allows for proper head positioning and eye relief when utilizing a scope on your AR-15. This means you can maintain a natural shooting posture while enjoying optimal sight alignment and comfort.

The cantilever design of this scope mount is strategically employed to achieve ideal weight distribution and mount orientation. This design not only enhances balance but also ensures the mount’s structural integrity under recoil, promoting consistent accuracy shot after shot.

Crafted from robust aluminum, this scope mount is built to withstand the rigors of shooting and outdoor activities while maintaining a lightweight profile that won’t weigh down your firearm. Thanks to its aluminum construction and efficient design, this mount adds minimal weight to your firearm while providing a significant improvement in your shooting experience.

Highlights

  • Offset Scope Mount for Effective Rifle Scope Mounting
  • Compatible with 30mm scopes and telescopic sights
  • Forward-Oriented Offset Mount
  • Ideal weight distribution and mount orientation
  • Crafted from robust aluminum

 

Related: Best AR15 Scope Mounts

 

FAQs

How do I choose the right cantilever scope mount for my rifle?

To choose the right cantilever scope mount, consider factors like the type of rifle, the optic you plan to use, and your shooting preferences. Make sure the mount is compatible with your rifle and optic and provides the desired eye relief and mounting position.

What size scope tube is compatible with cantilever scope mounts?

Cantilever scope mounts come in different sizes to accommodate various scope tube diameters. Common sizes include 30mm and 1 inch. Ensure that the mount you choose matches the diameter of your scope tube.

Are cantilever scope mounts only for AR-15 rifles?

While cantilever scope mounts are commonly used with AR-15 rifles due to their unique design requirements, they can also be used on other firearms where proper eye relief is crucial, such as bolt-action rifles or semi-automatic rifles with similar needs.

Why should I use a cantilever scope mount?

Cantilever scope mounts are especially useful for firearms like AR-15 rifles, where the traditional mounting position might not provide adequate eye relief. They help position the scope correctly for improved comfort and accuracy.

 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when it comes to selecting the best budget cantilever scope mount, it’s essential to strike a balance between affordability and quality. While there are numerous options available on the market, the ideal choice should offer solid construction, reliable performance, and compatibility with your firearm and optic.

Read More