AR-15 riser mount?

[j. villarreal]

What is the purpose of a riser mount or other optic mount with built-in elevation increase? Is the goal to get the optic above the front sight or to get the optic to a comfortable position for shooting? Or both? Is it necessary to elevate an optic higher if you don't have a front sight? Thanks!

Jason

 

[maxmayhem]

I believe the purpose of the riser mount is to allow you to have a scope and usually most are designed so that you can see through an area below the mount. This will allow dual use of a scope or the iron sights

 

[Colt556]

I thought that a riser was used on a flat top so that you could get proper cheek weld on the stock and be able to see through the scope properly. The light will bend around the front sight if your scope has any magnification at all. But this is IMHO and YMMV,

 

[shooter521]

What is the purpose of a riser mount or other optic mount with built-in elevation increase? Is the goal to get the optic above the front sight or to get the optic to a comfortable position for shooting? Or both?

A riser is used to get the required height for an optic (both to allow the front bell to clear the receiver or forearm, and to provide a natural cheek weld) while still using standard rings; the same effect can be achieved by using "ultra-high" rings, or a mount specifically designed for use on a flat top.

Is it necessary to elevate an optic higher if you don't have a front sight?

Maybe, maybe not; depends on the size of the optic, what rings you are using, and what scope position is most comfortable for you.