Understanding Optic Mount Heights: What’s the Best Setup for an AR?
Choosing the right optic mount height isn’t just about looks. It affects how fast you get on target, how comfortable your rifle feels, and how well you shoot under different conditions.
Most shooters fall into one of three optic mount height setups:
1.5” Mount is the Old School Standard as this is the original go-to height. Works great for prone shooting or flat-range setups. Keeps your cheek tight to the stock and gives that “classic” feel. If you shoot from supported positions or want low-profile gear, this height stays solid.
But here’s the tradeoff:
If you wear ear pro with thick headbands or have a longer neck, it can feel cramped. You end up tilting your head more than necessary. 1.7” Mount is The Happy Medium and more and more shooters are going this route. Slightly taller mount means a more natural head position. Great for standing, kneeling, or dynamic movement drills. Helps clear gear like chest rigs or bump helmets if you’re running drills hard. This is the “do everything pretty well” height. You won’t hate it in prone, but it’s much easier on your neck when standing up for long sessions.
Seasoned and experienced shooters say it best:
“If you’re 50/50 between prone and standing, this is your mount. Anything more upright? Go higher.”
1.93” Mount – The New Standard for Tactical Movement and built for heads-up shooting. Perfect for running night vision, gas masks, or large ear pro. Better sight picture when standing or moving. This is becoming the go-to for guys doing CQB drills, running & gunning, or training with nods.
Downside? Not great in prone. Your optic is now higher over the bore. It can feel awkward, especially at longer distances. But if your style is fast-paced or gear-heavy, 1.93” makes a lot of sense.
Why It Matters
Your head, neck, and eyes need to stay aligned under pressure. The wrong mount forces you into bad posture and inconsistent sight picture. That costs you speed and accuracy—especially in a high-stress situation.
Something to Ask Yourself:
Do you shoot mostly prone, benchrest, or flat-range?
Are you doing drills, clearing rooms, or taking classes with movement?
Wearing night vision or using gear that pushes your head away from the rifle?
There’s no perfect mount height for everyone. It’s about fit and purpose.
The biggest mistake?
Copying someone else’s setup without testing what actually fits your body and shooting style.
How should you decide what’s best:
Don’t just buy what looks cool.
Test it. Feel it. Run it through drills.
And if your neck’s sore or your cheek weld sucks, it’s probably time to raise that optic.
What’s your go to mount and height?
What mount height are you running—and why?
Drop it in the comments. Let’s see what works in the real world.
links to popular optic mounts below:
American Defense Manufacturing
UNITY
