What Is The Best Optic Mount Height For Your Rifle?

Published on July 23, 2025
Duration: 17:36

This video from Classic Firearms, featuring Kyle from Take Aim Training Range, breaks down the critical factors in choosing the right optic mount height for your rifle. It covers common heights from absolute co-witness to higher mounts like 2.26 inches and above, discussing their pros and cons in relation to cheek placement, gear compatibility, and shooting applications like CQB and night vision use. The instructor emphasizes understanding height over bore and the impact on point of aim/point of impact at closer distances.

Quick Summary

Choosing the best optic mount height involves considering factors like cheek placement, gear, and application. Common heights include absolute co-witness (1.54"), lower 1/3 (1.70"), and higher mounts (2.26"+). Higher mounts are ideal for NVGs and tactical gear, but require understanding height over bore for close-range accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00:00Introduction to Optic Heights
  2. 00:01:12Absolute Co-Witness (1.54")
  3. 00:03:12Lower 1/3 Co-Witness (1.70")
  4. 00:04:341.9" Optic Mount Height
  5. 00:06:092.26" Optic Mount Height
  6. 00:09:01GBRS Group Hydra Mount (2.9")
  7. 00:11:05LPVO with Red Dot Setup
  8. 00:13:30Instructor's Preferred Optic Heights
  9. 00:14:40Point of Aim vs. Point of Impact
  10. 00:16:40Final Recommendation
  11. 00:17:10Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common optic mount height for rifles?

The most common optic mount height, often considered the industry standard, is the lower 1/3 co-witness, typically around 1.70 inches. This height allows for comfortable shooting while still enabling iron sights to be visible below the red dot.

Why are higher optic mounts (like 2.26 inches) becoming popular?

Higher optic mounts are popular for tactical applications, especially when using night vision, gas masks, or wearing significant gear. They allow for a more natural head position, reducing neck strain and improving comfort and speed of target acquisition.

What is height over bore and why does it matter?

Height over bore is the distance between your rifle's barrel and the center of your optic. With higher mounts, this distance increases, meaning you'll need to adjust your aim (holdover) at closer distances to ensure your rounds hit where you're aiming.

Can I still use iron sights with a lower 1/3 co-witness mount?

Yes, with a lower 1/3 co-witness mount, your iron sights will be visible at the bottom of the optic's field of view. This allows you to quickly transition to your irons if your primary optic fails or in specific tactical situations.

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