The Leupold Mark AR scope mount series is Leupold’s go-to mounting solution for pairing riflescopes and LPVOs to AR-15 and AR-10 pattern rifles. These general-purpose magnified optics mounts are machined from a single piece of aluminum, fit every popular riflescope main tube diameter, and sit at 1.5 inches tall (the universal standard in mount height for ARs). As one-piece mounts, the Mark AR product family also falls under the Leupold IMS (Integrated Mounting System) banner. The Leupold IMS mounts cover the entire spectrum of scoped rifle shooting, from hunting and tactical to PRS style shooting.
Because Leupold Mark AR series mounts are designed to be compatible with modern flat-top semi-automatic AR-15 and AR-10 rifles, the four different models available use a cantilever design that allows a wide variety of scopes and LPVOs to be easily mounted without clashing with the rifle or shooter. Besides accepting a wide variety of magnified optics, the cantilever design also ensures that the base of the mount sits squarely over the rifle’s upper receiver. The design also provides the end user enough leeway to properly place the optic at the right eye-relief for them. Leupold offers four different Mark AR scope mounts for 1 inch, 30mm, 34mm and 35mm diameter scopes. As general-purpose mounts, none of these have built in cant (0 MOA). Considering the practical distances that are reasonably possible with modern AR pattern firearms, their optics and cartridges, the lack of cant isn’t an issue.
All Leupold Mark AR mounts have a simple monolithic design; the base of the mount is 3.5 inches long and is secured to the upper receiver via five different T-27 Torx screws that apply uniform clamping pressure over the entire length of the base (65 inch-pounds). The rings themselves take after Leupold’s tactical Mk. 4 scope rings, using the same pair of T-15 Torx screws to secure the scope to the mount. With a weight of 5.9 ounces, Mark AR mounts are in-line with most other popular magnified optics mounts, such as those from Reptilia or Badger Ordnance. It’s always a great idea to torque every Torx screw on this mount to the recommended specifications.
Hands On With The Mark AR Mount
A Leupold Mk.5 HD 2-10x30 riflescope is currently mounted on my Mark AR mount, the 35 mmmodel. To date, this scope and mount combination has mostly on a 5.56 NATO 16 inch barreled AR-15 rifle, for which it’s also zeroed. I’ve taken this rifle and optic (and mount) to training events like the Green Ops LPVO course. This course involved shooting and carrying out fast-paced CQB drills as much as it called for taking longer distance shots. Suffice to say, the intensity of the course was enough to skyline any issues with rifles and gear. And not to mention, the rifle spent most of its time slung on my body with a two-point sling. Between shooting hundreds of rounds, carrying the rifle everywhere on a sling and handling the rifle frequently, the Mark AR kept the Mk.5 HD scope securely fixed in place. Besides my 5.56 NATO general-purpose carbine, I’ve also used the mount and optic to carry out my review of the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 rimfire rifle. Both the Mark AR mount and the Mk.5 HD scope afforded a smooth and fun trouble-free shooting experience.
The Takeaway
Mounts for riflescopes and LPVOs can be very simple and relatively inexpensive or extremely sophisticated and costly. The Leupold Mark AR lies somewhere in between, as it provides great value relative to its cost. Its straightforward design results in robust and simple architecture that snugly holds optics in place. And at 5.9 ounces, its weight sits with many other high-end one-piece scope mounts, so “running-and-gunning” is no issue.” However, because the Leupold Mark AR is so straightforward, it isn’t as feature-rich as some of the industry’s latest AR-15 magnified optics mounts, like those that allow piggy-back red-dots or other accessories. Likewise, the mount height is limited to only 1.5 inches tall. Regardless, the Mark AR mount works well and is reasonably priced, with retail figures starting at $119.
