As one of its ‘Legacy’ mount systems, the 1700 riser series of optic mounts remains one of the core attachment systems by American Defense Manufacturing (ADM). The 1700 comes in two versions, a double throw lever (featured) and single, and is made from using 6061 T6 aluminum.
Made from 6061 T6 aluminum, the 1700 series riser is a segmented mount (with the MIL-STD-1913 rail removable from the base) and is available in four different styles. These styles include a base-only, regular 4” length with Quick Disconnect (QD) locking latches (standard—featured in this review—or titanium), or as an extended 5.5” mount with QD locking latches for optic use with magnifier.
The MIL-STD-1913 rail is secured to the base via two set screws and can mount any associated rail-based accessory. It also adds 0.60” rise in optic alignment over the mounting surface
On the base of the 1700 series riser is ADM’s patented Auto Lock™ QD throw lever (or optional titanium throw lever). The QD lever itself uses a push-button locking mechanism, cross-bolt, and adjustable nut that allows for the mount to fit both spec and out-of-spec rail systems.
The 1700 riser series is available only in Black (featured).
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): Depending on which length of riser mount selected, the 1700 riser ($140) is made from the same 6061 T6 aluminum as other ADM mounts, and is an appropriate material for many quality mounts and other accessories on the current market. The mounts are also made via direct CNC machining that provides a clean surface, thus there is no seam or mold markings, and includes dual locking QD throw lever to quickly attach/detach the mounts (and optic) to any MIL-STD-1913 rail. In contrast, similar mounts like the Fast Optic Riser ($99) by Unity Tactical, or the Optics AR15 Riser ($199) from Vortex represent some of the newer picatinny rail mounts risers on the market. And while lower quality and inexpensive options also available, for its price, the 1700 series riser is of an appropriate (or average) price value for its cost.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the adjustability of the mount’s dual QD throw levers allowed it to accommodate any picatinny-rail mount the optic was being fitted against. It also allowed the end-user to fine tune the sizing and finding a comfortable tension behind the QD Auto Lock’s spring that ensured a solid lock. It did get a little tight in manipulating both QD locks when one was open and the other locked, but manageable. But both locks gave the mounts a solid purchase on the rifle that had no excess movement in the overall optic. Otherwise, as a picatinny riser, there was no disassembly or reassembly of mount components and was basically direct attachment ready. Lastly, the variable length options for the mount allotted the end-user to utilize an overall length that was appropriate to their individual needs with either stand-alone optics or in conjunction with magnifiers.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The 1700 series riser was made of 6061 T6 aluminum and finished in the same T3 mil-spec anodization as other ADM mounts which, over the course of two months and a number of iterations changing between and usage on a rifle, and transport—showed any significant signs of wear aside from minor surface marring or minor tool marks from adjusting/removing the optics (none of which penetrated into the sub-surface aluminum). Minor wear/fading was noted to the white surface markings (though was purely cosmetic). Moreover the locking mechanism and spring to the Auto Lock remained consistent once an appropriate size was identified, and continually retained tension.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the 1700 series riser was simplistic and added the necessary height that otherwise put optics within the necessary and comfortable height over bore if running night vision or other accessories. Thus while it came down to end-user intent on what to attach to the mount, the 1700 offered sufficient length for any full-sized EoTech optics (such as the 512), or smaller red dots with a solid lock mitigating excess movement regardless of platform and associated recoil. Otherwise, the dual QD mechanisms provided a clear and tangible lock when the proper adjustment was made. For its solid design and performance, the 1700 series offered a good performance in simple function.
- Weight – Average (3/5): From a weight perspective, the evaluated 1700 riser mount came in at 5.6 ounces, and had a appropriate (or average) weight given its mass in aluminum and dual QD locking mechanisms. As such, the mount alone was neither excessively heavy nor excessively unbalanced the firearm on which it was mounted. In contrast, the Fast Optic Riser (2.8 ounces) by Unity Tactical, or the Optics AR15 Riser (3.0 ounces) from Vortex all demonstrate the minimal variance in weight. and that the added second QD Auto Lock mechanism on the ADM mount directly attributed to the added weight with the tradeoff being added security.
Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)
Product Link: https://www.admmfg.com/ad-1700-r-dual-qd-base
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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