Using solid 6061 T6 aluminum, American Defense Manufacturing (ADM) offers six different mount styles for the popular Aimpoint PRO line of optics, to include a “straight” or cantilever version. These two popular types of mounts offer PRO users a specific design based on their choice optic and unique preference.
Straight Mount
The M68/CompM2/Pro mount (AD 68 H) comes in two height-over-bore versions that each can accommodate optics at a (1) low, co-witness, or lower 1/3rd co-witness, or at (2) an optional 2.33” height for use with night vision devices. A third option for the M68/CompM2/Pro mount allots for either of these mount version to include a stronger titanium lever.
The M68/CompM2/Pro mount is designed around a vertical two-part, split ring approach whereby the base of the mount uses a horizontal tab and pass-through double torque-screw to provide a solid connection that anchors the ring to the mount’s base. Similarly, the top of the ring also uses two horizontal torque-screws to further secure the optic.
On the base of the M68/CompM2/Pro mount is ADM’s patented Auto Lock™ Quick Disconnect 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.
Cantilever Mount
An alternative for the M68/CompM2/Pro mount is a cantilever (AD 68 C) version that includes a swept-forward design specific to mounting optics on AR-patterned rifles and managing limited rail space. This places Aimpoint optic forward over the mount, for a more appropriate eye-relief to the user when using other accessories, such as a magnifier.
Similar to the M68/CompM2/Pro mount, the cantilever version also uses the same base design with ADM’s patented Auto Lock™ Quick Disconnect throw lever (or optional titanium throw lever). The QD lever uses the same 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 M68/CompM2/Pro mount is available in Black (featured).
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Excellent (5/5): Depending on model and options selected, the M68/CompM2/Pro mount ($130) or the Cantilever ($155) are both made from the same 6061 T6 aluminum as other ADM mounts, and is a appropriate material for many quality mounts and other accessories. The mounts are also made via direct CNC machining that provides a clean surface, thus there is no seam or mold markings, and both include a locking QD throw lever to quickly attach/detach the mounts (and optic) to any MIL-STD-1913 rail. In contrast, similar mounts like the Leap/02 ($239) by Scalarworks, the Tactical Comp M2 Mount ($199) from LaRue Tactical, and the FAST Comp Series Mount ($186) represent some of the newer Aimpoint PRO mounts, with obviously much lower quality and inexpensive options also available. Thus for their price, in contrast to the materials and market, the M68/CompM2/Pro mount and cantilever versions are both of an excellent value for their cost.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the adjustability of the mount’s single QD throw lever 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. This gave both PRO mounts a solid mount that had no excess movement in the overall optic. Otherwise, disassembly and reassembly of the mount components went smoothly, with screw threads lining up appropriately (though end-users need to take care not to overtighten the components or risk damage). Lastly, the variable height options for the standard PRO mount at time of purchase allotted the end-user to utilize a mount height appropriate to their individual needs with low/co-witness, and lower 1/3rd options available. The reviewed co-witness mount appropriately placed the optic’s height.
- Durability – Good (4/5): Both Aimpoint PRO mounts were 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—neither mount 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, where Both Aimpoint PRO mounts differed was in how the mount itself was postured over the rail. The Straight mount allotted for a direct-over-bore platform that the optic was easily attached to. This enabled the end-user to find the specific location along the rail by which was most comfortable, and offered the best eye relief in relation to either an AR pistol, SBR, or full-length rifle it was used on. In contrast, the cantilever mount design allowed the end-user to place the mount in the same position, but posture the optic far enough forward to allot for additional space on the rail for attaching magnifiers behind the PRO. Thus while it came down to end-user intent, both mounts offered a solid lock with evidence of excess movement in the optic regardless of platform and associated recoil. Otherwise, the Auto Lock mechanism provided a clear and tangible lock when the proper adjustment was made. For its solid design and performance, both the Pro mounts offered a good performance in function.
- Weight – Average (3/5): From a weight perspective, the evaluated Aimpoint PRO co-witness Standard mount and the Cantilever mount both came in at 3.8 ounces, with comparable weight being made from roughly the same amount of mass in aluminum and had the same QD locking mechanism. As such, neither was excessively heavy nor markedly unbalanced the firearm on which it was mounted. In contrast, the Leap/02 (2.45 ounces) by Scalarworks, the Tactical Comp M2 Mount (3.7 ounces) from LaRue Tactical, and the FAST Comp Series Mount (3.2 ounces) all demonstrate that the ADM Aimpoint Pro mounts are the heaviest (if by mere ounces) but an appropriate (or average) weight amid the current market competitors for PRO optics and reflect that more recent designs are likely finding new ways to cut down on overall mass.
Overall Rating – Good (20/25)
Product Link: https://www.admmfg.com/mounts?specs=79
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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