The AR-15 is one of the most popular and versatile rifles on the market today. Its customization potential, combined with a wide range of accessories and attachments, makes it a favorite for both recreational shooters and tactical professionals. One essential accessory for many AR-15 owners is an optic riser. Optic risers elevate your sight, ensuring a proper cheek weld, and help to achieve optimal sight alignment with your optic. In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore the best optic risers for the AR-15 and what makes them an essential addition to your rifle setup.
Why You Need An Optic Riser For Your AR-15?
An optic riser is used to raise the height of your optic, ensuring that your sights are at the correct level for an optimal shooting position. The goal is to achieve proper eye relief and sight alignment while keeping your head in a neutral position. A comfortable, ergonomic shooting position is essential for accuracy, speed, and comfort, especially during extended shooting sessions or in tactical situations.
Optic risers are also crucial when using optics with a higher mount, such as red dot sights or magnified scopes, as they provide the necessary height to achieve a better sight picture. This adjustment allows for more comfortable shooting, especially in the prone or standing positions, and ensures that your reticle is at eye level.
The Best Optic Risers For AR-15 In 2025
When selecting the Best Optic Riser for AR-15, there are a few key considerations: durability, material, adjustability, and ease of installation. Here are some of the top optic risers on the market in 2025, each offering unique features that make them stand out.
1. Kastle Group EXPS-226 Optic Riser
One of the best optic risers for the AR-15 in 2025 is the Kastle Group EXPS-226 Optic Riser. Known for its durability and excellent design, this riser is ideal for those looking to get the most out of their optics. Its sturdy design allows it to withstand regular use while ensuring exact zero retention. The EXPS-226 is designed to be lightweight yet incredibly strong, making it the perfect companion for your AR-15. Whether you’re using a red dot sight or a magnified optic, the EXPS-226 offers superior stability and comfort.
The riser offers a quick and easy installation process, and its low-profile design ensures that you won’t add unnecessary bulk to your rifle. The Kastle Group EXPS-226 Riser also offers a great range of adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the height for the perfect cheek weld.
2. LaRue Tactical LT660 AR-15 Riser
LaRue Tactical is renowned for its high-quality rifle accessories, and the LT660 AR-15 Riser is no exception. This optic riser is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering durability and lightweight construction. The riser has been rigorously tested for strength and precision, ensuring that it won’t shift or lose its zero under heavy recoil or during extended shooting sessions.
The LT660 offers an excellent mounting platform for a wide variety of optics. It provides a solid, stable base that works well for both red dot sights and magnified optics, allowing you to achieve the right height for proper sight alignment. This riser is also known for its easy installation, ensuring you can spend less time setting up and more time shooting.
3. American Defense AD-RECON Optic Riser
The American Defense AD-RECON Optic Riser is another top choice for AR-15 owners looking for a solid riser. This riser is designed to provide exceptional durability without adding unnecessary weight. Constructed from high-strength aluminum, it features a sleek, minimalist design that complements your rifle’s overall aesthetic while improving functionality.
What sets the AD-RECON apart from other risers is its ability to maintain a zero after installation. The precision machining ensures that your optic stays locked in place, even under the most demanding conditions. The AD-RECON is perfect for those who need a riser that can hold up to rigorous tactical applications or competition shooting.
4. Vortex Optics Viper Cantilever Mount
Vortex Optics has long been recognized as a leader in the optics industry, and their Viper Cantilever Mount is an excellent option for AR-15 owners who are looking to raise their optic for optimal eye relief and sight alignment. The Viper Cantilever Mount is made from lightweight aluminum and offers both strength and stability for your optic.
This mount is designed to allow for the correct positioning of red dots and low-powered variable optics. It also features a 2-inch offset, which makes it ideal for use with the AR-15 platform. The Viper Cantilever is durable enough to handle heavy recoil and maintain zero for consistent accuracy over time.
5. Aimpoint Acro P-2 Riser Mount
For those who use the Aimpoint Acro P-2 red dot sight, the Acro P-2 Riser Mount is an excellent choice. This mount is specifically designed to elevate the Acro P-2 to the ideal height for proper sight alignment. The mount is precision-engineered to ensure a secure, stable fit for your optic, allowing you to focus on your target with both eyes open.
The Acro P-2 Riser is made from durable aluminum, making it lightweight yet tough enough to withstand harsh conditions. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer red dot sights and want a riser mount that will enhance their shooting experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the right optic riser for your AR-15 is essential for maximizing accuracy, comfort, and performance. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or building a new one, the risers mentioned in this guide are some of the best options available in 2025. From the durable Kastle Group EXPS-226 Optic Riser to the versatile LaRue Tactical LT660, there is an optic riser to suit every AR-15 enthusiast’s needs. For those looking for a high-quality, dependable riser, the Kastle Group EXPS-226 is an excellent option, offering superior stability, ease of installation, and adjustability.
