Elevating Your AR-Platform Performance: The Leupold Mark Integral Mounting System with 20 MOA Cant

Are you a serious shooter looking to unlock the full potential of your AR-platform rifle? Whether you're a long-range precision enthusiast, a competitive shooter, or a dedicated hunter, optimizing your riflescope mounting solution is paramount to achieving unparalleled accuracy and consistency. One of the most common hurdles faced by AR-style rifle owners is finding a mounting system that correctly positions the scope for optimal eye relief and height, especially when using larger, high-performance optics. Standard rings often fall short, leading to uncomfortable shooting positions, compromised cheek weld, and an inability to maximize your scope's elevation adjustments.

This is where the Leupold 176887 Mark Integral Mounting System (IMS) 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant for AR-Platform 35mm Matte Black emerges as a superior solution. Engineered to specifically address these challenges, this robust, one-piece aluminum mount provides a seamless and rock-solid platform for your 35mm riflescope, ensuring perfect alignment, optimal eye relief, and the crucial benefit of a 20 MOA cant for extended long-range capabilities.

Why Your AR-Platform Rifle Demands a Dedicated Mounting System

The AR-15 and M16 platforms are renowned for their versatility, modularity, and accuracy. However, their unique design, characterized by a straight stock and higher bore axis compared to traditional bolt-action rifles, often poses challenges for mounting conventional riflescopes.

• Eye Relief Issues: Many standard scope rings or two-piece mounts force the shooter to contort their body to achieve proper eye relief, leading to fatigue and inconsistency. The ideal eye relief allows for a full, clear sight picture without "scope shadow" and provides crucial space for recoil mitigation.
• Incorrect Scope Height: Without a proper cantilever design, scopes mounted directly to a Picatinny rail can sit too low, preventing comfortable access to the charging handle or interfering with front iron sights. A higher mount is often required to achieve a natural head position and proper cheek weld.
• Stability and Durability: Two-piece rings, while functional for some applications, can sometimes introduce minor alignment issues or offer less rigidity than a single, integral unit. For precision shooting, every fraction of an inch and every ounce of stability matters.

The Leupold Mark IMS family, including this specific 35mm model, was designed from the ground up to eliminate these very problems. Its cantilever design pushes the scope forward, providing generous eye relief without the need for additional, often less stable, risers. This results in a natural and comfortable shooting posture, crucial for sustained accuracy whether you're at the range or in the field.

Unpacking the Leupold Mark IMS Design Philosophy: Precision Meets Durability

The foundation of the Leupold Mark Integral Mounting System's performance lies in its thoughtful design and superior construction.

The Power of a 1-Piece Integral Design

Unlike traditional two-piece rings, the Leupold Mark IMS mount is a single, unified piece of aerospace-grade aluminum. What does this mean for you?

• Enhanced Rigidity and Strength: A one-piece design inherently boasts greater structural integrity. This minimizes any potential flex or shift under recoil, ensuring your scope maintains its zero shot after shot, even during rapid-fire sequences or under harsh conditions.
• Simplified Mounting: Installation becomes straightforward. There's no need to meticulously align two separate rings; you simply attach the single unit to your MIL-spec 1913/Picatinny rail. This saves time and reduces the potential for mounting errors.
• Optimal Scope Alignment: The precise machining of a single unit guarantees perfect alignment of your scope, reducing stress on the scope tube and contributing to optical clarity and longevity.

Direct Mount to MIL-Spec 1913/Picatinny Rails

The Leupold Mark IMS is engineered for direct attachment to standard MIL-spec 1913 Picatinny rails, which are common on virtually all modern AR-platform rifles. This universal compatibility means you won't need specialized adapters or modifications to your firearm. The secure clamping mechanism ensures a tight, repeatable fit every time.

The Strategic Advantage of a 20 MOA Cant

For shooters pushing the boundaries of long-range accuracy, the 20 MOA (Minute of Angle) cant incorporated into this Leupold mount is a game-changer. But what exactly is MOA cant, and why is it so important?

MOA cant refers to a slight downward angle built into the scope mount relative to the rifle's bore. This specific 20 MOA tilt effectively pre-loads your scope's internal elevation adjustment.

• Maximizing Elevation Travel: When shooting at extreme distances (e.g., beyond 500-600 yards), gravity causes your bullet to drop significantly. To compensate, you need to dial in a substantial amount of "up" elevation on your scope's turrets. Without a canted mount, you might run out of internal elevation adjustment before reaching your desired long-range target, especially with scopes that have limited internal travel. A 20 MOA cant effectively shifts your scope's optical center downwards, "saving" valuable elevation clicks for long-range engagements.
• Example: If your scope has 60 MOA of total elevation adjustment (30 MOA up and 30 MOA down from mechanical zero), a 20 MOA cant means you essentially start with 20 MOA already "dialed in" for gravity. This leaves you with more available "up" adjustment for those very distant shots, allowing you to engage targets reliably at 800, 1000, or even 1200+ yards without running out of turret clicks.
• Enhanced Precision: By utilizing the mechanical center of your scope less frequently for closer shots, you often benefit from better optical performance. The glass elements within your scope typically perform at their peak when close to their mechanical center.

This feature is particularly valuable for precision rifle shooting, F-Class competition, or ethical long-range hunting where every MOA of adjustment can mean the difference between a hit and a miss.

Optimizing for Your 35mm Riflescope: Precision Fit and Protection

The Leupold Mark IMS is designed specifically for 35mm tube diameter riflescopes. While 1-inch and 30mm tubes are common, 35mm scope tubes are increasingly popular among high-performance, long-range optics manufacturers.

• Benefits of 35mm Scope Tubes: Larger tube diameters typically allow for larger internal lens elements, which can translate to superior light transmission, a wider field of view, and more robust internal mechanisms for elevation and windage adjustments. They often accommodate more internal adjustment range, making them ideal for long-range shooting.
• Secure and Protective Fit: This Leupold mount cradles your 35mm scope tube precisely, ensuring uniform pressure and preventing any crimping or marring that can occur with improperly sized or low-quality rings. A secure fit is critical for maintaining zero and protecting your valuable optic from recoil shock and environmental stresses. When you invest in a premium 35mm riflescope, you need a mounting solution that matches its quality and provides maximum protection.

Built to Last: Leupold's Uncompromising Quality and Lifetime Guarantee

Leupold has built a reputation for crafting rugged, reliable optics and accessories that perform flawlessly in the most demanding environments. The Leupold Mark IMS mount is no exception.

• Premium Materials: Constructed from high-strength, lightweight aluminum, this mount offers the ideal balance of durability and minimal added weight to your rifle. Aluminum is resistant to corrosion and stands up to the rigors of field use, range sessions, and tactical operations.
• Durable Finish: The matte black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose. It's a non-reflective coating that helps minimize glare, keeping you concealed and preventing anything from distracting your sight picture. This finish is also highly resistant to scratches, chips, and environmental wear.
• Rigorous Testing: Like all Leupold products, the Mark IMS mount is subjected to brutal testing. Leupold's legendary "Punisher" test ensures that their products can withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, shocks, and immersion in water. This commitment to extreme reliability means you can trust your Leupold mount to perform when it matters most, whether you're in the scorching desert or the freezing tundra.
• The Leupold Lifetime Guarantee: This is arguably one of the most compelling reasons to choose Leupold. All Leupold IMS products are covered by the Leupold Lifetime Guarantee. This incredible warranty speaks volumes about the company's confidence in its manufacturing quality. It provides peace of mind, knowing that if your mount ever fails under normal use, Leupold stands behind its product. This commitment to customer satisfaction and product longevity is a cornerstone of the Leupold brand.

Key Benefits for the Discerning Shooter

Investing in the Leupold Mark Integral Mounting System with 20 MOA Cant delivers a host of tangible benefits:

• Enhanced Accuracy and Consistency: By providing a rock-solid, perfectly aligned platform, the mount minimizes any potential movement of the scope, directly translating to tighter groups and more reliable hits.
• Improved Eye Relief and Shooting Comfort: The cantilever design positions your scope optimally for the AR platform, allowing for a natural and comfortable head position, reducing strain during extended shooting sessions.
• Faster Target Acquisition: With your scope precisely aligned and positioned, you'll find it quicker and easier to get on target and acquire a clear sight picture.
• Unwavering Stability and Zero Retention: Once your scope is zeroed, this one-piece mount ensures it stays zeroed, even after repeated firing, transport, or accidental bumps.
• Streamlined Setup: The integral design simplifies the mounting process, eliminating the guesswork and potential for errors associated with separate rings and risers.
• Extended Long-Range Capability: The 20 MOA cant is indispensable for maximizing your scope's elevation adjustment range, enabling you to confidently engage targets at extreme distances.
• Durability You Can Trust: Built with premium aluminum and backed by Leupold's legendary testing and lifetime guarantee, this mount is designed to outlast your rifle.

Who Benefits Most from the Leupold Mark IMS 20 MOA Mount?

This specific Leupold Mark IMS mount is an ideal choice for a wide range of shooters and applications:

• Precision Rifle Competitors: For disciplines like PRS (Precision Rifle Series) or NRL (National Rifle League) where every shot counts and long-range engagements are common, the 20 MOA cant and unwavering stability are critical advantages.
• Long-Range Hunters: Whether pursuing game across open plains or in mountainous terrain, the ability to make precise shots at extended distances is paramount for ethical hunting.
• Tactical and Law Enforcement Professionals: Reliability, rapid target acquisition, and extreme durability are non-negotiable in demanding tactical scenarios.
• AR-15/M16 Enthusiasts: Anyone looking to upgrade their AR-platform rifle with a high-quality, dependable, and ergonomically superior mounting solution for their 35mm riflescope.
• Shooters Using High-Power Optics: If your riflescope has high magnification and a large objective lens, a 35mm tube mount provides the necessary strength and clearance.

Installation and Compatibility

Mounting the Leupold Mark IMS is designed to be straightforward. The mount attaches directly to any standard MIL-spec 1913 Picatinny rail. It comes complete with necessary mounting hardware, ensuring you have everything you need for a secure installation right out of the box. Proper torque specifications should always be followed to ensure the mount is secure without over-tightening.

This product is readily available at reputable firearm accessory retailers like DEGuns.com, ensuring you can acquire this essential upgrade for your AR-platform rifle with confidence.

In summary, the Leupold 176887 Mark Integral Mounting System with 20 MOA Cant for 35mm AR-Platform rifles is more than just a scope mount; it's a precision instrument designed to optimize your rifle's performance, enhance your shooting comfort, and extend your effective range. It represents Leupold's commitment to quality, innovation, and the serious shooter's needs.

Product Specifications & Features Summary

The Leupold Integral Mounting System (IMS) family quickly and easily eliminates the two most common issues faced when mounting standard riflescopes to AR-style rifles; scope height and eye relief. From the Mark 1 to the Mark 4, each aluminum IMS cantilever design mounts directly to the firearms MIL-spec 1913/Picatinny to raise the scope and push it forward, eliminating the need for risers or specialized optics with shortened eye relief. This model features a 20 MOA cant. All Leupold IMS products are tested to endure the rigors of the field and covered by the Leupold Lifetime Guarantee.

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Series	Mark IMS
Model	Integral Mounting System
Firearm Fit	AR-15 / M16 Platforms
Tube Diameter	35mm
Color	Matte Black
Material	Aluminum
Mount Type	AR Platform Cantilever
Pieces	1
MOA Cant	20
Mount Height	1.50"
Length	6.04"
Width	1.98"
Weight	6 oz
Includes	Mounting Hardware
UPC	030317021771