Lefty shooter here, as such my options are limited. I have a Stag 8L in 223 which I like and have a Larue mount with a Bushnell 4200 1.5x6 with the illuminated reticle on.

Now just bought a Stag 7L in 6.8. This gun is about 1 lb heavier than the 223 and I want to keep the weight under 9lb scoped. I would like to put a Leupold VX6 1x6 with illuminated dot on it, weighs about 13 oz. Common quality 1 piece mounts often weigh 12 oz or better.

So I am looking at just scope rings mounted to picatinny, but that option does not appear too popular. Looking for input as to the pros/cons of just going with the rings. Thanks for any input.

Height could be an issue with just rings. Not too big a deal off a bench but in hunting/tactical situations could. Another issue: a one piece mount with some cantilever to it allows you to move the scope forward or backward for proper eye relief. All other things considered, the last place I try to save a few ounces is on the mount.

Carl, appreciate the input, kind of stuff I am looking for. One note, I do not have cantilever mounts on any of my hunting rifles and never have trouble finding proper eye relief, why would this be a factor for an AR?

What is your definition of "quality"? There are lots of good options in one piece cantilever mounts that aren't nearly that heavy, especially if you don't need QD mounting. Leupold and Aero Precision, for example, both sell one piece mounts that are 5 oz or less.

For a non-detachable mount I use an Aero Precision SPR extended 30mm mount... even for 1" scope tubes by using delrin bushings. This allows me to be able to mount just about any scope I might want and leaves no mounting marks on the one inch tubes because of the bushings.
If you have a collapsible stock you may find yourself shooting nose to charging handle eventually and for this reason I favor the extended mount. YMMV

I have a DNZ freedom reaper 30mm non extended. It's not super light like the Aero, but feels very reasonable. If you're interested, shoot me a PM.

On your question of extended; I prefer non extendedfor precision type set ups. I didn't see a need for extended until I set up my 3-gun rig, but that is a totally different animal.

Thanks for the input guys, I will keep looking, that Aero looks like it could be a winner.

First, the AR is not a bolt gun nor is it like anything else so don't try to scope it like anything else.

The main issue is reaching the charging handle without a stupid extended tactikool latch.mount the ocular lenses just in front of the CH and all is well.

Height is not a problem with high or extra high rings but most 1913 Picatinny rings are expensive and heavy. Some weaver type rings won't get a good bite and will cause accuracy issues.

There are several quality one piece mounts made for the AR like Aero Precision, Leupold and even Nikon that don't weigh much.

But really a LaRue or ADM isn't that heavy to begin with.

I like the Nikon M-223. It allows a lot of flexibility in mointing any kind of scope.

I just picked up a Warne Gen 2 MSR cantilever mount for a lightweight Build..The mount weighs in at 6.7 oz...

The Aero precision ultralight extended version would be my choice in that role. They weight 3.3oz and cost under $100. Aero's parent company had made its money in precision aerospace parts so the tolerances are as good as anyones

I was considering a 20 MOA version of that one - they look pretty good, and solid. At 6.7 oz they're on the heavy side of what I'd prefer, but still only about half of the OP's claimed 12 oz. I am curious what mounts out there actually weigh that much?

look at the aero precision mounts. ultralight SPR.

Even the Burris PEPR only weighs 8.7 oz., and they are not close to lightweight.

I'm a lefty and mounting the same scope as you on my AR, and the American Defense Recon is the mount I chose...I want t QD so I can switch to a red dot for close shooting.

I like Bobro mounts and American Defense mounts. They are QD and quality. Made in the USA. The Bobro is a heavier mount, but the QD American Defense mounts are not that heavy. Just my 2 cents.

I was being a bit facetious when I stated 12 oz in my original post, 8-10 oz is common. I want this gun under 9 lb scoped and with 5 rounds ready to go. Scope weighs 13 oz, gun is 7 lb 12 oz, does not leave much. The Aero still looks like the best choice for my target goal. Thanks to all that posted.

May look at lighter stock and fore piece down the road as budget allows.