Why the 1.70” AUS Mount Has Become the Sweet Spot of the AUS System

The AUS Mount lineup was built around one goal: creating a lightweight, ultra-strong optic mounting system that supports modern shooting applications without unnecessary bulk or complexity. As the lineup has expanded across multiple diameters and heights, one configuration continues to stand out among shooters running LPVOs on their duty rifles,  the 30mm AUS Mount in 1.70” height.

For many users, the 1.70” height has become the sweet spot of the entire AUS system, whether running a 30mm or 34mm diameter setup.

The Balance Between Traditional and Tall Mounts

Traditional lower-height mounts can force shooters into a more compressed neck position, especially with today’s more upright shooting stances. On the opposite side, taller mounts like 1.93” excel for passive aiming under night vision and high heads-up shooting positions, but can feel taller than necessary for everyday use.

The 1.70” height bridges that gap perfectly.

It provides a more natural and relaxed shooting posture while still maintaining a solid cheek weld and quick sight picture. The result is a setup that feels fast, comfortable, and adaptable across a wide range of shooting environments.

Whether you’re training, competing, hunting, or building out a duty rifle, the 1.70” height simply works well for almost everything.

Improved Rail Accessory Clearance

One of the biggest advantages of the 1.70” height is improved clearance over modern rail-mounted accessories.

As rifles continue evolving around laser aiming devices, switchology, backup irons, clip-ons, and night vision support equipment, available rail space becomes increasingly important. The added height of the 1.70” mount creates better clearance around these accessories without forcing awkward placement or overcrowding the rail.

For shooters running modern rifle setups, that extra room makes a noticeable difference in both ergonomics and usability.

The AUS System

Like every AUS Mount, the 30mm 1.70” is machined from a single piece of billet 7075-T6 aluminum to maximize strength while minimizing weight. The mount maintains the streamlined AUS footprint and utilizes Reptilia’s anti-snag spring-loaded clamp system for secure attachment to any M1913 Picatinny rail.

The 1.70” configuration also integrates seamlessly with the larger ROF ecosystem, allowing shooters to add offset or top-mounted optics while keeping the setup clean and cohesive.

Why Shooters Keep Coming Back to 1.70”

The popularity of the 1.70” AUS Mount ultimately comes down to versatility.

It sits right in the middle of the height spectrum, giving shooters the benefits of a more modern optic height without moving too far into specialized territory. It clears accessories well, supports modern shooting positions, and remains comfortable for extended use across nearly any rifle role.

Not too low. Not excessively tall. Just right.

At the End of the Day, Run What Works for You

Mount height discussions have become one of the biggest debates in modern rifle setups, and like most things in the firearms world, trends move fast. One month everyone is moving taller, the next month people are going back lower.

The reality is there’s no universal “correct” height.

The reason the 1.70” AUS Mount has become so popular is because it works exceptionally well for a massive range of shooters and applications, but ultimately your setup should be based on what feels natural and performs best for you, not just what’s currently trending online.

Influencers, social media, and gear trends can be helpful for discovering new setups, but nothing replaces actual time behind the rifle. Your shooting style, body mechanics, accessories, and intended use all play a role in finding the right optic height.

The best setup is the one that helps you shoot comfortably, consistently, and confidently.

If this setup sounds like the right fit for your optics journey, check out the Reptilia AUS Builder to help configure the setup that works best for your rifle, accessories, and shooting style. AUS BUILDER