I started planning to build my ultimate ranch rifle a long time ago. The process required me first to pick the rifle, which ended up being a CZ600 Trail. I had initially set the rifle up for night vision but ended up going the thermal route.  I needed to pick an optic height that suited me, which tends to be high due to my fat head. The Reptilia AUS Mount fits the bill perfectly as it came in 1.93″ high and had no extra protrusions sticking out. The Reptilia AUS Mount is a 1.93″ optic height mount meant for 30mm scope bodies in this case.

AUS Mount Features

Engravings

Engravings aren’t something I would normally mention in a review; however, the engravings on the AUS Mount aren’t just etched; they are deep. With these engravings, a splash of paint should still leave them visible. That isn’t the greatest thing ever; however, these engravings hold useful information. The engravings list the torque specs for the rings and clamps on the left and the optic diameter and height on the right. While not a massive thing, it saves you from searching for information. This is the start of some of the smart features of the AUS Mount I like.

The various chamfers and radii of the mount mean you aren’t smashing your hands off it or catching on any sharp parts.

Mounting Interface

The AUS Mount attaches to the rifle with two cross bolts and stays in place with a chunky recoil lug. The actual rail clamps attached to the cross bolts are nicely chamfered. Thankfully this saves my pointer finger knuckle from being torn apart while running the bolt quickly. Speaking of these clamps back to the clever engineering involved, they are spring-loaded. This means they are way easier to install and remove. Is this feature necessary? No. Is it appreciated? Hell yes! 

The clamps will push away from the mount for an extra few seconds of machine time and a couple of springs. This feature means no more getting annoyed and completely unscrewing the clamp to get it off the rail and stop it from snagging. The cross bolt heads can be done with a T25 Torx driver or a flathead. The bolts protrude a bit from the mount, meaning the flat head can be of various widths without damaging the metal. This feature is great if the mount somehow loosens in the field or your optic is destroyed/damaged, you can take it off with items in your pocket or bag.

Accessory Mounting

Replacement top rings with diving boards or red dot mounts on top are not a new thing. Reptilia has multiple options for the piggyback, from the Aimpoint Micro, like I am using, Trijicon RMR/SRO, Aimpoint ACRO, and Leupold Delta Point Pro. The Delta Point and RMR also come in offset piggybacks, which hang off the mount to the right (sorry, wrong-handed folks). There are even risers for the RMR and compatible optics so they can clear tall turrets or large scope bells.

The side of the mount at the front and back has a pocket with two holes in it. That pocket is for mounting an accessory bubble level that I will purchase at a later date. I intend to have it stick off the left side of the mount for the longer shots to ensure things are level. You can also purchase an ACRO/Steiner MPS or Delta Point Pro offset mount that uses this interface.

Machining

For the past 13 years, I worked in the aerospace industry as an aircraft structures technician, which means I do a lot of metal work on aircraft. Outside of my day job, I also do some part-time design work both of my designs, and freelance for companies. I appreciate well-designed and machined things, and this scope mount checks those boxes. From the previous features to the various chamfers and radii on the mount, I can see no chatter(vibration of the end mill while it is cutting causes a wave-like skipping pattern). Any unnecessary weight has been removed, and both parts that interface with the scope have stiffener ribs.

Final Thoughts

With Reptilia winning the UK Ministry of Defence contract, it will be interesting to see what that new capital will help them produce. We will likely see more red-dot mounts and other accessories to utilize the mounting interface on the side of the scope mount. I am already contemplating designing a folding dope card that mounts to mine (feel free to steal Reptilia; just send one my way). 

This mounting system will likely become my standard going forward. It is lightweight, sturdy, modular, and looks great. This a premium scope mount for those looking for these features and might not be for everyone at $324.95 USD plus the 30mm ROF-90 to mount Aimpoint Micro-based optics at $114.95. If you have an expensive piece of glass, why not treat it right?

If you want to see what our other writers are saying about Reptilia click here for Fifty Shades of FDE’s Mk18 CQBR build.