Scope Mounts: Amega vs Ultimak

Back about 2015 I was having double vision problems from cataracts. Peep sights presented two peep holes overlying one another. My shooter carbine is for self defense. I live in a suburban environment, potential target distances are generally 100 yards or less (I use Critical Defense .30 carbine ammo) . I eventually had cataract surgery that corrected the double vision, so removed the Amega handguard and red dot scope I was using. But, I'm now starting to get double vision again in my right eye (I'm right handed).

I had looked at various scope mounts, preferring to keep my wood handguard. I don't care for those that attach to the rear sight dovetail alone, for a number or reasons (example at bottom of post). One being that dovetail metal wasn't hardened to the degree the rest of the receiver was. Which allows staking the rear sight in place so it doesn't move. I didn't wanna drill any holes in my receiver to give a dovetail mount better support. I didn't wanna use the infrared scope bracket as it's kind of an overkill for a carbine non-infrared scope.

So I compared the Amega handguard mount to the Ultimak mounts and chose the Amega. I'll show why in the pics below.

Amega
       https://amegamounts.com/

The Amega kit


The white piece above is an aluminum strip that fits inside the top of the hand guard between the hand guard and barrel. The set screws are inserted thru the top of the handguard, engage the aluminum strip, and put pressure on the barrel without scratching it. This kit does not scratch the barrel and it's very secure.


It doesn't sit on top of the stock. Neither the Amega or the Ultimak slide under the barrel band or the lip at the front of the receiver. The Amega does not require modifying the stock, as the Ultimak may (see below).






My red dot mounted


A 50 yard target downrange


I have had no problems with needing to readjust/rezero the red dot. The mount stays put. Definitely a blast shooting iron targets at 25, 50, and 100 yards.

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Ultimak
       https://ultimak.com/product-category/m1carbine-category/

The Ultimak kit (came with an extra bolt)


Installed - I didn't care for how far forward the barrel clamps were with no rear support.


The biggest objection I had/have to the Ultimak is my stock has a long barrel channel, installation of the Ultimak requires removing several inches of the barrel channel so the Ultimak will fit. No thank you.


When installed properly it doesn't sit on top of the wood and stays secure.








Ultimak also has a co-witness version for the Aimpoint red dot scopes. Meaning it gives you some clearance so you can still use the iron sights. This co-witness mount will not work with many commercial carbines due to their barrel designs. Ultimak says it won't work with a Universal. True for most but it will work with the early ones.

(foto by Ultimak)

It attaches the same as the regular Ultimak mount.

(foto by Ultimak)

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Scope mounts are largely a matter of personal preference, as are scopes. The Amega was my preference. The Ultimak seems to be preferred by a number of current commercial carbine manufacturers. May or may not be due to the cost versus performance. For me, altering the stock is a definite not gonna happen.

I have pics of a lot of different scope mounts for the .30 caliber carbines that have been made by various companies over the years. Anyone that's looked has likely seen the most common now are sold under various different brand names and attach to the rear sight dovetail.

The small square piece slides into the dovetail. It can be staked in place. The hex screw is inserted in the top of the mount and screws into the small square piece.




Most, but not all, of these tend to come in contact with the top of the receiver for stabilizing the mount. They have a tendency to scratch the receiver finish.


The earliest of these were those made by Insta-mount in the mid to late 1960's. All since then seem to be copycats.


Hope this can be of help to someone.

Jim

Edited by sleeplessnashadow - Oct 09 2025 at 6:03am