Are you on the hunt for the best scope for AR 15? You have come to the right place. This post sheds light on the best scopes for AR 15 that are available on the market today.
The ArmaLite AR-15 is a lightweight semi-automatic rifle that is hard to beat when it comes to versatility. It is extensively used in the military and law enforcement sector, as well as home defense and general-purpose hunting.
Given its adaptability, the AR-15 is easy to customize with different accessories. One easy way to customize your AR-15 is to get a scope for the kind of shooting that you do.
Having the right scope in the correct shooting context will not only improve your precision and speed of target acquisition, but also help you size up small targets and scout different terrains.
What Makes a Good Scope for an AR-15?
The best scope for AR 15 is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof to handle impacts and recoils. It should also have a variable magnification with a true 1x magnification, the best magnifications for AR 15 are 1-4x,1-6x,1-8x, and 1-10x.
The scope should also be strong and durable and most preferably made of Aircraft grade aluminum, it should also feature ample eye relief, a wide field of view, and have fully multicoated optics for bright and clear images.
With all that in mind, let us now take a look at the best scopes for AR-15 that make a handy companion for every ardent hunter and gun enthusiast out there.
Best Scopes for AR 15 Top Picks
1) Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scopes is undoubtedly the best scope for AR 15. It is a budget AR-15 scope that is made to increase your efficiency on the hunting grounds and ensure that you achieve the most from your rifle.
The scope is built with crisp clear glass which generates quality sight pictures in any lighting or weather condition. The lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission, and the reticle is illuminated to give you a precise aiming point when you are shooting in critically low-light settings.
With a weight of 16.5oz, this rifle scope is super light, portable, and very easy to use. When it comes to construction, the scope has a waterproof and fog-proof construction that is sturdy and durable to handle rigorous use. The turrets of the scope are also capped to prevent damage from impacts and accidental adjustments in the field.
Features
- Throw down power change levers
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Capped turrets
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-6x variable zoom power
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Compact size
- Lightweight and durable build
- Clear glass
- Great eye relief
Cons
- None
2) Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Leupold prides itself in making high-quality optics and this is clear in the VX-6HD 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. The scope provides dead-on precision across vast ranges, making it a perfect addition to the AR 15.
Built with high-definition lenses and a Twilight Max Light Management System, the scope delivers excellent optical performance in virtually any lighting condition. The CDS-ZL2 dial included locks the dial in place and prevents accidental rotation when you are in the field.
Moreover, the scope employs an ultra-bright FireDot reticle that will transform your shooting experience. It also features a Guard-Ion rain shedding coating which maintains a clear field of view all through, and a generous eye relief to ensure comfortable glassing.
Above all, the VX-6HD 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope boasts a rugged 6061-T6 aluminum housing that is fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof to maximize reliability in all kinds of weather conditions.
This is the best scope for AR 15 from Leupold.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- CDS custom dial system
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Guard-Ion rain-shedding coating
- Blackened lens edges
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Lightweight
- Illuminated reticle
- Generous eye relief
- Great low-light visibility
Cons
- Big budget
- No adjustable objective
3) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Carrying the highly respected Vortex name, the Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope is a perfect optic to add to your AR-15 tool kit. This highly functional and intuitive scope has been updated and upgraded to be ideal for both hunting and tactical shooting.
It is built with XD lens elements which maximize resolution and color richness across the entire spectrum. Besides, all air-to-glass surfaces have proprietary coatings to increase light transmission and minimize glare.
Regarding construction, the scope has a 30mm main tube which provides maximized internal adjustments and strength. The tube is built from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum for added strength and rigidity. The exterior lenses also feature an Armortek coating that is scratch and dust-proof.
For added convenience, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece that allows quick and simple reticle focusing. It is also equipped with an array of built-in accuracy features to facilitate fast and accurate shooting.
Features
- Hard anodized finish
- 30mm main tube diameter
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Battery included
- Illuminated reticle
- Quality glass
- Good eye relief
Cons
- Non-locking illumination ring
4) Primary Arms SLx Series 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLx Series 1-6x24mm is the best scope for AR 15 for budget-conscious buyers. It has a variable 1-6x magnification power suitable for taking shots at close to medium ranges.
The selling point of this rifle scope is the ACSS reticle. It is housed on the second focal plane where it provides bullet drop compensation, wind holds, and range estimation. This maximizes your accuracy when hunting or shooting at varying ranges.
Furthermore, the scope has a tough 6063 aluminum body that is waterproof and fog resistant. With the weatherproof construction, you are guaranteed unimpeded field use in any environment.
The scope also boasts fully multi-coated lenses that provide crisp clear views of targets, even when you are shooting in the less than ideal lighting conditions.
Features
- Second focal plane ACSS reticle
- 1-6x magnification
- Hard coat anodized matte finish
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 30mm tube diameter
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
Pros
- Durable finish
- Clear glass
- Holds zero well
- Clear illuminated reticle
Cons
- Short eye relief at max power
5) Burris RT-6 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Made for consistent and repeated firings, the Burris RT-6 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope works well with the AR 15 for medium-distance shooting applications. It is simple to use and a great choice for beginners.
The versatile 6x zoom has a true 1x setting that allows for both eyes open shooting. To complement the versatile magnification power, the scope also features high-quality glass which provides quality image views at every zoom level.
Besides, the lenses are fully multi-coated to increase light transmission in low light settings and provide bright sight pictures.
Built with a 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum main tube, the scope is ready to tackle the harshest shooting environments. It is also fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather use.
Features
- True 1x magnification setting
- Hi-Lume multi-coated optics
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Second focal plane Ballistic AR 5X reticle
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
Pros
- Bright illuminated reticle
- Clear glass
- Lightweight build
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Unintuitive dials
6) Firefield RapidStrike 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
Next on our list of the best scope for AR 15 is the Firefield RapidStrike 1-6×24 Rifle Scope. It is purpose-built for AR platforms and has its bullet drop compensation calibrated for 55-grain 5.56mm NATO ammo.
The scope is built to offer unmatched durability. It is made with rugged aluminum housing that is dustproof, fog proof, and IP67 waterproof. Even better, it is designed to operate across different temperatures from as low as -13 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
A throw lever is included to ensure quick magnification adjustment from 1x all the way up to 6x. The scope also features resettable turrets and an illuminated reticle housed on the second focal plane.
Features
- 6x optical system
- IP67 water resistance level
- Resettable turrets
- Second focal plane reticle
- Durable aluminum housing
- Cantilever mount attachment type
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to install
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not bright
7) SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR LPVO 1-10X28mm Rifle Scope
If you want to revolutionize how you hunt or shoot with your AR 15 rifle, it is time to get a quality scope like the SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR LPVO 1-10X28mm Rifle Scope. This LPVO has every feature that you need to better your shooting skills in any situation.
It boasts a high-performance 10x optical system with low-dispersion glass. With this system, you are guaranteed high-quality sight pictures that are rich in color contrast. The lenses also feature a Spectracoat coating to increase light transmission in low-light settings.
The integrated thread in the throw lever allows for quick magnification changes, which is vital when pursuing game across vast ranges. Further, the scope has an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness levels to enhance your shooting in various lighting conditions.
Above all, the scope is built to last long and offers dependable waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof performance.
Features
- 10x optical system
- Integrated thread in throw lever
- Hardcoat anodized finish
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Low dispersion glass
- Spectracoat lens coating
Pros
- Turrets with crisp adjustments
- Illuminated reticle
- Lightweight
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Short eye relief
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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scope for AR 15
Magnification
The magnification power a scope has will tell you how much it will magnify the sight picture within the field of view. It is expressed as the first number in the scope’s configuration.
With the AR 15 being a versatile rifle, it is best to get a scope whose magnification power matches this versatility. A tip is to get a scope with a vast zoom power that will let your glass for targets across different ranges.
Reticle
The type of reticle used in the best AR-15 scopes varies in shape and pattern from one scope to the other. A more complex reticle will offer you more functionality, but it might obscure that field of view more and be hard to use for beginners.
To ensure that you excel in your hunting or shooting excursions, get a scope that has the simplest reticle that caters to all your needs.
Image Quality
There are two things that determine the image quality that a scope provides. They are lens coatings and the type of glass used. Look for a scope that is built with extra-low dispersion glass or high-density glass. The best scope for AR 15 should also have its lenses either fully multi-coated or fully-coated.
Durability
Invest in a scope that is made from high-quality materials. With quality construction, the scope will be without rigorous abuse and offer reliable performance in any environment in which you use it at. Also, ensure that you get a scope that has a shockproof construction to handle the recoil the AR 15 generates.
Eye Relief
The next thing to consider is eye relief. Choose a scope that has a long eye relief of 3.5 inches and above. With long eye relief, you will be able to glass comfortably and reduce eye fatigue when you are using the scope for a long.
Weatherproof Construction
You will not be using the AR-15 scope in good weather conditions all the time. When you are out in the field hunting, the weather conditions might change when you least expect it. In such times, having a scope that is fully waterproof and fog proof is important. It will provide full reliability even in the harshest climatic conditions and prevent you from cutting short your trip because of bad weather.
Best Scope for AR 15 FAQs
- What kind of scope is best for an AR 15?
The best kind of scope to put on a AR 15 is that which meets your needs and hunting/shooting habits. Choose a scope that has all the features you require to excel in your shootings and one that is simple to use.
- Should I put a scope or a red dot on my AR?
This will largely depend on several factors including the distance you will be shooting at, your individual preference, and the kind of shooting you will be doing. If you want an optic that provides rapid target acquisition at close ranges, a red dot will be best.
A scope on the other hand is more versatile than a red dot sight and the best option for taking shots at different ranges and in different environments.
Conclusion
Getting the best scope for AR 15 will improve your accuracy and let you excel in your shooting and hunting expeditions. The scopes we have mentioned above make excellent sighting tools in the hunting field and shooting range. Look at the features that make each model the right purchase and decide accordingly.