Best ar-15 rifle scopes review
The AR-15 rifle is one of the most popular rifles in the world. Its popularity stems from its modular design, which allows for extensive customization. In addition, the precision machining construction ensures accuracy.
The AR-15’s parts and accessories, including rifle scopes, are also widely available.
This article discusses the best rifle scopes for an AR-15 that will provide the shooter with dependability and consistent accuracy.
Best AR-15 Rifle Scopes-Top Picks
| Product | Image | Best price |
| Primary Arms SLx Series 1-6 x 24mm |  |
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Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope |
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| Trijicon ACOG TA02 4x32mm Rifle Scope |  |
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| Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm |  |
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| Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope |  |
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| Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope |  |
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| Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope |  |
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Detailed review…
1. Primary Arms SLx Series 1-6 x 24mm
If you need a versatile and effective rifle scope to use for short to medium-range targets then you got this LPVO. Not only is it effective but it has proven dependability and this is testimony by its seasoned users.
The rifle scope was designed for a variety of applications such as hunting, tactical, target practice, and self-defense, and it can effectively cover distances of up to 500 yards with the proper shooter skills.
The highlight of the scope is an Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) reticle with a Second focal plane. It’s illuminated and provides the shooter with precise hash marks for bullet drop compensation, moving target leads, wind hold, and range estimation.
The reticle provides a small aiming point that catches the shooter’s eye every time to give a precise hit. Furthermore, the lens is decent, consistently delivering a clear image of the target.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 9 mm
- Field of View: 110 – 19.3 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.5 in
- Weight: 16.9 oz
Pros
- Detailed and effective reticle
- Lightweight
- High-quality aluminum construction
- Budget-friendly
See also: Primary Arms SLx Series 1-6x Review
2. Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope
I know we’re talking about rifle scopes, but when it comes to the AR-15, this red dot sight can’t be overlooked. One of the most common red dots for AR-15 rifles. It is not only well-made but also easy to use and accurate, even for inexperienced shooters.
When it comes to build quality, the fit and finish are excellent, and you can feel its toughness just by touching it. It’s lightweight, weighing 7.8 oz, thanks to a hard anodized high-strength aluminum housing, and it’s waterproof to a submerged 150 ft.
The dot is a 2MOA with 10 levels of brightness, and the battery will keep it running for 30,000 hours, which is quite a long time. Finally, it is compatible with all generations of night vision devices.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 38 mm
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.6 in at 100 yds
- Battery Life: 30,000 hours
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 2.8 x 3.2 in
- Weight: 7.8 oz
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compatible with night vision
- Rugged construction
- Decent battery life
3. Trijicon ACOG TA02 4x32mm Rifle Scope
This is probably what you should consider if you want a combat-proven rifle scope. It has a fixed 4x magnification, formidable accuracy, and toughness.
The scope has been a standard issue for the US military for some time now, and it’s not just because of its distinctive appearance, but also because of its actual performance, which has left the military satisfied.
To begin, this scope is available with a variety of uniquely designed reticles, each of which is illuminated. Not just any kind of illumination, but one that uses tritium and automatically adjusts its brightness based on the available light.
The reticle also allows for different types of adjustments like bullet drop compensation and target ranging when aiming.
Finally, the shooter receives one of the sharpest images of the target, and the scope allows for shooting with both eyes.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Magnification: 4 x
- Exit Pupil: 8 mm
- Field of View: 36.8 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/2 MOA
- Eye Relief: 1.5 in
- Weight: 17.6 oz
Pros
- Rugged construction
- High-quality lens
- Supports both eyes shooting
- Detailed reticles
4. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm
If you want to hit long-distance targets, this is the best rifle scope to use on an AR-15.
It competes in terms of versatile magnification (5-25x) and high-quality optics, which provide a shooter with one of the clearest images of the target. It also ranks high in terms of build quality and durability.
One of the first things you’ll notice is a high-quality aluminum finish on the outside casing. Next, the lens has a coating that protects it from any scratches.
The FFP reticle is glass etched for durability and accuracy over time and is available in two versions. Both of these are simplified with sub-tension lines for ranging, holdover, and windage correction.
Lastly, the tactical-style turret is user-friendly clearly visible and glides smoothly giving audible feedback for every adjustment. Moreover, it has a rapid return to zero that prevents it from dialing below the sight-in range.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Exit Pupil: 2 – 10 mm
- Field of View: 4.8 – 24.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.4 in
- Weight: 31.2 oz
Pros
- Excellent quality lens
- Great turret
- Durability
- Glass etched reticle
- Covered under a lifetime warranty
5. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The VX-5HD is designed for both medium and long-range targets, making it an excellent choice for hunting in both the woods and on the open field.
One of its distinguishing features is the inclusion of the renowned Leupold custom dial system, which allows you to tailor the dials to the shooting conditions and ballistics of the rifle. The lens also has a light management system that ensures optimal light transmission even in difficult conditions.
These two characteristics give this rifle scope one of the best performances not to mention a simplified reticle with carefully placed hash marks that can be used to adjust for windage and elevation.
Overall, this is a great rifle scope because of the build quality and how easily it can be customized to meet the needs of the shooter. The detailed reticle, high-quality lens, and precise turret make this one of the best performers on an AR-15.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 15 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.9 mm
- Field of View: 38.2 – 7.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.82 in
- Weight: 19 oz
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Highly customizable
- High-quality lens
- Durable
6. Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
This scope is iconic in its own way and a seasoned hunter will tell you that this is one of the best options that you can use for hunting in the deep woods.
This is courtesy of a 3-9x magnification that perfectly handles close to medium-range targets.
Not only that but it’s well-built with telltale characteristics like a steel-on-steel adjustment system on the turret that ensures longevity. It uses special quad seals instead of the usual O-rings popular on many rifle scopes.
Next, the optics give a crisp image thanks to a high-quality coating as well as a good quality glass that lets in an optimum amount of light. Nitrogen purging inside the lens ensures that the clarity is consistent even in bad weather.
Lastly, the rifle scope comes with a ballistic plex reticle that’s highly effective in compensating for windage and elevation to make an accurate shot of the target.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.44 – 13.33 mm
- Field of View: 31 – 13 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.8 in
- Weight: 13 oz
Pros
- Covered under Burris forever warranty
- Lightweight
- High-quality lens
- Great reticle
7. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
One of the factors that contribute to the popularity of this rifle scope is its low price of less than $100. It may appear to be a low-quality scope, but this is not the case and the manufacturer has provided a lifetime warranty to ensure this.
Apart from its affordable price it’s rugged and comes with an effective 3-9x magnification that works great for both close and medium-range targets.
Another distinguishing feature is its clear lens, which allows a shooter to work even in low-light conditions, as well as its long eye relief, which allows the shooter to be comfortable when making a shot.
Overall, this is a great option if you’re on a tight budget and want something simple. It’s well-constructed, waterproof, and fog-proof. The reticle is clean and does not obstruct your shot in any way, which may improve your accuracy.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: Multi-X
- Field of View: 40 @3x 14 @9x ft at 100 yards
- Exit Pupil: 13.3@3x – 4.4@9x mm
- Eye Relief: 6 in
- Click Value: .25 in at 100 yards
- Range: 30 in at 100 yards
- Weight: 13 oz
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Clear lens
- Generous eye relief
- Carries a lifetime warranty
Buying scopes for the AR-15 rifle
These are some of the characteristics that one should consider when choosing rifle scopes to use with the AR-15.
Magnification
This depends on how you intend to use your rifle scope. If you want to use the scope for long-range targets, you should opt for a scope with a high magnification typically something higher than 14x. For short and medium-range targets get something with a smaller magnification.
An LPVO, for instance, gives excellent speed and accuracy in acquiring targets but will only handle close to medium-range targets.
Optical clarity
The clarity depends on the quality of the glass that has been used as well as the coatings applied to it. A high-quality lens will deliver a great image by allowing an optimum amount of light inside.
Reticle design
The reticle comes in various shapes and forms but the choice depends on the shooter’s preference. The most common reticles are the duplex, crosshair, and mil-dot. Many shooters prefer them because they are simple to use and can include markings to compensate for wind drift and bullet drop.
FFP vs SFP
This is the location of the reticle on a rifle scope.
On a first focal plane (FFP), the reticle is located in front of the erector assembly and changes its size with the increase in magnification.
Conversely, the reticle on a second focal plane (SFP) is located behind the erector assembly and maintains a constant size even with a change in magnification
The choice of either of the reticles depends on personal preference but most long-range shooters prefer the FFP because the readings are accurate at all magnification levels. Compared to the SFP which only displays accurate readings on one particular magnification level.
Durability
It’s good to look at the build quality of the rifle scope and whether it can be able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Some characteristics that define a durable rifle scope are a solid housing made of solid material like aluminum. A scratch-resistant lens, waterproof and fog-proof characteristics
Price
Every rifle scope has a price, and as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Although, in most cases, a high price indicates that the rifle scope has advanced features, a great scope can be obtained on any reasonable budget.
As a result, it’s critical to carefully examine all of the features of the rifle scopes within your ideal budget to see if they have what you’re looking for.
FAQs
How do I zero in a scope on an AR-15?
Zeroing in is the same on every rifle all one has to do is fire at a target and adjust the scope until the reticle matches the point of impact. This is mostly when a target is at a distance of 100 yards
What caliber does the AR-15 use?
The AR-15 is mostly chambered with the .223 but it can also be used with another cartridge such as the .300 blackout
What is the effective range of an AR-15?
The effective range of an AR-15 depends on a variety of factors such as the skill level of the shooter and the environmental conditions surrounding a target. A skilled marksman can hit a target with an AR-15 up to 1000 yards but normally the range is considered between 400 and 600
CONCLUSION
The AR-15 is a fantastic rifle, but it, like any other, necessitates the proper skills and the best rifle scope. This article provides an in-depth review of the best rifle scopes that can be used with the AR-15. The scopes listed vary in price, magnification, and warranty, but we guarantee that all of them will provide the best performance for a shooter.
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