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10 Best Ar 15 Scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Black

The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm scope is tailored for tactical and hunting use. With a magnification range from 1x to 6x, it offers versatility for close to mid-range shooting. The 24mm objective lens ensures a compact design while still providing ample light transmission, thanks to the low dispersion glass which enhances optical clarity.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,400
Magnification
Reticle Type
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
580 reviews

Magnification
Clear and bright optics with some minor distortion at 1X, but overall very good quality.
Reticle Type
The glass is clear, easy to adjust and focus, and the semi-horseshoe reticle illuminates nicely.
Turrets and Adjustments
Eleven brightness settings, although higher settings are more effective in daylight.
#2
9.8 score

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Impact-29 MOA Reticle Riflescope

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 is a high-quality riflescope well suited for AR-15 owners who want versatility from close to longer-range shooting. Its magnification range of 3 to 15x allows for flexibility, making it good for both quick target acquisition and more precise shots. The 44mm objective lens, combined with Leupold’s high-definition lenses and Guard-ion coating, offers clear and bright images even in challenging weather, which is helpful for hunting or outdoor use.

Rating
9.8
Magnification

Most important from
334 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range perfectly suits hunting needs without overcomplicating long-range shots.
#3
9.5 score

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56 Riflescope is designed with precision and versatility in mind, making it a good fit for hunting enthusiasts. It offers a broad magnification range from 3x to 15x, which allows for flexibility in various hunting scenarios, from close-range to long-distance shots. The large 56mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission, providing clear and bright images even in low light conditions. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle is another strong feature, enhancing target visibility and accuracy, especially during dawn or dusk hunting sessions.

Rating
9.5
Reticle Type
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
56 reviews

Reticle Type
The illuminated FireDot reticle is very well designed, with adjustable brightness and an auto-off feature that conserves battery life.
Turrets and Adjustments
Remarkably accurate at long range with the CDS dial, eliminating the need for holdovers.

Top 10 Best Ar 15 Scopes 2025 in the United States

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Impact-29 MOA Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
Reticle Type: Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief: generous
Field of View: 38.2 feet
Turrets and Adjustments: CDS-ZL2 turret, 2 full elevation turns

Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 (1 inch) CDS-ZL Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 4.5-14x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle Type: Duplex
Eye Relief: 3 inches
Field of View: 19.9 feet
Turrets and Adjustments: CDS-ZL with push-button lock

Trijicon TA02 ACOG Battery Illuminated LED Scope, Black Finish

Magnification: 4x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
Reticle Type: .223 Crosshair
Eye Relief: 1.5 inches
Field of View: 7.86 degrees
Turrets and Adjustments: windage and elevation

Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 (30mm) CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 3.5-10x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
Reticle Type: FireDot Twilight Hunter illuminated
Eye Relief: 3 inches
Turrets and Adjustments: CDS-ZL system with zero-lock
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Buying Guide for the Best Ar 15 Scopes

Choosing the right AR-15 scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're into hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications. The right scope will improve your accuracy, range, and overall performance. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs and preferences.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is crucial because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes typically come with fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios. For close-range shooting (up to 100 yards), a 1-4x scope is sufficient. For medium-range (100-300 yards), a 4-9x scope works well. For long-range shooting (beyond 300 yards), consider a scope with 10x or higher magnification. Choose based on the typical distance you expect to shoot.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (e.g., 40mm or more) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope bulkier and heavier. Smaller diameters (e.g., 20-32mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider where and when you'll be shooting to determine the right balance between light transmission and portability.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types serve different purposes. Simple duplex reticles are great for general use and hunting. Mil-dot and BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles are useful for long-range shooting and estimating distance. Illuminated reticles help in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle based on your primary shooting activity: for general use, a duplex reticle is sufficient; for precision shooting, consider a mil-dot or BDC reticle; for low-light conditions, an illuminated reticle is beneficial.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with the recoil of an AR-15. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) are more comfortable and safer, reducing the risk of 'scope eye' from recoil. Shorter eye relief (less than 3 inches) can be more challenging to use and may not be suitable for high-recoil situations. Consider your comfort and the recoil of your rifle when choosing eye relief.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the target area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with higher magnification typically have a narrower FOV. For close to medium-range shooting, a wider FOV (e.g., 30 feet or more at 100 yards) is advantageous. For long-range precision shooting, a narrower FOV is acceptable. Choose based on whether you need to track moving targets or focus on precise shots.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) of the reticle. This is important for zeroing your scope and making precise adjustments based on shooting conditions. There are two main types: capped turrets, which are protected and less likely to be accidentally moved, and exposed turrets, which are easier to adjust quickly. For hunting and general use, capped turrets are usually sufficient. For tactical and long-range shooting, exposed turrets with precise, tactile clicks are preferable. Consider how often you'll need to make adjustments in the field.

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