The AR15 rifle has, over the years, earned popularity among shooters by offering great shooting experiences in all manner of conditions. The AR-15 is well-built, making it insanely accurate. The design is easy to handle, and it will perform extra-ordinarily when in skilled hands. The best scopes for ar15 will only add to this performance.
Despite its accuracy and consistency, having a good-quality riflescope for your AR15 is always a great idea. With the proper scope, you will acquire targets faster, more accurately, and without much effort. It will also enable you to engage in long-range shooting more easily.
The AR15 is a lightweight rifle hence the ideal scope should be light and relatively compact. It should also be clear and provide a precise sight picture to determine necessary environmental information. Unfortunately, finding this scope will be hard, considering that the rifle has different models with different specifications.
Below are our top choices for the best scopes for ar15;
Best Scopes for AR15 Review
1) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
This Simmons riflescope offers excellent features for its price. It comes with fully coated optics that ensure brighter, higher-contrast images and 1/4-moa sure grip audible-click windage and elevation adjustments for easy adjustment.
It also features proprietary TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system that stays locked tight to zero in all conditions.
The 3-9x50mm Riflescope has the QTA eyepiece for easy target acquisition and features waterproof and fog-proofing qualities for reliable use in harsh weather. The 8-point delivers outstanding precision in a basic riflescope and is easy to mount on your rifle.
Key Features
- The riflescope has a 3-9x magnification
- The objective lens diameter is 50mm
- It has a matte black finish for increased durability
- The field of view is 31.4 feet at 100 yards at 3X and 10.5 feet field of view at 100 yards at 9X
- It offers a 3.75-inch eye relief and a 16.6/5.6-millimeter exit pupil
- It has a lightweight of 13.2 ounces
- The adjustment range at 100 yards is a 60 inch
- Waterproof, fog proof, and recoil proof
- Click value(inches at 100yrds/M at 100M): .25/7
2) Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope
The Bushnell Optics riflescope offers you maximum accuracy and reliability to master every tactical scenario. It provides excellent optical precision, rugged reliability, and uncompromising performance.
The riflescope features a side parallax focus and features target turrets for pinpoint-precise adjustments, plus a caliber-specific reticle to deliver every round with peerless accuracy.
This riflescope zeroes at 100 yards, with aiming points out to 500 yards. It is also designed with fully multicoated optics that ensure maximum image brightness and clarity and a fast-focus eyepiece for maximum accuracy and reliability.
The riflescope is nitrogen purged for fog proofing on the inside and O-ring sealed to prevent the entry of dust or moisture. The high-durability aluminum alloy construction and anodize-finish also help to protect the interior from elements.
What’s more, the riflescope is rustproof, virtually scratchproof, and a perfect complement to any firearm, especially hunting rifles.
Key Features
- Made of high-durability aluminum alloy for durability
- It is fully multicoated with 3-9 x magnification
- It has side focus parallax adjustment for adjustable long-range accuracy and a fast-focus eyepiece
- It zeroes at 100 yards, with aiming points out to 500 yards
- It offers generous 3.7 / 95 (in. / mm) eye relief
- It has a lightweight-21 / 600 (oz / g)
- The objective lens is 3-9x 40mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Field of View (ft @100yds / m @100m): 31/9@3x / 11/3/@9x
- Length; 12.2 / 310 (in. / mm)
- The exit pupil is 13.1mm) @1x/ 3.5mm @9x
3) Leupold VX-R Hog 1.25-4x20mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-R HOG features the legendary Leupold quality, a push-button illumination system, and a FireDot PigPlex reticle. It has an illuminated reticle calibrated to achieve great shots for even big games.
The riflescope features Leupold’s Motion Sensor Technology (MST) which automatically turns the illumination system to standby mode after five minutes of inactivity.
This riflescope offers a bright, crisp aiming point, maximum light transmission, a low-profile mount, and a forgiving eyebox for comfortable handling and faster target acquisition. The versatile zoom ratio allows switching between the bigger picture and the finer details with one turn of the power selector.
The main tube comprises 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum, which offers excellent strength and allows for a greater range of windage and elevation adjustment. It is O-ring sealed for complete waterproof performance. In addition, the optics are coated to ensure glare reduction and authentic color transmission for vivid, high-contrast pictures even in poor lighting.
Key Features
- The riflescope is made of durable and light materials
- It has an illuminated FireDot Ballistic reticle and tactile repeatable finger click for intuitive adjustment
- It is waterproof and fog proof
- The versatile 3:1 zoom ratio lets you adapt to different distances
- It is lightweight: 11.5 oz/326 g
- Linear FOV (ft/100 yd): 74.2-29.4
- Linear FOV (m/100 m): 24.75-9.81
- Eye Relief: 4.17-3.74 in / 106-95 mm
- Objective Diameter: 0.8 in
- Elevation Adjustment Range: 130 MOA/37.8 MIL
- Windage Adjustment Range: 130 MOA/37.8 MIL
4) Nikon M-223 1-4x20mm Riflescope
The Nikon M-223 1-4x20mm Riflescope offers shooters a practical way to compensate for bullet drop and make accurate long-range shots. It is perfect for 3-Gun matches, with a super-wide field of view and a quick acquisition point-blank reticle that allows for fast-yet-accurate shooting from zero out to a point-blank range of 200 yards.
The riflescope is compatible with spot-on custom turrets and features an ultra-clear coat optical system that provides 95% light transmission for clear, bright images. It also provides precise, 1/2-inch at 100 yards reticle adjustment.
Key Features
- One-piece main body tube offers maximum strength and durability
- The riflescope has return to zero turrets for fast, simple field adjustments
- It has eye box technology with 4-time zoom and 4 inches of constant eye relief
- It features a 4-time zoom range and four inches of constant, non-critical eye relief
- A massive ocular lens delivers a huge, exceptionally bright, high-resolution sight picture
- It is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- A lifetime warranty also supports it
5) Monstrum 3-9×32 Rifle Scope
Monstrum 3-9×32 is a tactical rifle scope providing crystal clear targeting at 3-9x magnification. The riflescope has a 32mm objective diameter and an eye relief of 3.5-3.8 inches that offer a wide field of view and protection during recoil, respectively.
This scope also has a glass rangefinder reticle that provides on-the-fly range estimation and long-distance targeting.
In addition, it features dial-controlled reticle illumination in both red and green with multiple brightness intensities. Finally, the included set of standard profile scope rings provides easy and reliable scope placement.
Key Features
- It offers 3 to 9 times magnification for close to mid-range shooting
- The scope has a detachable throw lever for quick magnification adjustment
- Multi-layer lens coating protects your scope lens from scratches and fog
- The riflescope is nitrogen-filled for resistance to water and fog
6) Acog 4 X 32 Scope Dual Illuminated Chevron .223 Ballistic Reticle
Acog 4 X 32 Scope is made with a 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum alloy housing that provides strength and durable performance. It also comes with a tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle that automatically adjusts the brightness based on available light.
The scope can be used as a CQB sight when shooting with both eyes open, using the Bindon Aiming Concept COMBAT.
In addition, the riflescope features the red Chevron-ranging reticle that allows for bullet drop compensation out to 800 meters for 5.56 (.223 cal). Apart from its durability and reliability, the scope also offers reticle patterns for numerous calibers.
Key Features
- The scope features Broad Band anti-reflective multicoated lenses for superior clarity and light-gathering capabilities with zero distortion
- It comes with tritium-illuminated reticle patterns for use in low light or at night
- The scope offers a long eye relief for larger caliber rifles
- The large exit pupil provides faster target acquisition
- It is waterproof to 100 Feet/30 Meters
- It has a lifetime warranty
- It weighs 9.9 ounces
- The length is 5.8 inches
7) Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope
Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope is reliable for precision, with its one-piece oversized 34mm tube to ensure strength and reliability. This long-range scope features an illuminated etched glass and a Special Competition Reticle (SCR) designed for precision competition use.
It also has a Second Rotation Indicator to offer an extended illumination area, windage, and holdover lines.
The scope is 14-psi pressurized nitrogen sealed to ensure absolute fog proof and waterproof protection for maximum clarity in any condition. It has an angled magnification ring that allows the shooter to view the magnification setting while behind the scope.
The MOA-based, proprietary Burris design increases speed and precision for wind hold-off, range estimation, and impact measurement.
Key Features
- Throw lever allows quick, easy magnification changes
- The 1/10-mil ranging brackets allow for precise ranging
- Tenebraex lens covers protect the lenses from dust and moisture
- Waterproof: Submersible to 33ft
- It has a magnification of 3x – 15x
- Turrets: Low Profile, Resettable, Second Rotation Indicator
- The objective lens diameter is 50mm
- It has 1/4 MOA Windage/Elevation Click Value
8) Nikon P-Tactical Rimfire 2-7X32 Matte BDC150
Nikon P-Tactical riflescope provides excellent features for the best shooting experience, regardless of its mounting platform. It comes with fully multicoated optical systems housed in rugged, one-inch, aircraft-grade aluminum main tubes.
As a result, it provides bright images even in the most dismal environments and unforgiving conditions.
The riflescope has a BDC 150 reticle which offers unique open circle aiming points from 50 to 150 yards. It also has spring-loaded instant zero resets turrets for windage and elevation adjustments and provides generous consistent eye relief.
Key Features
- It features a rugged, one-inch, aircraft-grade aluminum construction for maximum durability
- It has a versatile zoom ratio
- Ter fully multicoated lenses provide clear, bright images
- It has the MK1-MOA reticle with an asymmetrical design to allow for additional holdover
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
Choosing the Best Scopes for AR15
Construction
A shooting field is a rough place and having a scope that has a rugged build becomes a plus. The riflescope should ideally be waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof for reliability in all weather conditions. Many scopes in the market are sealed and gas-purged for protection.
Magnification
Magnification is represented by the two numbers preceding the X in a scope’s designation. (for example; 4×32) Riflescopes with a bigger magnification range mean you can zoom in more on distant targets to see more detail. The ar15, however, does not require large magnification as this can be a hindrance.
Objective Lens
The objective lens diameter is the number that follows the x in a scope’s designation. A riflescope with a larger objective lens allows more light transmission creating a brighter, clearer sight picture, even in low light conditions.
However, a scope with a large objective lens is heavier and can make your rifle more heavy and bulky, considering the ar15 is a lightweight, compact rifle.
High-quality glass and optics
High-quality glass and optics are essential in ensuring maximum accuracy. The best scope for an ar15 should have a fully multicoated lens to provide optimal light transmission, reduce glare, and balance brightness and contrast.
Reticle
For your ar15 rifle, having an illuminated reticle is a good idea. An illuminated reticle gives you extra shooting light allowing extended shooting even in the dark. In addition, it ensures a brighter and clearer field of view even under low lighting conditions.
Fast-focus eyepiece
A fast-focus eyepiece is vital as it provides faster and easier target acquisition. It also helps you maintain the sight picture and keep your eye on a target at various distances.
Eye relief
The ar15 is a powerful rifle. This means that the recoil is high hence the need for generous eye relief. Generous eye relief provides comfort and protection during recoil.
Final Thoughts
The ar15 is a lightweight yet durable and powerful rifle. It is helpful in all shooting conditions, including long-range. Of course, having this rifle already makes you a “warrior”, but having a high-quality scope attached to it makes you the most prepared of warriors. The best scopes for ar15 are built with numerous features housed in durable metal construction for ruggedness and strength. This means that they can withstand all the rugged conditions in the field.
See also: 9 Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes