The AR15 is one of the best rifles you can ever own as a hunting/shooting enthusiast. The rifle is lightweight and powerful enough to hit up to 120 yards without a sight. You can easily customize it, however, with the use of the best ar15 tactical scopes to easily hit 500 yards and higher.
The best tactical scopes for AR15 enable you to hit your target with a single shot. They also allow you to estimate range or change the aim point in the reticle to account for bullet drop or wind drift.
There are many options for tactical scopes in the market. So which is the best for your ar15?
Choosing the Best Tactical Scopes for AR15
Construction
The best tactical scopes for AR15 are made with high quality materials that prolong durability. They are water and fog-proof and hence can be used in harsh weather conditions. With most of them being shockproof, the scopes can withstand heavy recoil for comfortable use.
Lens quality
The quality of your scope lenses largely impacts your accuracy. Your scope should come with good glass quality. The best tactical scopes will also have coated lenses that greatly improve the image’s sharpness and clarity by allowing better light transmission.
Magnification
Your scope needs to have great magnification in addition to good lenses. This should however be dictated by your needs. If you are to use your rifle for short to mid-range shooting, a very high magnification scope will only be a waste of your money.
Reticle
The best tactical scopes for AR15 are designed with reticles that adjust quickly to wind movement and Bullet Drop Compensation. Some scopes also have illuminated reticles for easier shooting in low-lighting conditions.
Price
Just like quality, scope prices vary from one brand to another. There may be a difference in quality in scopes of the same price range depending on the manufacturer. Depending on your budget, there are different scopes to choose from as long as you know what exactly to look for.
Best Tactical Scopes for AR15 Review
1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
The Vortex 4-12×40 Adjustable Objective Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. It features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which is good for hunting or shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
The scope is made of a single-piece tube that is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure strength and shockproof performance. It is then O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, for a reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
The scope includes an adjustable objective that provides image focus and parallax removal to the shooter, as well as anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses which provide bright and clear views. It offers long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box which allows you to easily acquire your target safely.
The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing while the capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
Key features
- It is made of a rugged construction
- Strong, durable, and shockproof material
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance
- It has a Dead-hold BDC reticle
- It has a long eye relief
- It features low-profile capped windage/elevation turrets
2) UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope
The UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope is built on a true strength platform and is completely sealed and nitrogen filled to provide a reliable waterproof and shockproof performance. The shockproof body can withstand heavy recoil allowing you to comfortably use the scope immediately.
The scope features a 1-inch tube with an emerald coating that allows maximum light transmission providing brighter, clearer images. It also has premium zero lockable & resettable turrets with 1/4 MOA per click adjustment for easy adjustments.
The scope uses a range-estimating mil-dot reticle that allows optimal aiming and shooting performance.
Key features
- Shockproof
- Adjustable objective from 3 Yards to Infinity
- It has red/green dual illumination for versatile applications
- It has a large field of view
- It offers a generous eye relief
- Comes with a 2″ sunshade, high-quality flip-open lens caps, and quick-detachable rings
- It is completely sealed and Nitrogen filled
3) Primary Arms SLX 1-8x24FFP Rifle Scope
Primary Arms SLX 1-8x24FFP Rifle Scope is made of a 6061-aluminum scope body and anodized matte black finish. It is nitrogen purged for IP67 waterproof and fog-resistant performance. It also has the first focal plane reticle with automatic ranging out to 600 yards and moving target leads to make shooting easy at close and mid ranges.
The first focal plane construction is ideal to allow for a small red-dot style reticle without sacrificing the features and accuracy of the reticle with increased magnification. It also has full red illumination with 11 brightness settings. This is powered by a common CR2032 battery.
It offers a large expansive magnification range with an eight-time zoom ratio in a compact, lightweight, and affordable package. It also features a quick-focus eyepiece and low profile, finger-adjustable turrets topped by our new turret caps.
Key features
- It has an aluminum-grade construction
- It has a variable 1-8x magnification
- Waterproof and fog-proof performance
- Supported by a lifetime warranty
4) Athlon Optics Talos 6-24×50 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Athlon Optics riflescope is designed with fully multi-coated lenses that ensure clarity and brightness in low light by reducing reflection for maximum light transmission. The body is waterproof to protect the scope in the harshest weather conditions or if accidentally submerged underwater.
The Nitrogen purging highly reduces the moisture inside the tube and helps maintain fog-proof and waterproof performance.
It offers a 4X magnification range which offers great versatility for different applications.
Key features
- It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for extra strength and durability
- It has a one-piece tube design
- It has an illuminated reticle for greater visibility during dusk and dawn
- It is nitrogen purged for fog-proof and waterproof performance
5) Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The 1-6×24 second focal plane riflescope is designed for incredible performance with rock-solid tactical features. It is incredibly versatile and perfect for close to medium-range shooting scenarios.
The scope has an illumination dial that is cleanly integrated into the side focus adjustment knob for easy access and streamlined performance. It uses a glass-etched reticle that provides highly functional, intuitive, and detailed hold points. It also features 10 intensity levels with off positions between each setting.
The scope features laser-etched turrets, adjustable parallax, and the RZR zero stop for bullet drop and wind compensation. The fiber optic rotation indicator ensures the user can keep track of your turret position with ease.
Key features
- It has aircraft-grade aluminum construction for durability
- It is O-ring sealed and argon purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance
- It has an extra-low dispersion glass for increased resolution and color fidelity
- It has XR fully multi-coated lenses for higher light transmission
- Armortek coatings protect the lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt
6) Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope – Close Compact Riflescope
The Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope is designed for precision, with its one-piece oversized 34mm tube that increases strength and reliability. This is a long-range scope with an illuminated etched glass, the Special Competition Reticle (SCR). It also features a Second Rotation Indicator to offer an extended illumination area, windage, and holdover lines.
It is sealed with 14-psi pressurized nitrogen for absolute fog proof and waterproof protection for maximum clarity in any condition. It features an angled magnification ring that allows you to have a view of 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
- It has a throw lever that allows quick, easy magnification changes
- It has Tenebraex lens covers to protect the lenses from dust and moisture
- Magnification: 3x – 15x
- It is waterproof and submersible to 33ft
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
- Turrets: Low Profile, Resettable, Second Rotation Indicator
- Windage/Elevation Click Value: 1/4 MOA
7) ATN ThOR-HD 640 5-50x, 640×480, 100 mm, Thermal Rifle Scope
The ATN Thor riflescope is the perfect thermal scope for hunting at night for predators, pests, or hogs. It is designed with thermal technology that allows you to even see these animals through light fog or rain.
The scope’s 640×480 Sensor is ideal for night use as it detects heat energy, instead of light thus allowing you to see clearly in complete darkness.
The scope also features high-resolution video recording & photos, with a recoil-activated video (RAV) and Wi-Fi streaming that allows you to record all of your hunting trips on your phone or tablet.
It comes with a ballistic calculator, a system that allows you to calculate the trajectory of your bullet, helping you to hit the target. It also helps to improve your shot placement by adjusting your point of impact.
Key features
- It features excellent image performance with a 640×480 Sensor
- It has a ballistic calculator for perfect shots
- It has a built-in smart rangefinder for better target acquisition
- It features a smooth zoom that lets you magnify to target without losing your FOV
8) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm
The Bushnell red dot features a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 adjustable brightness settings. This illuminates the reticle inside for better target acquisition. Choosing lower brightness settings helps to prolong the red dot’s battery life.
The scope has a waterproof construction. It is also O-ring sealed making it waterproof even when fully immersed in water and has nitrogen purging to prevent fogging up when the humidity or temperatures rapidly change.
The TRS-25 is easy to mount on most Picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles, and muzzleloaders. It comes in a strong, precision-engineered housing that protects it from the rough-and-tumble environment of the field.
Key features
- It has a shockproof construction for maximum durability
- Waterproof and fog proof performance
- It features a matte black finish
- It is easy to mount and use
- Parallax – 50
9) Monstrum Alpha Series 1-4×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
The Monstrum alpha series is a high-performance tactical rifle scope that offers a 1-4x magnification, ideal for close to mid-distance shooting out to 300+ yards. It has a 6061-grade aluminum construction with a rugged MIL-STD 8625 type III hard anodized outer finish.
The scope features a 30mm sealed and nitrogen-charged tube that offers resistance to water and fog. It has a set of spring-loaded flip-up lens covers that keep your scope lenses safe when not in use.
It features a functionally designed first focal plane MOA reticle. This includes easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification, for faster range estimation and holdover correction.
Key features
- It has an Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- It has a fully sealed, nitrogen-filled tube for water and fog-proofing
- It has a fully multi-coated lens to reduce glare, and loss of light due to reflection
- It has a variable magnification
10) Trijicon Acog 4 X 32 Scope Dual Illuminated Chevron .223 Ballistic Reticle
This Trijicon ACOG scope is a fixed-power, compact riflescope with a dual-illuminated reticle (tritium and fiber optics) that allows use in both bright and low/no light. This reticle automatically adjusts the brightness based on available light.
It is made of a forged 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum-alloy housing that provides for a nearly indestructible sighting system. This is shockproof and highly durable.
The scope is built with legendary durability and reliability and offers reticle patterns for numerous calibers. Like the name, BAC (Bindon Aiming Concept) suggests, the ACOG’s illuminated reticle allows aiming with both eyes open for superior situational awareness.
Key features
- It is made of a rugged aluminum-alloy housing
- It has coated lenses for clear images
- It features battery-free illumination
- It has bullet drop compensating and ranging reticles: bullet drop compensation out to 800 meters for 5.56 (.223 cal)
Also read: 8 Best Scopes for AR15-Coyote Hunting
Final Thoughts
The ar15 is a giant rifle that every hunter or shooter desire to have in their collection. It offers wide coverage, going to the mid-range level. This means that you might not require a very powerful scope for your ar15.
You will, however, still need to pair your rifle with good scope to reach its full potential. These scopes are designed with a wide array of features that ensure you get your perfect shots quickly and accurately in all manner of environments.
Related article: 10 Best Night Vision Riflescopes for AR15