The Ruger AR-556 has grown to be one of the most sort-after firearms in the industry. It is known for its durability and refreshing affordability, which is perfect for the average shooter/hunter. Although this rifle has a rapid-deploying folding rear sight, it is good to have the Best Scopes for Ruger AR 556 to increase its accuracy and performance.
The type of optic you pick will be determined by the kind of shooting you intend to do. You could be going out for target shooting, varmint control, hunting, or recreational shooting and you need to consider the limitations of your rifle when choosing the optic for these operations.
Although the Ruger AR-556 is a lightweight, highly maneuverable, lightning-fast rifle, it does not have the best performance for long-range. Its cartridges, the .223 and 5.56, are most effective on targets out to 300 yards.
This means that you do not need a very powerful scope as this will only cause extra weight and limit flexibility.
Choosing the Best Scopes for Ruger AR 556
Magnification
The .223 cartridge that the AR 556 shoots are effective up to around 300 yards. This means that you do not need a scope with a serious magnification setting. A scope with 1x to 6x will be ideal for your AR 556.
Durability
You should always go for a scope made of high-quality material to ensure durability. You will need a waterproof scope that will be reliable if you are to go shooting in the rain. Fog proof abilities will make your scope useful even when there is a rapid change in temperatures
Range
The Ruger AR 556 is a powerful scope that wasn’t necessarily designed for long-range. A compact and lightweight scope is ideal for the AR 556. As earlier mentioned, this rifle is lightweight and easy to maneuver so you don’t want to mount a heavy scope on it as it will affect the balance and maneuverability of the rifle.
Use
If you intend to use your AR 556 to hunt, a scope with modest magnification will be ideal. For small targets, especially over long distances, pick a scope with a BDC reticle and a wide field of view. You can also go for a night vision or thermal scope if you are hunting under low light conditions. For home defense, a red dot will be perfect.
Price
For scopes and optics, you get what you pay for. The quality and durable optics mainly come at a higher price. They are reliable and you will not need to be buying new optics regularly.
Best Scopes for Ruger AR 556 Review
1) Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
The Bushnell Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope features a small, compact design made of highly durable aluminum alloy with an anodized finish. It is also sealed to protect the inside from elements.
It is also Nitrogen purged to prevent moisture from fogging the interiors of the scope, and also O-ring sealed to prevent the entry of dust or moisture.
The scope which weighs slightly over a pound gives superior close to midrange accuracy, for edge-to-edge clarity in the field. It comes with a drop zone 223 BDC ballistic reticle that is calibrated for 55 to 62 grain, 223 REM/5.556 loads with aiming points out to 500 yards.
The AR 1-4×24 Optics has capped turrets, offering a lower profile and precise pinpoint adjustments. It is designed to be sighted in at 100 yards, with aiming points every 100 yards, up to 500 yards.
Key features
- It is made of high-durability aluminum alloy
- The scope features a 30-millimeter tube dial
- It has a Drop zone reticle
- It is weatherproof
- It has fully multicoated optics for clear images
- It features a fast-focus eyepiece
- The target turrets (0.1 mil click value) offer pinpoint precise adjustments
- Field of view (feet at 100 yards) 90 feet at 1X to 23 feet at 4X
2) Trijicon ACOG 4 X 32 Scope
This Trijicon scope features a forged 7075-T6 aircraft-aluminum-alloy housing which provides a nearly indestructible sighting system. This makes it ideal for use in combat. It features a tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle that automatically adjusts the brightness depending on how much light is available.
The fixed power scope has a green Horseshoe reticle that ranges out to 800 meters for 5.56. The reticle allows aiming with both eyes open for superior situational awareness. It offers great durability and reliability and offers reticle patterns for numerous calibers.
It comes with a thumb screw adapter for easy mounting to Picatinny rail, a thumb screw for mounting to carry handle, a kill flash anti-reflection device, scope coat, lens pen, and lanyard assembly for adjuster caps.
Key features
- It is made of strong aluminum material
- It features a dual-illuminated reticle
- It has battery-free illumination
- It is easy to mount
3) UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope
UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope features a 1 Inch tube that is emerald coated for maximum light transmission. It includes premium zero lockable & resettable turrets with 1/4 MOA Per Click Adjustment as well as a range estimating mil-dot reticle for optimal aiming and shooting performance.
The scope features an adjustable objective from 3 yards to infinity. It also has red/green dual illumination that allows for versatile applications. You can switch from red to green when the light comes on.
It is easy to mount on a Picatinny 21 mm rail and is an ideal choice for use with Airsoft assault rifles.
Key features
- It is shockproof
- It is completely sealed and Nitrogen filled for rain and fog proofing
- It has a great eye relief
- It has high-quality flip-open lens caps
- It comes with a 2″ sunshade and quick-detachable rings
- It comes with 2 lithium metal batteries
4) Simmons Bushnell Inc 8-pt 3-9×50 Matte Truplex Gun Scope
This Simmons Gun Scope is an affordable choice that offers more high-quality features than any other scope in its class. The scope comes with fully coated optics that provide brighter, higher-contrast images.
It features .25-MOA SureGrip audible-click windage and elevation adjustments for effortless adjustment. It also features Simmons’ TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system that stays locked tight to zero, through even the most strenuous conditions.
The QTA eyepiece provides easy target acquisition while the waterproof, fogproof, and recoil proof construction makes the scope reliable for use in all conditions.
It is easy to mount on your rifle.
Key features
- It features TrueZero fingertip windage and elevation adjustment system
- It has a QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece for fast, easy target acquisition
- It has fully coated, high-quality optics
- Waterproof, fog proof, and recoil-proof performance
- Exit Pupil (mm) 16.6/5.6
- Weight (oz./g) 13.2 374
- Field of View (ft. at 100 yards/M at 100m) 31.4-10.5 10.5-3.5
- Eye Relief (inches/mm) 3.75 95
5) Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope
The Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope is designed with a one-piece, oversized 34mm tube that increases strength and reliability. It is a long-range scope with an illuminated etched glass, Special Competition Reticle (SCR), and Second Rotation Indicator, offering an extended illumination area, windage, and holdover lines.
The scope has 14-psi pressurized nitrogen sealing for absolute fog proof and waterproof protection. This provides clarity in all situations. It has an angled magnification ring that allows you to have a view of the magnification setting while behind the scope.
The scope’s 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 for quick, easy magnification changes
- It has Tenebraex lens covers to protect the lenses from dust and moisture
- It has a side focus parallax
- It is waterproof and submersible to 33ft
- Magnification: 3x – 15x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Windage/Elevation Click Value: 1/4 MOA
6) Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight
The Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight is made to deliver premium performance under harsh conditions. It features 2 MOA dot with 10 brightness settings and offers up to 3 years of continuous operation with the included one DL1/3N battery.
It features front and rear flip-up lens covers and has 4-night vision compatible settings and 6 daylight settings, including one extra bright for use in bright sunlight. The optic is compatible with all generations of NVD.
The optic features a threaded front lens opening that allows for use with an optional screw-in anti-reflection device.
Key features
- It has a 30,000-hours (3 years) of constant-on battery life at a setting of 7 of 10
- It features absolute co-witness with iron sights
- It has 2 MOA red dots for accuracy at all distances
- It is waterproof
- It is operationally parallax free
7) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
This scope is among the Leupold VX-Freedom Scopes series, which are designed to provide quality and dependable performance. The VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm is made with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and is punisher tested to a lifetime of performance even under harshest recoil.
The scope comes with a Duplex CDS reticle and matte finish that ensures 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance. It features the Twilight Light Management System which adds up to 10 extra minutes of shooting light and reduces glare for high brightness levels and crisp image quality.
The scope has coated lens surfaces for protection against scratches and abrasion. It has precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation. These provide absolute repeatability and dependability over a lifetime of extreme use.
Key features
- It has a lightweight, rugged design
- It features the Twilight Light Management System
- It is 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- It has scratch and abrasion-resistant lenses
- Magnification Range: 3x-9x
- 3: 1 Zoom Ratio
8) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
This Vortex Strike Eagle riflescope is designed for versatility and speed. It is made of a one-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum, 30mm tube that is shockproof providing resistance to heavy recoil of the powerful AR 556 rifle.
The scope has nitrogen purging and o-ring sealing for water and fog-proof performance. It features a variable magnification range that makes it perfect for a wide range of applications involving both at close and extended range shooting.
Its magnification ring has been updated to accommodate a thread-in throw lever, while the magnification indicators can be seen without coming off the scope.
It features an illuminated BDC3 reticle that focuses the shooter’s eye to the target faster, and holdovers that allow for immediate use out to 650 yards for targets of known distance. Its fast focus dial on the eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, while the anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces provide increased light transmission for greater clarity and low-light performance.
Key features
- It features an illuminated BDC3 reticle
- It has a fast focus dial on the eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- It features anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces
- It is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed for water and fog-proof performance
- It has a thread-in throw lever for fast target acquisition
Final Thoughts
The AR 556 is a great rifle for any hunter or outdoor enthusiast who has a passion for shooting. It is a powerful rifle that barely needs the help of an optic for great performance. However, a great scope allows you to enjoy the full potential of the rifle with very little to spend. These scopes for Ruger AR 556 are well-designed for all that there is to face in the field.
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