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10 Best Ar 15 Scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 Riflescope is a versatile option for AR-15 users, especially for hunting at various ranges. Its magnification range of 3-9x provides flexibility for both close and mid-range shooting, while the 40mm objective lens allows for a good amount of light transmission, ensuring clear and bright images. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly useful for estimating holdovers, making it easier to hit your target at different distances. This is advantageous for users who need to make accurate shots without extensive adjustments on the fly.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Reticle Type
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic for its price range.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and minimal scope black eye ring result in a full image view at both low and high power.
Turrets and Adjustments
Adjustments are accurate and consistent, enhancing the overall functionality for a hunting rifle.
#2
10.0 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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
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.
#3
9.9 score

Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight - 4 MOA Red/Green Dot,Black

The Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight is a versatile and reliable option for AR-15 users. One of its key strengths is the flexibility it offers with both red and green dot options and ten brightness settings, making it adaptable to various light conditions. The fully multi-coated lenses ensure a clear and bright view, which is essential for quick target acquisition. Additionally, the unlimited eye relief is a significant advantage, allowing shooters to quickly and comfortably align their sights without strain.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Reticle Type
The Strikefire II offers outstanding clarity, with a wide, crisp field of view and a sharp red dot that is easy to acquire even in bright daylight.
Field of View
The Strikefire II offers outstanding clarity, with a wide, crisp field of view and a sharp red dot that is easy to acquire even in bright daylight.

Top 10 Best Ar 15 Scopes 2025 in the United States

Vortex Optics Venom 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MRAD) Reticle

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
Reticle Type: EBR-7C
Eye Relief: 3.7 Inches
Field of View: 8.4 Feet
Turrets and Adjustments: Capped windage, exposed elevation, RevStop Zero

Vortex Optics Viper HD 3-15x44 Second Focal Plane Scope - Dead-Hold BDC MOA Reticle

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
Reticle Type: Dead-Hold BDC (MOA)
Eye Relief: 3.4 Inches
Field of View: 39.9 Feet
Turrets and Adjustments: Capped windage and elevation turrets

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 3x to 9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle Type: Hunt-Plex
Eye Relief: 3 Inches
Turrets and Adjustments: Capped finger click
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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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