Best AR 15 Scope in 2023
When it comes to selecting the best AR 15 scope and optics, there are several factors to consider, including your shooting requirements, budget, and personal preferences. However, I can provide you with a list of highly regarded options for Best AR 15 Scopes that are often recommended by enthusiasts and professionals. The scoped ar-15 finding is not an easy task, if you wants the Best AR-15 Scope Mounts or Best AR15 Iron Sights you can get it.
Please note that availability and preferences may vary, so it’s always a good idea to do additional research and read reviews before making a purchase. Here are some popular choices:
Let’s Start!
When choosing an scoped ar-15, there are several factors to consider that will help you find the right AR 15 optic for your needs. Here are some key considerations to help guide your selection:
Intended Use: Determine the primary purpose of your AR 15 Scope. Are you planning to use it for close-quarters shooting, medium-range engagements, or long-range precision shooting? This will influence the desired magnification range and reticle type.
Magnification: Consider the magnification range you require. If you primarily engage targets at shorter distances, a low magnification scope, such as 1-4x or 1-6x, will offer quick target acquisition and a wider field of view. For longer-range shooting, consider scopes with higher magnification ranges, such as 3-9x or 4-16x.
Reticle Type: Different reticles are suited for different shooting applications. Consider whether you prefer a simple duplex reticle, a bullet drop compensating (BDC) reticle, a mil-dot reticle, or a more advanced tactical reticle. Each reticle type offers different features for ranging, holdovers, windage compensation, and target acquisition.
Focal Plane: Decide between a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) reticle. FFP reticles change size with magnification, maintaining their subtensions at all magnification levels. SFP reticles remain the same size regardless of magnification. FFP reticles are often favored for precision shooting and holdover calculations.
Optic Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the scope, as it will affect the balance and maneuverability of your AR 15. Compact and lightweight scopes are ideal for more mobile and dynamic shooting, while larger scopes may provide better optics and features but add weight.
Optical Quality: Look for scopes with high-quality glass and lens coatings, as these factors contribute to better light transmission, clarity, and color reproduction. High-end scopes often have better optical performance, but budget-friendly options can still provide satisfactory clarity for most shooting scenarios.
Durability: Ensure the scope is rugged and can withstand the recoil and harsh conditions typically encountered with AR 15 rifles. Look for scopes with durable construction, shock resistance, waterproofing, and fog-proofing.
Adjustments and Turrets: Consider the ease of adjustment and the reliability of the turrets. Look for scopes with clear and precise windage and elevation adjustments that offer audible and tactile clicks. Zero-stop and resettable turrets can be advantageous for quick adjustments and returning to zero.
Eye Relief and Eye Box: Check the eye relief and eye box of the scope to ensure comfortable and forgiving eye placement. Generous eye relief allows for flexible shooting positions, while a forgiving eye box maintains a clear sight picture even with slight head movement.
Budget: Set a budget for your AR-15 scope and consider the features and performance you can afford within that range. Remember that there are options available at various price points, so prioritize the features that matter most to you.
WHAT MAGNIFICATION IS NEEDED FOR AR15?
The magnification needed for an AR 15 depends on the intended use and shooting application. Here are some general guidelines for different shooting scenarios:
Close Quarters and Tactical Use: For close-quarters engagements and fast target acquisition, a low magnification scope is typically preferred. Optics with a magnification range of 1-4x or 1-6x are commonly used in these situations.
The low magnification allows for a wide field of view, quick target acquisition with both eyes open, and effective engagement at shorter distances.
Mid-Range Shooting: If you plan to engage targets at medium distances, such as 100 to 500 yards, a scope with a higher magnification range would be suitable.
Optics with a magnification range of 3-9x or 4-16x provide the ability to zoom in on targets and make precise shots at these distances.
Long-Range Precision Shooting: For long-range shooting, typically beyond 500 yards, higher magnification scopes are commonly used.
Scopes with magnification ranges of 6-24x, 5-25x, or even higher allow for fine target identification and precise shot placement at extended distances.
Choosing the Best AR-15 Optic
1. Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic):
The Aimpoint PRO is a reliable red dot sight known for its durability and long battery life. It offers a 2 MOA dot reticle and features a mount that’s compatible with Picatinny rails.
The Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) is a highly regarded red dot sight that has gained popularity among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters. Here’s a review of the Aimpoint PRO, highlighting its key features and performance:
Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight with QRP2 Mount and Spacer - 2 MOA - 12841
About this item • Absolute co-witness with iron sights (with the supplied spacer installed) • Features 2 MOA red dot for accurate target engagement • Includes front and rear plastic flip cap lens covers • Features 10 brightness settings including one extra bright for use in bright sunlight • Up to 30,000 hours (over 3 years) of constant operation from 1 DL1/3N battery
Durability and Build Quality: The Aimpoint PRO is known for its robust construction, making it highly durable and able to withstand harsh conditions.
It features a rugged aluminum housing that provides excellent protection against impact, water, and dust. It is also submersible up to 150 feet, ensuring reliability in various environments.
Battery Life: One of the standout features of the Aimpoint PRO is its impressive battery life. It utilizes a high-efficiency LED and operates on a single 3V lithium battery (included).
The battery life can last up to 30,000 hours, which translates to around three years of continuous use on the medium brightness setting. This extended battery life eliminates the need for frequent battery changes.
Optics and Reticle: The Aimpoint PRO offers a 2 MOA red dot reticle, which provides a precise aiming point for quick target acquisition.
The dot is clear and sharp, enabling rapid target engagement even in low-light conditions. The optic is parallax-free, ensuring that the dot remains on target regardless of the shooter’s eye position.
Mounting System: The Aimpoint PRO comes with a QRP2 (Quick Release Picatinny) mount, which makes it easy to attach and detach from the rifle.
The mount is designed to return to zero, allowing for consistent and reliable reinstallation.
Controls and Adjustment: The PRO features easily accessible and intuitive controls for adjusting the brightness settings.
The optic has six daylight brightness settings and four night vision compatible settings. The adjustment dials are tactile and allow for quick changes on the go.
Overall Performance: The Aimpoint PRO delivers reliable and consistent performance, even in demanding shooting scenarios.
The wide field of view and unlimited eye relief allow for rapid target acquisition and enhanced situational awareness. The optic is designed for close to medium-range engagements, making it ideal for tactical applications and shooting competitions.
While the Aimpoint PRO has received positive feedback from users, it’s worth noting that individual experiences may vary.
Some users have reported that the included flip-up lens covers can obstruct the sight picture slightly. Additionally, the PRO does not offer magnification options, which may limit its suitability for long-range shooting.
2. EOTech XPS2
The EOTech XPS2 is another popular holographic sight. It provides a clear and bright reticle and has a compact design that doesn’t obstruct the shooter’s view. It features a 1 MOA dot reticle and is also compatible with Picatinny rails.
The EOTech XPS2 is a popular holographic sight known for its compact design, fast target acquisition, and durability. Here’s a review of the EOTech XPS2 AR-15 scope, highlighting its key features and performance:
EOTECH XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
About this item • EOTECH XPS2-2: Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68MOA ring and (2) 1 MOA dot reticle • Mount: Compatible with both 1" weaver and MIL-STD 1913 rails • Adjustable Brightness: The XPS2 has 20 brightness settings for use in any lighting scenario • Compact Design: Leaves more rail space for rear iron sights or magnifier
Holographic Technology: The EOTech XPS2 utilizes holographic technology, which projects a reticle onto a holographic film, creating a clear and crisp aiming point.
This technology provides a distinct advantage in terms of speed and ease of target acquisition. The reticle appears to be floating above the target, allowing for quick and instinctive aiming.
Compact and Lightweight: The XPS2 has a compact and lightweight design, which is advantageous for shooters who prefer a streamlined and low-profile setup.
Its small footprint ensures that it won’t obstruct the shooter’s view or add excessive weight to the firearm.
Reticle and Brightness: The XPS2 features a 1 MOA dot reticle, providing a precise aiming point for both short and medium-range engagements.
The reticle is available in various configurations, including single dots, circles, and bullet drop compensators (BDC). It offers a wide range of brightness settings, allowing for optimal visibility in different lighting conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance: The EOTech XPS2 is built to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. It is constructed with rugged aluminum housing that offers excellent durability and resistance to impact. The sight is also waterproof and fog-resistant, ensuring reliable performance in adverse weather conditions.
Mounting Options: The XPS2 comes with a standard Picatinny/Weaver rail mount, making it compatible with a wide range of AR 15 platforms. The mount allows for easy installation and removal, and it securely holds the sight in place without losing zero.
Battery Life: The XPS2 operates on a single CR123 battery, providing a decent battery life.
The sight features an auto-shutoff function that activates after a period of inactivity to help preserve battery life. While the battery life is not as long as some other optics, it is still sufficient for most users’ needs.
Night Vision Compatibility: The XPS2 is compatible with night vision devices, allowing for seamless transition between day and night operations.
It offers specific brightness settings that are suitable for use with night vision equipment.
Overall Performance: Overall, the EOTech XPS2 is highly regarded for its fast target acquisition, durability, and reliability.
3.Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight)
The Trijicon ACOG is a trusted fixed-power scope that offers exceptional clarity and durability.
It uses a tritium and fiber optic illumination system, providing battery-free illumination. The ACOG is available in various magnification levels and reticle options.
The Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) is a highly regarded and battle-proven optic designed for the AR 15 platform and other firearms.
It has gained popularity among military personnel, law enforcement, and civilian shooters who require a rugged and reliable optic for various shooting applications.
Here’s a review of the Trijicon ACOG, highlighting its key features and performance:
Trijicon Trijicon ACOG 4 X 32 Scope Dual Illuminated Crosshair .223 Ballistic Reticle, Red
About this item • BATTERY-FREE ILLUMINATION: Features a tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle that automatically adjusts the brightness based on available light • RUGGED ALUMINUM-ALLOY HOUSING: Forged 7075-T6 aircraft-aluminum-alloy housing provides for a nearly indestructible sighting system
Durability and Construction: The Trijicon ACOG is built to withstand the harshest environments and abuse.
It features a rugged housing made of forged aluminum alloy, which provides exceptional durability and resistance to impact. The ACOG is also waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliable performance in adverse weather conditions.
Optics and Reticle: The ACOG utilizes a fixed-power magnification system, typically ranging from 3x to 6x, depending on the specific model.
The optics are renowned for their clarity, brightness, and edge-to-edge sharpness. The reticles offered by Trijicon ACOG vary based on the model, but the most common reticle is the Chevron, which allows for rapid target acquisition and precise aiming.
The ACOG’s reticles are illuminated using a combination of tritium and fiber optic technology, providing battery-free illumination that is always on and adjusts automatically based on ambient light conditions.
Bindon Aiming Concept: One of the unique features of the ACOG is the Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC).
This allows the shooter to keep both eyes open while using the optic, enhancing situational awareness and target engagement speed.
The BAC ensures that the illuminated reticle remains visible and properly aligned with the target, even when focusing on the target with both eyes open.
Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC): Many ACOG models incorporate bullet drop compensators, which are calibrated reticles designed to compensate for the bullet’s drop at different distances.
These BDC reticles enable quick and accurate aiming at various ranges without requiring manual adjustments.
Eye Relief and Eye Box: The ACOG provides generous eye relief, allowing for comfortable shooting positions and accommodating shooters who wear glasses or other eye protection.
This AR 15 optic also has a forgiving eye box, meaning that the reticle remains visible even when the shooter’s eye position is not perfectly aligned with the optic.
Mounting Options: The ACOG comes with integrated mounts that are designed for Picatinny or Weaver-style rails.
The mounts provide a secure and repeatable attachment, ensuring consistent zero retention during transport and intense use.
Longevity and Warranty: Trijicon is known for the durability and longevity of its products, and the ACOG is no exception. The ACOG is built to last and withstand the rigors of combat and demanding shooting environments.
Trijicon backs its optics with a limited lifetime warranty, demonstrating its confidence in the optic’s quality and reliability.
Overall Performance: Overall, the Trijicon ACOG is highly regarded for its exceptional durability, optical performance, and combat-proven reliability. It offers a combination of magnification, illuminated reticles, and bullet drop compensation, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
However, it’s worth noting that the fixed magnification may limit its versatility for shooters who require variable magnification options or engage targets at extremely close or long ranges.
4. Vortex Optics Spitfire AR Prism Scope
The Spitfire AR is a compact prism scope with a unique reticle design. It features a 1x magnification and an illuminated reticle, making it suitable for close- to medium-range shooting. It also has an etched reticle, ensuring the reticle remains visible even without illumination.
The Vortex Optics Spitfire AR Prism Scope is a popular choice among AR-15 shooters looking for a compact and versatile optic.
Here’s a review of the Vortex Spitfire AR, highlighting its key features and performance:
Vortex Optics Spitfire HD Gen II Red Dot Prism Scopes
About this item • The Spitfire HD Gen II 3x prism scope is built for rapid transitions while still being usable even without illumination. The streamlined look and flush mount turret design makes for a smaller, lighter, and faster optic.
Prism-Based Optics: The Spitfire AR utilizes a prism-based optical system, which offers distinct advantages over traditional red dot sights.
The prism AR 15 Scope design allows for a more compact and lightweight scope while providing a higher level of optical clarity and sharpness.
Reticle and Illumination: The Spitfire AR features a unique reticle design, typically a red or green illuminated DRT (Dual Ring Tactical) reticle.
This reticle incorporates a central dot surrounded by a bullet drop compensating (BDC) ring.
The illuminated reticle offers selectable brightness levels for optimal visibility in different lighting conditions.
Magnification: The Spitfire AR typically comes with a fixed magnification of 1x or 3x, providing shooters with a versatile range suitable for close-quarters engagement as well as medium-range shots.
The 3x magnification offers a bit more versatility for targets at longer distances.
Compact and Lightweight: The Spitfire AR is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it a suitable choice for AR-15 rifles.
Its low-profile design ensures it won’t interfere with the shooter’s field of view or add excessive weight to the firearm.
Prism-Based Eye Relief: The prism-based optics of the Spitfire AR provide consistent and forgiving eye relief, allowing shooters to quickly acquire the reticle without having to maintain a precise eye position.
This is particularly useful in dynamic shooting situations.
Etched Reticle: The Spitfire AR features an etched reticle, which means that even if the illumination fails or is turned off, the shooter will still have a visible reticle.
This always provides a reliable aiming point.
Durability and Construction: Vortex Optics is known for producing rugged and durable products, and the Spitfire AR is no exception.
It is constructed with a robust aluminum housing that offers excellent shock resistance and is nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Mounting Options: The Spitfire AR typically comes with a mount that is compatible with Picatinny or Weaver-style rails. The mount allows for easy and secure attachment to the rifle, ensuring consistent zero retention.
Overall Performance: Overall, the Vortex Optics Spitfire AR Prism Scope is highly regarded for its compact size, prism-based optics, and versatile reticle design.
It offers a combination of close-quarters engagement capability and medium-range accuracy.
However, it’s worth noting that the fixed magnification may limit its suitability for long-range shooting.
5. Leupold Mark 6
The Leupold Mark 6 is a high-quality tactical scope with excellent optical performance. It offers various magnification options, ranging from 1-6x to 3-18x, making it versatile for different shooting scenarios.
It has a rugged construction and features a first focal plane reticle.
The Leupold Mark 6 is a high-quality tactical scope that offers excellent optical performance and versatility for AR 15 shooters.
Here’s a review of the Leupold Mark 6, highlighting its key features and performance:
Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm M5C3 FFP Riflescope
About this item • Model #173297 - Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm with Front Focal CCH reticle and Matte finish • M5C3 Turrets - Low Profile 1/10 Mil per click dials provide 30 Mils of adjustment in 3 revolutions (Visual and tactile revolution indicators ensure you don't get lost in the travel) • First Focal Plane (FFP) - The reticle magnifies along with the image, so you can estimate range at all magnification settings
Optical Quality: The Mark 6 boasts exceptional optical clarity and brightness, thanks to its high-quality glass and lens coatings.
The scope provides sharp and clear images even in low-light conditions, allowing for enhanced target identification and precision.
Magnification Range: The Mark 6 is available in various magnification options, typically ranging from 1-6x to 3-18x. This range of magnification makes it versatile for different shooting scenarios, from close-quarters engagements to longer-range precision shooting.
First Focal Plane (FFP) Reticle: The Mark 6 features a first focal plane reticle, which means the reticle remains true to size and maintains its sub tensions at all magnification levels.
This allows for accurate ranging, holdovers, and windage adjustments without the need to make manual calculations or adjustments.
Turrets and Adjustments: The Mark 6’s turrets provide precise and repeatable adjustments. They are often equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental adjustments while maintaining a zeroed setting.
The turrets feature audible and tactile clicks, allowing for easy and intuitive adjustments on the fly.
Durability and Construction: Leupold is renowned for its rugged construction, and the Mark 6 is no exception. It is built to withstand harsh conditions and heavy recoil.
The scope is made of high-quality materials and is both waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in challenging environments.
Reticle Options: The Mark 6 offers a variety of reticle options, including illuminated and non-illuminated options. The illuminated reticles typically feature adjustable brightness settings, allowing for optimal visibility in different lighting conditions.
Eye Relief and Eye Box: The Mark 6 provides comfortable and forgiving eye relief, allowing for quick target acquisition and maintaining a proper sight picture.
The generous eye box ensures that the reticle remains visible even with slight head movement or less-than-ideal eye placement.
Mounting Options: The Mark 6 comes with a range of mounting options to accommodate different rail systems and preferences.
Leupold offers a variety of scope mounts, including those compatible with Picatinny or Weaver-style rails, ensuring a secure and reliable attachment.
Overall Performance: Overall, the Leupold Mark 6 is highly regarded for its optical performance, durability, and versatility.
It is a popular choice among tactical shooters, precision shooters, and competitive shooters who require a high-quality scope for their AR 15 rifles.
However, it’s worth noting that the Mark 6’s premium features and performance come at a higher price point compared to some other options.
6. Nightforce ATACR
The Nightforce ATACR is a premium long-range scope designed for precision shooting.
It provides exceptional clarity, a wide magnification range, and precise adjustments. The ATACR is known for its durability and reliability in demanding conditions.
The Nightforce ATACR (Advanced Tactical Riflescope) is a premium optic known for its exceptional optical clarity, rugged construction, and advanced features.
Here’s a review of the Nightforce ATACR, highlighting its key features and performance:
NIGHTFORCE ATACR 1-8×24mm .1 Mil-Radian Capped Turrets Daylight Visible F1/FFP FC-DMX Reticle 34mm Tube Hunting Gun Scope
About this item
• NIGHTFORCE HUNTING GUN SCOPE - The ATACR 1-8×24 scope includes pristine ED glass, bright daylight illumination, very low-profile adjustments and 1x field of view; The daylight visible, center red dot allows for rapid engagements like a red-dot sight
Optical Quality: The ATACR is renowned for its outstanding optical performance.
It features high-quality glass and precision lens coatings, resulting in excellent light transmission, sharpness, and color fidelity.
The scope provides exceptional clarity even at higher magnification levels, allowing for precise target identification and engagement.
Magnification Range: The ATACR is available in various magnification options, typically ranging from 1-8x to 5-25x. This wide range of magnification makes it suitable for a wide range of shooting applications, from close-quarters to long-range precision shooting.
First Focal Plane (FFP) Reticle: The ATACR features a first focal plane reticle, which ensures that the reticle subtensions remain accurate and proportional at all magnification levels. This allows for precise ranging, holdovers, and windage corrections without the need for manual adjustments or calculations.
Turrets and Adjustments: The ATACR is equipped with high-quality turrets that provide precise and repeatable adjustments.
The turrets typically feature audible and tactile clicks, making it easy to dial in adjustments on the fly.
Some models of the ATACR also offer zero-stop turrets, allowing for rapid and consistent return to zero.
Durability and Construction: The ATACR is built to withstand the harshest conditions and heavy recoil. It features a robust and rugged construction, utilizing high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum.
The scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in any environment.
Illumination: Many models of the ATACR come with an illuminated reticle, offering selectable brightness settings for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
The illumination is typically daylight visible and can be easily adjusted to match the lighting conditions.
Eye Relief and Eye Box: The ATACR provides a generous and forgiving eye relief, allowing for comfortable shooting positions and quick target acquisition.
The large eye box ensures that the shooter can maintain a proper sight picture even with slight head movement or less-than-ideal eye placement.
Mounting Options: The ATACR typically uses standard scope mounts compatible with Picatinny or Weaver-style rails. It offers a range of mounting options to ensure a secure and precise attachment to the rifle.
Overall Performance: Overall, the Nightforce ATACR is highly regarded for its premium optical performance, durability, and advanced features.
It is a top choice for shooters who demand the utmost in precision and reliability for their AR-15 rifles. However, it’s worth noting that the ATACR’s premium features come at a higher price point compared to some other optics on the market.
7. Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLx scope is an affordable yet reliable option.
It offers a 1-6x magnification range and features an illuminated reticle. It is suitable for both close-quarters and medium-range shooting.
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP (Second Focal Plane) Rifle Scope is a popular choice among AR 15 shooters looking for a versatile and affordable optic.
Here’s a review of the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP scope, highlighting its key features and performance:
Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen IV
About this item • Fully Upgraded Optical System • Integrated Magnification Throw Lever • ACSS Aurora 7.62 Yard Reticle • Magnification: 1x – 6x (Min – Max) , Focal Plane: SFP
Optical Quality: The SLx 1-6x24mm SFP scope offers good optical clarity and brightness for its price range.
The multi-coated lenses provide adequate light transmission, allowing for clear and sharp images.
While it may not match the optical performance of higher-end scopes, it delivers satisfactory results for most shooting scenarios.
Magnification Range: The 1-6x magnification range makes the SLx scope versatile for various shooting applications.
At 1x, it provides a true 1x magnification for quick target acquisition and both-eyes-open shooting, making it suitable for close-quarters engagements.
At 6x, it offers enough magnification for mid-range targets and improved precision.
Second Focal Plane Reticle: The SLx scope features a second focal plane reticle, which means the reticle stays the same size regardless of magnification.
This allows for consistent holdovers and reference points, particularly when shooting at higher magnifications.
Illuminated Reticle: The SLx scope comes with an illuminated reticle, usually in the form of a simple duplex or ACSS reticle.
The illumination has multiple brightness settings, allowing for better visibility in low-light conditions. The battery life is generally decent and should last for a reasonable amount of shooting time.
Durability and Construction: The SLx AR 15 scope is built with durable aluminum housing that withstands recoil and harsh environments.
It is waterproof, fog-resistant, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Turrets and Adjustments: The scope’s turrets provide audible and tactile clicks for easy windage and elevation adjustments.
The tracking is generally reliable, allowing for consistent and repeatable adjustments.
However, it’s worth noting that the turrets are capped, which may require additional effort to make adjustments in the field.
Eye Relief and Eye Box: The SLx scope offers comfortable and forgiving eye relief, allowing for quick target acquisition and maintaining a proper sight picture.
The eye box is reasonably forgiving, accommodating slight head movement without losing the sight picture.
Mounting Options: The SLx scope uses standard 30mm scope rings and mounts, making it compatible with most AR-15 platforms.
It is relatively easy to mount and zero, providing a secure attachment to the rifle.
Overall Performance: Overall, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope is a solid choice for shooters seeking a budget-friendly optic with versatile magnification and illuminated reticle. While it may not offer the same optical quality and advanced features as more expensive options.
