19 Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics

Are you looking for the best AR scope to take with you on your next hunting trip? Or are you looking for the best AR-15 scopes in terms of value for money? Not sure what options are the best for you?

Your AR-platform rifle deserves the best scope or sight you can provide, whether on the cheaper or more expensive side. Fortunately, there are a multitude of options to choose from.

In this guide, I will give you the 19 best AR-15 scopes on the market. With a healthy mix of Low Power Variable Optics and red dot sights, each optic has its strengths and features that will be perfect for your needs.

Remember that the best AR-15 scope for your needs will differ from others. When choosing, you must prioritize factors like budget, durability, use case, and others which I will discuss below.

• Best Overall: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24
• Best Budget Scope: Leapers UTG 3-12×44
• Best Hunting Scope: Leupold VX-Freedom CDS 3-9×50
• Best Scope for Coyote Hunting: Sig Sauer Tango6T 1-6×24
• Best Night Vision Scope: ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14×50
• Best Tactical Scope: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24
• Best Long Range Scope: Primary Arms PLx 6-30×56
• Best Mid Range Scope: Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24
• Best Red Dot: Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight with QRP2 Mount and Spacer
• Best Budget Red Dot: Vortex SPARC AR Red Dot 1×22
• Best Red Dot Magnifier: Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier
• Best Compact Scope: Sig Sauer Romeo5 1×20
• Best BDC Scope: Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24
• Best ACOG Scope: Trijicon ACOG 4×32 BAC
• Best Short Range Scope: Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope
• Best Prism Scope: Primary Arms SLx 1x MicroPrism
• Best Holographic Sight: EOTech XPS2 Transverse Holographic Red Dot Sight
• Best Fast Acquisition Scope: Trijicon RMR Type 2 1×65
• Best for Both Eyes Open: EOTech HWS EXPS 3 Circle Red Dot Sight

Best Overall

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24

• Magnification Range: 1-6x
• Objective Diameter: 24 mm
• Length: 10.5 in
• Weight: 18.5 oz (524.5 g)
• FFP/SFP: SFP
• Reticle: AR-BDC3

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Best Budget Scope

Leapers UTG 3-12x44

• Magnification Range: 3-12x
• Objective Diameter: 44 mm
• Length: 14 in
• Weight: 23.2 oz (657.7 g)
• FFP/SFP: SFP
• Reticle: Illuminated Enhancing Mil-Dot

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Best Hunting Scope

Leupold VX-Freedom CDS 3-9x50

• Magnification Range: 3-9x
• Objective Diameter: 50 mm
• Length: 12.1 in
• Weight: 14.6 oz (413.9 g)
• FFP/SFP: SFP
• Reticle: CDS Duplex

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1. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 (Best Overall)

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Key Features

• Magnification Range: 1-6x
• Objective Diameter: 24 mm
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Options: AR-BDC3
• Field of View: 19.2 – 116.5 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
• Length: 10.5 in
• Weight: 18.5 oz (524.5 g)
• Eye Relief: 3.5 in
• Other Special Features: Fixed parallax at 100 yards, fully multi-coated lenses with HD glass elements, LED illuminated reticle for low light performance, fast focus eyepiece, glass-etched reticle, waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof

The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is the best overall of the AR-15 scopes on this list because of its versatility and features and its all-around high-quality scope that will not break the bank.

With the 1x to 6x zoom range on the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle, you will not have any issues doing any shooting within close quarters up to medium engagement distances. This makes it a must-have for tactical situations.

Additionally, the fully-multi coated lenses add the benefit of scratch and glare resistance, plus the HD glass elements mean that light transmission is excellent on the Vortex Strike Eagle.

When compared to other scopes in the same price range, this Strike Eagle AR-15 rifle scope offers a full set of features, excellent glass quality, and a good balance of zoom range and portability.

The best part is that all of these features come at price points between $299 and $760, depending on the package and add-ons you want (like a magnification quadrupled), making it highly affordable.

2. Leapers UTG 3-12×44 (Best Budget Scope)

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Key Features

• Magnification Range: 3-12x
• Objective Diameter: 44 mm
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Options: Wire Mil-Dot
• Field of View: 10 – 32 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
• Length: 11.1 in
• Weight: 23.1 oz (654.9 g)
• Eye Relief: 3 – 3.4 in
• Other Special Features: Side wheel adjustable turret for 10 to infinity parallax adjustment, zero locking and zero stop systems to quickly return to zero, sealed and nitrogen filled, shockproof, fog proof, and rainproof, EZ TAP Illuminating Enhancement System illuminated reticle with multiple color options, included flip-up lens covers and Picatinny rail rings

If you are more concerned about your budget and want the best scope under the $200 price point, then the Leapers UTG 3-12×44 should be your AR-15 scope pick.

This scope is packed to the max with features, with the most notable one being the EZ TAP Illuminating Enhancement System, which offers a whopping 36 colors with multiple brightness settings for the reticle.

This reticle illuminating system lets you combine multiple color and brightness options to get the clearest and most distinguishable color and illumination given your shooting environment.

It also has a zero-locking and zero-stop system to prevent accidental adjustments and make going back to zero after adjusting it much quicker and easier.

For all the money you save, the Leapers UTG 3-12×44 provides a large objective lens, good mid to long-range shooting zoom levels, and is loaded with tons of features that provide users with the best bang for their buck.

3. Leupold VX-Freedom CDS 3-9×50 (Best Hunting Scope)

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Key Features

• Magnification Range: 3-9x
• Objective Diameter: 50 mm
• Tube Diameter: 25.4 mm (1 in)
• Reticle Options: CDS Duplex
• Field of View: 13.6 – 33.1 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
• Length: 12.1 in
• Weight: 14.6 oz (413.9 g)
• Eye Relief: 3.7 – 4.2 in
• Other Special Features: Leupold’s Advanced Optical System for maximum light transmission, scratch resistant, waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof, resettable index ring zero stop

If you are looking for a go-to hunting scope for your AR-15, the Leupold VX-Freedom CDS 3-9×50 should be your first pick. Its main benefits are the large objective lens, reticle, and glass quality.

For starters, having a large 50mm objective lens helps in letting in more light during dusk or dawn. This allows a shooter to see much more through the optical glass in those lower-light situations.

Leupold’s Advanced Optical System used in their optical glass also helps with letting in more light. The high light transmission characteristic means you have two features solely for providing better image clarity.

The CDS Duplex reticle is perfect for hunting, as many hunters prefer the thick posts that thin out as you get to the center for more precise shots. It helps users identify and aim at wild game in a busy forest background.

Finally, the long eye relief for both the 3x and 9x zoom levels means you will not have difficulty getting on target quickly. Plus, you will never get black eyes from scope bruising thanks to its four inches of eye relief.

4. Sig Sauer Tango6T 1-6×24 (Best Scope for Coyote Hunting)

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Key Features

• Magnification Range: 1-6x
• Objective Diameter: 24 mm
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Options: FL-6 Hellfire
• Field of View: 17.7 – 106.7 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.2 MIL adjustment per turret click
• Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
• Length: 16 in
• Weight: 20.9 oz (592.5 g)
• Eye Relief: 4.1 in
• Other Special Features: HDX optics extra-low dispersion glass, fast focus eyepiece, laser engraved mounting line to align riflescope to scope rings, IPX8 waterproof and fog proof, throw lever, night vision compatible with locking illumination dial

If you are mainly doing coyote hunting and need a reliable AR-15 scope that is also compatible with night vision, then the Sig Sauer Tango6T 1-6×24 is your best bet.

This rifle scope is meant for close-range to mid-range shooting, which fits the characteristics needed in coyote hunting scopes. Its 1-6x magnification is a good zoom range to nail these canines.

Additionally, you will be hunting coyotes a lot more frequently at night, so you will appreciate the compatibility with night vision and reticle illumination options the Tango6T offers.

One of the underrated features on most rifle scopes is an integrated throw lever, which the Tango6T has. This allows you to quickly change zoom levels to catch even the most elusive of prey.

Overall, the Sig Sauer Tango6T has features that make it uniquely capable for coyote hunting, and you will be delighted when using it, especially at night.

5. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14×50 (Best Night Vision Scope)

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Key Features

• Type of Night Vision: Digital NV
• Magnification Range: 3-14x
• Resolution: 600 lp/mm
• Detection Range: 5.47 yards to infinity
• IR Illuminator: Yes
• Objective Diameter: 50 mm
• Reticle: Smart MIL Dot
• Adjustment Click Value: N/A (Digital)
• Parallax: 5.47 yards to infinity
• Field of View, Angle: 460 feet at 1,000 yards
• FFP/SFP: N/A (Digital)
• Windage and Elevation Turrets: Digital
• Battery Life: 18 hours
• Length: 13.8 in
• Weight: 33.6 oz (952.5 g)
• Eye Relief: 3.5 in
• Attachment/Mount Type: Ring with Picatinny rail
• Other Special Features: Programmable hash marks on the MIL reticle, recoil-activated video, smart range finder, Auxiliary Ballistic Laser, Ballistic Calculator, compatible with and syncs to iOS/Android app using Bluetooth

If night vision features and having a high-tech AR-15 scope are important to you, then the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14×50 should be your first draft pick.

Its low light performance is stellar, as it has a night vision feature that allows you to see targets even in the darkest conditions with minimal ambient light. The reticle is also customizable to be illuminated and seen more clearly in the dark.

The advantage of the tech in this scope cannot be emphasized enough. The 4K Ultra HD viewing outputs high-res video, and you can record in smooth 120 fps at 1080p resolution with the camera being activated by your rifle’s recoil.

The only downside to this scope is the weight, which is to be expected with something packing this much tech. However, if you accept the heft, it is a great digital scope option that allows you to see targets in the dark and record your kills in HD.

6. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 (Best Tactical Scope)

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Key Features

• Magnification Range: 1-6x
• Objective Diameter: 24 mm
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Options: VMR-2 MOA, VMR-2 MRAD
• Field of View: 18.8 – 112.5 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
• Length: 10.9 in
• Weight: 22.7 oz (643.5 g)
• Eye Relief: 3.8 in
• Other Special Features: Fixed parallax at 100 yards, XD lens elements with XR fully multi-coated lenses, ArmorTek coating, waterproof, fog proof, shockproof, LED reticle illumination with 150 hours of battery

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 is the best AR-15 scope for tactical uses. It has a reticle that balances quick target acquisition and long-range accuracy.

The primary focus of any good tactical scope is the reticle. The VMR-2 reticle can be picked up in either MRAD or MOA adjustment systems, which is great for those who want multiple options that suit their preferred unit of measurement.

The Viper’s Low light performance is also stellar, and image clarity is great with the XD lens elements. The XR multi-coated lenses also help reduce glare and scratching, making the sight image clearer.

Finally, the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II is a highly durable and rugged scope. For tactical use, you will need a scope that doesn’t break easily, and the Viper is the one to bring on operations or in crisis situations.

7. Primary Arms PLx 6-30×56 (Best Long Range Scope)

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Key Features

• Magnification Range: 6-30x
• Objective Diameter: 56 mm
• Tube Diameter: 34 mm
• Reticle Options: ACSS
• Field of View: 3.3 – 16.6 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: First focal plane
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 MIL adjustment per turret click
• Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
• Length: 15.6 in
• Weight: 38.2 oz (1083 g)
• Eye Relief: 3.3 – 4 in
• Other Special Features: Parallax adjustment from 35 yards to infinity, daylight bright reticle illumination, waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, included sunshade and flip caps, high-quality Japanese glass

The Primary Arms PLx 6-30×56 has the longest zoom range out of all the AR-15 scopes on this list. This makes this Primary Arms scope ideal for your long-range AR-15 build.

For starters, the 6x to 30x zoom range is an obvious indicator that it is focused on shooting at much longer ranges. The clear Japanese glass helps a ton in making small objects appear larger and more clearly.

This Primary Arms scope has an impressive ACSS reticle with a feature that helps shooters estimate the target distance through the scope. This makes it a lot easier when target shooting without distance markers.

The reticle also has daylight bright illumination, allowing you to see the reticle even at noon when the sun diminishes and obscures lower-quality reticles. Your reticle is not going anywhere with the PLx.

The only downsides to this optic are the heavy weight and lack of MOA option, so if these are deal breakers for you, try looking elsewhere.

8. Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 (Best Mid Range Scope)

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Key Features

• Magnification Range: 1-6x
• Objective Diameter: 24 mm
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Options: ACSS in .22 LR, 5.56, 5.45, and .308
• Field of View: 19.3 – 110 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
• Length: 10 in
• Weight: 16.9 oz (479.1 g)
• Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.5 in
• Other Special Features: Specific bullet drop compensator reticles for different calibers, LED illumination on the reticle with 11 brightness settings, waterproof, fogproof, included flip lens covers

The Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 is the best midrange LPVO scope for your AR-15. It has a good zoom range perfect for closer engagements and an ACSS BDC reticle tailor-made to the most common AR platform calibers.

Primary Arms’ ACSS reticle is unique compared to most other AR-15 scopes because of the BDC feature customized to a specific rifle caliber, which reduces the mental calculation you need to make before calibrating your reticle.

This is ideal for a midrange scope that needs to balance long-range accuracy with aiming speed. The calibers supported by the SLx include .22 LR, 5.56, 5.45, and .308, or the common AR-platform rounds.

My only minor complaint is the eye relief, which could be longer, especially on a 1x to 6x zoom scope. Having a longer eye box really helps with aiming quicker and giving users more peripheral awareness.

9. Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight with QRP2 Mount and Spacer (Best Red Dot)

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Key Features

• Red Dot Type: Scoped red dot sight
• Magnification: 1x
• Objective Diameter: 38 mm
• Illumination Color: Red
• Brightness Settings: 10 (4 night vision, 6 daylight)
• Reticle Type: 2 MOA Dot
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Parallax: Parallax-free
• Field of View: N/A
• FFP/SFP: N/A
• Battery Life: 30,000 hours
• Length: 5.2 in
• Weight: 11.6 oz (328.9 g)
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Waterproof: Yes, up to 150 feet
• Shockproof: Yes
• Gun Type Compatibility: Rifle
• Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny
• Other Special Features: Mount and spacer are both included, anodized aluminum housing, transparent rear flip cover, recessed lens openings to prevent scratching

For the AR-15 owners looking for the best red dot sights, the Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (Aimpoint PRO) is your best bet. It perfectly balances quick aiming, precision, battery longevity, and quality.

This red dot scope from Aimpoint has everything you want in a red dot optic. It has unlimited parallax adjustment and eye relief, an easily visible red dot reticle, and a lightweight and compact body.

However, the Aimpoint PRO stands out because of its 30,000-hour battery life, AR-15 specific red dot spacer, and mount, Aimpoint’s famous reliability, and the 4 NV – 6 daylight brightness modes.

These additional features are all useful and make this the best red dot sight you can buy out of all the AR-15 scopes on this list.

10. Vortex SPARC AR Red Dot 1×22 (Best Budget Red Dot)

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Key Features

• Red Dot Type: Scoped red dot sight
• Magnification: 1x
• Objective Diameter: 22 mm
• Illumination Color: Red
• Brightness Settings: 10
• Reticle Type: 2 MOA Dot
• Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Parallax: Parallax-free
• Field of View: N/A
• FFP/SFP: N/A
• Battery Life: 50,000 hours
• Length: 2.9 in
• Weight: 7.5 oz (212.6 g)
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Waterproof: Yes
• Shockproof: Yes
• Gun Type Compatibility: Rifle
• Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny absolute co-witness mount
• Other Special Features: Fully multi-coated optic

If the Aimpoint PRO is out of your price range, then the Vortex SPARC AR Red Dot 1×22 should be your pick. It is one of the most competitive AR-15 scopes/red dot sights in terms of value for money.

The 50,000-hour longevity of the battery should tell you how great the value for money on this red dot is. It has almost the same feature set as the much more expensive Aimpoint PRO.

As far as budget red dots go, the SPARC AR does everything you would want red dot sights to do. It also has the added benefit of having fully multi-coated lenses for extra scratch and glare resistance.

However, the 22mm objective does not let in as much light as the Aimpoint, leading to picture quality that is not as impressive. However, it is really good for less than half the price of its competitor.

11. Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier (Best Red Dot Magnifier)

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Key Features

• Red Dot Type: Red dot magnifier
• Magnification: 3x
• Objective Diameter: 30 mm
• Illumination Color: N/A
• Brightness Settings: N/A
• Reticle Type: N/A
• Adjustment Click Value: N/A
• Parallax: No info
• Field of View: 38.2 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: N/A
• Battery Life: N/A
• Length: 4.3 in
• Weight: 11.9 oz (337.4 g)
• Eye Relief: 2.2 in
• Waterproof: Yes
• Shockproof: No
• Gun Type Compatibility: Rifle
• Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny side flip mount
• Other Special Features: Fogproof, nitrogen gas purged, absolute co-witness flip mount

Sometimes, you want to have the short-range prowess of red dots while also having the ability to shoot at farther range. This is where the Vortex Optics VMX-3T magnifier comes in.

It comes with a fixed magnification of around 3x, effectively making your setup a 1x – 3x zoom scope when combined with a 1x red dot sight. However, you are adding some weight and bulk to your setup.

That said, the magnifier itself is not too heavy and has great light capture to give you a clear picture of the target. On the other hand, the eye relief is also not great at only 2.2 inches long.

The best part is that this red dot magnifier can flip in and out quickly as needed. It can also work with other types of sights, like a holographic sight, increasing your versatility and range or combat effectiveness.

If you need to have a 3x option while still having the ease of use of red dots, get this to complete your AR loadout. It will give you the best of both worlds.

12. Sig Sauer Romeo5 1×20 (Best Compact Scope)

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Key Features

• Red Dot Type: Scoped red dot
• Magnification: 1x
• Objective Diameter: 20 mm
• Illumination Color: Red
• Brightness Settings: 10 (2 NV, 8 daylight)
• Reticle Type: 2 MOA Dot
• Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Parallax: Parallax-free
• Field of View: N/A
• FFP/SFP: N/A
• Battery Life: 40,000
• Length: 2.5 in
• Weight: 5.1 oz (144.6 g)
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Waterproof: Yes, IPX7
• Shockproof: No
• Gun Type Compatibility: Rifles, shotguns, full-size handguns
• Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny mount, low profile
• Other Special Features: MOTAC motion-activated illumination, LockDown Zero system to return to zero, LenShield and LensArmor coatings to protect from scratches, oil, and gunk, Quad Reticle options, solar battery charging

The Sig Sauer Romeo5 1×20 is one of the best red dots for those looking for the ultimate compact and lightweight setup. It does this while managing to pack in a lot of exciting features.

At only 2.47 inches long and weighing in at a measly 5.1 ounces, the Romeo5 is one of the smallest and most compact red dots available. Aside from rifles, it can also be mounted on other types of guns like shotguns and pistols.

One of the useful features packed into the small body is the shake-awake feature called MOTAC. This detects movement to only turn on the illumination when needed, saving battery power.

Another feature that extends battery longevity is solar charging, which can help recharge some of the battery power lost during heavy outdoor use.

While it does not provide as clear of a sight picture as some other red dots on this list, it is a great versatile and compact option that will work well for most people.

13. Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 (Best BDC Scope)

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Key Features

• Magnification Range: 1-4x
• Objective Diameter: 24 mm
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Options: Drop Zone 223
• Field of View: 27 – 112 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 MIL adjustment per turret click
• Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
• Length: 9.4 in
• Weight: 18 oz (510.3 g)
• Eye Relief: 3.5 in
• Other Special Features: Fully multi-coated optics, fast focus eyepiece, 100 yards fixed parallax, power change lever

Any great AR-15 scope needs bullet drop compensation to shoot at long range. The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 offers the best BDC reticle and features to complement it.

The Drop Zone 223 reticle is the perfect BDC reticle because it is not too busy and helps get more precise shots. This ensures the quick acquisition of your target and maintains accuracy at a longer range.

The thick posts on the duplex-style reticle thin out towards the middle, while the lower post has hash marks that can easily be seen and used to compensate with reticle elevation.

The one nitpick I have with this AR-15 sight is that the turrets are exposed but not locking. While it makes adjustment easy, locking mechanisms would have been great to prevent accidental adjustments.

14. Trijicon ACOG 4×32 BAC (Best ACOG Scope)

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Key Features

• Magnification Range: 4x
• Objective Diameter: 32 mm
• Tube Diameter: N/A
• Reticle Options: Illuminated TA-31-C
• Field of View: 36.8 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: N/A
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
• Length: 5.8 in
• Weight: 9.9 oz (280.7 g)
• Eye Relief: 1.5 in
• Other Special Features: Military-grade aluminum housing, BAC scope allowing for both eyes open shooting, Trijicon Fiber Optics automatically adjust brightness to the environment, Tritium lamp for 15-year automatic reticle illumination, anti-reflective coated lenses

If you are looking for an AR-15 scope that has more zoom than reflex sights or holographic sights but is more compact than an LPVO, then the Trijicon ACOG 4×32 BAC is your best option.

The Trijicon ACOG is one of the most widely used rifle optics in the US Military, and it is for a good reason. This 4x fixed magnification scope has great build quality, glass clarity, and practicality.

It fills the gap between 1x red dots and traditional iron sights while being more compact than long-range scopes and LPVOs. The medium magnification of 4x is a reflection of this balance.

It is built with military-grade aluminum housing and has an anti-reflective coating on the lenses to make sure that shooters have the clearest possible optic that they can rely on day in and day out.

The only gripe I have with this scope is the 1.5-inch eye relief, which can be short for some, especially if you are used to red dots. However, you can easily get used to it after some practice.

15. Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope (Best Short Range Scope)

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Key Features

• Red Dot Type: Prism
• Magnification: 3x
• Objective Diameter: 21 mm
• Illumination Color: Red
• Brightness Settings: 12
• Reticle Type: AR-BDC4
• Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Parallax: 100 yards
• Field of View: 37.9 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: N/A
• Battery Life: 50,000 hours
• Length: 3 in
• Weight: 9.3 oz (263.7 g)
• Eye Relief: 2.6 in
• Waterproof: Yes
• Shockproof: Yes
• Gun Type Compatibility: Rifle
• Attachment/Mount Type: Standard
• Other Special Features: Included multi-height mount, custom BDC reticle designed for 5.56 caliber AR-15s, fully multi-coated optic lenses, nitrogen gas purged

The best close-range scope is the Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope. It has a mix of features, including the zoom level, reticle, and illumination, that help make it ideal for CQB and indoor range shooting.

The 3x zoom is an alternative to the previously mentioned 4x ACOG. While they are both fixed, the Vortex Spitfire uses prism technology to make the scope smaller while improving light transmission.

This means you get a lower zoom optic while making it more compact. Another thing that helps with short-range CQB is the reticle, which is both etched and can be illuminated with up to 12 brightness settings, with the lowest two settings being ultra-low for night-vision use.

The advantage of this Vortex Optics Prism scope is that even if you run out of battery, the scope still functions the same way. The reticle is clear while having some hash marks for bullet drop.

16. Primary Arms SLx 1x MicroPrism (Best Prism Scope)

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Key Features

• Red Dot Type: Prism
• Magnification: 1x
• Objective Diameter: 17 mm
• Illumination Color: Red
• Brightness Settings: 13
• Reticle Type: ACSS Cyclops
• Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Parallax: not parallax-free, no info found
• Field of View: 76.5 feet at 100 yards
• FFP/SFP: N/A
• Battery Life: 29,000 hours
• Length: 2.5 in
• Weight: 7 oz (198.5 g)
• Eye Relief: 3.6 in
• Waterproof: Yes, IP67
• Shockproof: No
• Gun Type Compatibility: Rifle, full-size handgun
• Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny
• Other Special Features: Included mount with 8 height options, included lens covers, etched reticle with illumination, fully multi-coated optics, nitrogen purged for fog resistance, dust resistance

The Primary Arms SLx MicroPrism is the best prism sight on this list. At only 2.5 inches long and 7 ounces, it is a compact option with great image quality.

One of the headlining features of this prism scope is the ACSS Cyclops reticle, which is both etched and features 13 brightness settings, including three night vision-compatible modes.

The micro red dot on the ACSS reticle is clear and has a chevron tip design. This means the micro red dot is easily seen while still being pinpoint accurate.

The glass clarity is also exceptional, especially for a scope with only a 17mm objective. This shows that prism scopes have a place in the saturated low-zoom optics market.

My only gripe with this optic is that you will see a noticeable parallax shift, especially when compared to a reflex sight or other holographic sights. This is something you get used to quickly, though.

17. EOTech XPS2 Transverse Holographic Red Dot Sight (Best Holographic Sight)

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Key Features

• Red Dot Type: Holographic sight
• Magnification: 1x
• Objective Diameter: 22 mm
• Illumination Color: Red
• Brightness Settings: 20
• Reticle Type: 1-Dot, Circle 1-Dot, and Circle 2-Dot
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA per turret click
• Parallax: Parallax-free
• Field of View: N/A
• FFP/SFP: N/A
• Battery Life: 1,000 hours
• Length: 3.8 in
• Weight: 8 oz (226.8 g)
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Waterproof: Yes, 10 ft
• Shockproof: No
• Gun Type Compatibility: Rifle
• Attachment/Mount Type: 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
• Other Special Features: 68 MOA ring surrounded by a 1 MOA center dot, comes with a protective case

If you have ever heard of holographic sights, then you have definitely heard of EOTech. They introduced the holographic sight to the market, and for good reason.

The EOTech Holo sight has very clear glass with 20 brightness levels on the holo reticle. This makes it the perfect option for anyone who needs a CQB optic.

The sight picture is also not cluttered, with the premium military-grade aluminum housing being both minimal and strong. This helps with keeping the optic light but is durable and effective.

It is the best holographic sight you can buy for your AR-15 build, especially if you want something different than your red dots or LPVOs.

Do keep in mind that the battery longevity on it is not too long at only 1,000 hours, so you will want to have back-up iron sights just in case the battery dies on you in a sticky situation.

18. Trijicon RMR Type 2 1×65 (Best Fast Acquisition Scope)

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Key Features

• Red Dot Type: Reflex
• Magnification: 1x
• Objective Diameter: 16 mm
• Illumination Color: Red
• Brightness Settings: Adjustable with Tritium
• Reticle Type: 3.25 MOA dot
• Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA adjustment per turret click
• Parallax: Parallax-free
• Field of View: N/A
• FFP/SFP: N/A
• Battery Life: no hours given, two years
• Length: 1.8 in
• Weight: 1.2 oz (34 g)
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Waterproof: Yes, 66 feet
• Shockproof: Yes
• Gun Type Compatibility: Rifle, handgun, shotgun
• Attachment/Mount Type: Not included
• Other Special Features: Automatic brightness adjustment for the red dot, Tritium-phosphor lamp illumination for low light and LED for bright conditions, multi-coated lens, tool-less adjustment, forged aluminum construction

The Trijicon RMR reflex sight is the best of the red dots when it comes to quick target shooting. This is because of the 3.25 MOA dot, uncluttered sight picture, light weight, and unlimited eye relief.

The good points of any fast target acquisition sight are that it needs to have a clear reticle, be lightweight, be parallax-free, and not obstruct the sight picture.

The Trijicon RMR fulfills all of these requirements and more. It is very lightweight, has a 3.25 MOA dot that is easy to see in a busy background, and has unlimited eye relief with zero parallax.

This is also the perfect optic for anyone wanting to install side-mounted red dots on their AR-15 as a back-up option if their LPVO or long-range scope is not set at the ideal magnification.

The Trijicon RMR is a no-brainer buy for anyone who wants a reflex sight because you can use this on most guns. Just make sure to buy an appropriate mount since it does not come with one in the box.

19. EOTech HWS EXPS 3 Circle Red Dot Sight (Best for Both Eyes Open)

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Key Features

• Red Dot Type: Holographic
• Magnification: 1x
• Objective Diameter: 22 mm
• Illumination Color: Red
• Brightness Settings: 30
• Reticle Type: Circle 1-Dot, 2-Dot, and 4-Dot
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA per turret click
• Parallax: Parallax-free
• Field of View: 4 inches at 30 yards
• FFP/SFP: N/A
• Battery Life: 1,000
• Length: 3.5 in
• Weight: 11.2 oz (317.5 g)
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Waterproof: Yes, 33 ft
• Shockproof: No
• Gun Type Compatibility: Full-size handgun, rifle
• Attachment/Mount Type: 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
• Other Special Features: Fogproof, 10 NV settings

If you are looking for a great both-eyes-open shooting sight for your AR-15 other than the default iron sights, then the EOTech HWS EXPS 3 Circle Red Dot Sight is your best pick.

It is a holographic sight that is a smaller, more compact version of the previously mentioned XPS Transverse model. However, this model is even more unobtrusive and with a clear sight picture.

Having no clutter around the sight makes both eyes open shooting easier. While it can be done on reflex sights like the Trijicon RMR, this holo sight has a much bigger MOA dot reticle.

This makes it easier to acquire and aim at targets with both eyes open without having to squint too much. It is also small enough to be used with full-size handguns, so you can swap them between your AR-15 and your handgun.

What Are Key Factors to Consider When Buying an AR-15 Scope?

Before you pick up any one of these AR-15 scopes to replace your stock iron sights, you should check which of these factors is most important to you, as this will determine which scope will be ideal for your needs.

Purpose and Shooting Style

How you will use your AR-15 heavily affects what scope you choose to use. If you want to shoot at long range, the higher zoom scopes are better for your needs.

On the other hand, if your AR-15 is set up as a carbine for short to mid-range engagements, then getting a 1x red dot sight or LVPO is probably a better option.

Magnification Range

The zoom range is another important factor to consider when buying any optic because you do not want to squint or get dizzy by using the wrong sight for the wrong situation.

Imagine using a 6x to 30x long-distance scope as a 1-6x CQB sight. You will get dizzy with all the movements and adjustments, plus lugging that extra weight around will make acquiring your target even slower.

Reticle Type

This factor is heavily dependent on your personal preference and what the manufacturer offers. Some people prefer using MOA, while others prefer using MIL/MRAD as their units of measurement.

Whichever you prefer, you will need to decide between prioritizing aiming speed or precision. If you want to aim faster, pick a larger and clearer reticle, like a large red dot or a Duplex reticle.

On the other hand, if you want more precise lines on your reticle, try using a BDC reticle or reticles with MIL/MOA subtension marks for windage and elevation.

Optical Performance and Clarity

Having a clear sight picture and accurate colors will help any shooter have the best chance of lining up their shot on target without having to squint or struggle to see it.

The best way to tell if optical performance is good is to check the size of the objective lens and to see the light transmission percentage of the scope. The higher the percentage, the better.

Eye Relief

Having a long eye relief is a big advantage to any sight because it allows for more flexibility in how far your eye can be to the eyepiece to see clearly.

Getting a scope with long eye relief is more important on CQB-focused sights like red dots, holo sights, and reflex sights that are 1x. This is because good eye relief can make aiming faster by giving you more peripheral awareness.

Adjustments (Turrets) for Windage and Elevation

The windage and elevation turrets are important to how a scope functions because they help compensate for how far a bullet drops over large distances and how much the wind can affect the shot.

Exposed turrets are usually easier and quicker to adjust but can be accidentally moved in the heat of the moment. Capped turrets require more force to turn but are harder to accidentally nudge.

Illumination

Reticle illumination is a very important feature if you are going to be shooting in low-light situations. It helps you see the center of your reticle easier to place it on top of your target.

The ideal illumination has multiple brightness options, works with night vision, and is paired with an etched reticle so that the sight can still function even if the battery runs out.

Focal Plane (FFP or SFP)

First focal plane scopes are better for scopes with wide zoom ranges because the size of the reticle changes with the zoom. This makes it easier to see hash marks at low zoom.

Second focal plane scopes are usually better on scopes with shorter zoom ranges, like LPVOs. This is because the reticle stays the same size regardless of your zoom level.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Weather resistance is an important factor to consider when it comes to hunting scopes and tactical-focused optics. You will not have the time or luxury of hiding under shade when you are prowling the great outdoors.

Try looking for sights that are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. This will cover all bases for any accidents or weather conditions that the sight will have to endure.

Mounting Capability and Options

Many sight options on this list come with mounting solutions included in the box. This is ideal because the manufacturer has specifically built it for the optic, which will fit it like a glove and mount your weapon with minimal effort.

However, if it does not come in the box, check the tube diameter or the size of your optic. This determines whether you can only use it on your long-range focused AR-15 or can interchange it with your pistols or home-defense shotguns.

Weight and Size

The longer zoom scopes packed with multiple lenses will be heavier and larger than sights like the Trijicon RMR reflex. This is due to the physical limitations of long-range scopes.

If you plan to carry around your AR-15 for hours on end, weight and size are a big consideration if you do not want to add extra pounds that you will have to lug around.

Budget and Price Range

This list clearly shows that you don’t need to drop over $1,500 just to get a decent scope. There are multiple options for good sights that are budget-oriented.

The best AR-15 scope under $200 will not be the exact same quality as one that’s $3,000, but one with a good value-for-money brand will definitely punch above its weight when it comes to construction and features.

Warranty and Customer Support

In an ideal world, any sight you buy will work 100% of the time. However, factory defects and shipping damage are things we have to deal with in the real world.

When buying a scope, check reviews of the manufacturer and see how extensive their warranty is. Other scope owners and reviewers online can give you an idea of how easy or hard it is to have a scope replaced, returned, or refunded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

After learning more about the best AR-15 rifle scope options, you might have questions related to rifle optics. I have answered the most commonly asked questions here.

How to Mount a Scope on an AR-15?

To properly mount a scope on your AR-15, you first need to get the appropriate mounting rings for your rifle. Check first if your rifle uses Weaver, M-LOK, Picatinny, or other types of rails/mounting systems.

After checking and buying the appropriate mount, you should first mount the rifle in a secure, upright position. Then, read the installation guide for specific instructions on how to tighten it and lock it into place.

What Is the Proper Height for an AR-15 Scope?

The proper height of an AR-15 rifle scope is an inch and a half, or 1.5 inches. If you mount it too low, you will smash your face onto the cheek weld.

If you mount it too high, you will be straining your neck to see the sight picture due to a lack of cheek weld.

How Much Magnification Is Recommended for an AR-15 Scope?

A good medium-range scope has a maximum zoom range of 5x – 9x magnification. This is the recommended magnification that sits between close-range and long-range zoom.

Final Thoughts on the Best AR-15 Scopes

Choosing the best scope can be challenging, especially in this saturated rifle optic market. There are different zoom ranges, types of optics, features, and price points to consider.

My personal recommendation for the best AR-15 scope is the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 because of its ideal zoom range and many features for the great price point.

The most important thing to remember is that it is mostly up to personal preference. What you value in an AR scope for your use case can vastly differ from another shooter’s.