Best Scopes for AR-15 – Top 10 Best AR-15 Scopes Review

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Though it is an amazing rifle, the AR-15 is not suited to every occasion. It is quite versatile but is more specialized for medium range work at the most. It may be capable of reaching out to 500 yards but that is generally not an effective range considering the lighter bullet. Therefore, the best scope for AR-15 rifles should reflect more reasonable ranges.

While there are setups for the AR-15 that are capable of longer ranges, specifically those chambered in .308, we are talking about the standard 5.56mm ammunition for this article. For that specific caliber, you are likely to have more success with a scout scope setup that allows the AR-15 to use its versatility to hit targets at close to medium range quickly and accurately.

Short on Time? Here are the Best Ar-15 Scopes Reviewed

1. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle
2. Vortex Optics Diamondback
3. Bushnell Drop Zone
4. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn
5. Hawke Endurance 30 WA IR 3-12×56 Riflescope
6. Burris Optics Full Field E1 Riflescope
7. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 30mm
8. UTG 3-9X32 1” BugBuster
9. Monstrum 3-9×32 Rifle Scope
10. SIG SAUER- INC. SCOPE MIL-GOV

Types of AR-15 Optics

Close Range Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights are not scopes. They are 1x magnification optics and are used for closer ranges of 100 yards or less. Red dot sights actually are any optic that uses a red dot or illuminated reticle. Prism sights, reflex sights, and holographic sights are all considered a type of red dot sight. They are a great choice for a platform like the AR-15 if you’re primarily shooting under 100 yards.

Mid Range LPVO Scopes
A low powered variable optic (LPVO) is a scope that uses a low end magnification of 1x and high end magnification of 4x, 6x, 8x, or even 10x. An LPVO scope is perfect for the AR-15 when shooting medium ranges (100-500 yards) because it allows you to magnify your target image at varying distances.

Long Range Scopes
If you’re shooting 500+ yards for something like benchrest shooting I would recommend a long range scope. The AR-15 is not my first choice when talking long range shooting. Shots to 500 yards and greater are really best left for higher powered rifles with heavier bullets.

What should the best AR-15 scope have?

The most common AR-15 optics setup is a red dot of some nature. While this is a viable optic choice, for this article we are more concerned with AR-15 scopes. Meaning, we may not want a high amount of magnification but we do want some magnification.

You can shoot an AR-15 out to its highest effective range accurately with iron sights and maybe even with some red dots but you are far more likely to score a hit with a scope setup.

The maximum magnification I would want to work with on a standard AR setup would be about 9x to 10x. Sure, you could go higher if you wanted something in more of a varmint rifle but for a tactical rifle or those for everyday shooting, scopes pushing into the high teens and twenties are far from ideal for such a light and small round.

With more reasonable magnifications, your choice of reticles in the scope is not a huge concern but I would still opt for some form of bullet drop compensation. The 5.56mm has quite a bit of drop even at 300 yards and being able to account for that is important, especially if you want to be able to make your shots quickly.

Another benefit of lower magnifications is frequently a larger field of view. This plays into the AR-15’s strength of being able to transition and maneuver quickly. When you use a high magnification scope, you are pinched in tight to targets at closer ranges, and locating adjacent targets can be tough. Lower magnification gives you a little more room to move, so to speak.

Some optics will even come with BDC reticles that are tailored specifically for an AR-15. These may be the best choice when it comes to AR-15 optics or at least those with magnification. The same goes for turrets as well. If you have turret adjustments, that’s fine but not necessary and some optics will have turrets premeasured for an AR-15’s bullet drop.

I would say that the number one consideration other than magnification on an AR scope would be durability. An AR-15 is a hard use rifle and should be ready to handle that abuse. Even its accessories should be as tough as you can get and able to endure any weather you may have your rifle out in. It’s made to be mil-spec, your optic should reflect that.

Below you will find what I consider to be the best AR-15 scopes that meet the above considerations for different budgets.

Best Scope For Ar-15 – New Products Updated

  1   Vortex Optics Strike Eagle

If you are looking for the best AR-15 scope for around 300 bucks (at the time of writing) this is it by far. Vortex Optics is a hard company to beat and nearly impossible for the money. The quality and craftsmanship they put into each of their optics are astounding. There are scopes that cost twice the price that I wouldn’t trade my Vortex for.

One of the most amazing things about the Strike Eagle is its optical quality. Sure, it’s not hard to get a bright and crisp image out of a 6x scope but when you add great quality multi-coated glass what you get is just about breathtaking. I have used and own scopes costing thousands and the difference between them and Vortex is minimal.

But to be among the best scopes for an AR-15, you have to be rugged and the Strike Eagle is a winner there as well. All of the glass is sealed in place and the whole optic is nitrogen purged. You will never have any issues with water, dust, fog, or anything else. And it can take all the abuse you want to dish out. Slap this on a Barrett and it will still hold zero, shot after shot.

If you are simply looking for the best AR-15 scope for the money, this is probably it. I haven’t found anything to beat it yet. I even have one on a Ruger All-American that is my preferred coyote scope, although it is the higher powered one.

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  2   Vortex Optics Diamondback

It can be argued that you can’t go wrong with anything Vortex makes. The same can be said about their scopes, and the Diamondback is no exception.

The Dead-hold BDC reticle allows you to aim between 100 yards and 600 yards, making you more comfortable taking long-distance shots that you may otherwise not take. There are definitive hash marks on the reticle to help you accurately make your shot.

There are precision capped turrets that allow you to zero reset. You don’t have to reset the turrets once you’ve made an adjustment, simply pull up the turret and turn it back to zero when you’re done.

The lenses are fully multi-coated with a 40mm diameter objective lens that gives you a bright and clear view when looking through the scope. This is arguably what makes Vortex one of the best options for AR-15s. They know how to make bright, clear images with their technology.

You can magnify between 3x and 9x with this scope. The Vortex technology for its optics allows the Diamondback to maintain clarity even at a maximum of 9x magnification.

Finally, the Vortex Optics Diamondback is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your scope losing its quality after just a few uses. The tube is filled with nitrogen that prevents it from fogging when it comes in contact with moisture.

If you want a scope that will give you the most clarity without breaking the bank, you can’t go wrong with the Vortex Optics Diamondback.

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  3   Bushnell Optics Drop Zone 

When it comes down to AR-15 optics under 150 bucks, options are pretty slim if you want something well-made and dependable. Luckily Bushnell does offer a few that qualify without making any sacrifices. Don’t be fooled by the price, this is a suburb quality scope that performs as well as many costing significantly more.

With a little more power this scope offers similar features with Bushnell’s own spin. The reticle and turrets are tuned to a .223 round and carry over well to the 5.56mm. Out of a 16” barrel AR, I was dead on at 350 yards which is the farthest I can shoot at the local range. 

But where this scope shines is in the extended eye relief which makes it great for anything from CQB out to 100 yards or so.

All Bushnell optics are very durable, waterproof, and fog proof. They resist shock well and can take a good bit of abuse. This is combined with glass that has made Bushnell a market leader in optics for decades. This may only be a 1x – 4x scope but the image is amazing and even targets at 300+ yards pop out of the terrain for easy engagement.

While this may not be my first choice in optics, for the price you will not go wrong. For a home defense rifle, this is exactly what you need and works well if you like shorter-range varmint hunting as well.

Don’t be dissuaded from this optic for the lower price. It is really a worthy consideration that will go very well with shorter barreled AR-15s.

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  4   Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn

When selecting a wide variety of scope sights as applied to the AR-15, the selection can be almost endless, but with some extra thought, you can find exactly what you’re searching for with ease. An example of a modestly priced scope, but a unit that will in most cases outlast the shooter, the Bushnell Banner series has a great deal of appeal.

At 16.4 x 2.5 x 3.12, the scope is a bit large, but when this transfers to pushing the .223 round to some additional range limits ( 600 yards plus by example), the added glass size can be of some major help down range.

The optics associated with this scope are above average for a lower end price point rifle scope. That stated, this scope is well built as I have shot them on a number of our test rifles here at Ballistics Research & Development for as many as 25 years.

Some models in this brand have been also used on heavy recoiling shotguns 12 gauge 3.5” magnums ( turkey guns ) for almost as many years as the previous example, but to be sure they are all still allowing the shooter to send the mail downrange with extreme accuracy.

Bottom line, Bushnell builds good scopes for the brush-busting tree line stalking deer, varmint, or small game hunter.

This scope uses the 3X9 magnification package and mounts the 40mm bell housing. This transfers to good light gathering abilities, and with the DDB multi-coated lenses system the scope will return a clear bright image display.

Eye relief on the scope is measured at 3.3 inches which is ample for larger caliber rifle cartridges. The scope retains a total weight of 0.81 pounds making it workable in terms of good balance on the AR-15’s platforms receiver.

The sub-tensions on the scope maintain the use of the Bushnell Multi x reticle, and the capped turret adjustments will click off at ¼ MOA for both windage and elevation.

Be advised that Bushnell has other models listed under the Banner series as well. Regardless of the model, when you buy a Bushnell Banner you’re buying a sold basic sporting class hunting scope.

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  5   Hawke Endurance 30 WA IR 3-12×56 Riflescope

It’s a little more expensive, but the Hawke Endurance riflescope is one of the best you can mount to your AR.

The first feature to discuss is the 24-degree field of view it gives you when looking through the lens. In addition, it has a 4” eye relief that keeps you protected without causing you to lose any clarity while looking through the scope.

A scope can have magnification and illuminated reticles, but it can be rendered useless if the field of view is dull with no eye relief. That’s what makes this riflescope one of the top 10 on our list.

It has a glass-etched reticle with red hash marks that illuminate as you look through the scope. The LRC reticle contains aim points that allow you to dial in precise Long Range Centerfire shots, especially when using centerfire cartridges. The LRC reticle also has six different brightness levels for you to make the reticle as bright or as dim as you want.

The LRC reticle makes it easy to calculate windage and elevation. When you need to make an adjustment to windage and elevation, just turn the turrets on the scope to adjust ¼ MOA for windage and elevation.

Like many scopes on our list, the Hawke Endurance is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. If your Hawke Endurance riflescope becomes damaged or defective, Hawke will repair it at no charge to you.

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  6   Burris Optics Full Field E1 Riflescope – Long Range

Another affordable option is the Burris Optics Full Field E1 Riflescope. When you can catch this riflescope on sale, you should take advantage of it.

The Burris Optics Full Field E1 Riflescope has a long-range MOA that gives you extra-fine precision when taking those long shots, especially if you are trying to improve your sniping. It magnifies up to 14x without losing clarity or precision.

The reticle features very bright and crisp lines, making it easy to find your target through the reticle and stay locked onto it. The clarity of the reticle is one of the best features of this Burris Optics riflescope.

It includes trajectory-compensating technology with cascading dots that calculate and accommodate for wind and elevation. When you need to make an adjustment for wind or elevation, just turn the turrets on the scope, and it will adjust wind or elevation by ¼ MOA.

Burris Optics has backed the Full Field E1 Riflescope with a no-questions-asked forever warranty that should withstand field conditions, heavy recoil, and jarring vibration. If the scope suffers from damage or defectiveness, Burris Optics will repair or replace the riflescope.

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  7   Vortex Optics Crossfire II 30mm 

In the Vortex line, the Crossfire II carries the lighted reticle system, capped field turrets, and 1-4 x24 magnification. This scope is an AR  fitting package and as such will retain the speed and balance associated with the military assault rifle.

Be advised that the Crossfire line in the Vortex inventory is extensive so keep this model separate from the many others when buying a specialized scope for the AR-15 rifle.

The scope is set up in the second focal plane ( SFP) and the ¼ MOA turret clicks can be returned to true zero after zeroing the rifle on the range. The sub-tensions consist of a V-Plex format using a centered dot ( lighted .) This makes the scope ideal for low light or no light shooting situations.

I have shot this system on raccoon hunts lacking any ambient light whatsoever, and also gunning kangaroo down under over a several year period. ( Commercial hunting. )

The main 30mm tube on this scope is of a one piece construction using high end aluminum materials. The weight of the scope is 15.5 ounces, length 9.8 inches, with an eye relief of 4.0 inches. In terms of general use, this scope can fit the needs of many shooters using the AR-15 platform.

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  8   UTG 3-9X32 1” BugBuster

Not every rifle scope needs to be in the several hundred dollar range to get the job done. This little package is clearly workable for the Saturday morning shooter that wants to use the AR platform but is not thinking about hitting the high country or deep swamps in search of some trophy critter.

The BugBuster retains its own set of Weaver style mounts as part of the selling package. The upper turret knob is open and adjustable for elevation, while the side knob is a capped system.

This scope uses a one-inch tube, with lockable and return zero turret settings. The turrets click at ¼ MOA, and the sub-tension are set up with a Mil-dot lighted reticle. The green and red illumination ( dot ) are made for flexible field use being set up for day or night function.

In short, a great deal is being offered for the money spent on this sub-compact glass sight package. Be advised however that based on materials cost and functional engineering, this scope is not considered by this writer as the end all in a budget optical system.

In effect, you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for. This is a fun unit, but not set up for professional or advanced shooting situations being sport or otherwise.

This scope comes with two sun shades, bases and rings, lens caps on both ends and batteries for the power up of the reticle unit. The package is a ready-to-shoot system.

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  9   Monstrum 3-9×32 Rifle Scope

This scope package includes low profile scope rings, detachable throw lever, battery and lens covers.

This is a tactical style scope that uses the illuminated reticle, and the main tube is built of aircraft grade aluminum (type 6061).

This scope is designed and ranged to 400 yards, with a magnification of 3-9 power. Objective size is 32mm, and the main tube is a one inch diameter.

Weight is 13 ounces, it’s water and fog-resistant, and the scope carries a full one year warranty. The reticent sub-tension on this scope makes use of a rangefinder set of hash marks. This makes for fast holdover if required at longer range limits.

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 10  SIG SAUER- SOI61231 Tango6T MIL-GOV – AR Scope

This Sig Sauer SOI61231 Tango6T scope was selected by the US Army for their Squad Designated Marksman Rifle and for U.S. Special Forces, and is available for civilian use.

The 1-6X24, 30mm uses HDX optics, extra low dispersion glass (ED) combined with a high transmittance clarity .5x super zoom, fast focus eyepiece, and night vision illuminated reticle settings with a lock illumination dial.

This scope is somewhat larger than others, but when set to the AR platform and cartridges like the 224 Valkyrie are being chambered, the added scope power and ranging ability can be a real asset to the shooter.

The Sig Sauer SOI61231 Tango6T is the one that I use on several AR platform weapons as a test base system. That means this scope needs to perform or it’s worthless to me when reviewing industry products, or developing data regarding the ballistics associated with different ammunition manufacturers.

As such TRACT is a brand that I follow and use in my work, and to be sure they offer a good deal of quality for the money. This scope retains SCHOTT HT (High Transmission Glass) which is known for its ability to return clear sharp images out to 1000 yards when required.

The scope retains fully multi-coated glass (lens system) and has an optical 4X zoom with a large eye box as well. The scope is fast to get on fleeing targets and will produce a consistent 3.5” eye relief regardless of the power setting.

Windage and elevation adjustments are sharp and clock off using ¼ MOA graduations. Easy to zero without tools and a zero rest is also built into the turret system. This is a military open turret scope design.

As previously indicated the scope is designed to allow the shooter to stretch for the long shot versus being confined to shooting inside 400 yards by example. 

The main tube size is one inch allowing for a wide range of rings and bases. The main tube is gas sealed against water or fog, and I can attest to the fact that the scope holds up under adverse field conditions. I have three of these and they all produce great field results while staying in one piece during the hard use process.

This manufacturer will stand behind this scope for its lifetime regardless of whether it’s second hand or not.

Again, somewhat oversized, but designed for AR-15 cartridges that are in the super high performance class.

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AR-15 Scope Buying Guide

For the sake of this Buying Guide, we are going to focus on the AR-15 that is chambered with the standard 5.56 ammunition rather than those chambered in .308 which would be capable of longer range shots.

Most of us are not using the AR-15 for shots above 500 yards and are more likely using it for its ability to be highly effective for close and medium work in the 100-500 yard range. For this purpose, we want a reliable LPVO scope.

Let’s continue through the process of defining the best AR-15 scope for you.

What Magnification do you need?

Sure, you can shoot an AR-15 to its effective range accurately with just iron sights but you’re going to drastically improve your ability to do this effectively on a consistent basis with a scope setup.

The main reason to have a scope in the first place is to make the targets appear larger and thereby narrowing down your point of impact. We don’t need a high amount of magnification but we do want enough to be very effective in our desired range of 100-500 yards.

I would recommend that the maximum magnification I would want on a standard setup for the AR would be about 10x. For something like Varmint, you could increase this a bit but for tactical or everyday use scopes that go much beyond this magnification are not necessary with the 5.56 lighter ammunition.

You’ll find that most military scopes are a fixed 10x magnification and they have no problem being able to effectively get rounds on target. Even with a 10x scout scope, you should be able to hit targets at 500 yards. I would say a mistake many make is choosing way more magnification than you really need.

How Durable is the Scope?

While the recoil on the AR-15 using 5.56 ammunition isn’t great you still want a scope that is durable. In fact, given the way most of us drag our AR into harsh environments, I would rank durability right up there with magnification. You want to make sure any scope you choose can handle the weather and abuse.

Most scopes today are going to be shock-resistant to at least a 30 caliber round so you’re not going to have to worry about that. Just make sure you steer clear of any cheap scopes that can’t handle the hard knocks you might put it through.

Some manufacturers try to save money by cutting corners on durability so they can provide better optics at a reduced price. But once a lens is no longer in alignment it’s not going to matter how good the optical quality is.

We often drag ourselves and our equipment through all types of challenging environments. Harsh temperatures, water, mud and dust can quickly turn a scope into an unusable dead weight on top of your rifle. I would always suggest you get a scope that is sealed and purged of oxygen.

A purged scope isn’t going to hold moisture so you don’t experience issues with fog or condensation. Some companies reduce costs by using a chemical treatment on the lenses to avoid fog instead of sealing and purging. Always opt for a sealed and purged scope when possible,

Most of us have a budget but you should still be able to get a scope that is water, shock and fog resistant. Nothing is worse than working yourself into the position for a great shot and finding out your optics are unusable.

Lens Coatings

Lens coating technology consists of applying layers of a chemical coating on each lens with different levels of refraction, resulting in a sharper image with better light transmission. As you step up in the levels of lens coating the chemical process is applied with more layers and to more sides of the lens.

There are four grades of lens coatings on a rifle scope from lowest to highest:

• Coated
• Fully Coated
• Multi-Coated
• Fully Multi-Coated

Be aware that some manufacturers will cut corners with this process to reduce the price of the scope and be more competitive. If the scope claims to have multi-coated lens coating and the price is too good to be true, be cautious.

If budget is not an issue then I would suggest you go with a multi-coated or ideally a fully multi-coated lens. Most quality scopes are going to have this level of lens coating.

Related Article: What’s The Best Lens Coating Option For Hunting Scopes?

What Reticle is Best for an AR-15 Scope?

The purpose of the reticle on your scope is to simply give you a central aiming point (crosshairs) but there are many variations and designs that cater to different needs. There are reticles designed for everything from bullet drop compensation (BDC) and low light shooting conditions, to tactical reticles and those for specific hunting needs.

Then to make things even more interesting, you have many manufacturers who have their own specific type of reticle, such as the Vortex V-Plex which is an MOA-based reticle that is their version of a standard duplex type reticle.

Vortex also produces the V-Brite reticle which is great for hunters in low light conditions. This reticle uses the V-Plex with battery-powered electronics to illuminate the center dot for better performance in low light.

So what’s the best type of reticle for the AR-15?

I think as with most things related to scopes, you have to first ask yourself how you intend to use it most. If you’re normally hunting at shorter ranges maybe just some type of basic or standard reticle will do the job.

However, if you find yourself shooting at longer ranges then you will probably benefit from a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) reticle. This type of reticle allows you to have true points of aim at varying distances to take the guesswork out of compensating for bullet drop.

I personally like having an illuminated aim point and prefer a BDS reticle. There are so many options depending on the manufacturer and the scope you’re interested in. I recommend finding a scope you like and the type of reticle offered and seeing if it fits your needs.

Keeping things as simple as possible will often make you much more effective, which is the whole point.

Mounting Your AR-15 Scope

You should always consider how you’re going to mount your scope before purchasing.

You want to keep your hardware on the upper receiver and make sure to get the correct size to fit your scope tube diameter. Picatinny scope rings aren’t always going to work and you might be better off with a cantilever mount.

I personally prefer a cantilever mount as I’ve found it provides me with the correct height and better forward placement for my personal shooting style.

Whatever you do, avoid getting cheap scope rings. Cheap rings can affect your ability to zero your rifle and hold zero. There is always the chance you could even damage your scope with cheesy rings.

You don’t want to invest hundreds of dollars in a scope and then go with the cheapest deal on rings you can find. Quality rings will be machined, trued, and lapped for a good fit and alignment. They are well worth the investment and not that expensive in the big picture.

How To Mount A Scope On Your AR-15

Check out this video that shows you how to properly mount your scope to an AR.

Exposed or Capped Turret Adjustments?

After you have chosen your reticle, you’ll use your turret adjustments for windage and elevation to dial things in and zero your scope. You can choose between exposed or capped turrets.

Exposed turrets will give you the ability to quickly make adjustments and zero your scope on the fly, while capped turrets will require you to remove the caps and many times use a tool to make adjustments.

Exposed turrets are going to be for someone who is shooting targets at varying distances, or hunting a target that moves. It requires you to be comfortable with zeroing your scope and making adjustments on the fly during the hunt. This is going to be preferred by experienced shooters who like to have these capabilities.

You’ll also want a scope with zero stop capability so you can easily return to a known point at any time should you need to.

With capped turrets, you are not able to make quick adjustments. They are more for someone who hunts, or on the range in a similar condition all the time. If you are in a stationary position and you know your range to your target and don’t need to change your zero, then a capped turret will probably work well for you.

Scopes with capped turrets also have the benefit of a reduced chance of accidental movement of your adjustments while you’re moving around with the scope. The turret adjustments are just a bit more secure. Some manufacturers also include turret stops that will allow you to lock in your adjustments on exposed turrets as well.

So which is best? Like most things, it’s going to come down to your personal preference and how you intend to use it.

If you’re going to be moving around a lot or your targets are moving and changing range, you’re most likely not going to be happy with capped turrets on your scope. If you’re not used to exposed turrets and making adjustments on the fly it may take you a bit to get comfortable but it’s worth the effort in my opinion.

Eye Relief

When you’re looking at the eye relief on a scope, you’re looking at the distance from the lens your eye requires to be able to see the full clear image within the scope.

If you don’t have enough eye relief it can result in the scope hitting your face when firing. You’ll hear shooters talk about “scope bite”, “scope eye” or other such terms to describe getting smacked in the face with your scope. Whatever you call it, it’s not a nice thing when it happens to you.

Standard eye relief on a rifle scope is typically somewhere around 3 inches to 3.5 inches. When we are talking about the AR-15 chambered in 5.56 you’re going to find that you should have no problem with the standard eye relief on most scopes.

If you’re talking about high-caliber ammunition and heavy recoil, then you’ll want to ensure you have enough eye relief to be safe.

This video shows you how to set proper eye relief on an AR platform.

Warranty

We can’t forget the warranty. Some shooters spend more on their optics than they do the rifle it sits on, so always check the warranty on any scope you’re about to purchase.

The top tier optic companies are all typically going to have a solid warranty but it’s still worth double checking what they will cover and what they won’t.

Companies like Vortex, Leupold and Burris all provide very good warranties. I have personally never had an issue with any of these major optic companies when it came to customer service.

Vortex offers their VIP unlimited lifetime warranty on all optics that are fully transferable. They will repair or replace your scope at no cost to you if it is damaged or defective.

Leupold and Burris also offer similar warranties and in fact, to be competitive, you’ll find most quality optic brands are going to have a decent warranty but always double check.

AR-15 Scopes – Principles of Use

The scope you use for an AR-15 functions as any other scope would but for a tactical weapon, the scope serves more as a designated marksman role. Its goal is to extend the accurate range of the weapon, not turn it into a sniper rifle, which would be a poor role for such a small caliber weapon.

The effective range of an AR-15 is only about 500 yards but in a more realistic sense, it’s closer to 300. It may be able to hit 500 on a perfect day but that is a hell of a shot. Your scope should be able to assist in making 300 yards shots quickly and effectively. Shots to 500 yards and greater are better reserved for higher powered rifles with heavier bullets and more powerful optics.

While doing this, your scope should not drastically lower the speed at which you can change from one target to another. That is why the red dot is such a preferred optic for the AR. It can easily move from target to target quickly and accurately. Unfortunately, most red dots make shooting past 100 yards or so more difficult due to their reticle size. They just aren’t precise enough for any distance.

If you think critically about those last two paragraphs, you see the role that a scoped AR best occupies. Ranges under 100 yards are covered effectively by red dots and those greater than 300 to 500 are better served by heavier rifles. It’s that area between 100 yards and let’s just say 400 yards that are the perfect niche for an AR with a scout scope.

What is a LPVO rifle scope?

A low powered variable optic (LPVO) is a scope that uses a magnification of 1x on the low end and typically is anywhere from 4x to 10x on the high end. Because you can magnify an image between the lowest and highest magnification of the scope, it’s great for a rifle like the AR-15 when you’re engaging targets at different medium-range distances of 100-500 yards.

Do I need an LPVO rifle scope?

If you are hunting, plinking, or target shooting at ranges of 100-500 yards you’ll want a low powered variable optic (LPVO). It will allow you to vary your magnification from the low 1x end to the highest magnification (4x,6x,8x,10x) setting on your particular rifle scope to better engage your targets.

What type of optic does an AR-15 use?

The AR-15 can accommodate several types of optics depending on your needs. A red dot is common for close range under 100 yards, while a low powered variable optic (LPVO) is best for up to 500 yards and is great for all-around use including hunting and competition shooting. If you’re using the AR-15 for longer distances you’ll want a long range scope.

Should I put a scope or red dot on my AR?

The first thing you should consider is your intended use. If you will be shooting primarily under 100 yards then a red dot sight is better suited. If however, you’ll be shooting further distances such as for hunting or target shooting, then you should opt for a low powered variable optic (LPVO) or long range scope.

What’s the best magnification for AR-15 scopes?

This comes down to how you plan on using your AR-15. For close range under 150 yards, I would recommend a 1-4x magnification or a red dot. If you are typically hunting at ranges of 150-400 yards then you’ll want something closer to 5-9x magnification. If you’re target shooting past the 400-yard range you’ll want a magnification greater than 9x.

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Final Thoughts

The AR-15 is an outstanding platform, one that has been used effectively for almost 60 years by the U.S. military and for varying amounts of time by more militaries the world over than any other model of firearm ever created.

There are thousands of police forces that issue these weapons and millions in the hands of citizen shooters. It is an outstanding tool that is versatile in use and incredibly reliable, accurate, and effective.

The addition of short range optics to the AR is a relatively new movement. Some military roles saw scopes powered around 10x on AR-15s but those were very rare. Now, many military and law enforcement units are seeing the value of optics in the range of 4x or 6x to occupy roles where more precision is needed without fully compromising the short range potential of the rifle.

This is a very effective role for the AR-15 that has caught on to shooters around the country and led to a feverish search for the best scope for AR-15 platforms. We have narrowed down the possibilities to some of the best options no matter your budget. If you can’t find an optic that suits you here, you may not find one anywhere.