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10 Best AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Trijicon 4x32mm ACOG Dual Illumination Green Crosshair Reticle Flat Dark Earth Optics

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,219
Reticle Type
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
42 reviews

Reticle Type
Love this sight and the green reticle - so much easier to pick up than the red instant target recognition.
Turrets and Adjustments
Easy to compensate for range on the fly and reflex sight is a death dot for anything on the move.

The Trijicon 4x32mm ACOG Dual Illumination Green Crosshair Reticle is a robust option for AR-15 enthusiasts, particularly those seeking reliability and clarity in their optics. Its battery-free illumination system is a significant advantage, as it uses tritium and fiber optics to adapt to various lighting conditions automatically. This ensures you will have a clear sight picture in both bright daylight and low-light situations without worrying about battery failure. The 4x magnification is suitable for mid-range shooting, providing a good balance of visibility and ease of use.

One of the standout features is its rugged construction; the flat dark earth aluminum housing is forged from aircraft-grade materials, making it extremely durable and ideal for harsh conditions. The “both eyes open” design allows shooters to maintain situational awareness while aiming, adding a tactical advantage for close-quarters combat scenarios.

This scope has some drawbacks. The fixed 4x magnification may not be ideal for shooters who need versatility at varying distances. Additionally, the field of view at 7 degrees can feel narrow for some users, particularly when compared to scopes with adjustable magnification. Eye relief of 38.1 mm is decent but may not be sufficient for all shooters, especially those using heavy recoil rifles. The inclusion of the RMR Type 2 sight enhances its usability, providing an additional option for rapid target acquisition. While it comes with a premium price tag, the ACOG’s combat-proven history reflects its efficacy and reliability. This scope is particularly suited for serious shooters and tactical applications, but casual users or those seeking more adjustable options may want to consider other alternatives.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,219
Reticle Type
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
42 reviews

Reticle Type
Love this sight and the green reticle - so much easier to pick up than the red instant target recognition.
Turrets and Adjustments
Easy to compensate for range on the fly and reflex sight is a death dot for anything on the move.
#2

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

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle Type

Most important from
797 reviews

Magnification
Magnification is mind-blowing, clear, and worth the money.
Reticle Type
Reticle markings are super small at some zoom levels but plenty big enough at others.

The Vortex Optics Venom 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope offers a versatile 3-15x magnification range, making it suitable for both mid-range and long-distance shooting. Its 44mm objective lens ensures good light gathering, contributing to clear and bright images. A notable strength is the first focal plane design, which keeps the reticle size consistent relative to targets at any magnification, aiding in accurate range estimation and holdovers.

The EBR-7C (MOA) reticle is designed for precision, and the capped windage with exposed elevation turrets allow for easy adjustments. The RevStop Zero System is particularly helpful, ensuring a reliable return to zero after adjustments. For durability, the scope is built with a shockproof 34mm tube, and it's both waterproof and fogproof, thanks to nitrogen purging. The Armortek coating further protects the lens from scratches.

At 1.8 pounds, it is moderately lightweight for its class, and the 3.6-inch eye relief is decent, offering comfort and safety during use. However, it's worth noting that the scope does not have night vision capabilities, which might be a limitation for those needing to shoot in low-light conditions beyond the capability of its multi-coated lenses. It's backed by a lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind against defects or damage. This scope is particularly beneficial for hunters and tactical shooters who require accuracy and reliability in various conditions without the need for night vision. It represents a strong choice in the category of rifle scopes, especially for those prioritizing durability, precision, and a wide range of magnification.

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle Type

Most important from
797 reviews

Magnification
Magnification is mind-blowing, clear, and worth the money.
Reticle Type
Reticle markings are super small at some zoom levels but plenty big enough at others.
#3

Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32 Scope USMC Rifle Combat Optic for A4

Rating
9.4
Reticle Type
Eye Relief

Most important from
85 reviews

Reticle Type
The A4 reticle works exceptionally well for 55-grain projectiles at 3100fps in 100-yard increments.
Eye Relief
The scope is easy to zero, but the eye relief requires you to get close, which might be uncomfortable with body armor or a solid stock.

The Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32 Scope is a versatile and robust choice for those needing a reliable AR-15 scope. It features a magnification range from 3x to 4x, which is suitable for mid-range shooting. The objective lens diameter of 40mm ensures clear and bright images. One of its standout features is the tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle that adjusts brightness based on available light, making it advantageous for various lighting conditions without needing batteries. The red Chevron ranging reticle aids in bullet drop compensation up to 800 meters, enhancing long-range accuracy, particularly when paired with the USMC's M16A4 weapon system.

The eye relief is relatively short at 1.5 inches, which might be less comfortable for some users, especially with powerful recoil. The rugged aluminum-alloy housing makes it extremely durable, a notable feature for combat or harsh environments. The scope employs the Bindon Aiming Concept, allowing for 'both eyes open' shooting, which can improve situational awareness in close-quarter combat situations.

While it does not feature night vision, this scope is highly rated by users for its reliability and performance in diverse conditions. It is relatively heavy at 2 pounds, which might add noticeable weight to the rifle. The product is well-regarded but comes at a premium price, reflecting its advanced features and durable build, making it a suitable choice for serious shooters and professionals in demanding environments.

Rating
9.4
Reticle Type
Eye Relief

Most important from
85 reviews

Reticle Type
The A4 reticle works exceptionally well for 55-grain projectiles at 3100fps in 100-yard increments.
Eye Relief
The scope is easy to zero, but the eye relief requires you to get close, which might be uncomfortable with body armor or a solid stock.

Buying Guide for the Best AR 15 scopes

Choosing the right AR-15 scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're into hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications. The right scope will improve your accuracy, range, and overall performance. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs and preferences.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is crucial because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes typically come with fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios. For close-range shooting (up to 100 yards), a 1-4x scope is sufficient. For medium-range (100-300 yards), a 4-9x scope works well. For long-range shooting (beyond 300 yards), consider a scope with 10x or higher magnification. Choose based on the typical distance you expect to shoot.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (e.g., 40mm or more) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope bulkier and heavier. Smaller diameters (e.g., 20-32mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider where and when you'll be shooting to determine the right balance between light transmission and portability.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types serve different purposes. Simple duplex reticles are great for general use and hunting. Mil-dot and BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles are useful for long-range shooting and estimating distance. Illuminated reticles help in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle based on your primary shooting activity: for general use, a duplex reticle is sufficient; for precision shooting, consider a mil-dot or BDC reticle; for low-light conditions, an illuminated reticle is beneficial.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with the recoil of an AR-15. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) are more comfortable and safer, reducing the risk of 'scope eye' from recoil. Shorter eye relief (less than 3 inches) can be more challenging to use and may not be suitable for high-recoil situations. Consider your comfort and the recoil of your rifle when choosing eye relief.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the target area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with higher magnification typically have a narrower FOV. For close to medium-range shooting, a wider FOV (e.g., 30 feet or more at 100 yards) is advantageous. For long-range precision shooting, a narrower FOV is acceptable. Choose based on whether you need to track moving targets or focus on precise shots.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) of the reticle. This is important for zeroing your scope and making precise adjustments based on shooting conditions. There are two main types: capped turrets, which are protected and less likely to be accidentally moved, and exposed turrets, which are easier to adjust quickly. For hunting and general use, capped turrets are usually sufficient. For tactical and long-range shooting, exposed turrets with precise, tactile clicks are preferable. Consider how often you'll need to make adjustments in the field.

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