5 Best AR-15 Scopes

Putting a scope on an AR-15 is becoming more common. A quality scope offers many benefits, from extra precision and accuracy and better target identification. Here are some things to consider when buying your next AR-15 Scope, along with our top 5 AR-15 Scopes.

Extra Magnification

The extra magnification a scope provides over a red dot allows you to reach out much farther, allowing you to take advantage of 5.56x45mm's great long-range capability. Whether for tactical situations, predator hunting, or anything in between, the right scope can greatly enhance your effective range.

Added Versatility

While some scopes may create a disadvantage at close range, LPVOs eliminate that disadvantage. With practice, an LPVO at 1x power can be nearly as effective as a traditional red dot sight. For more information on the differences between LPVOs vs Red Dot Sights click here!

Thermal Options

There are also many thermal scope options for AR-15s. Thermal scopes can greatly enhance a shooter’s vision and are a go-to choice for nighttime or low-light tactical or hunting situations.
1

ELCAN Specter SpecterDR Rifle Scope

The ELCAN SpecterDR is the second evolution in the family of Dual Role Optical Sights. Based upon the battle-proven SpecterDR design, the SpecterDR provides higher magnification to enable greater precision and longer engagement ranges, while at the same time providing exceptional field of view in CQB mode.

 

The SpecterDR enjoys ELCAN’s famous crystal-clear optics as well as a generous eye relief, making it the ideal instrument for designated marksman rifles and other long range applications. As with all SpecterDR sights, the magnification and field of view can be changed instantly with the throw of a lever. Depending upon the situation, the user may adjust the sight to illuminate the crosshair or just a brilliant red dot in the center. Because the reticles are etched in glass, they are plainly visible even in the case of loss of electrical power due to battery failure or EMP.

 

The SpecterDR family offers the best single solution for Long Range and CQB engagements and is designed to withstand the rigors of modern professional use.

Features

  • Includes Killflash anti-reflection device and Tenebrex Tactical Tough flip covers
  • Optimized optical path and identical eye relief in both all modes
  • Integral A.R.M.S picatinny mount

 

What Customers Are Saying

I was looking for a ...

I was looking for a versatile optic for my AR for practical rifle competition. Courses typically include close-quarters and distant targets of up to 300m. After some research, I narrowed my choices down to an ACOG TA-11, the S-B Short Dot, and the Elcan Specter DR 1-4x. I then did some calculations to compare the brightness and FOV of the 3 scopes.:At 1x, the Elcan has by far the greatest FOV (24deg at 1x and 6 deg at 4x, compared to 18.2 deg and 5.7 deg for the Short Dot at 1x and 4x respectively. It is also vastly brighter than any scope I have found: at 1x the Elcan has an f-stop of 0.6 at 1x and 3.2 at 4x, compared to f2.2 and 2.8 for the Short Dot at 1x and 4x respectively, and f3.0 for the ACOG TA-11. I've found this to be really helpful in low light. I can actually see better through the Elcan at 1x than I can with my naked eye.The reticle is excellent. The brightness of the red dot is more than sufficient to use in full sun. The BDC works well with a variety of .223 and .556 loads (I have only tes...
- iGun, 12/13/2010 Shop Now
2

Trijicon ACOG TA31 BAC Rifle Scope 4x 32mm Dual-Illuminated Reticle with TA51 Flattop Mount

The Advanced Combat Optical Gunsights (ACOGs) are internally adjustable, compact telescopic sights with tritium and fiber optic dual-illuminated reticle patterns for use in low light or at night. Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC) models feature bright daytime reticles using fiber optics, which collect ambient light. The ACOGs combine traditional, precise distance marksmanship with close-in aiming speed. Designed for use with the AR-15 family, every feature of the mechanical and optical design was chosen for a single purpose: to provide increased hit potential in all lighting conditions, without failure-prone batteries. Covered under a limited lifetime warranty.

What Customers Are Saying

I have had this sight for ...

I have had this sight for 2 weeks now and I love it more than my TA31 with chevron reticle. The horseshoe is far better than any other reticle Trijicon makes, so if you want speed for close-in work and pinpoint 250 yard shooting, then get this sight.Capt. Matthew FentressUS Army Ranger in Iraq
- MATTHEW, 2/25/2010

About Trijicon

In 1985 Trijicon got its current name by combining two words: "Tritium" the key element in the company's innovative illumination technology, and "icon" meaning a picture or image. The "j" was added to combine both words to form Trijicon. Additionally, the "iji" in Trijicon mimics the "three-dot" design of the Bright & Tough Night Sights being manufactured. Since then, Trijicon has introduced rifle scopes, reflex sights, and red dot sights. Trijicon offers industry-leading products such as RMR, ACOG, VCOG, Accupoint, and SRO, as well as partnering with government, state, and local law enforcement agencies for decades. Trijicon’s product offering also includes thermal sights, archery sights, sight mounts, and accessories which are backed by Trijicon’s limited lifetime warranty. Trijicon provides Brilliant Aiming Solutions for those who defend freedom. And those who enjoy it.

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3

Burris RT6 Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 1-6x 24mm Illuminated Ballistic AR Reticle Matte Black with FastFire III and P.E.P.R. Mount

Speed reigns supreme in three-gun competition. So if you want to compete, you better be fast on the target and fast to shoot. Race inspired and tactical strong, the RT-6 is built for speed, accuracy and easy handling. Guaranteed to shave seconds off the clock.

 

Fast Fire III Info:

The The next generation of FastFire Red-Dot is here with the introduction of the FastFire III. The popular FastFire II is even better with upgraded features that include a top mounted battery for easier battery replacement, upgraded windage and elevation adjustments and a power button that provides three manual brightness settings and an automatic brightness setting with low battery indicator. The precision FastFire III allows for manual brightness adjustment and includes a protective cover and battery. Just like the rugged FastFire II, the FastFire III features a Steel body construction for extreme durability and is 100% waterproof. The FastFire III is covered by the Burris 1-year factory warranty

 

Technical Information (FastFire III)

Style: Reflex

Magnification: 1x

Sight Window: 21mm x 15mm

Dot Size: 3 MOA

Adjustment Range @ 100 yards: 190"

Reticle color: Red

Housing material: Steel

Recoil resistance: 1000 G's

Battery Type: (1) CR1632

Length: 1.8"

Weight: 0.9 oz.

 

P.E.P.R Mount Information:

 

The Burris AR-P.E.P.R. Mount is perfect for mounting your scope forward on your AR-style rifle. The Proper Eye Position Ready (P.E.P.R.) Mount provides 2" of forward scope positioning room which will allow you to obtain proper eye relief and maintain a proper shooting position. Includes both smooth and picatinny ring tops.

Technical Information (P.E.P.R. Mount):

Material: Aluminum

Weight: 8.7 oz.

Height (from rail to bottom of scope ring): 1.0"

Width (rings): 1.75"

Height (from rail to middle of scope rings): 1.6"

Length (front of front ring to back or rear ring): 4.15"

Length (between rings): 2.15"

 

Features

  • Shorter than most 1-4x scopes for quicker, easier handling
  • The 6x zoom has true 1x setting for eyes open engagement
  • Ballistic AR reticle with trajectory compensation out to 600 yards
  • 11 Brightness illumination settings

What Customers Are Saying

What a great AR scope setup

This is an outstanding rifle scope and red dot for close quarter sighting. Works great for long distance or close up.
- Rod Davis, 3/1/2019

About Burris

In 1971, Burris Optics was founded after design engineer Don Burris believed he could build a better riflescope than what was currently available in the market. In the beginning the company made rings, bases, and open sights, but Burris soon transitioned to sporting optics. The company’s first optic was a riflescope called the Burris Fullfield, which hit the market in 1975 and has grown to be an industry icon that is still manufactured today. Burris has since expanded their offering and supplies popular optics like the Burris FastFire, Burris RT6, Burris Eliminator, & Burris Oracle X. Burris now produces rifle scopes, red-dot sights, binoculars, spotting scopes, rangefinding archery sights, and a complete line of rings and bases all backed by the no questions asked Burris Forever Warranty. Every Burris product relies on nearly 50 years of optical engineering experience to offer a perfect combination of features and performance to ensure a successful hunt or day at the range.

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4

Vortex Optics Viper HS Rifle Scope

An evolutionary upgrade, Vortex Viper HS Rifle Scopes offer hunters and shooters an array of features sure to be well received. A new optical system highlighted with a 4x zoom range provides magnification versatility. The ultra-friendly eye box with increased eye relief gets shooters on target quickly and easily because shooting opportunities can be measured in fractions of seconds. Built on an ultra-strong 30mm one-piece machined aluminum tube, the Viper HS delivers increased windage and elevation travel for optimal adjustment.

What Customers Are Saying

great scope for the money

I don't understand the previous negative comments, the scope is too big for my lightweight gun, it's not a good scope for my lever action. No, it's not the scopes fault. I've put this scope through tracking tests on 2 different occasions and it passed with flying colors. One was a 20 moa box test and the other shooting groups every 10 moa up to 60 moa one shot at a time. Every group moved the exact distance it should and was what the rifle was capable of shooting. Return to zero was spot on. Performs as good or better than some scopes costing over 1k.
- Dave, 6/5/2016

About Vortex Optics

Founded in 1986, Vortex is an American, family- and veteran-owned business headquartered near Barneveld Wisconsin. Vortex is a leading optics manufacturer offering cutting-edge rifle scopes, red dot sights, spotting scopes, binoculars, rangefinders, range-finding binoculars, crossbow scopes, scope bases and mounts, scope rings, and tripods. We carry all Vortex Optics models, including the Razor, Diamondback, Crossfire, Viper, Strike Eagle, and more. Vortex also offers an exciting line of Vortex jackets, coats, parkas, shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, vests, hats, rain gear, binocular cases, binocular harnesses, water bottles, and morale patches. Vortex Optics, including rifle scopes, red dots, rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods, and monoculars, are covered by the Vortex unlimited, fully transferable, unlimited lifetime VIP warranty.

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5

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen 3 Rifle Scope

The Vortex Razor HD Gen III Riflescope is built around the perfect balance of magnification and field of view, offering the precision tools you need to act quickly and decisively. The Razor HD Gen III is the long-range tactical solution you've been waiting for, providing an optical system with the resolution and contrast you need to clearly identify far away targets in-scope. The Razor HD Gen III features zero stop, micro adjust dials, and an extremely rugged design.

Features

  • HD optical system
  • Perfect balance of magnification and field of view
  • First focal plane reticle
  • Rugged design
  • Anodized stealth shadow finish
  • Locking illumination dial
  • Side Focus
  • Sunshade
  • CR 2032 battery 

What Customers Are Saying

Awesome 1X10 Scope!!

My very first LPVO was a Vortex Viper 1X4, descent and great as a red dot. Upgraded to the Vortex Razor 1X6 Jerry Miculek edition. Huge improvement over the viper. Glass clarity was way better. Eye relief was a big improvement. Worth every penny. That was my main LPVO for my rifle for a long time. As soon as I heard they were gonna start to release the Vortex Razor 1X10 LPVO soon. I knew I had to sell my Gen 2 Razor and focus on buying the Gen 3 Razor. Knew it was gonna be sold out everywhere and had to wait. Finally got a chance to buy it off Midway USA. They had the one I wanted the MRAD edition. I didn't pause or stop to think about it. I bought it ASAP and was shipped out ASAP. Mounted to my rifle and zero it in. What a difference and upgrade this is from the Razor Gen 2. Glad to see Vortex stepped up there game and went a step further on creating this Gen 3 Razor. Now you have X10 magnification, the throw lever is easier to turn than there Gen 2 version, comes now with the throw lever in the box, you ...
- Eddie, 10/2/2020

About Vortex Optics

Founded in 1986, Vortex is an American, family- and veteran-owned business headquartered near Barneveld Wisconsin. Vortex is a leading optics manufacturer offering cutting-edge rifle scopes, red dot sights, spotting scopes, binoculars, rangefinders, range-finding binoculars, crossbow scopes, scope bases and mounts, scope rings, and tripods. We carry all Vortex Optics models, including the Razor, Diamondback, Crossfire, Viper, Strike Eagle, and more. Vortex also offers an exciting line of Vortex jackets, coats, parkas, shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, vests, hats, rain gear, binocular cases, binocular harnesses, water bottles, and morale patches. Vortex Optics, including rifle scopes, red dots, rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods, and monoculars, are covered by the Vortex unlimited, fully transferable, unlimited lifetime VIP warranty.

Shop Now