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10 Best AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,445
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
9.1 score

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

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.

Rating
9.1
Reticle Type
Eye Relief

Most important from
84 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.
#3
8.2 score

HOLOSUN HS510C Multi-Reticle Green 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle Open Reflex Sight for Long Guns - Shake-Awake Solar FailSafe Waterproof Sight (HS510C)

The Holosun HS510C is a compact red dot sight designed for AR-15 and similar long guns, offering a 1x magnification and a 30mm objective lens that provides a clear and wide 25-degree field of view. Its standout feature is the Multi-Reticle System, which lets you switch between a 2 MOA dot for precision and a larger 65 MOA circle to aid quick target acquisition. This versatility supports different shooting distances and styles.

Rating
8.2
Reticle Type
Field of View
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
6188 reviews

Reticle Type
This red dot offers a large, clear glass window with the flexibility to switch between a precise dot and a quick-acquisition circle reticle.
Field of View
Its large field of view and reticle options make target acquisition fast and intuitive, especially in high-pressure scenarios.
Turrets and Adjustments
Sighting adjustments provide tactile feedback, though some find the clicks a bit mushy but still effective.

Top 10 Best AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

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

Magnification: 4 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
Reticle Type: ECOS Green 5.56 Crosshair
Eye Relief: 38.1 mm
Field of View: 7 Degrees

Chosen by 1445 this week

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

Magnification: 3x to 4x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle Type: Red Chevron reticle
Eye Relief: 1.5 Inches

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Impact-29 MOA Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
Reticle Type: Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief: generous
Field of View: 38.2 feet
Turrets and Adjustments: CDS-ZL2 turret, 2 full elevation turns
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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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