Check out the SGPT list of Top 10 AR-15 Scopes in 2024. The “top” AR-15 scopes can vary based on individual preferences, shooting needs, and budget considerations.
Check out our list of 10 highly regarded AR-15 scopes, taking into account factors like popularity, features, and performance.
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#10 VORTEX OPTICS STRIKE EAGLE 1-6x24mm
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope is a top-notch choice for hunters. It comes in a sleek black color, crafted from durable aluminum material, weighing just 18.5 ounces. With a magnification range from 1x to 6x, it’s perfect for various shooting scenarios, allowing quick target acquisition from close quarters to longer distances. The updated design features a magnification ring with a convenient throw lever and clear magnification indicators.
I like that its illuminated BDC3 reticle aids in fast target acquisition, with holdovers extending up to 650 yards. The scope is easy to focus, even in low-light conditions, thanks to anti-reflective coatings. Plus, it’s built tough, nitrogen purged, and o-ring sealed for water and fogproof performance, ensuring reliability in any condition. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, the shockproof construction can withstand recoil and impacts, promising durability for years to come.
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#9 TRIJICON ACOG 4x32mm
The Trijicon TA31H-68-G ACOG 4×32 Scope with Dual Illuminated Green Horseshoe 6.8 Ballistic Reticle and TA51 Mount is a reliable tool for shooters. Its reticle, powered by tritium and fiber optics, adjusts brightness automatically depending on light conditions, eliminating the need for batteries. Crafted from tough 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, the housing ensures durability in harsh environments.
Designed for quick target acquisition, it can be used with both eyes open, following the Bindon Aiming Concept, making it effective for close-quarters combat. Trusted by military forces worldwide, the ACOG’s bullet drop compensating reticle allows accurate shooting up to 800 meters without manual adjustments, making it a dependable choice for any mission.
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#8 LEUPOLD MARK AR MOD 1 3-9x40mm
The Leupold Mark 3HD 4-12x40mm Side Focus Riflescope is a top-notch choice for hunters. Made by Leupold, it’s designed for accuracy and durability. With a maximum magnification of 12x and a minimum of 4x, it’s versatile for various shooting situations. The TMR reticle and matte finish ensure clear aiming, while the P5 dial allows for precise adjustments with military-standard scratch-resistant lenses providing added protection.
Leupold’s Elite Optical System guarantees exceptional light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution, ensuring top performance in any weather condition. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, backed by Leupold’s renowned customer care for added peace of mind.
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#7 NIGHTFORCE NX8
The NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope with the MOAR/Forceplex Reticle is a top choice for airsoft enthusiasts. Made by Nightforce, this scope is built for precision and versatility. With a magnification range from 5x to 20x and a large 56mm objective lens, it’s perfect for both short and long-distance shooting.
Equipped with features like 80 MOA of elevation adjustment, side parallax adjustment, and ZeroSet technology for quick return to zero, it ensures accurate aiming even after multiple adjustments. The package includes rubber lens covers, a cleaning cloth, and an owner’s manual for convenience. With options for both illuminated and non-illuminated reticles, this scope delivers exceptional clarity and crispness at every magnification level, making it ideal for various shooting conditions.
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#6 Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP
The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Gen IV Riflescope with Illuminated ACSS Reticles is a fantastic choice for shooters and hunters alike. Made by Primary Arms, this scope comes in a sleek black color and is crafted from durable aluminum material, weighing just 17.9 ounces. With a magnification range from 1x to 6x, it’s versatile for various shooting scenarios.
The ACSS Aurora 7.62 / .300AAC Blackout Yard Reticle ensures precise aiming, while the integrated magnification throw lever allows for quick adjustments. With 11 illumination settings in red, it’s adaptable to different lighting conditions. Plus, its fully upgraded optical system guarantees clear and crisp images, making it easy to spot targets. With features like a total windage/elevation adjustment of 120 MOA and a field of view ranging from 120 ft. to 20 ft. at 100 yards, this riflescope offers exceptional performance for any shooting situation.
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#5 Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic)
The Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight with a 2 MOA dot and Mount is a reliable tool for archers. Made by Aimpoint, it comes in a sleek black color, weighing just 16 ounces for easy handling. With a minimum magnification of 1x, it’s perfect for close-range shooting. Its 2 MOA red dot provides precise aiming, with a battery life of over 30,000 hours on a single battery.
I like that is has 10 different brightness settings, it adapts well to different lighting conditions. This package includes front and rear flip-up lens covers for added protection, along with a Thin Blue Line Patch from Aimpoint. Compatible with the Aimmount, this sight ensures quick and easy installation, making it an ideal choice for archery enthusiasts.
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#4 LEUPOLD FREEDOM
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x28mm Riflescope is an excellent choice for hunters seeking reliability and performance. Crafted by Leupold, this riflescope features a Duplex reticle and matte finish, ensuring clear aiming in various lighting conditions. Weighing just 0.48 kilograms and made from durable aluminum, it withstands harsh recoil and environmental conditions. With a magnification range from 1.5x to 4x and a 20-millimeter objective lens diameter, it offers versatility for different shooting situations.
Plus, it’s 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, ensuring durability in any terrain. Equipped with Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, it extends shooting time by up to 10 minutes and reduces glare for crisp image quality. With precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments, it ensures reliable windage and elevation adjustments for a lifetime of use. Ideal for any rifle setup, this riflescope delivers dependable performance for hunting adventures.
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#3 EOTech EXPS2 Holographic Sight
The EOTECH EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight is a top choice for hunters. Made by EOTECH, it comes in a matte black color, weighing just 1.76 ounces for easy handling. With a maximum magnification of 1x and a minimum of 6x, it’s versatile for various shooting scenarios. The sight features a green reticle, which is six times easier to see than red during daytime operation, ensuring clear aiming.
I like its compact design and side button operation consume minimal rail space, making it ideal for use with a G33 Magnifier. The quick detach lever fits 1″ Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails, ensuring easy installation and removal. Plus, it comes with EOTECH’s HWS Prestige Warranty, providing peace of mind with a 10-year limited warranty.
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#2 Sig Sauer Tango4 1-4x24mm
The Sig Sauer SOT41111 Tango4 Riflescope is a versatile option for hunting, airsoft, tactical, and military applications. Manufactured by Sig Sauer, it comes in a sleek black color, weighing 15.84 ounces for easy handling. With a magnification range from 1x to 4x and a 20-millimeter objective lens diameter, it offers flexibility for various shooting situations. Its 4x optical zoom with illumination, housed in a 30mm one-piece maintube, ensures clear aiming in any lighting condition.
Featuring low dispersion (LD) glass, it provides top-notch optical clarity. Offered in first focal plane (FFP) with multiple illuminated reticle options, it adapts well to different shooting scenarios. The Motac (Motion Activated Illumination System) automatically powers up when it senses motion and powers down when it doesn’t, conserving battery life. Plus, it boasts dependable waterproof and fog-proof performance, making it suitable for use in any environment. Ideal for tactical and military applications, this riflescope delivers reliable performance for shooters of all levels.
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#1 BUSHNELL DROP ZONE AR OPTICS 1-4x24mm
The Bushnell Optics Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope is an excellent choice for hunting enthusiasts. Made by Bushnell, it comes in a matte black color and weighs 1.1 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to handle. With a maximum magnification of 4x and a minimum of 1x, it offers versatility for various shooting scenarios. The riflescope features a 30-millimeter tube diameter and drop zone reticle, ensuring accurate aiming. Its fully multicoated optics provide clear and bright images, while the fast focus eyepiece allows for quick target acquisition.
Ideal for close-quarters accuracy, it boasts a drop zone 223 BDC reticle calibrated for mid-range precision, with aiming points out to 500 yards. Equipped with target turrets with a 0.1 mil click value, it offers pinpoint precise adjustments for enhanced accuracy. Compatible with rifles and mounted with a weaver mount, this riflescope is a reliable companion for any hunting expedition.
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RUNNER UPS:
Check out our list of the scopes that almost made the list.
#11 Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9x40mm
#12 Burris MTAC 1-4x24mm
This list includes a range of scopes suitable for various shooting applications, including hunting, tactical shooting, and competition. It’s always recommended to thoroughly research and consider your specific requirements before purchasing a scope for your AR-15.
Why would you need a specialized tactical scope for an AR-15?
A specialized scope designed for an AR-15 rifle offers several advantages, particularly when engaging distant targets. It enhances aiming precision, facilitating hitting distant objects with greater ease. With adjustable magnification, this type of scope allows for clearer visibility of distant targets, which proves invaluable during hunting expeditions or target practice sessions requiring precision at long ranges.
The bottom line is that tactical scopes provide additional features such as rangefinding capabilities, bullet drop compensation adjustments, and adaptable settings for varying shooting conditions. These supplementary functions significantly enhance shooting accuracy and performance. Particularly for law enforcement officers and military personnel, these scopes play a crucial role in achieving precise target acquisition.
In essence, integrating a tactical scope optimizes the performance of the AR-15 rifle, enabling more accurate aiming across a diverse range of shooting scenarios.
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