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10 Best AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
ATN Thor 5 LRF Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, Ballistic Calculator, RAV
The ATN Thor 5 LRF is a high-tech thermal scope designed to enhance shooting performance in low visibility conditions such as night or fog. It features a 4-16x magnification range suitable for various distances, and a 320x240 sensor resolution paired with a bright OLED display provides clear, detailed images with rich colors, making target spotting easier in any light. The built-in laser rangefinder (LRF) allows quick distance measurement to targets, improving shooting accuracy.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,416
Turrets and Adjustments
Most important from
50 reviews
#2
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Impact-29 MOA Reticle Riflescope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 is a high-quality riflescope well suited for AR-15 owners who want versatility from close to longer-range shooting. Its magnification range of 3 to 15x allows for flexibility, making it good for both quick target acquisition and more precise shots. The 44mm objective lens, combined with Leupold’s high-definition lenses and Guard-ion coating, offers clear and bright images even in challenging weather, which is helpful for hunting or outdoor use.
Rating
8.5
Magnification
Most important from
345 reviews
#3
EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sight EXPS3-0ODGRN
The EOTECH EXPS3-0ODGRN is a holographic weapon sight designed to fit well on AR-15 rifles, especially for those looking for quick target acquisition and compatibility with night vision gear. Unlike traditional scopes with magnification, this sight offers a 68 MOA ring combined with a 1 MOA dot reticle, providing a clear aiming point without zooming in. This makes it great for close to mid-range shooting where speed and accuracy are key. The sight has a generous eye relief, so you don’t have to position your head perfectly to see the reticle clearly, which adds to comfort and faster aiming.
Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle Type
Turrets and Adjustments
Most important from
1375 reviews
Top 10 Best AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
ATN Thor 5 LRF Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, Ballistic Calculator, RAV
ATN Thor 5 LRF Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, Ballistic Calculator, RAV
Magnification: 4-16x
Reticle Type: customizable
Chosen by 1416 this week
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Impact-29 MOA Reticle Riflescope
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
EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sight EXPS3-0ODGRN
EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sight EXPS3-0ODGRN
Magnification: None
Reticle Type: 68 MOA ring, 1 MOA dot
Eye Relief: generous
ATN X-Sight 5 LRF Smart Day/Night Gen 5 Scope w/Ballistics Calc, 12MP Resolution, Video Record, Wi-Fi, 14hrs+ Battery
ATN X-Sight 5 LRF Smart Day/Night Gen 5 Scope w/Ballistics Calc, 12MP Resolution, Video Record, Wi-Fi, 14hrs+ Battery
Magnification: 3-15x
Reticle Type: Multiple reticle types
Turrets and Adjustments: Digital, controlled via device interface
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA)
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA)
Magnification: 4-12x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle Type: Dead-Hold BDC
Turrets and Adjustments: Finger-adjustable, MOA clicks, zero reset
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SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Black
SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Black
Magnification: 1x to 6x
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle Type: MSR BDC-6
Turrets and Adjustments: Precise adjustments
HOLOSUN HS510C Multi-Reticle Green 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle Open Reflex Sight for Long Guns - Shake-Awake Solar FailSafe Waterproof Sight (HS510C)
HOLOSUN HS510C Multi-Reticle Green 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle Open Reflex Sight for Long Guns - Shake-Awake Solar FailSafe Waterproof Sight (HS510C)
Magnification: 1x
Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
Reticle Type: 65 MOA circle, 2 MOA dot
Eye Relief: unlimited
Field of View: 25°
Turrets and Adjustments: 0.5 MOA clicks, ±50 MOA range
Trijicon 4x32mm ACOG Dual Illumination Green Crosshair Reticle Flat Dark Earth Optics
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
#10
Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32 Scope USMC Rifle Combat Optic for A4
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
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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.