Top 5+ Best Scope for AR15 Reviews

 Best Scope for AR15 Rifle

Choosing the best scope for AR15 rifles can be challenging considering there are dozens of AR15 style rifles.  Just like any other rifle, you need to have a scope that complements your AR 15 rifle to get a clear and precise shot.

AR 15 rifles date back to the 1960s and have continued to dominate the US market as the rifle of choice for a wide range of uses.

The popularity of the AR-15 rifle is due to its versatility which is an advantage since they are several scopes for AR15 Rifles. The versatility of the AR 15  rifle allows you to switch out stocks, barrels, and other parts of the rifle to create a customized hunting weapon that shoots and looks you want. Due to the versatility of the AR-15 rifles, it can become hard for you to identify the best scope for AR15.

Features of AR 15 Scopes

When shopping for the best AR 15 scope, you need to look for the scope that best suits and matches your specific rifle and your shooting style.

AR-15 rifles are different thus you need to select the scope that is built for the rifle. The main differences found in the best scopes for AR15 include :

• Magnification power
• Type of adjustment equipment
• Range of distance

To make it easier for you to choose the best scope for AR15, we have carried out thorough research of all the rifle scopes available in the market today that you can use on the AR 15 rifle.

We have tried out different scopes designed for the AR rifles and have selected our top 5 best scopes for  AR15. We have discussed each of the AR scopes and have provided you with a comprehensive review outlining the features, pros, and cons of each of these AR15 scopes.

Best Scope for AR15 Buying Guide 

Prior to getting started with our review of the best scope for AR15, we thought it IS wise to provide you with tips that you can use when shopping for the best rifle scope for AR 15 rifle. The tips we have provided are intended to guide you in selecting the scope that suits your type of shooting.

#1) Consider Your Budget

AR 15 scopes come in wide varieties that vary in prices. You can get cheap and affordable AR 15 scopes as well as premium AR 15 rifle scopes. Come up with a budget of how much money you are willing to spend on the best AR 15 scope.

The budget will guide you when searching for the best rifle scope for AR-15. Cheap scopes tend to be less reliable and have fewer features than more expensive rifle scopes. More expensive AR 15 scopes have better magnification and proprietary features than cheaper scopes.

It is important you select a scope that matches the power of your rifle. If you get a less powerful scope than your rifle,  it will certainly make  it under-powered.

#2) Consider the Scope’s Setup

Many people are quick to select an AR 15 scope based on the features it offers but forgets to consider the setup of the scope.

When shopping for the best scope for AR15, you need to ensure that the scope complements your type of gun or rifle.  Ensure that you consider the mounting rings, the tripods, mounts as well as the clearance along the barrel you want to have while shooting.

#3) Determine Your Shooting Targets

AR 15 rifles are used in almost any type of shooting thus they are versatile rifles. You can use a AR 15 for target competition as well as for deer hunting. Different type of shooting requires a scope that matches the type of shooting.

If you intend to participate in one specific type of shooting or hunting, then you can select a specialized scope. For hunters who are planning on hunting in the woods or bush, they need to get an AR 15 scope that has a magnification range that starts from 2-4X and above.

Those who want a scope that can serve the general purpose can go for a scope that has a magnification range of 3-4x. Since AR 15 rifles are versatile, it is recommended you get an all-purpose AR 15 scope that offers you a wide range of magnification.

Top 5 Best Scope for AR15 Reviews

There are so many types of AR 15 scopes available in the market today, making it challenging for most people to identify just one best scope for AR15, its helpful to list the 5 best to help you choose one from that list.

After carrying out an in-depth research of the AR 15 scopes in the market, we have selected the 5 best rifle scopes for AR 15 and made reviews for each scope to make it easier for you to select the scope that is best for your shooting needs.

Our selection is based on the features of the scope as well as the durability and reliability of the rifle scope. Here are our top five picks for the  best scope for AR15 rifles:

#1) Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 – Best Scope for AR15 Rifle

Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 is a powerful AR 15 scope that is great for long range shooting. It is our number #1 pick for the best scope for AR15. The scope is specifically designed for the .223 AR 15. The scope provides you with a generous and constant eye relief to prevent eye brow injury no matter the type of caliber or the shooting angle.

It features fully multi-coated lenses to ensure maximum light transmission for clear and bright images even in low light conditions. The scope is one of the most versatile Nikon AR 15 scopes that can be mounted on any small or large rifle.

The frame of the Nikon scope provides you with recoil absorption to prevent any damages on the scope. It is sealed using o-ring technology to prevent water and dust from entering the scope and is purged with nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging and ensure durable and weatherproof.

This AR 15 scope provides you with different reticle for different distances ensuring a wide and clear field of view of up to 600 yards.

Features of Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600

• Fully multi-coated lenses
• O-ring seal technology
• Consistent eye relief
• Recoil absorption
• Field of view of 600 yards
• Purged with nitrogen gas

Pros of Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600

• The Nikon AR scope provides you with 40” objective that makes it flexible enough for close range as well as moderate distance shooting.
• The rifle scope comes with fully multi-coated lenses to ensure maximum light transmission and to reduce glare for clear and bright images even in low light conditions.
• Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 offers you a generous 3.6” eye relief to prevent eye brow injury no matter the type of caliber or the shooting angle.
• The frame of the AR 15 scope is made from aluminum which makes it light-weight and easy to carry.
• The scope’s reticle has markings for Bullet Drop along the crosshairs to allow you to shoot accurately at 400 yards.
• The adjustment turrets of the Nikon AR 15 scope click work at a .25MOA adjustment rate, and include a 100-yard parallax compensation feature.
• The Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 is designed specifically for AR-15s Bullet drop calibrations.
• The scope is very easy to set up and mount on any rifle both big and small, making it a good choice for new shooters, who have no skills in mounting AR 15 scopes.
• Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 is an inexpensive AR 15 scope that comes with a lifetime warranty.
• The objective of the rifle scope is wide enough to work well at close ranges and is flexible to allow you to shoot accurately at up to 600 yards.

Cons of Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600

• The bullet drop bubbles on the reticle are too small to read easily and hard to pick up in dim lighting for so users.
• The scope is just a basic scope and does not have any advanced features thus it might not be a choice for people looking for an AR 15 scope with complex features.

#2) Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm

Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm is one of the best AR 15 scopes for close range hunting its perfect scope for varmint hunting. It is our second pick for the best scope for AR15.  It is a quality and reliable scope that offers you unique features such as the Throw Down PCL quick view which lets users quickly switch from particular fields of view.

The Bushnell AR 15 scope features Target Turrets that allow quick adjustments to the sighting calibration of the scope while in the field. It has fully multi-coated AR optics for maximum light transmission to ensure bright and clear images in any lighting conditions.

This Bushnell rifle scope for AR 15 is sealed to minimize moisture and other elements from entering the lens. The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm scope provides you with a quick mount to the AR 15, making it an ideal option for shooters who want to quickly switch from open sights to a scoped shooting.

Features of Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm

• 1-4X power range
• Illuminated front lens panel
• Illuminated reticle with adjustable illumination levels
• High-grade aluminum alloy construction
• Filled with nitrogen, and completely sealed with O-rings
• Throw Down PCL quick view
• Target Turrets
• Fully multi-coated AR optics

Pros of Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm

• Bushnell AR 15 scope has fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light transmission and minimal reflection to ensure clear and bright images even in low light environments.
• It has an illuminated front lens panel that improves visibility in low-light conditions and helps you holdover without parallax to 500 yards.
• The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm comes with an illuminated reticle that allows you to make accurate and precise shots even in low light conditions.
• The reticle of the AR 15 scope allows you to turn the light off to save battery or for stealth, making it one of the best night scopes for AR.
• Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm frame is constructed from high-grade aluminum alloy to ensure durability and reliability.
• The outer coating of the Bushnell AR scope is rustproof and scratch resistant.
• The scope is air-purged, filled with nitrogen, and completely sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust or fogging.
• The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm features Target Turrets that allow quick adjustments to the sighting calibration of the scope while in the field
• It is one of the Bushnell scope provides you with a quick mount to the AR 15, making it an ideal option for shooters who want to quickly switch from open sights to a scoped shooting.
• Bushnell AR scope features the Throw Down PCL quick view which lets users quickly switch from particular fields of view
• The rifle scope for AR 15 is very easy to use and provides you with smooth and precise zooming than most AR 15 scopes.

Cons of Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm

• The turrets of the Bushnell scope do not lock down.
• The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm requires medium to high rings for attaching, low or extra low scope rings will not work with this scope.
• Bushnell AR 15 scope uses a small red dot rather than a BDC circle as an illuminated sight at 1X zoom, which can be hard to see.

#3) Leupold Mark AR MOD 1, 3-9x40mm

Leupold Mark AR MOD 1, 3-9x40mm is one of the best night vision scopes for AR 15. It is our best third pick for the best scope for AR15 based on features such as Mil-dot reticle.

The scope features a rugged but light-weight frame that makes it to carry on the field. The Leupold AR 15 scope uses a mil-dot reticle that provides specific and technical sight than the BDC reticle found in most AR 15 scopes.

The reticle has markings that are coordinated to standard AR munitions (.223). The Leupold Mark AR MOD 1, 3-9x40mm provides you with a 3-9X range of zoom power, and a wide 40mm objective that lets you shoot out to while still maintaining a wide field of vision. It comes with a quick-focus eyepiece which allows you to easily and quickly adjust the lenses.

The Leupold scope has fully multi-coated lenses to ensure maximum light transmission and eliminate reflections from the sky for clear images. The rifle scope is filled with a blend of Argon/Krypton gas to reduce the risk of thermal shock, and reduces gas diffusion inside the scope.

It is one of the Leupold AR 15 scopes that provides you with an adjustable eye relief from 3.6-4.3” based on the zoom setting to ensure enough space for kickback without injury or contact with your face.

Features of Leupold Mark AR MOD 1, 3-9x40mm

• Mil-dot reticle
• 3-9X range of zoom power
• Wide 40mm objective
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Quick-focus eyepiece
• Filled with a blend of Argon/Krypton gas
• Adjustable eye relief from 3.6-4.3”
• Side dial for windage

Pros of Leupold Mark AR MOD 1, 3-9x40mm

• The Leupold AR 15 scope provides you with an adjustable eye relief from 3.6-4.3” based on the zoom setting to ensure enough space for kickback without injury or contact with your face.
• The reticle of the AR 15 scope has markings that are coordinated to standard AR munitions (.223).
• Leupold Mark AR MOD 1, 3-9x40mm provides you with a 3-9X range of zoom power, and a wide 40mm objective that lets you shoot out to while still maintaining a wide field of vision
• It comes with a quick-focus eyepiece which allows you to easily and quickly adjust the lenses.
• The Leupold scope has fully multi-coated lenses to ensure maximum light transmission and eliminate reflections from the sky for clear images.
• The scope is filled with a blend of Argon/Krypton gas to reduce the risk of thermal shock, and reduces gas diffusion inside the scope.
• The Leupold AR 15 scope uses a mil-dot reticle which provides specific and technical sight than the BD reticles found in most AR 15 scopes.
• The adjustment turrets of the scope are .1 mil-dot and produce positive and audible clicks that appear to track consistently.
• The AR 15 scope weighs 12 oz, which is much lighter than both the Nikon and the Bushnell AR 15 scopes.
• The rifle scope for AR 15 is relatively inexpensive.

Cons of Leupold Mark AR MOD 1, 3-9x40mm

• The rifle scope is not fully waterproof.

#4) Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Rifle Scope BDC

Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Rifle Scope BDC is a small and compact rifle scope that provides you with 3X to 9X zoom capabilities and 40mm objectives lenses. The Nikon AR 15 scope is designed for long distance shooting. This is our fourth suggestion of the best scope for AR15 that is affordable.

The lenses of the scope have a coating that allows 98% transmission of light for clear and precise shooting even in low light conditions. The Nikon AR 15 scope provides you with 3.6 inches of eye relief and is purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging.

The scope is sealed with O-ring making it waterproof, making it ideal for use in adverse weather. Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Rifle Scope is one of the higher quality AR scopes for beginners due to its ease to use.

This rifle scope for AR 15 provides users with a convenient cross-platform mounting option since it can be mounted on several different rifles of different calibers and different shooting.

Features of Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Rifle Scope BDC

• 40mm objectives lenses
• 3X to 9X zoom capabilities
• 6 inches of eye relief
• Purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging
• Sealed with O-ring
• Cross-platform mounting option

Pros of Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Rifle Scope BDC

• It is a small and compact rifle scope that is easy to carry.
• The Nikon AR 15 scope provides you with 3X to 9X zoom capabilities and 40mm objectives lenses.
• The riflescope is designed for long-distance shooting.
• The lenses of the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 scope have a coating that allows 98% transmission of light for clear and precise shooting even in low light conditions
• The AR 15 scope provides you with 3.6 inches of eye relief and is purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging.
• Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Rifle Scope BDC is sealed with O-ring making it waterproof, making it ideal for use in adverse weather.
• It is is one of the higher quality AR 15 scopes for beginners due to its ease to use.
• The rifle scope for AR 15 provides users with a convenient cross-platform mounting option since it can be mounted on several different rifles of different calibers and different firing functions.

Cons of Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Rifle Scope BDC

• The reticle of the Nikon scope is not illuminated thus it might be hard to shot accurately in low light environments.
• The Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Rifle Scope BDC is a basic scope that does not have any technical features.

#5) Nikon M-223 BDC 600 3-12x42SF Rifle Scope

Nikon M-223 BDC 600 3-12x42SF Rifle Scope is another great AR 15 scope from Nikon. The scope is designed to provide you with a wider field of view like most AR 15 scopes.  It makes it to this list as our fifth pick for the best scope for AR15. This Nikon AR 15 scope features an aircraft aluminum cylinder design that provides you with durability and reliability without making the scope heavy.

The construction of the scope is sealed with O-rings to prevent moist, dust and debris from entering the scope. The rifle scope for AR 15 is also purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging.

The frame of the Nikon scope is made from high-quality material and is shockproof. Nikon M-223 BDC 600 3-12x42SF Rifle Scope provides you with a BDC reticle that provide you a range of 100 yards to 600 yards, making it a great long range rifle scope for your AR 15 rifle.

Features of Nikon M-223 BDC 600 3-12x42SF Rifle Scope

• Aircraft aluminum cylinder design
• Purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging
• BDC reticle
• Sealed with O-rings
• Lifetime warranty

Pros of Nikon M-223 BDC 600 3-12x42SF Rifle Scope

• The Nikon AR 15 scope is designed to provide you with a wider field of view that what most AR 15 scopes provide.
• The AR 15 scope features an aircraft aluminum cylinder design that provides you with durability and reliability without making the scope heavy.
• Nikon M-223 BDC 600 3-12x42SF Rifle Scope is sealed with O-rings to prevent moist, dust and debris from entering the scope.
• It is purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging.
• The frame of the rifle scope is made from high-quality material and is shockproof.
• The Nikon AR 15 scope is equipped with a BDC reticle that provide you a range of 100 yards to 600 yards, making it one of the best long range rifle scopes for your AR 15 rifle.
• The Nikon M-223 BDC 600 3-12x42SF Rifle Scope is one of the most versatile AR 15 scopes that can also be mounted to any rifle of any caliber including magnum length actions making it ideal for any level of shooting
• The scope comes with a lifetime warranty.

Cons of Nikon M-223 BDC 600 3-12x42SF Rifle Scope

• The Nikon scope comes with a BDC reticle which can feel inadequate for most advance users who prefer the mil-dot reticle.
• Nikon M-223 BDC 600 3-12x42SF Rifle Scope is not illuminated thus it might be difficult to use the scope in low light environments.

#6) Leupold VX-R Patrol Firedot – Best AR 15 Scope

Leupold VX-R Patrol Firedot is a premium AR 15 scope that is packed with numerous great features to help improve your shooting experience. Its is our sixth choice of the best scope for AR15. This Leupold scope features an illuminated reticle that makes it one of the best night vision scopes for AR 15.

The illuminated reticle makes it easier for you to accurately shoot in low light environments as well as adverse weather conditions. The frame of the scope is made from high-quality material to ensure durability and reliability.

The AR 15 scope features quality optics that ensures maximum light transmission for clear and bright images even in low light conditions.

It is a great tactical scope that is designed in a military design to ensure accuracy and durability. It is a waterproof, shockproof and fogproof AR 15 rifle scope that is great for any type of hunting or shooting.

Features of Leupold VX-R Patrol Firedot

• Illuminated reticle
• Waterproof, shockproof and fogproof capabilities
• Rugged construction frame
• Generous eye relief
• Quick-focus eyepiece

Pros of Leupold VX-R Patrol Firedot

• The Leupold AR 15 scope is one of the best night vision scopes for AR 15 rifles and guns.
• It is made from high-quality material to ensure durability and reliability.
• The Leupold VX-R Patrol Firedot can be used for tactical shooting as well as long range hunting.
• The AR 15 scope features an illuminated reticle that makes it easier for you to accurately shoot in low light environments as well as adverse weather conditions.
• Leupold VX-R Patrol Firedot is equipped with quality optics that ensures maximum light transmission for clear and bright images even in low light conditions.
• It has a military design to ensure accuracy and durability.
• Leupold AR 15 scope is a waterproof, shockproof and fogproof AR 15 rifle scope that is great for any type of hunting or shooting.

Cons of Leupold VX-R Patrol Firedot

• Leupold VX-R Patrol Firedot is an expensive AR 15 scope thus it might not be for people who are on a tight budget.

Conclusion – Best Scope for AR15

The scopes reviewed above constitute the best options for any one looking for the best scope for AR15 in the market today. Our selection was based on the quality, reliability and features that the scopes offer. The scopes range from the cheap to premium scopes. All the scopes are from reputable brands and are therefore made from high quality material to ensure durability and stability.

The Nikon scopes are the most affordable AR 15 scopes in this list and  makes a great choice for shooters on a tight budget. The scopes are packed with great features that help improve your shooting experience.

All the Nikon optics in this list of the best scope for AR15 feature coated lenses for maximum light transmission and are nitrogen purged for fog-proofing, and improved precision. The scopes are also made from high quality material to ensure reliability and durability.  The average Nikon scope is small and compact rifle scope which is easy to carry when out in the field. The Nikon rifle scopes come with a lifetime warranty thus you can be assured of the high-quality.

The Bushnell scope is another reliable AR 15 scope which is great for hunting in the woods. Just like the other scope, it is made from high quality material to ensure durability and reliability. The scope offers you a relatively low power range than the other AR 15 scopes in our list but it is still a great choice for AR 15 rifle and gun owners. The scope provides you with a wider field of view and improved low-light visibility and is capable of handling high recoil and kickback than the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600. The rifle scope is specially designed for hunting in the woods. The front lens of the scope is illuminated to ensure clear vies in low-light conditions. The lenses of the rifle scope are fully multi-coated to ensure maximum transmission of light. The Bushnell AR scope has a lower power objective lens that offers you clearer and wider field of view. It is a great choice for regular hunters who own AR 15 rifles.

Serious hunters and shooters who are looking for a scope that can complement their shooting skills and their rifles, the Leupold AR 15 scopes are an ideal choice. The scopes are more expensive than the other rifle scopes and are packed with advanced features. The scopes are made from high quality material and come with lens coating for improved light transmission. The Leupold AR 15 scopes are purged with argon/krypton gas for waterproofing and fog-proofing capabilities. The scopes are made from the USA thus you can be assured of their quality. The Rifle scopes for AR 15 also come with lifetime warranties.

The Leupold AR scopes are the best night scopes for AR 15 rifles. However; these scopes are costly thus they are only ideal for people who are comfortable with the price tag. The scopes come with a mil-dot reticle which is military standard. The Leupold AR 15 scopes are great for hunting as well as tactical shooting. Due to the high quality material used to make these scopes, they are capable of handling heavy recoil and kickback. You can choose any of the AR 15 scopes in our list and you will be assured of having a great hunting or shooting experience with your AR rifle.

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