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10 Best AR 15 scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,280
Magnification

Most important from
375 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range perfectly suits hunting needs without overcomplicating long-range shots.

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.

The Impact-29 MOA reticle is placed in the second focal plane, meaning the reticle stays the same size as you zoom, which some shooters prefer for clarity but may require adjustments when estimating range at different magnifications. Eye relief is generous and the side focus parallax adjustment makes it easier to keep your target sharp from various shooting positions. A standout feature here is the CDS-ZL2 turret system, which provides two full revolutions of elevation adjustment and includes a push-button ZeroLock to prevent accidental changes. This customization, combined with Leupold’s option for laser-marked bullet-drop dials tailored to your specific ballistics, is great for serious shooters who want precision without fuss.

The scope is built tough with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction, and backed by Leupold’s lifetime warranty, ensuring it can handle rough conditions and last for years. It weighs about 2 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for those looking for a lightweight option on their AR-15. Also, being a second focal plane scope, the reticle’s use at varying magnifications might not suit everyone. This scope is ideal for AR-15 users who value clear optics, ruggedness, and customizable elevation settings, especially for hunting or tactical use, but those wanting a lighter or first focal plane scope might consider other options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,280
Magnification

Most important from
375 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range perfectly suits hunting needs without overcomplicating long-range shots.
#2

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) Mil CDS-ZL2 Side Focus HTMR Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle Type
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
375 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range perfectly suits hunting needs without overcomplicating long-range shots.
Reticle Type
The reticle design is well thought out, and the scope reliably tracks and holds zero under various conditions.
Turrets and Adjustments
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and is easy to adjust, making it a reliable choice for precise shooting.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a solid choice for AR-15 owners who want versatility for both medium and longer-range shooting. Its magnification ranges from 3x to 15x, allowing precise zoom without losing clarity, supported by the 44mm objective lens. While the lens diameter is slightly below what some scopes offer, it still provides a bright and clear image thanks to Leupold’s high-definition lenses and hydrophobic Guard-ion coating that helps maintain clarity in wet or dirty conditions. The HTMR reticle is located in the second focal plane, meaning it doesn’t scale with zoom but remains easy to see and use, which many shooters find helpful for fast target acquisition.

The scope features a side focus parallax adjustment, enabling quick fine-tuning of focus from any shooting position, a valuable feature for practical use. Its turrets include the CDS-ZL2 system with ZeroLock, preventing accidental changes to elevation settings and allowing customization of the bullet-drop dial to match specific ammo and shooting conditions — a great advantage for hunters or precision shooters.

Weighing just over a pound, the scope is lightweight and built tough with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction, making it reliable outdoors. One consideration is the 30mm tube diameter, which is smaller than some popular options and might limit mounting choices. Additionally, this scope does not support night vision compatibility. This makes it a dependable, high-quality scope best suited for hunters or shooters seeking a reliable, clear sight picture with customizable ballistic settings, rather than a simple, budget-friendly option.

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle Type
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
375 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range perfectly suits hunting needs without overcomplicating long-range shots.
Reticle Type
The reticle design is well thought out, and the scope reliably tracks and holds zero under various conditions.
Turrets and Adjustments
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and is easy to adjust, making it a reliable choice for precise shooting.
#3

ATN Thor 5 LRF Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, Ballistic Calculator, RAV

Rating
9.7
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
65 reviews

Turrets and Adjustments
The one shot sighting-in feature simplifies setup and accuracy right out of the box.

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.

A notable feature is the advanced ballistic calculator that automatically adjusts aiming points based on environmental data, helping shooters achieve more precise shots without manual calculations. Users can customize and share reticles, adding both functionality and personalization. The scope also records HD video of hunts for later review or sharing.

However, the scope weighs over 2 pounds and is larger than typical AR-15 scopes, which may affect balance and handling on lighter rifles. The price and technical complexity might exceed the needs of casual shooters, and export restrictions limit its availability. For serious users focused on thermal imaging and precision shooting with an AR-15, the Thor 5 LRF provides advanced capabilities, while newcomers or budget-conscious users might find it more than necessary.

Rating
9.7
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
65 reviews

Turrets and Adjustments
The one shot sighting-in feature simplifies setup and accuracy right out of the box.

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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