10 Best AR 15 scopes 2026 in the United States

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.

It boasts unlimited eye relief and is parallax-free, so your eye position does not affect accuracy. The sight is built tough with an aluminum body and a titanium hood, making it durable against shocks and rough use. Battery life is excellent, rated for up to 50,000 hours, and it includes smart features like Shake Awake, which conserves power by turning off the reticle when not in use, and Solar Failsafe, which uses light to keep the sight working if the battery is depleted. Adjustments are precise with 0.5 MOA clicks and a wide travel range of ±50 MOA, allowing easy zeroing on your target.

The fixed 1x magnification, standard for red dots, may limit versatility for longer range shooting, and it is not compatible with night vision devices, which could be a drawback for low light environments. This makes the Holosun HS510C a reliable, user-friendly optic well suited for shooters seeking a rugged, fast-target-acquisition sight on their AR-15 or other rifles without the need for magnification or night vision features.

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.

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.