10 Best AR 15 scopes 2026 in the United States

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56 Riflescope is designed with precision and versatility in mind, making it a good fit for hunting enthusiasts. It offers a broad magnification range from 3x to 15x, which allows for flexibility in various hunting scenarios, from close-range to long-distance shots. The large 56mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission, providing clear and bright images even in low light conditions. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle is another strong feature, enhancing target visibility and accuracy, especially during dawn or dusk hunting sessions.

The eye relief is comfortable, making it easier to maintain a full field of view without straining your eye placement. The CDS-ZL2 system is particularly noteworthy; it offers precise elevation adjustments and prevents accidental dial movements, which is essential for maintaining accuracy in the field. The Motion Sensor Technology (MST) is a smart addition, extending battery life by deactivating the illuminated reticle when not in use, and reactivating it instantly upon sensing motion. This scope is also built to withstand tough conditions, being waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.

However, the scope's weight of 2.1 pounds might be a bit heavy for some users who prefer lighter gear. Additionally, while the side focus parallax adjustment is convenient, beginners might find it a bit complex to use initially. This riflescope is best suited for serious hunters who need a reliable and versatile scope that can perform well under various conditions.

The Vortex Optics Venom 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope is designed for those looking to enhance their long-distance shooting capabilities. This scope offers a magnification range of 3x to 15x, allowing for versatility in various shooting scenarios. The 44mm objective lens combined with the XD Optical System ensures clear and sharp images with reduced chromatic aberration, making it suitable for low-light conditions as well. The EBR-7C reticle is a standout feature, providing accurate measurements throughout the magnification range, which is crucial for precise targeting and ranging.

The eye relief of 3.7 inches ensures comfortable viewing, minimizing strain during prolonged use. The field of view is 8.4 feet, which is reasonable for its class, providing a good balance between target acquisition and situational awareness. The scope's turrets are user-friendly, with capped windage and exposed elevation turrets that offer quick adjustments while maintaining precision. The RevStop Zero System is a significant advantage, allowing for a fast and reliable return to zero, which is essential for consistent shooting performance. Durability is another strong point, with a shockproof aluminum tube and an Armortek coating that protects the lenses from scratches and oil. Additionally, the scope is nitrogen-purged, ensuring waterproof and fogproof performance, which adds to its reliability in various environmental conditions.

However, it's worth noting that the scope does not have night vision capabilities, which might be a limitation for some users. At 1.8 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, making it a good match for most rifles without adding excessive weight. The Vortex Venom is also backed by a robust lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind for users concerned about long-term durability and performance. This riflescope is a solid choice for hunting and long-distance shooting, offering a good mix of features, durability, and ease of use.

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.