10 Best AR scopes 2025 in the United States

The ATN Thor 5 LRF Smart HD Thermal Scope is a strong contender in the thermal scope category, particularly suited for hunters who want advanced features. One of its standout strengths is the Ultra Sensitive Next Gen Thermal Sensor, paired with a high-resolution OLED display that offers rich colors and detailed visibility, making it easier to spot targets in varying light conditions.

Magnification ranges from 4x to 16x, providing flexibility for both close and long-range shots, while the built-in Laser Rangefinder is a valuable addition for those who want to ensure precision at any distance. The Advanced Ballistic Calculator helps users make informed decisions about their shots, enhancing accuracy and reducing guesswork.

The ability to create custom reticles is a fun and unique feature, allowing users to personalize their shooting experience. Moreover, the scope includes HD video recording capabilities, enabling hunters to capture their adventures in great detail, which is perfect for sharing with friends or reliving successful hunts. However, the size and weight of the scope (2.1 pounds) may be cumbersome for some users, particularly during extended outings. The scope is also ITAR restricted, meaning it cannot be exported, which might limit its accessibility for some users. Lastly, with a price point typically associated with high-end thermal scopes, it may not be suitable for budget-conscious hunters. The ATN Thor 5 LRF Smart HD Thermal Scope is a high-quality option for serious hunters seeking advanced technology and functionality, although potential users should weigh its size, weight, and price against their specific needs.

The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 riflescope is a solid choice for AR owners who want versatility for mid-range shooting and hunting. Its 4-12x magnification range offers flexibility, letting you zoom in for detailed shots or zoom out for a wider view. The 44mm objective lens provides a good balance, gathering enough light to give clear, bright images without making the scope too bulky. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help estimate bullet drop at different distances, which is handy if you’re hunting or shooting at varying ranges without complex adjustments. With a field of view of about 24.7 feet at 100 yards, you get a decent sight picture that helps track moving targets. Eye relief is generous at over 115mm, making it comfortable and safe to use with rifles that have a bit more recoil or a heavier setup.

The scope’s construction is sturdy, using aircraft-grade aluminum with O-ring seals and nitrogen purging to keep water, dust, and fog out, so it can handle tough outdoor conditions well. One thing to keep in mind is that the reticle is not illuminated, and the scope doesn’t support night vision. Also, while it’s very durable and offers lifetime warranty coverage, the weight of around 17 ounces might be noticeable on lighter AR platforms.

This riflescope suits hunters and shooters who want a reliable, clear optic with useful range compensation features in a rugged package without extra high-tech complexity.

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 is a high-end rifle scope designed for serious long-range shooters and hunters. It offers a wide magnification range from 7x to 35x, allowing you to zoom in close on distant targets or use lower magnification for quick target acquisition. The large 56mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, which helps provide a bright and clear image, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The scope features the MOAR F1 reticle, which is illuminated and sits in the first focal plane, meaning the reticle stays accurate at all zoom levels. This reticle is designed for precision, with clear markings that assist in range estimation and hold-off adjustments, making it easier to aim precisely at various distances. The field of view is quite generous at lower magnification (15 feet at 100 yards), which helps find and track targets, although it narrows significantly at higher magnifications. Eye relief is about 3.6 inches, a comfortable distance that helps protect your eye from recoil while maintaining a full view.

Built with a rugged 34mm aluminum tube, the scope is durable and weather-resistant, suitable for harsh outdoor conditions. Features like parallax adjustment down to 10 meters and a ZeroStop function allow for very precise shooting and quick return to zero after adjustments. The scope’s weight is on the heavier side (about 39 ounces), so it’s better suited for stable shooting setups rather than lightweight carry. This scope is an excellent option for hunters and shooters who require extreme precision and versatility at long distances and are prepared to handle a larger, heavier optic. Its premium build and advanced features justify its position as a top-tier hunting scope, though those seeking a lighter or simpler option might find it more than necessary.