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10 Best AR 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

SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Coyote Tan

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,132
Magnification
Reticle
Objective Lens Diameter

Most important from
732 reviews

Magnification
Offers excellent value with solid optical clarity and brightness, performing well even at 1x magnification despite minor distortion.
Reticle
Includes a user-friendly illuminated reticle with ballistic drop marks, though mastering the reticle’s subtleties is key to maximizing accuracy.
Objective Lens Diameter
A smaller objective lens slightly limits low-light performance, but excellent light transmission compensates well.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durable and reliable, this scope holds zero consistently over many rounds and withstands tough conditions.

The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm is a solid choice if you're after a reliable and versatile scope for AR-style rifles. Its 1-6x magnification range allows for quick target acquisition at close distances and decent zoom for mid-range shots, making it useful for both hunting and tactical situations. The 24mm objective lens is a bit on the smaller side compared to some scopes, which means less light gathering, but SIG SAUER compensates with excellent light transmission and optical clarity, helping you see targets clearly even in lower light. The illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle is a standout feature, offering 11 brightness settings to adapt well to different lighting conditions, which can help with precise aiming. Being a second focal plane reticle means the reticle size stays the same across magnifications, which is simpler for many users.

This scope also scores high on durability and weather resistance — it's waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, thanks to nitrogen purging inside and tough aluminum construction outside. The included cantilever mount and flip-back lens covers add convenience and protection, making it ready for rugged environments. This scope suits users wanting a tough, clear, and adaptable optic for hunting or tactical use on MSR rifles, though the smaller objective lens might slightly limit performance in very dim conditions.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,132
Magnification
Reticle
Objective Lens Diameter

Most important from
732 reviews

Magnification
Offers excellent value with solid optical clarity and brightness, performing well even at 1x magnification despite minor distortion.
Reticle
Includes a user-friendly illuminated reticle with ballistic drop marks, though mastering the reticle’s subtleties is key to maximizing accuracy.
Objective Lens Diameter
A smaller objective lens slightly limits low-light performance, but excellent light transmission compensates well.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durable and reliable, this scope holds zero consistently over many rounds and withstands tough conditions.
#2

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Rating
9.4
Eye Relief

Most important from
18 reviews

Eye Relief
The glass is the best out of all the scopes I've tried, with precise adjustments and forgiving eye-relief.

The ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope is designed for those passionate about long-range shooting and hunting. With a magnification range from 6x to 36x, it provides versatility whether you're aiming close or far. The 56mm objective lens and advanced optics, featuring Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and ZEISS T* multi-coated lenses, ensure a bright and clear view with impressive 90% light transmission. This means better performance in low light conditions, which is crucial for hunting at dawn or dusk.

The illuminated reticle, visible even in daylight, enhances accuracy with customizable red or green illumination options and five intensity levels, focusing on the center section for precision aiming. Additionally, the first focal plane design means that the reticle scales correctly with magnification, keeping your aim consistent at all ranges. One of the standout features is its total elevation travel of 110 MOA, making it excellent for extreme long-range adjustments. The Ballistic Stop provides a reliable return to zero, and the External Locking Windage Turret allows for quick and secure windage adjustments.

Durability is another strong point – with a 34mm main tube and a design that withstands up to 1,500 g-force shocks, it's built to last. However, weighing in at 39.1 ounces, it is on the heavier side, which might be a drawback for those looking to minimize added weight to their rifles. Despite the substantial investment, this riflescope offers a robust feature set for serious shooters and hunters.

Rating
9.4
Eye Relief

Most important from
18 reviews

Eye Relief
The glass is the best out of all the scopes I've tried, with precise adjustments and forgiving eye-relief.
#3

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 30mm Tube Illuminated ZeroSet First Focal Plane Dark Earth Hunting Gun Scope, MIL-XT Reticle (C667)

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
12 reviews

Magnification
The wide magnification range significantly improves target visibility at various distances, enabling confident shooting beyond 300 yards.
Eye Relief
Eye relief feels comfortable and reliable, providing a solid shooting experience even with higher magnifications.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Precision and durability stand out with crisp turret adjustments and a robust, well-finished build that feels premium.

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 scope offers a very wide magnification range, from 4x to 32x, making it highly versatile for both close and long-distance shooting. This means you can quickly target fast-moving objects nearby or zoom in sharply on distant targets with excellent clarity. Its 50mm objective lens allows good light gathering for bright, clear images even in low light. The MIL-XT reticle is designed for precision, featuring clear markings that help with fast and accurate aiming, especially useful in competitive or hunting situations. The first focal plane reticle keeps the aiming marks accurate at all zoom levels, which is a valuable feature for shooters who adjust magnification often.

Eye relief is 3.5 inches, which is adequate but may feel a bit tight for some users, especially with higher recoil firearms. The scope’s field of view ranges from a wide 26.1 feet at 4x to a narrow 4.6 feet at 32x, which is typical for this magnification range but means you'll see less surroundings when zoomed in. Durability stands out, as the scope is built with a sturdy 30mm aluminum tube and weather-resistant features, suitable for harsh hunting conditions. It also includes helpful extras like flip-up lens covers and a power throw lever for quick zoom changes.

The main downsides are the relatively short eye relief and the scope’s length and weight, which might feel bulky for some shooters or certain rifle setups. This scope is a strong option for hunters and shooters seeking a reliable, sharp, and versatile AR scope that can handle varied shooting scenarios.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
12 reviews

Magnification
The wide magnification range significantly improves target visibility at various distances, enabling confident shooting beyond 300 yards.
Eye Relief
Eye relief feels comfortable and reliable, providing a solid shooting experience even with higher magnifications.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Precision and durability stand out with crisp turret adjustments and a robust, well-finished build that feels premium.

Buying Guide for the Best AR scopes

Choosing the right AR (Augmented Reality) scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience by providing advanced targeting and situational awareness. When selecting an AR scope, it's important to consider various specifications that will impact its performance and suitability for your needs. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you get the best fit for your specific requirements.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see and aim at distant targets. Magnification values are usually represented as a range, such as 1-4x or 3-9x. Lower magnification (1-4x) is suitable for close to mid-range shooting, providing a wider field of view and quicker target acquisition. Higher magnification (5-10x and above) is better for long-range shooting, allowing you to see distant targets more clearly. Choose the magnification based on the typical distance of your shooting activities.
ReticleThe reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through the scope. It is crucial for accurate targeting. Reticles come in various designs, such as duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator). A simple duplex reticle is easy to use and suitable for general shooting. A mil-dot reticle helps with range estimation and windage adjustments, making it ideal for tactical and long-range shooting. A BDC reticle is designed to compensate for bullet drop at different distances, useful for hunting and long-range shooting. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs.
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 (40mm and above) allow more light, providing a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (20-32mm) are more compact and lighter but may not perform as well in low light. Choose the objective lens size based on your need for brightness and portability.
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 is important for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with lower magnification typically offer a wider FOV, making them suitable for close-range and dynamic shooting scenarios. Higher magnification scopes have a narrower FOV, which is less ideal for moving targets but better for precise long-range shots. Consider your shooting environment and whether you need to track moving targets when choosing the FOV.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil firearms. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) provides a safer distance from the scope, reducing the risk of injury from recoil. Shorter eye relief (less than 3 inches) may be acceptable for low-recoil firearms but can be uncomfortable and risky with higher recoil. Choose a scope with adequate eye relief based on the recoil of your firearm and your comfort preferences.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance refer to the scope's ability to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. This is important for ensuring the scope's longevity and reliability in various environments. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. These features ensure that the scope can handle impacts, resist water damage, and maintain clear visibility in humid or rainy conditions. Choose a scope with robust durability and weather resistance if you plan to use it in challenging outdoor conditions or for rugged activities.

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