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10 Best Leupold Scope For A R 15 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,407
Turret Adjustments
Reticle Type

Most important from
344 reviews

Turret Adjustments
Turrets provide a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, enhancing precision.
Reticle Type
The reticle design is simple and effective, with horizontal hashes for wind adjustments and dial for elevation.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a high-quality option for AR-15 users, particularly those interested in hunting or precision shooting. It offers a versatile magnification range of 3x to 15x, making it suitable for various shooting distances. The 44mm objective lens ensures a bright and clear image, even in low-light conditions, which is further enhanced by the FireDot Duplex reticle and high-definition lenses for excellent clarity across all magnification levels.

One standout feature is the CDS-ZL2 (ZeroLock 2) system, which provides precise elevation adjustments and prevents accidental dial movements, a significant advantage for accuracy. The hydrophobic Guard-ion lens coating also helps keep the lenses clear of dirt and water, ensuring low maintenance and consistently sharp images. The side focus parallax adjustment allows for quick focusing from different shooting positions, enhancing the usability.

Durability is a strong point, with the scope being 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, thus making it reliable in various weather conditions. It is also backed by Leupold's full lifetime guarantee, which speaks to its build quality and the company's confidence in the product. On the downside, the VX-5HD may be considered a bit heavy at 1 pound and on the pricier side compared to other scopes. Additionally, its complexity may be overwhelming for beginners who are not familiar with advanced scope features. However, for seasoned shooters and hunters who demand precision and reliability, the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a top-tier choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,407
Turret Adjustments
Reticle Type

Most important from
344 reviews

Turret Adjustments
Turrets provide a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, enhancing precision.
Reticle Type
The reticle design is simple and effective, with horizontal hashes for wind adjustments and dial for elevation.
#2

Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP PR2-MIL Dark Earth Riflescope

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle Type

Most important from
34 reviews

Magnification
The quality of the craftsmanship, the clarity of the optics throughout the magnification, and the ease of use left me amazed.
Reticle Type
The CCH reticle takes getting used to but becomes very effective once mastered.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP PR2-MIL Dark Earth Riflescope is a high-end option for AR-15 users looking for excellent performance in various lighting conditions. Its Professional-Grade Optical System ensures superior light transmission and glare reduction, which is crucial for clear visibility in harsh light. The 5-25x magnification range is highly versatile, allowing you to shoot accurately at both short and long distances.

The 56mm objective lens provides a wide field of view, making it easier to track moving targets. The first focal plane reticle is a significant advantage for those who require consistent range estimation at all magnifications, ensuring your reticle scales with your target as you zoom in or out. The scope is extremely durable, being 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, which means it can withstand tough field conditions.

It's also made in the USA with Leupold's renowned customer care backing it up. However, its weight of 3 pounds might be considered heavy for some users, and it doesn't include night vision capabilities, which could limit its utility in low-light or nighttime shooting scenarios. Though the premium features and quality come at a higher price point, if you need a robust, reliable, and highly adjustable scope for your AR-15 and are willing to invest in top-tier performance, this could be an excellent choice.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle Type

Most important from
34 reviews

Magnification
The quality of the craftsmanship, the clarity of the optics throughout the magnification, and the ease of use left me amazed.
Reticle Type
The CCH reticle takes getting used to but becomes very effective once mastered.
#3

Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M5C3 FFP Side Focus Riflescope, PR2-MIL Reticle

Rating
8.5
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
14 reviews

Reticle Type
The clear reticle and easy-to-read MRAD .25 mils make it perfect for PRS shooting.
Durability and Weather Resistance
These scopes never fail, no matter the situation, weather, or location.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope is a high-quality scope designed for serious shooters and hunters. It offers a wide magnification range from 5x to 25x, providing flexibility for targeting both close and distant objects. The large 56mm objective lens ensures a bright and clear image, even at high magnifications. The first focal plane (FFP) reticle is advantageous for estimating range at all magnifications, as it scales with the image. The PR2-MIL reticle enhances precision shooting, contributing to the scope's accuracy.

The M5C3 low-profile turrets allow for fine adjustments with tactile feedback, ensuring precise changes without losing track of settings. Lightweight for its class, the scope is easier to handle and reduces fatigue during long hunting trips. Durability is another key strength, with the scope being waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, essential for reliable performance in various weather conditions.

Designed and assembled in the USA, it comes with Leupold's renowned customer care and a full lifetime guarantee, which adds peace of mind regarding its longevity and performance. The scope might be overkill for casual users or beginners due to its high-end features and price point. Despite this, the Leupold Mark 5HD is a top-tier choice for experienced shooters looking for a reliable and versatile riflescope for their AR-15.

Rating
8.5
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
14 reviews

Reticle Type
The clear reticle and easy-to-read MRAD .25 mils make it perfect for PRS shooting.
Durability and Weather Resistance
These scopes never fail, no matter the situation, weather, or location.

Buying Guide for the Best Leupold Scope For A R 15

Choosing the right scope for your AR-15 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, you need 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 important because it determines how well you can see and aim at distant targets. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are ideal for close-range shooting and quick target acquisition, making them suitable for tactical and home defense purposes. Medium magnification (5-9x) is versatile for both close and mid-range shooting, while high magnification (10x and above) is best for long-range precision shooting. Choose the magnification based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
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 the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, providing a clearer image in low-light conditions, but they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (20-32mm) are lighter and more compact, suitable for daylight shooting and situations where weight is a concern. Consider the lighting conditions and the importance of portability when choosing the objective lens diameter.
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 easy to use and great for general shooting. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles help with long-range shooting by providing holdover points for bullet drop. Mil-dot and MOA reticles are more advanced, offering precise measurements for range estimation and windage adjustments. Choose a reticle type that matches your shooting style and the complexity of your shooting scenarios.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This is crucial for comfort and safety, especially with the recoil of an AR-15. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches) are more comfortable and safer, reducing the risk of the scope hitting your eye during recoil. Shorter eye relief can be acceptable for low-recoil situations but may be less comfortable. Consider your comfort and the recoil of your rifle when evaluating 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. Lower magnification scopes typically offer a wider FOV, while higher magnification narrows it. If you need to track moving targets or require a broader view of your surroundings, prioritize a scope with a wider FOV.
Turret AdjustmentsTurret adjustments refer to the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) settings. These adjustments are crucial for zeroing your scope and making precise shots at varying distances. Some scopes offer tactical turrets with audible clicks for easy adjustments, while others have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. Consider how often you will need to make adjustments and whether you prefer quick, on-the-fly changes or more secure, set-and-forget settings.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are important for ensuring your scope can withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to ensure reliable performance in various environments. High-quality materials and construction will also contribute to the longevity of the scope. If you plan to use your AR-15 in challenging conditions, prioritize scopes with robust durability and weather-resistant features.

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