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10 Best Leupold Scope For A R 15 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Side Focus Riflescope, PR1-MOA Reticle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,118
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
30 reviews

Magnification
High quality glass paired with excellent 5-25 magnification makes this scope stand out.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality is top-notch and it's the lightest among 34mm or 35mm tube riflescopes.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 Front Focal PR-1 MOA Riflescope is designed for hunters and shooting enthusiasts who require precision and durability. One of its standout features is the magnification range of 5x to 25x, which allows for versatile use from close to long-range shooting. The large 56mm objective lens ensures maximum light gathering, enhancing clarity and brightness, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to the Twilight Max HD Light Management system.

The PR1-MOA reticle on the front focal plane is particularly beneficial for accurate range estimation at various magnifications, making it ideal for precision shooting. The eye relief provides comfort and safety during use, reducing strain and improving the shooting experience especially for high-powered rifles like the AR-15. Additionally, the scope offers a generous field of view, ensuring easy target acquisition and tracking.

The M1C3 turrets allow for precise adjustments with 1/4 MOA clicks and a push-button ZeroLock feature, which helps maintain zeroing and simplifies elevation adjustments. Durability is another strong point; being waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, this scope can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling. The aluminum construction contributes to its robustness while maintaining a manageable weight of 2.86 pounds. However, it's important to note that the scope is relatively pricey, which could be a drawback for budget-conscious buyers. Its size might also be cumbersome for users preferring more compact scopes. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Leupold Mark 5HD is a high-quality scope that offers excellent performance, especially suited for AR-15 rifles.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,118
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
30 reviews

Magnification
High quality glass paired with excellent 5-25 magnification makes this scope stand out.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality is top-notch and it's the lightest among 34mm or 35mm tube riflescopes.
#2

Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.1
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
34 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
Super clear edge to edge, can’t beat the life time warranty, and made in the USA.

The Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52 riflescope stands out with its impressive magnification range from 4 to 20 times, making it versatile for both close-up and long-distance shooting. The 52mm objective lens diameter ensures ample light transmission for clearer images, even in low-light conditions. The Duplex Reticle is straightforward and user-friendly, suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios. With an eye relief sufficient to keep your eye safe from recoil, it caters well to AR-15 users who may use the rifle for extended periods.

The field of view is broad, allowing shooters to easily spot and track targets. Turret adjustments via the CDS-ZL2 system are precise and user-friendly, ensuring accurate shooting without accidental adjustments, thanks to the ZeroLock mechanism. The side focus parallax adjustment adds to ease of use, providing quick fine-tuning from any shooting position. Durability is a strong point, as this scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in diverse weather conditions. The hydrophobic lens coating further enhances clarity by repelling dirt and water.

Weighing 1.5 pounds, it's relatively lightweight and won't heavily burden the rifle. Backed by Leupold's full lifetime guarantee, users can trust in its long-term performance. Its relatively higher price and advanced features might be overkill for casual shooters, making it more suitable for dedicated enthusiasts or hunters looking for high precision and reliability.

Rating
9.1
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
34 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
Super clear edge to edge, can’t beat the life time warranty, and made in the USA.
#3

Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56 Riflescope - ED Prime Glass, Illuminated Deploy MIL 2 Reticle for Precision Shooting

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
49 reviews

Magnification
Image clarity diminishes slightly beyond 25x magnification, appearing milky at the highest zoom.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens helps maintain good clarity and light gathering in varied conditions.
Turret Adjustments
Locking turrets with clear, audible clicks provide precise adjustments and prevent accidental movement during use.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Despite weighing around 32 ounces, the scope balances durability and performance well for precision shooting.

The Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56 riflescope is a strong choice for precision shooters looking to use it on an AR-15 style rifle, especially for long-range target work. Its broad 5-30x magnification range is excellent for reaching distant targets clearly, while the large 56mm objective lens ensures good light gathering, which helps in low-light conditions. The illuminated Deploy MIL 2 reticle offers precise aiming with adjustable brightness and handy features like staggered line weights and hold-under marks, making target measurement easier and more accurate.

Eye relief is generous thanks to its design with a 34mm main tube, which also supports substantial turret adjustments—30 MRAD for elevation and 14.5 MRAD for windage—giving you the fine control needed for precise shots. The turrets themselves lock securely and have clear markings, helping to avoid accidental movement during use. A zero stop and rotation indicators add confidence when dialing shots.

Durability is another strong point: it's rated waterproof and fogproof (IPX7), and the EXO Barrier coating repels water, oil, and dust to keep your view clear in tough weather. Weighing about 2 pounds, it's solid but not overly heavy for an AR-15 setup. The scope is optimized for long-range precision rather than close-quarters or quick target acquisition, so it may be less ideal if you want a versatile optic for fast shooting or tactical use. Also, it does not support night vision. This riflescope suits competitive and precision shooters who want a reliable, high-magnification optic with excellent clarity and weather resistance for their AR-15 or similar rifles.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
49 reviews

Magnification
Image clarity diminishes slightly beyond 25x magnification, appearing milky at the highest zoom.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens helps maintain good clarity and light gathering in varied conditions.
Turret Adjustments
Locking turrets with clear, audible clicks provide precise adjustments and prevent accidental movement during use.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Despite weighing around 32 ounces, the scope balances durability and performance well for precision shooting.

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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