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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,396
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
29 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 by1,396
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
29 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 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Wind-Plex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
350 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptionally crisp and clear optics, providing a solid and reliable viewing experience without unnecessary gimmicks.
Reticle Type
The reticle design is well thought out, balancing simplicity with functionality for quick target acquisition and consistent zero retention.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built in the USA with a lifetime warranty, this scope offers peace of mind and long-term durability for serious shooters.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 riflescope is a solid choice for someone looking to equip an AR-15 with a versatile and reliable optic. Its magnification range of 3-15x offers flexibility for both close and longer-range shooting, making it suitable for hunting and target shooting alike. The 44mm objective lens, combined with Leupold's Guard-ion coating, ensures clear, bright images even in challenging conditions by repelling dirt and water. The Wind-Plex reticle is simple and effective, great for quick target acquisition and wind adjustments without being overly complicated.

The side focus parallax adjustment lets you fine-tune your view easily from any shooting position, enhancing accuracy. One standout feature is the CDS-ZL2 system, allowing precise elevation adjustments with a push-button lock to avoid accidental changes, plus a custom dial option tailored to your bullet's ballistics — a great help if you want very precise shots at varying distances. Eye relief is comfortable for AR-15 shooters, reducing the risk of scope impact during recoil.

Durability is strong, with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction designed and made in the USA. Leupold's lifetime warranty adds peace of mind. While the scope is lightweight at around 1 pound, the 44mm lens is a bit larger than some AR-15 shooters might prefer for a more compact setup. It doesn’t feature night vision compatibility, so it’s not ideal for low-light hunting. Though priced higher than basic scopes, it offers premium features that justify the investment if you want long-term reliability and precision. This scope is well suited for AR-15 users seeking a high-quality, versatile optic with excellent glass clarity, precise adjustments, and rugged durability, but may be less appealing if you need a very compact or night vision-ready scope.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
350 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptionally crisp and clear optics, providing a solid and reliable viewing experience without unnecessary gimmicks.
Reticle Type
The reticle design is well thought out, balancing simplicity with functionality for quick target acquisition and consistent zero retention.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built in the USA with a lifetime warranty, this scope offers peace of mind and long-term durability for serious shooters.
#3

Vortex Optics Venom 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MOA) Reticle

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle Type
Field of View

Most important from
796 reviews

Magnification
The 3-15x magnification range is versatile enough for both close and extended-range shooting, suitable for multiple calibers from .22LR to .338 Win Mag.
Reticle Type
The first focal plane reticle maintains accurate ranging and holdovers across all magnification levels, supporting precise shot placement.
Field of View
Exceptional clarity and bright optics make target acquisition fast and precise, even in varied lighting conditions.
Turret Adjustments
Turrets offer positive, tactile clicks with full adjustment range, and the RevStop Zero feature ensures a reliable return to zero every time.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality is robust with waterproof, fogproof, and scratch-resistant features, backed by a lifetime warranty.

The Vortex Venom 3-15x44 riflescope offers a versatile magnification range of 3x to 15x, ideal for both medium and longer distance shooting on an AR-15. Its 44mm objective lens provides bright, clear images with good light transmission, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to fully multi-coated lenses. The EBR-7C MOA reticle, placed in the first focal plane, stays accurate across all magnification levels, which helps with precise target ranging and holdovers.

Eye relief is comfortable, and the 41.2 feet field of view at certain magnifications provides enough situational awareness for fast target acquisition. The turret system combines capped windage and exposed elevation turrets, balancing quick adjustments with fine control, while the RevStop Zero feature makes returning to zero simple and reliable. Durability is assured by a strong aluminum tube, nitrogen purging for waterproof and fogproof performance, and scratch-resistant Armortek coating. Additional user-friendly features include a throw lever for fast zoom changes and lens covers.

The scope weighs 1.8 pounds, which might be heavy for some AR-15 users seeking a lightweight setup. It does not have night vision compatibility, so it is not suited for shooting in complete darkness. The product is well-regarded by customers and comes with a lifetime warranty, though its price reflects its quality, which may be a factor for budget-conscious buyers. This scope is an excellent choice for AR-15 owners needing a reliable, clear, and precise optic for hunting and mid- to long-range shooting.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle Type
Field of View

Most important from
796 reviews

Magnification
The 3-15x magnification range is versatile enough for both close and extended-range shooting, suitable for multiple calibers from .22LR to .338 Win Mag.
Reticle Type
The first focal plane reticle maintains accurate ranging and holdovers across all magnification levels, supporting precise shot placement.
Field of View
Exceptional clarity and bright optics make target acquisition fast and precise, even in varied lighting conditions.
Turret Adjustments
Turrets offer positive, tactile clicks with full adjustment range, and the RevStop Zero feature ensures a reliable return to zero every time.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality is robust with waterproof, fogproof, and scratch-resistant features, backed by a lifetime warranty.

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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