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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 by1,463
Turret Adjustments
Reticle Type

Most important from
324 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 by1,463
Turret Adjustments
Reticle Type

Most important from
324 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 VX-6HD 3-18x50 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. TMOA Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
49 reviews

Turret Adjustments
Leupold offers a free custom top turret dial for your round, eliminating the need to think about elevation.

The Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50 riflescope is a solid choice for AR-15 users, particularly in hunting applications. With a magnification range of 3x to 18x, it offers versatility for both close and long-range shots. The 50mm objective lens allows for excellent light transmission, making it effective in low-light conditions, which is a significant advantage for hunters. The illuminated T-MOA reticle aids in target acquisition, especially during twilight hours.

One of its notable strengths is the eye relief, which provides comfortable viewing while maintaining safety from recoil. The turret adjustments are precise, allowing for easy zeroing and adjustments in the field. Durability is another strong point, as the aluminum construction and weather resistance features ensure it can withstand various outdoor conditions.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Weighing in at 6.4 ounces may feel a bit heavy for some users, especially when used with lighter rifles. Additionally, while the price point reflects its premium quality, it may be on the higher side for those on a budget or for first-time riflescope buyers. For those who prioritize simplicity and are looking for a more basic scope, this may not be the perfect fit.

Rating
10.0
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
49 reviews

Turret Adjustments
Leupold offers a free custom top turret dial for your round, eliminating the need to think about elevation.
#3

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

Rating
9.9
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
26 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
9.9
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
26 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.

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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