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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
9.8
Chosen by1,112
Turret Adjustments
Reticle Type

Most important from
334 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
9.8
Chosen by1,112
Turret Adjustments
Reticle Type

Most important from
334 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-5HD 4-20x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.6
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
32 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
9.6
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
32 reviews

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

Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm M5C3 FFP Riflescope, TMR Reticle

Rating
9.4
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
24 reviews

Reticle Type
The CCH reticle is excellent for hunting applications, especially for moving targets.
Durability and Weather Resistance
This scope is incredibly tough and surprisingly light in weight.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm Riflescope is a strong contender for AR-15 users who prioritize versatility and durability in their optics. With magnification ranging from 3.6x to 18x, it allows for both close and long-range shooting, making it suitable for various hunting situations. The First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle is a standout feature, as it maintains size relative to the target at all magnifications, helping users accurately estimate distances, a crucial aspect for precision shooting.

The M5C3 turrets provide precise adjustments with a low profile design, allowing for easy dialing without obstructing your view. The scope’s construction includes scratch-resistant lenses and a robust aluminum body, ensuring it can withstand tough outdoor conditions. Furthermore, the Mark 5HD is 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, which means you can rely on it in various weather conditions.

The scope's price point might be high for some, as premium quality comes at a cost. Weighing 2.5 pounds, it’s on the heavier side compared to some other scopes, which could be a consideration for those looking for a lighter setup. The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm is a well-crafted option for AR-15 owners looking for a versatile, reliable scope that excels in different shooting scenarios. Just be prepared for its premium pricing and a bit of extra weight if you choose to mount it on your rifle.

Rating
9.4
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
24 reviews

Reticle Type
The CCH reticle is excellent for hunting applications, especially for moving targets.
Durability and Weather Resistance
This scope is incredibly tough and surprisingly light in weight.

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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