We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Tactical Rifle Scope For M 4 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 (35mm) M5C3 FFP PR2-MIL Dark Earth Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,338
Magnification
Turrets and Adjustments
Reticle

Most important from
25 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptionally clear and bright glass, enhancing target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
Turrets and Adjustments
Its controls are intuitive and responsive, making adjustments straightforward during use.
Reticle
The CCH reticle offers excellent hold points, especially effective for tracking moving targets in hunting scenarios.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 M5C3 FFP PR2-MIL is a high-quality tactical rifle scope made with professional-grade optics. It offers a versatile magnification range from 3.6x to 18x, which is great for both close-quarters and longer-range shooting, making it well suited for the M-4 rifle platform. The 44mm objective lens size strikes a good balance between light gathering and size, helping deliver bright, clear images even in challenging lighting conditions.

This scope features a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle, meaning the reticle scales with magnification, which is very useful for range estimation at any zoom level. The PR2-MIL reticle is designed with military and tactical users in mind, offering precise aiming points. The field of view at the lowest magnification is 28.3 feet per 100 yards, providing a decent viewing area to quickly acquire targets. The scope is rugged, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, built from aluminum with a durable Dark Earth finish, which is good for harsh environments.

One limitation is that it lacks night vision compatibility, so it might not suit users needing infrared features. Additionally, it is priced on the higher end and is somewhat larger in size, which may be more than casual shooters require. For serious shooters or professionals seeking clear optics, durability, and tactical-ready features, this scope remains an excellent choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,338
Magnification
Turrets and Adjustments
Reticle

Most important from
25 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptionally clear and bright glass, enhancing target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
Turrets and Adjustments
Its controls are intuitive and responsive, making adjustments straightforward during use.
Reticle
The CCH reticle offers excellent hold points, especially effective for tracking moving targets in hunting scenarios.
#2

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

Rating
10.0
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
377 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is simple, not too busy, with hash marks only on the horizontal, perfect for dialing elevation and holding for wind.
Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets have a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, making precision easy.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a high-quality option for those seeking a versatile tactical scope for an M-4. It offers a broad magnification range from 3x to 15x, making it suitable for both close-quarters and long-distance engagements. The 44mm objective lens diameter ensures a bright and clear image, even in low-light conditions, which is enhanced by Leupold's high-definition lenses and Guard-ion hydrophobic coating to keep the lens clean from dirt and water.

The Fine Duplex reticle provides a simple, precise aiming point without clutter, which can be beneficial for quick target acquisition. Eye relief is critical for user comfort and safety, and this scope provides ample eye relief for most users. One standout feature is the CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System - ZeroLock 2), allowing precise and repeatable elevation adjustments with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental changes. This feature, along with the side focus parallax adjustment, makes it easy to achieve sharp focus from various shooting positions.

The scope is robustly built, being waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, and it comes with Leupold's lifetime guarantee, offering peace of mind regarding durability and performance. On the downside, the scope is relatively heavy at 1.2 pounds, which might be a consideration for some users. Additionally, it does not include night vision capabilities, which could be a limitation for nocturnal operations. The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 is an excellent, durable option for tactical use, offering impressive optics and reliable performance, but its weight and lack of night vision might be drawbacks for some users.

Rating
10.0
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
377 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is simple, not too busy, with hash marks only on the horizontal, perfect for dialing elevation and holding for wind.
Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets have a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, making precision easy.
#3

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 30mm Tube Illuminated ZeroSet Parallax Adjustable First Focal Plane Hunting Gun Scope, Moar F1 (C624)

Rating
8.8
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
76 reviews

Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets track with exceptional precision, allowing for reliable and accurate adjustments.

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm scope is a strong choice for tactical use with an M-4 or similar rifles, thanks to its wide 4-32x magnification range. This means you can smoothly switch from close-up, fast-moving targets at 4x to very precise long-range shots at 32x, all with clear and sharp optics. The large 50mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, improving visibility in low-light conditions. It features a rugged 30mm aluminum body that’s lightweight at 1.8 pounds, so it won’t add too much bulk to your setup. The MOAR reticle in the first focal plane is designed for accuracy, with clear markings for elevation and windage that help with precise aiming and range estimation. Eye relief is a comfortable 3.5 inches, which helps keep your eye safe from recoil while maintaining a good view. The field of view varies from 26.1 feet at 4x, giving a wide sight picture, down to 4.6 feet at 32x for detailed target focus.

Its ZeroStop turret system allows you to quickly return to your zeroed settings, and parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity ensures your target stays sharp at any distance. While the scope is packed with advanced features ideal for tactical and hunting scenarios, its relatively long length (13.4 inches) and higher price might be considerations for some users. Also, the scope is not designed for night vision compatibility, which could be a drawback if you need low-light tactical capabilities.

This scope delivers excellent versatility, precision, and durability that tactical shooters will appreciate, especially when engaging targets from close to very long ranges.

Rating
8.8
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
76 reviews

Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets track with exceptional precision, allowing for reliable and accurate adjustments.

Buying Guide for the Best Tactical Rifle Scope For M 4

Choosing the right tactical rifle scope for your M4 can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. The right scope will depend on your specific needs, such as the type of shooting you plan to do (e.g., target shooting, hunting, or tactical operations), the distances you will be shooting at, and your personal preferences. Understanding the key specifications of rifle scopes will help you make an informed decision and select the best fit for your requirements.
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 typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For close to mid-range shooting (up to 300 yards), a magnification of 1-4x is usually sufficient. For longer ranges, you might need 5-10x or higher. Choose a magnification range based on the typical distances 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 objective lenses (e.g., 40-50mm) allow more light and are better for low-light conditions, but they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (e.g., 20-30mm) are more compact and lighter, suitable for daylight shooting. Consider the lighting conditions you will be shooting in and balance it with the weight and size you are comfortable with.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Simple crosshairs are good for general shooting, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots (e.g., mil-dot, BDC) can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs. For example, if you need quick target acquisition, a simple or illuminated reticle might be best. For long-range precision, a more detailed reticle could be beneficial.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (e.g., 3-4 inches) allows you to maintain a safe distance from the scope, reducing the risk of injury from recoil. Shorter eye relief (e.g., 2-3 inches) might be acceptable for low-recoil situations. Consider the recoil of your M4 and your shooting posture to determine the appropriate 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 useful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. FOV decreases as magnification increases. For close to mid-range shooting, a wider FOV (e.g., 30-40 feet at 100 yards) is beneficial. For long-range precision shooting, a narrower FOV might be acceptable. Choose a FOV that matches your shooting scenarios and preferences.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are 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. Some scopes have exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets for protection. The adjustment increments (e.g., 1/4 MOA, 1/10 mil) determine the precision of each click. Consider how often you will need to make adjustments and whether you prefer quick access or protection from accidental changes. Choose turrets and adjustments that suit your shooting style and needs.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now