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 2025 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

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,429
Reticle
Eye Relief
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
13583 reviews

Reticle
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic for its price range.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and a full image view at both low and high power, without the 'soda straw' effect.
Turrets and Adjustments
Despite some complaints about turrets not having an audible click, adjustments are still easy and reliable.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO riflescope is a versatile and durable option for those using an M4 for hunting or tactical purposes. One of its main strengths is its adjustable magnification range of 4x to 12x, allowing for flexibility in various shooting scenarios. The 50mm objective lens diameter ensures a bright and clear image, especially in low light conditions, which is crucial for precise targeting.

The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly beneficial for shooters who need to make quick holdover estimations at varying distances. Additionally, the adjustable objective helps in removing parallax and focusing the image, enhancing accuracy. The scope's long eye relief and forgiving eye box make it comfortable and quick to acquire targets, which is essential in high-pressure situations. The capped reset turrets allow for easy adjustments and can be reset to zero after sighting in, adding to the scope's user-friendly nature.

Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the single-piece tube design ensures robustness and can withstand shocks, making it a reliable choice for rugged use. It is also waterproof and fogproof, thanks to the O-ring seals and nitrogen purging, ensuring performance in various weather conditions. On the downside, the riflescope is relatively heavy at 2 pounds, which might not be ideal for those looking for a lightweight option. Additionally, it does not have night vision capabilities, limiting its use in complete darkness. However, the unlimited, unconditional, lifetime VIP warranty offered by Vortex provides peace of mind, ensuring support in case of damage or defects. This riflescope is well-suited for hunters and tactical shooters who value durability, versatility, and clear optics in their equipment.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,429
Reticle
Eye Relief
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
13583 reviews

Reticle
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic for its price range.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and a full image view at both low and high power, without the 'soda straw' effect.
Turrets and Adjustments
Despite some complaints about turrets not having an audible click, adjustments are still easy and reliable.
#2

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13583 reviews

Magnification
Ideal magnification range to confidently engage targets up to 500 yards when combined with proper ballistic adjustments.
Reticle
The scope delivers clear and bright optics, providing excellent image quality even for shooters with aging eyes.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief makes it comfortable and safe to use, reducing the chance of scope bite during recoil.
Field of View
Wide field of view aids in quick target acquisition and tracking moving targets effectively.
Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets provide decent adjustment, though precision dialing beyond 500 yards may require higher-end optics.

The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout is a solid choice for a tactical riflescope suited to an M-4 style or scout rifle. Its 2-7x magnification range offers flexibility for both close and mid-range shooting, though it doesn’t reach the higher magnification that some tactical scopes offer for long-distance precision. The 32mm objective lens provides clear and bright images without making the scope too bulky or heavy, weighing just 12 ounces.

A standout feature is the V-Plex reticle, which is simple and versatile, ideal for quick target acquisition in various hunting or tactical scenarios. As a second focal plane scope, the reticle size doesn’t change with zoom, which can affect range estimation compared to first focal plane scopes. Eye relief is generous at 9.45 inches, making it comfortable and safe to use, especially with rifles like the M-4 that have more recoil. The wide field of view (42 feet at 100 yards) helps track moving targets easily. The turrets are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks that reset to zero, allowing quick, accurate adjustments in the field.

Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is strong and shock-resistant, sealed and nitrogen-purged for waterproof and fogproof reliability—important for use in various weather conditions. While it lacks night vision compatibility and some advanced tactical features like illuminated reticles or higher zoom levels, its clear optics, solid construction, and lifetime warranty make it a dependable and user-friendly option for many tactical shooters and hunters using scout-style rifles.

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13583 reviews

Magnification
Ideal magnification range to confidently engage targets up to 500 yards when combined with proper ballistic adjustments.
Reticle
The scope delivers clear and bright optics, providing excellent image quality even for shooters with aging eyes.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief makes it comfortable and safe to use, reducing the chance of scope bite during recoil.
Field of View
Wide field of view aids in quick target acquisition and tracking moving targets effectively.
Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets provide decent adjustment, though precision dialing beyond 500 yards may require higher-end optics.
#3

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

Rating
8.8
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
345 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is just as I like it. Not too busy, with only horizontal hashes, perfect for dialing elevation and holding wind.
Turrets and Adjustments
The turrets have a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 Riflescope is a high-quality option for those seeking a tactical rifle scope for an M-4. It offers a versatile magnification range from 3x to 15x, making it suitable for both close and long-range engagements. The 44mm objective lens provides a bright and clear image, even in low light conditions. The illuminated FireDot Duplex Reticle is a standout feature, ensuring quick target acquisition and better visibility in various lighting conditions. The CDS-ZL2 system is particularly useful, allowing for precise elevation adjustments and preventing accidental changes with its ZeroLock mechanism.

Additionally, the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring durability and reliability in harsh environments. The hydrophobic Guard-ion lens coating is a practical addition, as it repels water and dirt, maintaining a clear view with minimal maintenance.

One of the notable strengths is the side focus parallax adjustment, which allows for quick and easy focusing from different shooting positions. Another plus is that this riflescope is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, backed by Leupold’s full lifetime guarantee. Potential drawbacks include its weight of 1 pound, which might be slightly heavy for some users. Additionally, the price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 Riflescope is an excellent choice for those needing a reliable, feature-rich tactical scope for their M-4, offering a good blend of performance, durability, and advanced features.

Rating
8.8
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
345 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is just as I like it. Not too busy, with only horizontal hashes, perfect for dialing elevation and holding wind.
Turrets and Adjustments
The turrets have a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment.

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