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10 Best vortex AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-9 Reticle (MOA)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,104
Magnification
Reticle Type
Field of View

Most important from
136 reviews

Magnification
This scope excels in quick target acquisition at 1x and offers incredibly clear glass for long-range shooting.
Reticle Type
The first focal plane design and comfortably lit reticle at 10x make this scope a favorite for precision shooting.
Field of View
Despite some negative reviews, the fisheye effect is minimal and does not impact accuracy, especially for users familiar with long scopes.

The Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24 riflescope is designed for those looking for a versatile and high-quality optic for their AR-15. With magnification ranging from 1x to 10x, this scope allows for quick target acquisition at close ranges and precision shooting at distances exceeding 1,000 yards. The first focal plane design ensures the reticle scales with magnification, making holdovers straightforward across the entire range.

One of the standout features is the EBR-9 reticle, which is versatile for estimating range and making windage corrections. The scope also boasts an excellent light transmission thanks to its HD optical system, making it suitable for low-light conditions—a definite plus for hunters and shooters.

The scope's durable aluminum construction is weather-resistant, meeting IPX7 standards for waterproofing, which is reassuring for outdoor use. Additionally, the illumination feature with 11 brightness settings is particularly useful for adapting to various lighting conditions, contributing to its usability in the field.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,104
Magnification
Reticle Type
Field of View

Most important from
136 reviews

Magnification
This scope excels in quick target acquisition at 1x and offers incredibly clear glass for long-range shooting.
Reticle Type
The first focal plane design and comfortably lit reticle at 10x make this scope a favorite for precision shooting.
Field of View
Despite some negative reviews, the fisheye effect is minimal and does not impact accuracy, especially for users familiar with long scopes.
#2

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7D Reticle (MOA)

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Eye Relief

Most important from
136 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptionally clear glass, especially noticeable at higher magnifications, making it ideal for long-range precision.
Eye Relief
The eye box is generous at low magnification, with only minor peripheral distortion at very close range that does not affect accuracy.

The Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 is a high-quality riflescope designed with long-range precision in mind, making it a solid choice for serious hunters and shooters using AR-15 platforms. Its wide magnification range from 6x to 36x allows for flexible target identification at varying distances, while the large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, delivering bright and clear images even in low-light situations. The first focal plane EBR-7D reticle, which is illuminated, supports quick range estimation and holds for windage and moving targets, which is very helpful for accuracy during dynamic shooting scenarios.

The scope offers a good field of view of 21.3 feet at 100 yards, balancing magnification and viewing area well. The redesigned turret system with L-Tec+ Zero Stop and micro adjustments makes zeroing the scope fast and reliable, preventing accidental dial changes and ensuring consistent shot placement. Parallax adjustment is included, improving focus clarity at long distances. Durability is strong thanks to aircraft-grade aluminum construction, O-ring sealing, and argon purging, making the scope waterproof and fogproof. The Armortek lens coatings enhance scratch resistance and guard against dirt and oil.

This scope is relatively heavy at 45 ounces, which might add noticeable weight to your rifle and affect handling during extended use. Also, the price may be higher than entry-level scopes, reflecting its premium features. The unlimited lifetime warranty adds good peace of mind. This scope suits shooters who want advanced optics for precision shooting at various distances, appreciating durability and fine adjustments, though it may be more than casual users need due to weight and price.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Eye Relief

Most important from
136 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptionally clear glass, especially noticeable at higher magnifications, making it ideal for long-range precision.
Eye Relief
The eye box is generous at low magnification, with only minor peripheral distortion at very close range that does not affect accuracy.
#3

Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 3-9x50mm Riflescope with Deadhold BDC Reticle

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Reticle Type
Eye Relief

Most important from
13583 reviews

Magnification
Offers a full image view at both low and high power, without the 'soda straw' effect.
Reticle Type
The BDC reticle is effective for ranging and holdovers, making it suitable for shooting out to 500 yards.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief of about 4 inches ensures a comfortable viewing experience with minimal scope black eye ring.
Field of View
Clear view with next to no darkness, providing a bright and accurate sight picture.
Turret Adjustments
Adjustments are accurate and consistent, enhancing the overall functionality for a hunting rifle.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Despite not replacing a high-end scope, it is highly functional and capable of withstanding field use.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 3-9x50mm Riflescope is a versatile option for AR-15 enthusiasts and hunters alike. With a magnification range of 3x to 9x, it offers flexibility for various shooting distances. The 50mm objective lens diameter allows for better light transmission, giving clearer visibility even in low-light conditions. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly advantageous for hunters, as it simplifies holdover estimation across different ranges.

With 3.8 inches of eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, the scope ensures comfort and quick target acquisition, minimizing eye strain during extended use. Additionally, the fast-focus eyepiece enhances reticle focusing speed and convenience. The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear images, ideal for accurate shot placement.

Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is both strong and shockproof, with O-ring seals and nitrogen purging providing waterproof and fogproof performance. These features contribute to its durability, making it suitable for harsh environmental conditions. Despite lacking night vision capabilities, the Crossfire II promises long-term reliability and customer satisfaction with its unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty. This riflescope is a solid choice for hunters and AR-15 users looking for a dependable, versatile, and clear-sighted scope.

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Reticle Type
Eye Relief

Most important from
13583 reviews

Magnification
Offers a full image view at both low and high power, without the 'soda straw' effect.
Reticle Type
The BDC reticle is effective for ranging and holdovers, making it suitable for shooting out to 500 yards.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief of about 4 inches ensures a comfortable viewing experience with minimal scope black eye ring.
Field of View
Clear view with next to no darkness, providing a bright and accurate sight picture.
Turret Adjustments
Adjustments are accurate and consistent, enhancing the overall functionality for a hunting rifle.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Despite not replacing a high-end scope, it is highly functional and capable of withstanding field use.

Buying Guide for the Best vortex AR 15 scopes

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 depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a Vortex AR-15 scope, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
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, while higher magnification (5-20x) is better for long-range precision. Choose a magnification range based on the typical distance you will be shooting. For versatile use, a variable magnification scope (e.g., 3-9x) can be a good choice.
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 image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (e.g., 50mm) allow more light and are better for low-light conditions, but they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (e.g., 32mm) are more compact and lighter, suitable for daylight shooting. Consider your typical shooting environment when choosing the objective lens size.
Reticle TypeThe reticle is the crosshair or 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. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle type that matches your shooting style and needs. For example, if you often shoot at varying distances, a BDC reticle might be beneficial.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This is important 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 'scope eye' from recoil. If you wear glasses or plan to shoot in various positions, longer eye relief is advantageous. Ensure the scope you choose has adequate eye relief for your comfort and shooting style.
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. If you need to quickly acquire and track targets, a scope with a wider FOV is preferable. Consider your shooting scenarios to determine the ideal FOV for your needs.
Turret AdjustmentsTurret adjustments refer to the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) of the reticle. This is crucial for zeroing your scope and making precise adjustments for different shooting conditions. Look for scopes with tactile and audible clicks for easy adjustments. Some scopes offer exposed turrets for quick changes, while others have capped turrets for protection. Choose based on how often you need to make adjustments and your preference for ease of use.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you move your head. This is important for accuracy, especially at longer ranges. Scopes with adjustable parallax allow you to fine-tune the focus for different distances. If you plan to shoot at varying ranges, a scope with parallax adjustment can be very beneficial. For most general shooting, fixed parallax scopes are sufficient.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are critical for ensuring your scope can withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. These features ensure that your scope remains functional in various environments and weather conditions. If you plan to use your AR-15 in rugged outdoor conditions, prioritize scopes with robust construction and weather-resistant features.

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