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10 Best vortex AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C Reticle (MRAD)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,328
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
838 reviews

Magnification
At maximum 25x magnification, the full reticle isn’t always visible, a common trait in first focal plane scopes.
Objective Lens Diameter
The scope admits a lot of light, which can make the illuminated reticle less visible during bright daylight.
Turret Adjustments
Turrets lock and unlock smoothly, with very precise tracking, making adjustments easy and reliable.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment is very accurate, matching the yardage markings closely for precise focus.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It feels substantial and well-built, with a design that looks great and performs exceptionally.

The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 is a versatile riflescope well-suited for AR-15 users who want reliable performance, especially for longer-range shooting. Its variable magnification from 5x to 25x offers flexibility, allowing you to zoom in on targets far away while still having a wide enough view for closer shots. The large 56mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, which helps maintain a clear and bright image even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.

This scope features a first focal plane reticle (EBR-7C MRAD style), meaning the reticle size adjusts with magnification to ensure that range estimations and holdovers remain accurate at any zoom level. The eye relief is comfortable and the field of view is 24 feet at 100 yards at the lowest power, giving a good balance between seeing a broad area and target detail.

Durability is a strong point here: the scope is built from aircraft-grade aluminum, is shockproof, and sealed with O-rings and nitrogen purging to keep out water and fog. This means it holds up well in tough weather and rough handling. The turrets are locking and have the RevStop Zero system, letting you make precise adjustments and quickly return to zero without losing your settings. The included throw lever makes changing magnification quick and easy. Some possible drawbacks are the weight at nearly 2 pounds, which might add noticeable bulk to your rifle, and the scope doesn’t support night vision, so it’s not ideal for extreme low-light or nighttime use. Also, while the reticle works well in low light and dark backgrounds, some shooters might prefer a different reticle style depending on personal preference. AR-15 owners looking for a rugged, clear, and precise scope that excels at medium to long ranges will find the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 offers a solid combination of features and reliability backed by a strong lifetime warranty.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,328
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
838 reviews

Magnification
At maximum 25x magnification, the full reticle isn’t always visible, a common trait in first focal plane scopes.
Objective Lens Diameter
The scope admits a lot of light, which can make the illuminated reticle less visible during bright daylight.
Turret Adjustments
Turrets lock and unlock smoothly, with very precise tracking, making adjustments easy and reliable.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment is very accurate, matching the yardage markings closely for precise focus.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It feels substantial and well-built, with a design that looks great and performs exceptionally.
#2

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

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Reticle Type
Field of View

Most important from
55 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
8.8
Magnification
Reticle Type
Field of View

Most important from
55 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.
#3

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6x24 SFP Riflescope JM-1 BDC

Rating
7.9
Magnification
Reticle Type
Eye Relief

Most important from
172 reviews

Magnification
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E did it for me with its image quality, 1-6x zoom, true zero, illumination option, and flawless functionality.
Reticle Type
It's perfect for home defense and quick reflex target shooting with its illuminated reticle.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief and crystal clear glass make this optic worth the investment.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is critical, and this scope carries a tank-like reputation.

The Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6x24 SFP Riflescope offers a balance of excellent features for anyone looking to enhance their AR-15 with a versatile scope. With a magnification range from 1x to 6x, it’s well-suited for both close and medium-range shooting, making it ideal for hunters and competitive shooters who need quick target acquisition. Its 24mm objective lens, combined with high-density glass, ensures clear and bright images, even in low light conditions, thanks to its superior light transmission and anti-reflective coatings.

A standout feature is the JM-1 BDC reticle, which comes with an illuminated center dot, greatly assisting in low light or dark environments. The reticle's second focal plane design maintains the same appearance through the magnification range, which some users find advantageous for consistent aiming. The eye relief is generous at 4 inches, which not only promotes safety but also allows for comfortable extended use.

The design includes robust turret adjustments for easy zero-resetting and precise tracking, and the turrets’ low-profile nature is helpful in preventing accidental adjustments. Furthermore, it's designed to withstand harsh conditions, being waterproof and fogproof, with an Armortek coating to protect against scratches and dirt. However, while it excels in many areas, its 1.3-pound weight and size might be slightly cumbersome for those who prefer ultra-lightweight setups. The lack of night vision capabilities could also be a limitation for those needing such functionality. The included unconditional lifetime warranty is a significant assurance of quality and support. This riflescope is a solid choice for serious shooters who value durability, clear optics, and versatile reticle features. It performs well in a variety of shooting scenarios, giving users confidence in its reliability and performance.

Rating
7.9
Magnification
Reticle Type
Eye Relief

Most important from
172 reviews

Magnification
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E did it for me with its image quality, 1-6x zoom, true zero, illumination option, and flawless functionality.
Reticle Type
It's perfect for home defense and quick reflex target shooting with its illuminated reticle.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief and crystal clear glass make this optic worth the investment.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is critical, and this scope carries a tank-like reputation.

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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