10 Best AR 15 scopes 2026 in the United States

The ATN X-Sight 5 LRF is a digital smart scope designed for AR-15 rifles, offering a wide magnification range from 3x to 15x, which is versatile for both close and medium-range shooting. Its ultra HD 4K+ resolution delivers very clear images with vivid colors, making target identification easier during the day. One standout feature is its enhanced night vision mode, allowing you to see clearly in low light without extra equipment, which is great for hunting in dawn or dusk conditions. The scope includes multiple reticle options, so you can choose what best suits your shooting style. It also boasts a ballistic calculator built-in, which helps adjust for bullet drop and wind, potentially improving accuracy without manual calculations.

The eye relief and field of view are reasonable for this magnification range, but keep in mind it weighs 2.1 pounds, which is a bit heavier than typical AR-15 scopes, so it might affect the rifle's balance. Turrets and adjustments are digital and controlled through the device’s interface, which may appeal to users comfortable with technology but could be less intuitive for those who prefer traditional manual knobs. Additional features like video recording in 4K, Wi-Fi connectivity, and recoil-activated slow-motion video are unique perks, especially for users who want to capture their shooting sessions or stream live.

These smart features can also draw more battery power, though the scope offers a solid 14+ hours of use on a full charge. If you want a high-tech scope with day and night capabilities and integrated technology for hunting and shooting, this scope fits well. However, if you prefer a lightweight, straightforward scope with manual controls, this model might feel more complex and heavier than necessary.

The Holosun HS510C is a compact red dot sight designed for AR-15 and similar long guns, offering a 1x magnification and a 30mm objective lens that provides a clear and wide 25-degree field of view. Its standout feature is the Multi-Reticle System, which lets you switch between a 2 MOA dot for precision and a larger 65 MOA circle to aid quick target acquisition. This versatility supports different shooting distances and styles.

It boasts unlimited eye relief and is parallax-free, so your eye position does not affect accuracy. The sight is built tough with an aluminum body and a titanium hood, making it durable against shocks and rough use. Battery life is excellent, rated for up to 50,000 hours, and it includes smart features like Shake Awake, which conserves power by turning off the reticle when not in use, and Solar Failsafe, which uses light to keep the sight working if the battery is depleted. Adjustments are precise with 0.5 MOA clicks and a wide travel range of ±50 MOA, allowing easy zeroing on your target.

The fixed 1x magnification, standard for red dots, may limit versatility for longer range shooting, and it is not compatible with night vision devices, which could be a drawback for low light environments. This makes the Holosun HS510C a reliable, user-friendly optic well suited for shooters seeking a rugged, fast-target-acquisition sight on their AR-15 or other rifles without the need for magnification or night vision features.

The ATN Thor 5 LRF is a high-tech thermal scope designed to enhance shooting performance in low visibility conditions such as night or fog. It features a 4-16x magnification range suitable for various distances, and a 320x240 sensor resolution paired with a bright OLED display provides clear, detailed images with rich colors, making target spotting easier in any light. The built-in laser rangefinder (LRF) allows quick distance measurement to targets, improving shooting accuracy.

A notable feature is the advanced ballistic calculator that automatically adjusts aiming points based on environmental data, helping shooters achieve more precise shots without manual calculations. Users can customize and share reticles, adding both functionality and personalization. The scope also records HD video of hunts for later review or sharing.

However, the scope weighs over 2 pounds and is larger than typical AR-15 scopes, which may affect balance and handling on lighter rifles. The price and technical complexity might exceed the needs of casual shooters, and export restrictions limit its availability. For serious users focused on thermal imaging and precision shooting with an AR-15, the Thor 5 LRF provides advanced capabilities, while newcomers or budget-conscious users might find it more than necessary.